Advice needed on travel time from John Wayne in the morning

[MillauFr]

Different question than OP, but from SNA to DL does anyone just follow MacArther to Harbor and then north up Harbor? Seems convenient if you want to avoid the freeways and need to hit Walmart or Target on the way since goes right by both.

I always stick to the freeways. The accident rates are far lower for a freeway over the surface streets. Safety is my main consideration not travel time.

 

[OB1]

We just drove from San Diego to LA this morning and the only thing dreaded about the traffic at 8am was how slow it was.

Thanks for the heads up - but that is what I am worried about. With my goal to be in the park at opening, I really don't want to be sitting in traffic. I will have a LONG 4 days before this venture, so I'm not too sure I can leave in time to be at DL by 7 or 7:30 to somewhat beat the traffic. HOWEVER, I may be excited enough that I am up early and on the road. I will have my alarm set, but if I wake up, I'm on the road. I have a long flight back on SAT and can sleep then.

 

[Darkbeer1]

My preferred options.

If you can, pick Long Beach (LGB) instead, a nice small airport and old school. Luggage pickup is still outdoors under a roof. The drive is easy, the airport exit (and there is only one) places you onto Wardlow, which changes names to Ball Road in a few miles, take that to Disneyland. No turns needed, just some traffic lights to deal with. And at 14 miles, the same distance as John Wayne/Orange County/Santa Ana (SNA) is between the airport and Disneyland.

As for driving to Disneyland, take the main freeway exit from John Wayne, and pick the 55 north option, as soon as possible get in the Carpool Lane (I presume 2 or more in the vehicle) and use the special carpool flyover to the 5 north, and exit at Disney Way, using the special carpool exit. Just make sure and stay on the I-5 instead of switching to the 57 - Right side option on the carpool lane).

On the way back, get to Gene Autry Way (Disney Way or Katella to Haster South, then left (east) on Gene Autry Way, take the special carpool lane onto 5 south, use the carpool flyover to the 55 south, take the 405 south carpool exit, and during the ramp, there will be a special John Wayne exit before you actually get onto the 405.

And recommend avoiding LAX, followed by Burbank/Bob Hope (BUR) and Ontario (ONT) as options unless you have no other option.

 

[OB1]

I am already booked for John Wayne airport, and did that on advice to avoid LAX

Solo traveler, so no car pool lane for me. Thanks for the directions - will take advantage of those.

 

[starry_solo]

I agree with PP who said to keep car and take 10 to 60 to to 57 from Palm Springs. Although I'm pretty sure 10 and 60 are parallel freeways so you might have to do 10 to 15 to 60 to 57