CA cruise... LAX or SNA?

[pumba's mom]

Which airport is closer to Disneyland and the port? We are not sure which would be better to fly into. Please advise.

 

[CruisingCA2005]

SNA is closer to Disneyland. LAX is closer to the port. Long Beach is the closest to the port but there are only a few airlines that go to Long Beach.

 

[hydster]

SNA is the closest airport to Disneyland and I would assume to the port (don't know which port they are going out of for sure though) but SNA is SO much easier to get in and out of than LAX and only about 10-20 min away from DL as opposed to LAX where if you time it completely wrong you could be over and hour+ to get to DL from the airport. SNA is more expensive to fly into generally but it is also MUCH smaller and much easier to navigate through! We flew into that airport when we were in DL over 9-11 and we were so glad we did as it opened WAAYY before LAX did for us to get out!!! If I could choose I'd choose SNA for many reasons!

Heidi

 

[mobetsy]

Jet Blue flies in and out of Long Beach...well worth a look if they serve your area.

 

[ceejay13]

We always fly into SNA as it is so much easier to get around in, as the previous poster said. We are going out a day early so I'm hoping we get into SNA but if going the day of the cruise LAX or Long Beach are certainly closer.

 

[dletz]

Also check Ontario (ONT). They're generally a bit cheaper than SNA, and sometimes the same price as LAX. However, they're probably the farthest away from the port (but the second closest to DL).

 

[encmerk]

Just to let everyone know that I went on a RCI cruise this past February and we pass LAX on our way to the pier and it takes us 45mins from LAX to the pier and that is with light traffic. Also, I think most likely the ship is going to be going out of the LA pier (World Cruise Center) not Long Beach. Only Carnival goes out of Long Beach to my knowledge. And the talk here in California is that it is going to go out of LA. Also, I agree with the other poster you should look at flying in and out of LAX or ONT (ontario). I hope this helps someone.

 

[cotomom]

While SNA is the easiest, it's going to be the most.

My vote would be for Long Beach if you can do it. I would think Long Beach would be closer to Disneyland than Ontario, but probably pretty close... and definitely, positively closer to the port than Ontario, which is very inland.

LAX is really not that horrible to fly into. Worse to fly out of (i.e. checking luggage, going through security, etc.)

Good luck on your choices!

 

[coleland]

Burbank airport is also an option... not close to Disneyland, but it's a good option from LAX - it is just crazy there! I would avoid LAX at all costs.

 

[DBBN]

This Thread provided information I found helpful. I decided to depart from LAX. Booking out of LAX was easier for us as they have many more options than the other airports in the area.

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by hydster
SNA is the closest airport to Disneyland and I would assume to the port (don't know which port they are going out of for sure though).

Heidi

San Pedro

 

[Otisp]

Cotomom's observations are the same as mine. Coming into LAX isn't that bad, but you never want to try to leave from there. In fact, based on advice from my flight attendent sister-in-law I haven't flown out of LAX since 9/11.

It is true that SNA is generally more expensive than LAX, but I've got a couple of flights booked right now where SNA is cheaper than LAX or ONT, so be sure to use the feature on the travel sites to check other nearby airports.

Until recently I used ONT a lot (especially flying out early in the morning), but have been having trouble finding good flight times or prices. Actually had out of state relatives come in and out of ONT to visit DL (even stayed near the airport), and reported that if you avoid the bad traffic (it's really bad WB in the AM and EB in the PM) it's not a bad drive (but it's definately farther than LAX, LB, or SNA).

Finally used LB a couple of times late last year (in and out of Texas on American) and it was terrific!

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

Perhaps they have updated LAX since I've flown in there since I desperately try to fly in and out of SNA but LAX reminds me of a bus station. It seems dreary, run-down and dirty. I hate LAX. I have a feeling with the new TV show coming the fall that they are trying to remove that image. Heather Locklear is not a bad choice as I don't associate her with anything dreary, run-down or dirty. Still when it comes to travel I think a smaller airport is easier than a big one and SNA is my choice.