We were just there the 2nd thru the 4th. It was only two of us and we are both adults. But even with my sons, who are teenagers, I would have done the same thing. With little ones, I might have just said the heck with it and done DLE both ways.
Inbound, this was what we did:
Upon getting there, walked straight up and grabbed the first available shuttle. $10 per person.
Got his card with the option to call and get a trip back.
Outbound on a Monday afternoon:
Since it was already available and had time to spare, waited for the
Disneyland Express. Was actually rather nice, but was $17 per person.
I did learn though.... They are supposed to wait at the airport now and try to take someone back with them. This way they can come back in the carpool lane. Otherwise, if traffic is bad and they are empty, he said he has to take surface streets. He says he usually finds someone though. Basically, we left at 4pm from DLH went straight to the airport and got there at 4:30. It was certainly a nice ride.
Haven't done Super Shuttle, but the guys at the bell desk said you had to have reservations ahead of time. Not so with DLE, just sit out there and wait. Pay the guy (cash) and have a nice trip. I tipped him $5 for help with 2 bags and a nice smooth ride.
