Arrive to LAX at 2pm or SNA at 5pm

[marsh0013]

Need a little help from the experts. We are flying in on Friday June 12 from the east coast, Newark to be exact. We can either arrive to LAX at 2pm or SNA at 5pm. No difference in price, both flight have layovers, and are the same total travel time. No plans for the night, just go to hotel, relax, eat. Early to bed. We plan to be at rope drop on June 13.

I'm just trying to get an idea how much extra time that 2pm arrival to LAX will net us. We're renting a car, and I know that pickup is off airport at LAX, and I've heard that can take some time. Then the traffic that is inevitable on the drive to Disneyland. I know SNA is much easier to navigate, rental car on site, much closer to Disneyland, etc, etc.

However, all of my knowledge comes from reading, no actual experience. I would appreciate the opinions of people who have actually done it. Which would you choose, and why? Will we gain much time by arriving at LAX 3 hours earlier than SNA?

 

[Imdboss]

We've never rented a car but always fly into SNA. We are from Seattle so flights are readily available into both airports. That being said I would never fly into lax unless that was my only option. SNA is such a nice small airport so you'll get out of there much quicker plus it's closer to DL.

 

[SMD]

LAX car rentals are offsite, so you'll have to take a shuttle. I've never flown into SNA, but at LAX your luggage has a long way to go, it can take longer than some smaller airports I've been to. So figure, luggage, rental car and Friday afternoon traffic you'd be lucky to get to DLR at 4pm, probably closer to 4:30. If there is a flight delay, you could potentially hit more traffic, or if you're really late it could be lighter traffic but will be dark out by the time you arrive. If the cost and travel time are the same, the reason to choose LAX over SNA would be that you plan to do something in LA before heading to DLR. Otherwise, go with SNA on this one.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

Flying into LAX, on a Friday Afternoon, you'd be lucky if you get to the DLR area by 5pm, after getting luggage and a rental car. SNA is a no brainer.

 

[marsh0013]

Thanks guys! You've confirmed what I was thinking. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. Less than 2 months to go!

 

[adykate]

Yep, just have to concur with everyone else, SNA hands down! We fly from the Portland, OR area quite often, and we never fly into LAX. Even if there is a slightly lower price (which there actually rarely is), we still prefer SNA or LGB. Traffic just bites in the LA area all the time. The less distance you have to travel from the airport, the better .

 

[SeaDis]

I would go SNA all the way-- takes the risk out of it. There is literally a carpool lane from airport all the way to DLR, even through the interchange to I-5, then a left-hand carpool exit to DLR. If you are driving yourself, stay in the carpool lane.

I would also re-think the rental car, unless you are exploring the area, or otherwise need one. Flat-rate SNA taxi to DLR is around $45. Return is $50 (I think), but somehow we paid $35 last time. Zero traffic and driver beat the flat rate.

Taxi is just so easy. Baggage and GO. Also factor in parking fees at your hotel, if any.

 

[Canuck16]

Fly into SNA for sure.

Once my wife flew into LAX and it was a nightmare trying to get their rental car as everything is offsite and the lines were crazy.

DLR is only about 20 minutes from SNA so I would definitely fly into there over LAX any day.

 

[PatMcDuck]

The offsite car rentals are a major pain in the butt. Its one reason I try to fly into SNA, especially when I travel with my son who uses a Convaid chair (like a WC, he can walk short distances). Lugging the chair, luggage, and assisting my son on and off a shuttle, is difficult. And the car rental scene is a bit chaotic there.

I also use LAX when I have to, I am going to LAX in August (but not with DS).

 

[bumbershoot]

See I'd go lax. I like the airport and I've never encountered problems on the drive. To me the rental car shuttle isn't a problem, but I'm out of seatac where the "onsite" rental cars are actually offsite and require a shuttle. No biggie to me.

 

[marsh0013]

Thanks to everyone! Definitely SNA is the way to go.

We are renting the car because we are not just going to Disneyland. Currently have Alamo booked for $140.05 for a full size, from June 12-21. I'd rather a mid-size, but they were more expensive. I'm keeping my eye on it in case the smaller cars go down. We are also visiting friends in LA, in between our time at Disneyland. And it's split in the middle, as I want to be in DL for my bday on June 13, but the dates I was able to get at GCV through DVC are Wed June 17-Sun June 21.

I'd rather not drive on vacation, but this one I don't have a choice! Just hoping that our drive from DLR to LA isn't too bad, that will be on Sunday June 14. Then back to DLR hopefully mid-day on Wed June 17. We will survive

 

[smiths02]

I am from Southern California (Orange County)...and I would do SNA every single time if the price difference were small. Renting the car was easier, navigating to get bags is easier,etc. Also, I don't know if you are doing round-trip so you would also be leaving from SNA...HUGE difference. I think LAX had the rudest people (passengers and staff) and not a great layout.

ETA: You will probably get to your hotel a little faster if you do LAX, though, not much.

 

[marsh0013]

I am from Southern California (Orange County)...and I would do SNA every single time if the price difference were small. Renting the car was easier, navigating to get bags is easier,etc. Also, I don't know if you are doing round-trip so you would also be leaving from SNA...HUGE difference. I think LAX had the rudest people (passengers and staff) and not a great layout.

Yup, our return is definitely from SNA. It's funny that this morning I found a cheaper rental car with pickup at LAX and dropoff at SNA, but only by $15. We'll stick with SNA roundtrip as our trip starts and ends at Disneyland.

 

[Gisele]

In your case, definitely SNA.

 

[jina]

Driving through LA at any time can be painful but I've had it take 3 hours to get through on a Friday (from where I-5 hits I-405 north of LA to DL) so you couldn't pay me enough to actually plan to drive from LAX to DL on a Friday afternoon. Not to say it will be guaranteed smooth sailing from SNA but by the time you get your luggage it will be near the tail end of rush hour anyway (rush hour starts and ends earlier on Fridays). Plus if there is some wreck on one freeway there are alternate routes you can take, including city streets. Have your smartphone handy. The google maps app has a great feature where it shows you when changing course can add or remove time from your trip.

 

[lalasmama]

Have you considered just renting from Alamo at DTD for the days you need? Could save you several days of parking fees at your hotel.

As the others have said, I'd fly into SNA as well. Honestly, by the time you fly into LAX, get your bags, get on the car-rental shuttle, get the car rented, then drive to your hotel, you'll probably get there about the same time as you will by flying into SNA...

 

[dalstitch45]

As a fellow east-coaster, fly into SNA. Especially, on a Friday night. There's still going to be traffic, but a shorter distance. I have flown into both airports numerous times, and SNA is easier getting to DLR. After the plane ride from the east coast, you want to add the least amount of traffic time as possible. Think about driving into New York, but worse!! Not to mention the jet lag from Newark. Have fun.

 

[marsh0013]

Have you considered just renting from Alamo at DTD for the days you need? Could save you several days of parking fees at your hotel.

As the others have said, I'd fly into SNA as well. Honestly, by the time you fly into LAX, get your bags, get on the car-rental shuttle, get the car rented, then drive to your hotel, you'll probably get there about the same time as you will by flying into SNA...

No parking fees. First 2 nights we're staying at Castle Inn most likely, and then at GCV we're on our DVC points so no parking fees there. But I will look into how much it would take off the car rental cost to pick up the car on Sunday and return it on Wednesday.

 

[NavyDad01]

Thanks to everyone! Definitely SNA is the way to go.

We are renting the car because we are not just going to Disneyland. Currently have Alamo booked for $140.05 for a full size, from June 12-21. I'd rather a mid-size, but they were more expensive. I'm keeping my eye on it in case the smaller cars go down. We are also visiting friends in LA, in between our time at Disneyland. And it's split in the middle, as I want to be in DL for my bday on June 13, but the dates I was able to get at GCV through DVC are Wed June 17-Sun June 21.

I'd rather not drive on vacation, but this one I don't have a choice! Just hoping that our drive from DLR to LA isn't too bad, that will be on Sunday June 14. Then back to DLR hopefully mid-day on Wed June 17. We will survive

You got a sweet rate! I'm flying into SNA on June 13th and need a full size from June 13th to 23rd and the cheapest full size is like $500!

Something I would warn you about that I have learned is that there are a few toll roads around that area and the rental company will track on charges. Thats what I have read not sure how accurate is but something to consider.

 

[marsh0013]

You got a sweet rate! I'm flying into SNA on June 13th and need a full size from June 13th to 23rd and the cheapest full size is like $500!

Something I would warn you about that I have learned is that there are a few toll roads around that area and the rental company will track on charges. Thats what I have read not sure how accurate is but something to consider.

I know! That's why I'm most likely keeping it the whole time. I just checked and a rental for the shorter period of time that we're not at Disneyland it more expensive. Plus then we'd have to pay for cabs to/from the airport. Gonna stick with what I've got for now.

Good luck to you, hopefully the rates will come down closer to the date. I will check out toll roads and either avoid them, or make sure we have change on hand. Thanks!