Breakfast

[mom_rules]

Are there restaurants at DLR that open for breaky really early (ie. 6am).

What time does GC concierge start their breakies?

 

[Grog]

I know that PCH Grill at PPH opens for breakfast at 6:30. I believe Goofy's Kitchen (DLH) opens at the same time. If you want to eat earlier there is an IHOP on Harbor across from the shuttle drop off point. I think there is a Denny's there as well.

 

[mom_rules]

If we have to be at SNA by 7:30 what would you suggest.

 

[Grog]

I wouldn't be able to help you with that. My last trip we had to be at SNA by 5:00 AM so we ended up skipping Breakfast. Hopefully one of the locals can help.

 

[Snurk71]

The McDonalds in SNA

 

[mom_rules]

Only if I have to!! LOL

 

[Elly]

If it were me I would throw a few snack bars in my bag as insurance in case plans go badly. Then I would plan to eat in the airport while I sat bored waiting for my plane! I find that when I show up the required 2 hours ahead, I spend most of it just sitting in the airport.

 

[mom_rules]

Just found out that (apparently) Concierge starts their breaky at 6:30am - That will work out pretty good-my home flight's been changed to 9:30 so that would give us 1 hr to eat and get to the airport 2 hours ahead. Hopefully this is plenty of time?

 

[jordanyosh]

FYI if you are travelling home on a weekend then traffic will not be bad, but anytime during the week and that's another story. If I were going from DLR to the SNA during a weekday I would allow 45-hour. It may only take you around 30 minutes, but who knows....a 45 minute drive in LA has taken me 2 and 1/2 hours...

 

[mom_rules]

We have to be at the airport by 7:30 am on a Tuesday morning.
What do you think?

 

[jordanyosh]

Hmmm........if you left at 6:45pm, that would give you a little cushion. That means in your car and on the road. You can use the carpool lane so that may make a big difference and you may be able to leave at 7am. It normally takes about 15-20 minutes from the airport to DLR with no traffic...You know what always happens. You decide to leave at 6:30am and there ends up being no traffic and you end up sitting in the airport for a few hours.....

Definitely leaving the decision up to you. Remember to use the carpool lane....

 

[mom_rules]

We don't have carpool lanes here-can you tell me the ropes?

Any other driving related things we should know?

 

[jordanyosh]

Carpool lanes are reserved for those driving with 2 or more in their cars. They are the lane nearest the center divider. They are divided from normal lanes by a double yellow line and in some instances, a barrier. You cannot enter the lane when the line is double yellow, but can when it is dotted white. So be on the look out. There are usually signs on the freeway that indicate a carpool entrance. During rush hours, carpool lanes can save you hours(literally), depending on how far you are travelling.

Freeways are generally busy from 6 to 9/10am, slightly busy around lunch time and then picks up again around 3-4pm.

Hope that helps

 

[mom_rules]

Thanks, it really does help. Looks like we'll be okay getting to DLR but might have trouble getting back to the airport.

In California, is there seat belt laws, can you turn right on a red, etc. anything else we should know?

 

[jordanyosh]

Yes, you must wear your seatbelts. You can make a right turn on a red, unless a sign specifically say No Turn On Red. Children must be in proper carseats and cannot ride in the front seat if they are under a certain age...8-9? I don't know exactly what age since I don't have kids. Watch and read signs when parking on city streets especially near beaches. Every city has different restrictions and time limits. It seems they want to give you a parking ticket so they purposely make it as confusing as possible.

Hope this helps. Keep asking away.

 

[mom_rules]

Thank you it does! My kids are 15 and 18 so not too worried about them. What are the highways like? I must admit I'm a little nervous about drving them. Is there an easy/quick-non-highway route from SNA to DLR?