Best Way to Get from GCH to SNA Thursday a.m.?

[alphie1991]

We will be in DL in less than a week. Woohoo -- leaving Sunday and staying at GCV through Thursday. For three of us (myself, DH, and DD9) what is the best way to get from GCH to SNA for 10:30 a.m. SW flight? Also, any idea on what time we should plan on leaving GCH to be at SNA by 9:30 a.m. on a Thursday morning?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[Aladora]

I would take a taxi, I am pretty sure that they have a flat rate agreement with the onsite hotels but ask at the front desk.

And if you want to arrive at SNA at 9:30 am, I would grab the cab at 8:50ish...and that would give you some wiggle room if there is traffic.

 

[StyledSugar]

Aladora is right. We always take a cab when we fly in or out of SNA. I don't think it's any more than $20.

 

[DizMe]

The flat rate voucher is available at either the front desk or Guest Services. It's $35 from GCH to SNA. This is my choice as well! You just go outside and tell the CMs you need a taxi to SNA and they'll have one right away. You don't have to call ahead or anything. It's usually a quick and easy drive.

 

[TheChapman6]

The flat rate voucher is available at either the front desk or Guest Services. It's $35 from GCH to SNA. This is my choice as well! You just go outside and tell the CMs you need a taxi to SNA and they'll have one right away. You don't have to call ahead or anything. It's usually a quick and easy drive.

This is what we always do. They are already sitting there waiting and it's a flat rate of 35 bucks fast and easy

 

[alphie1991]

Great! Thank you for the information. Are you expected to tip the cab driver? If so, how much?

 

[DizMe]

Great! Thank you for the information. Are you expected to tip the cab driver? If so, how much?

18-20% is typical. I usually tip $8-10. That can depend on how many are in your party etc. There have been times when I only tipped $5.

 

[mrkyyyle]

Just an FYI that the route to John Wayne down the 5 is very busy at that time of morning due to work traffic. I'd expect a 40ish min ride to the airport at that time of day.

 

[*pixie*]

We are staying one night at GCH after a 14 night cruise. Are there minivan taxis readily available? Sounds like this would be much cheaper than the Disneyland Express, but I know we will need a minivan with all of our luggage!

 

[mom2rtk]

Another vote for taxi to SNA. Ask guest services for the flat rate voucher. It's quick, easy, and reasonably priced.

We were at the PPH and had a 3:35 flight out of SNA. We walked out of the parks at 12:50 and had time to spare.

Not sure which other airlines have curbside check-in, but Southwest does, and the taxi drops us off right by the check-in stand.

 

[Geemo]

We are staying one night at GCH after a 14 night cruise. Are there minivan taxis readily available? Sounds like this would be much cheaper than the Disneyland Express, but I know we will need a minivan with all of our luggage!

We have always been able to get a mini-van to and from the airport. The flat rate is nice too.


Geemo

 

[*pixie*]

We have always been able to get a mini-van to and from the airport. The flat rate is nice too.


Geemo

Awesome, thank you!

 

[Indiana Scott]

Tip: Don't pay your hotel to get a taxi for you at the flat rate price. They will add $10 to the fare for their "trouble".
I don't know if they all do it but I know some in the area do.

 

[*pixie*]

Tip: Don't pay your hotel to get a taxi for you at the flat rate price. They will add $10 to the fare for their "trouble".
I don't know if they all do it but I know some in the area do.

Good to know, thanks!

 

[DizMe]

Tip: Don't pay your hotel to get a taxi for you at the flat rate price. They will add $10 to the fare for their "trouble".
I don't know if they all do it but I know some in the area do.

I don't know what this means, but the flat rate the DLR hotels give you is in the form of a voucher and it's $35 to SNA. That beats any other rate I've ever been quoted by the taxi people. In fact, it's a voucher that is printed by the taxi company and that the hotel makes available to guests. The hotel has no way to add onto the voucher cost.

I'm guessing this problem doesn't apply to DLR?

 

[littleeyz]

Is there a way to get this same flat rate when you are arriving at SNA and going to GCH?

 

[DizMe]

Is there a way to get this same flat rate when you are arriving at SNA and going to GCH?

Unfortunately, no. If your party is small (1-3 people), I suggest a shuttle from airport to hotel. That will run about $10-11/pp. Then get a voucher for a taxi ride back. If there are 4 or more in your group, just take a taxi but ask the driver if they will give you a flat rate. *Note: the flat rate may be higher than the metered rate. I usually just do the metered rate and it generally runs about $40.

A long-time DIS poster, blackjackdelta, has posted that he offers a specific flat rate amount to the driver and he always has success with it. I can't remember what it was, but something like $35. I've never tried that.

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

What if you have a child under 8 who needs to be in a booster seat in a car? What's the best way to get to & from the airport then? I don't want to bring DS's booster with us for just the ride to/from SNA - GCH, especially since I'm traveling alone with him and we'll have enough stuff I have to haul by myself already.

 

[Aladora]

What if you have a child under 8 who needs to be in a booster seat in a car? What's the best way to get to & from the airport then? I don't want to bring DS's booster with us for just the ride to/from SNA - GCH, especially since I'm traveling alone with him and we'll have enough stuff I have to haul by myself already.

We still bring DS's booster because we take a taxi but if you want to avoid having to bring your son's then you will have to take the Disneyland Resort Express bus. As far as I am aware, all other methods of transportation require a booster for children under 8.

Edited to add: unless you son is over 4 foot 9, in that case you can have him in a seat belt in the back seat of a car without a booster.

 

[DahliaRW]

What if you have a child under 8 who needs to be in a booster seat in a car? What's the best way to get to & from the airport then? I don't want to bring DS's booster with us for just the ride to/from SNA - GCH, especially since I'm traveling alone with him and we'll have enough stuff I have to haul by myself already.

Lansky's shuttle. They will provide a booster at no additional charge. They also meet you at baggage claim and haul all your luggage for you from that point, load it into the shuttle, and unload it at the hotel. I flew alone with 5 kids and Lansky's was a Godsend! https://www.golansky.com/services.html