Airfare - going to try DisneyLand this year

[dtauer]

For a change, we're thinking about going to DisneyLand this year.

Pricing airfare from MSP, it seems to run around $325 per person with a stop.

I tried pricing going into LAX instead of Anaheim and came up with a price of $198 nonstop.

Since the airports are only about 40 miles apart, it seems like an easy decision to fly into LAX and save $500 for our family of four.

However, I'm looking for some real life experience. Is there a reason we shouldn't save the money and go into LAX? I know it's a much bigger airport but for the price difference I can deal with the bigger airport.

How about experiences driving from LAX to DisneyLand? Based on miles, it looks to be under an hour drive, how long will it really take? We can adjust our schedule to arrive on a weekend if necessary, will we save much time by doing this, or is most of the traffic going towards Los Angeles?

I'd appreciate any opinions, the last time I flew to DisneyLand it was into Anaheim, but the cost savings are dramatic into LAX.

 

[bubbasmom99]

We live in Northern California and always fly into LAX on Southwest. Even though John Wayne is closer, there is better availability and pricing to LAX. The trip usually takes about 40 minutes, and we usually travel when there's no freeway traffic. During the rush hour it can get quite congested, but otherwise, it's a fairly quick and direct route, IMO. Using National's Emerald Aisle, we can can count on being at the hotel within 1 1/2 hours of stepping off the plane (getting baggage, renting car, etc).

 

[rsschneck]

We prefer SNA airport because it is closer and much smaller, but have flown into LAX. If you are saving that much I would fly into LAX.

I HATE driving in the LA/Aneheim area. If you are planning to stay around Disney and not really go anywhere else I would suggest taking a shuttle from the airport to your hotel.

If you have anymore questions I would be glad to answer them. I am more familiar with DL than WDW.

 

[Armadillo4]

dtauer, I live in SoCal and have driven from the LAX area to Disneyland a few times--in fact as recently as two weeks ago. That last trip took about 35 minutes. I remember since I was trying to time it, so I could get to California Adventure for some shopping before the final show of Aladdin.

If you are driving, I suggest using the 105 Fwy for your route, as opposed to the more popular (and crowded) 405 Fwy. You'll have to use a combination of three freeways by using the 105, but it's usually significantly less congested than the notorious 405. However, there are no guarantees with LA freeways. It can take an hour if there's an accident or just plain congestion, but I would say taking the 105 would improve your chances for a 35-40 minute drive.

rsschneck makes a good suggestion as well. An airport shuttle or the Disneyland Bus can be a viable option if you're just staying in the DL area. But if you're hoping to do other sightseeing, then a rental car is the better option.

 

[dtauer]

Thanks for the great advice. It sounds like we can get to Anaheim in a reasonable amount of time. I was really worried it would take a couple of hours to get out of LA. We have bad traffic here, but I've always heard how bad it was around LA and was a little worried.

Sounds like it's not that big of deal, especially considering the cost savings.

By the way, we just watched Pirates of the Carribbean on DVD and on the second disk is an old show about DisneyLand made in the 60s. It's been a long time since we've been there and the show brought back old memories. I think we will try DisneyLand flying to LAX.

 

[IandGsmom]

Another vote for LAX.
Even though we always fly into John Wayne or Ontario that price difference is just too much. Have fun.

 

[mobetsy]

As a So Cal native, I'd say do everything you can to avoid driving at weekday rush hours: 7:00-9:00 AM, 4:00-7:30 PM, especially on a Friday evening. If that's when your flight arrives, you could always have a meal near the airport or something like that to pass the time. At other times it's sort of a gamble--might be good, might not--but at those hours you are almost guaranteed bumper to bumper frustration. I'd second the suggestion about taking the 105 instead of the 405; the 105 also has a carpool lane which will help speed your trip.