A day at DL "Worth it" from Downtown LA?

[klam_chowder]

Long time Disnut who's fire was recently rekindled by my first trip to WDW during Christmas break 2007.

I'm planning on attending the Figure Skating Worlds in LA, March 22-29, 2009. It's being held at Staples Center. This is the focus of the trip so my hotel will be close to Staples Center, but then I thought...hmmm....

...maybe I should arrive a day early and head to Disneyland for a day!

I'd been to DL as a kid and as an adult in the early-90's so it's been a while since I've been there. I don't think my GF who I'm mtg in LA for the Worlds would be interested in going so I'd be going alone.

Do you think it'd be worth it to head to the parks one day? I don't want to rent a car so what would the transportation logistics be like? (I know I can call a cab but I'd need a more affordable alternative). Is getting there at rope drop as necessary at DL as DW? Approx what time would I have to leave Downtown LA?

How long are the parks open at that time of year? (I checked the website but it only gives park hours 4 months out.) Would it be safe to travel back to the hotel after dark?

Any suggestions on which park to visit? I know lots of questions, but just feeling this out as an option (so excited!) and have no useable experience with DL.

Thx for any thoughts or input.

cheers,

 

[Judy from Boise]

I think it would be very worth it ! What day of the week are you thinking? That will make a lot of difference on timing traffic.

 

[tofubeast]

Of course it is worth it. Back when I used to live in L.A. (and until this upcoming trip) I have always only spent one day at a time there. GO ENJOY!!!

 

[kikiq]

Totally worth it. Call the hotel concierage desk and ask about transportation or even booking a day tour from downtown LA. If I was that close, I'd find a way<G>

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... How long are the parks open at that time of year? ...

To give you a general idea, here is the hours calendar from March 2008: http://www.laughingplace.com/Guide-Cal-DLR2-200803.asp

... Is getting there at rope drop as necessary at DL as DW? ...

Yes. In general, I would want to be at the DL/DCA entrance 30 minutes before the DL entrance opens. (FYI, DL and DCA share the same entrance plaza -- they call it the Esplanade.) Although you would only have one day, you could easily walk across the Esplanade (it literally only takes a minute or two) and you could also visit DCA (if you have a park hopper ticket).

Here is a wikimapia link that shows the Esplanade:

http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.8090921&lon=-117.9191029&z=19&l=0&m=a&v=2

I'm not a local, but I'm sure others will chime in with some of your transportation questions.

HTH

 

[Mama of Indybride]

If I was that close you couldn't keep me away!

Have a great time!

 

[jlmarr]

There are a couple of public transit ways to get there - either the MTA #460 bus, or the subway/train option, which would involve taking the MTA Red Line subway to Union Station, then Metrolink or Amtrak to Anaheim station, then ART from there. The bus would take close to 2 hours, while the subway/train option would probably take an hour travel time plus wait times between modes of transit. When I have meetings in downtown LA I always use Metrolink rather than drive - and note that the Metrolink fare covers the subway too (not sure how they work it if you use the subway first). But one nice thing about the bus for you would be that it runs late even on weeknights - I'd keep that schedule in your back pocket even if you take the subway/train to DL, you might need it for your return trip. The bus stop is under the monorail tracks and just east of the tram-drop off in the Wikimapia map S.S. Columbia posted above.

 

[klam_chowder]

Thx a mint for all the replies & encouragement everyone!

I think it would be very worth it ! What day of the week are you thinking? That will make a lot of difference on timing traffic.

Skating starts on Sunday so I'd probably fly in on Friday and go to DL on Saturday. Not the best day I guess as it will likely be the most crowded. Does anyone know whether spring break is overy by then (~March 20)?

S. S. Columbia - wow, great calender listing & pic! I thought the parks would close at about 5 pm at that time of year but if it's open til 10 pm or midnite, it makes the commute more worth it. Also I thought the parks were far apart like at WDW.

jlmarr, fab details for me to work thru - much appreciated! I will check them out to find the most doable.

cheers,

 

[Dobie]

I think it would be worth it. I attended a conference in Beverley Hills in October, that started on Tuesday. Our flight landed at Burbank at 12 ish on Monday, we rented a car and were walking down Main Street by 1:45. We had a total blast in an empty park. The only fly in the ointment was the 8:00 closing time, but you won't have that in March. I say go for it!

 

[klam_chowder]

Thx a mint for all the info & replies - I'm so excited now!

I mentioned this to DH and he suggested I fly in early to visit Disneyland - I can't believe it!!! Since I will be travelling solo and am a trooper, I think I will be able to see the 2 parks in 2 days. I'm planning to fly in on Thu, and visit Downtown Disney that evening.

I'll get a 2 day ParkHopper and go to DLR & DCA on Fri & Sat.

Any suggestions on which shuttle company is good? I noticed they're all around $16 one way. I'm thinking of catching it from LAX to DLR. Then maybe taking public transit on Sunday back to the hotel around Staples Center. On the following Sunday evening I have to get from downtown LA (hotel is 2 blks from Staples Center) back to LAX. Any transportation/logistics tips?

cheers,

 

[pim]

Disneyland is always worth it.

Park hours vary by day, but it's usually open from 8 AM to 12 midnight. Though sometimes it'll close at 10 PM. You'll have to check closer to the date you'd like to go, since the Disneyland website only shows you 4 months ahead.