D23 Expo week: need flight help from LA to MCO on the Sunday night

[andrewilley]

I've decided to split away from our annual family trip to WDW for one week in LA this year, to go to the D23 Expo and a first-time visit to Disneyland. The rest of the family are staying on at WDW and I'm going to meet them back there after the Expo.

So, we've already got our flights from the UK booked (mine lands at LAX on the Sunday evening five days before the event) but I've never booked separate internal US flights before, so not sure where/how to get good deals.

I plan to head back to Orlando right after the Expo on the evening of Sunday 21 August (overnight flight). For the best price (including luggage) should I book early, or leave it until closer to the day - do those flights tend to sell out? Which airlines would you suggest (my international flights are with Continental, and there seems to be a decently-priced United flight from LAX to MCO which would also add to my miles). Also how much price flexibility is there to change if a better deal comes up in the meantime? Any hidden costs?

Also, while I'm asking, I'm also thinking about taking a day trip to see the Walt Disney Family Museum (maybe on Wednesday 17 Aug) while I'm in LA. Again, what flight options would be best for me for one day from a Disneyland hotel to San Francisco, and any suggestions on transport to/from the airports, etc? I know Orlando and WDW almost like the back of my hand, but LA is a whole new world for me.

Thanks for any suggestions you can give,

Andre

 

[SuzanneSLO]

We fly from LAX to MCO ever year, but have never done a one way. It has been many years since I have done a red-eye, but I remember it being pretty brutal as the flight is only about 5 hours, so not enough time to really get any sleep.

You can expect that something will be happening on Sunday night at the D23 Expo (they did the preview of Toy Story 3 and showed 1 & 2 in 3D in 2009). If you fly home Sunday night, you will likekly miss something at the Expo.

We try to keep our total flight costs RT to less than $400 and anything under $300 is an excellant price. We are travelling in May and have not yet booked flights and expect we won't until March.

You will pay checked luggage charges unless you have an exemption or fly Southwest or Jet Blue.

There are many airports near DL, but the only one with non-stop red-eyes is LAX. Allow 1 hour to travel to the airport and 2 hours at the airport for LAX. It could be less, but if you get stuck in traffic and miss your flight, the terminals at LAX are not a great place to spend the night.

If you plan to visit the Walt Disney Family museum, you will probably want to rent a car or rely on taxis. The Museum is in a beautiful location in the old Presidio, but it is not convenient for public transportation (I believe the only direct bus from downtown SF is limited to employees who work at the Presido). Plan to spend about 4 hours at the Museum, so with travel from LA, it will definitely be a full day trip. There is a link to information about public transportation on the website.

You might post on the DL board for more tips. -- Suzanne