Amtrak or Greyhound San Diego to Disneyland?

[Rubygoose]

Planning our trip for November or December, and discovered that flights from Victoria to San Diego are the same as flying into Anaheim. So, I'm thinking of adding a couple days onto the beginning of our trip to do the zoo and visit a friend who lives in San Diego. Then, after our 3 days in Disneyland, we would fly home from SNA. We don't want to rent a car, so I guess we would either take Greyhound or Amtrak to get to Anaheim. In 2011 we spent 6 nights in Anaheim and we did a day trip to Sea World on Greyhound in the middle of our trip (my friend and her kids met us there). It made for a really long day, and I felt like we spent more time on the bus and eating lunch and an early dinner, than actually enjoying Sea World. Also, my daughter got sick on the bus on the way there, which makes me think just going one way and maybe taking the train instead might be the way to go.

Would it take any longer to take the train rather than the bus, or would it be quicker? How long of a taxi/shuttle ride would it be from the train station into Disneyland?

 

[Girimama33]

Planning our trip for November or December, and discovered that flights from Victoria to San Diego are the same as flying into Anaheim. So, I'm thinking of adding a couple days onto the beginning of our trip to do the zoo and visit a friend who lives in San Diego. Then, after our 3 days in Disneyland, we would fly home from SNA. We don't want to rent a car, so I guess we would either take Greyhound or Amtrak to get to Anaheim. In 2011 we spent 6 nights in Anaheim and we did a day trip to Sea World on Greyhound in the middle of our trip (my friend and her kids met us there). It made for a really long day, and I felt like we spent more time on the bus and eating lunch and an early dinner, than actually enjoying Sea World. Also, my daughter got sick on the bus on the way there, which makes me think just going one way and maybe taking the train instead might be the way to go.

Would it take any longer to take the train rather than the bus, or would it be quicker? How long of a taxi/shuttle ride would it be from the train station into Disneyland?

Typically, the trip by train takes about two hours, but it is a nice ride along the coast most of the way. Depending on traffic and the amount of Greyhound stops, the bus could take longer.
The Anaheim Amtrak station is about 3-4 miles from the DLR.

 

[Maddysdaddy]

Depending how many people are in your party, the most cost effective option may just be to rent a car and drive up (plus it gives you the option to stop at the fantastic outlet mall at Carlsbad on the way).

 

[imalwayscrazy]

I have done this trip a few times. Living in San Diego and not being able to drive, I hop on the trolley and head to amtrak. It does take a couple hours but they have a food car and you can bring your own food and alcohol on the train. They also have outlets at ever seat (only 2 plugs per section so in a 4 seat section I would suggest bringing a power strip for multiple devices) if someone in the party is disabled they get their ticket and one companion discounted. Elderly and aaa also can get discount. When you get to angel stadium you need to get to Katella across the street at the gas station there is a bus stop. The 50 bus will take you to harbor. You get off and walk about 3/4 mile to the entrance of Disneyland. It's really easy. I have done it no problems. Best bet would be to plan out your trip in advance and then stick to the schedule! You will be there in no time! I love the view on the way up too!

 

[nunzia]

I also recently did this..great trip..really nice train! ( I usually take long distance trains and the Surfliner is a big step above)..trip was economical and cabs were waiting in Anaheim. Super easy.

 

[jsebsirois]

Train sounds nicer.

We did Disneyland-L.A. once with Greyhound and last time, we did Disneyland-San Diego with LuxBus America. We'll never go with Greyhound again after the great service we had with LuxBus!

 

[bcla]

I have done this trip a few times. Living in San Diego and not being able to drive, I hop on the trolley and head to amtrak. It does take a couple hours but they have a food car and you can bring your own food and alcohol on the train. They also have outlets at ever seat (only 2 plugs per section so in a 4 seat section I would suggest bringing a power strip for multiple devices) if someone in the party is disabled they get their ticket and one companion discounted. Elderly and aaa also can get discount. When you get to angel stadium you need to get to Katella across the street at the gas station there is a bus stop. The 50 bus will take you to harbor. You get off and walk about 3/4 mile to the entrance of Disneyland. It's really easy. I have done it no problems. Best bet would be to plan out your trip in advance and then stick to the schedule! You will be there in no time! I love the view on the way up too!

You're not **supposed to** consume your own alcohol aboard Amtrak except in sleeping quarters, and the Pacific Surfliner doesn't have any. Bringing it aboard is supposed to be OK if you don't consume it on board. They do sell alcohol. That being said, I know the reality is that **some** conductors don't care provided you don't get plastered, but remember that they do have the authority to kick someone off the train for a violation.

http://www.amtrak.com/personal-food-beverages-medication

Alcoholic Beverages

Beverage service
We serve alcoholic beverages onboard trains in most Dining, Lounge and Cafe Cars.

Private stock
You may bring aboard your own private stock of alcoholic beverages subject to the following limitations:

• You may consume private stock alcoholic beverages only in Sleeping Car accommodations for which you have a valid ticket.
• You may not consume private stock alcoholic beverages in any public areas.

 

[bumbershoot]

I like Amtrak. Book as early as you can, because prices go up as you get closer. The stop is in the Angels Stadium parking lot, and there will be cabs waiting. It's a neat way to go, in my opinion.

 

[CruzTerri]

I like Amtrak. Book as early as you can, because prices go up as you get closer. The stop is in the Angels Stadium parking lot, and there will be cabs waiting. It's a neat way to go, in my opinion.

Boy was this right on time for me. Hubby and I were just discussing getting to Anaheim tomorrow night during Friday night rush hour traffic. Hubby's work is near the Glendale Amtrak Station, we figure we'll take the train to Anaheim, take a taxi to the Disneyland hotel where we're staying. (I don't want to schlep luggage around.) Then we'll taxi back to the station and hop the train back to Glendale where we'll leave the car. Whoo Hoo, saves me from the stop and go traffic that we're sure to encounter, and that'll save me from having a sore right knee Yeah, I do all the driving, it's saved our marriage LOL (27 years in June)

From San Diego I would do the train over the bus if I had a choice. That way if there is an accident on the freeway, you won't be stuck in it on the bus. The train is so much more relaxing, but it can take longer.

 

[lafoster]

We were thinking of taking Amtrak from San Diego to Anaheim, but I'm worried about how hard it is with luggage and kids! I've read reviews on other sites of luggage getting lost, as well having little time to get on/off the train. Any thoughts? Would love to ditch the rental care before we head to Anaheim!

 

[bcla]

We were thinking of taking Amtrak from San Diego to Anaheim, but I'm worried about how hard it is with luggage and kids! I've read reviews on other sites of luggage getting lost, as well having little time to get on/off the train. Any thoughts? Would love to ditch the rental care before we head to Anaheim!

Pacific Surfliner is unreserved except around Thanksgiving weekend. I think you can check in luggage, but if you're worried you don't need to. The carry-on size limits are larger than airline carry on luggage size/weight. You actually get up to 50 lbs, but probably not the dimensions. If you don't have a monster sized bag, you'll have no worries. For checked in bags, you also need to have checked luggage service at both ends of your trip, and not all stations have it.

There's frankly plenty of time to get off the train. I'd probably start preparing just before getting to Santa Ana and actually getting the bags down to the doors after departing from Santa Ana. If the conductors see you, they will help. The engineer won't start up without a signal from the conductor, and they frankly don't want someone getting injured on their watch trying to get off the train.

 

[CruzTerri]

Pacific Surfliner is unreserved except around Thanksgiving weekend. I think you can check in luggage, but if you're worried you don't need to. The carry-on size limits are larger than airline carry on luggage size/weight. You actually get up to 50 lbs, but probably not the dimensions. If you don't have a monster sized bag, you'll have no worries. For checked in bags, you also need to have checked luggage service at both ends of your trip, and not all stations have it.

San Diego station does check luggage but the Anaheim station does not. There will be a conductor or other personnel that should be able to assist you in getting your luggage aboard and stowed.

We are planning on using Amtrak tomorrow from a non check station to Anaheim so we'll find out about the luggage situation.

 

[nunzia]

I like Amtrak. Book as early as you can, because prices go up as you get closer. The stop is in the Angels Stadium parking lot, and there will be cabs waiting. It's a neat way to go, in my opinion.

They have kinda changed that..I've been noticing fares for sleepers start out high then bounce around as things fill up or not..but still..best to book early and if you see a price drop you can call and get refunded..more of a hassle than it used to be though.

 

[wiigirl]

Train sounds nicer.

We did Disneyland-L.A. once with Greyhound and last time, we did Disneyland-San Diego with LuxBus America. We'll never go with Greyhound again after the great service we had with LuxBus!

Trains are always classier.

 

[bcla]

San Diego station does check luggage but the Anaheim station does not. There will be a conductor or other personnel that should be able to assist you in getting your luggage aboard and stowed.

We are planning on using Amtrak tomorrow from a non check station to Anaheim so we'll find out about the luggage situation.

Amtrak website says the Anaheim station has checked baggage service but no baggage assistance. That means you can drop off or pick up bags, but they don't have porters who will help you with carry-on. You need to click on that bar where it says "Baggage". You could always call up the station. Basically they won't let anyone check in baggage if both ends of the planned trip can't do it.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am/am2Station/Station_Page&code=ANA

I take Amtrak quite a lot, but not typically a train where bags can be checked in. I've seen Amtrak employees driving around luggage carts getting ready for the trains, and several stations do have baggage areas.