Disneyland

[jtdl]

I've always wanted to check out Disneyland. Anyone gone recently and flown out of Detroit? Just wondering what flight prices are like and if there are ever any deals.

 

[snickerboo]

Planning it now, actually. We're redeeming either aeroplan miles or American miles (still waiting to book flights til I know when dh can go and working aorund dd's activities schedule). Looking into costs, though, and found some into LAX for $109-$149 (AirTran, Southwest). I guess Ontario and John Wayne Airport are closer but there are less flights into those airports. In order to redeem miles, we pretty much have to do LAX, though I'd do John Wayne Airport otherwise.

 

[Louiepipbgeeco]

Done this and Highly recommend!!!
This was 2 years ago though- We flew out of DTW to LAX for the most reasonable price. It was for March Break so flight prices were 1300 for the 4 of us which I did not think was too bad because it is usually 1000-1100 for Orlando at the same time.
We loved this trip. Same as you I wanted to check out Disneyland - I loved it. It is smaller than the WDW resort of course. But, many attractions and so great. Be sure that you take a drive to Newport Beach and also if you have the chance Manhattan Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. It is really easy to drive to Newport Beachfrom Disneyland-Just literally follow Harbour Blvd. Did a boat tour of Newport and I will always remember this. Seeing some of the mansions and the boats. Jaw-dropping!I am anticipating a return to California. So, great!! But next time I am going in the summer so I can stay longer. Have fun!!!

 

[jtdl]

Flying into LAX makes it a little easier! I didn't think about flying into LAX - was thinking more around San Diego for some reason I'll check out those flights. Thanks

 

[c&m]

Actually, if you're going to Disneyland, it's easier to fly into Orange County (SNA) or Long Beach (LGB) airport.

We almost always used to fly into LAX but during spring break this year, we flew into LGB and it was amazingly faster to get off the plane, get the baggage, and rent our car. We were driving down to Anaheim in no time, taking us about 20min. to get there in night-time traffic. No shuttles to take you from one terminal to another. You get off the plane, the baggage carousel is almost right there, and you can see the rental car agencies right there in the parking lot in front of the baggage carousel.

LAX is a further north, and would take you about 30 min-1 hr to get into Anaheim, depending on the time of day. It's also so much bigger, so would probably take you longer to get out of there.

Where are you staying in Anaheim? We always opt not to stay at a Disney hotel when going to DL. For us, it's too expensive (compared to WDW resorts) and really not necessary as there're too many great choices beyond Disney. For example, this year, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Garden Grove. For $90/night, we had a free hot breakfast daily, a newly renovated room with fridge & microwave, and warm cookies every night.

I also recommend going to Huntington Beach. It is miles and miles of beach and just beautiful, also about 20 min. from DL.

Have fun planning!!!

 

[aristocat65]

Agree with c&m. Definitely check out Long Beach Airport. It is small and kind of "retro", and the rental car agencies are in a trailer (portable building) in the parking lot out front! I think Jet Blue flies into there but not sure if they go from Detroit. We've flown into there 2 times (once for a cruise), but never flown home from there. Both times Alaska cancelled our return flight, put us into a taxi (they paid) and sent us to LAX. A little nerve wracking but it all worked out.

We also stay about a mile down the road on Harbor Blvd. There are a number of reasonable, nice newer hotels. We like Embassy Suites. Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and Marriott Suites are also nice. Closer to Disneyland, there tend to be more Motel type places.

Have fun planning!