DL help

[DisneyFan06]

I live so close to Walt Disney World, that I can simple make daily visits there if I so wish. However, next May I want to go to Disneyland for five or six days. Therefore, I will have to get on a plane for the first time. I am not scared, but we are on a budget and I need to know where is the best place to get started - as for looking a prices.

Thanks.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

You could try SWA. They fly from Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale to several airports in the Los Angeles area. Your best bet would be to fly into Orange County. Unfortunately, they won't open up May schedules until probably October.

Good luck!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Southwest Airlines does have good deals from time to time. Try flying in Orange County (which is called John Wayne International, the airport code is SNA) or Ontario California (you may find a better deal flying into Ontario).

John Wayne International (SNA) is about 15 minutes away from DL, and the easiest way to get to the resort area from the airport is a taxi or taxi van. There's no need to arrange one in advance.....there's plenty waiting out front of the baggage terminal. It costs about $45-$49 plus tip one way.

Ontario is about 25 minutes away from DL. We just rented a car here, but it was very easy to navigate the area considering the airport is smaller and easier to get around. Very nice and convenient for getting through security on our way home too.

Of course, always check out deals to LAX too. It's about 30 minutes away from DL (that could turn into 45 minutes in heavier traffic), but if it saves you some money then it's worth it.

 

[RooFull2]

If you are a AAA Auto Club member, try using their travel services to scope-out best pricing on lodging for your DL stay. Many ppl report having stayed at Candy Cane Inn (which is low budget compared with Disney Resorts at DL) and didn't mind the 1-mile walk to the security check point at DL/DCA.
Disneyland's website offers a map that shows where all the "Good Neighbor Hotels" are located around the park. Keep in mind that the entries for both DL/DCA are at the far end of DTD. You'll want to be sure you've got a pleasant stroll to enter the parks if you're not staying in a Disney-owned Hotel.
We stayed at the Grand Californian Lodge last month for our 10th anniv. OMG Pricey! But very nice - spacious rooms, early entry provided, a private entrance into DCA, and close proximity to DL and Downtown Disney.
Enjoy your trip.

 

[gumbys7227]

As someone who lives 15 min. from Disneyland I would highly recommend flying into SNA (Orange County) if at all possible. It is small, and very close to Disneyland. LAX & Ontario Airport are both about 40 miles from Disneyland (although in opposite directions.) Rush hour weighs heavily on the drive times from these two airports and can easily double the travel time with NORMAL traffic. You can also check into a shuttle from LAX to Disneyland that many people use. Taxi fare would be about $90 - $100 from LAX. We are usually able to pick up a flight to Disney World for $200 with a layover from SNA or direct from LAX round trip so I imagine you could do the reverse.

I've also heard that the Howard Johnson near Disneyland is a great hotel. Many hotels are within walking distance, and many have shuttles. I'm sure you'll be able to find all the info you need and more. You might also want to check the dates to see when the Grad Nights are scheduled as your dates get closer, because they close early on those nights.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Oh, I just wanted to pass along that if you have or get a 2008 Entertainment book, the entertainment rate at the Howard Johnson will be around $69 plus tax per night. You'll have to call the hotel direct (DO NOT call the 800 reservation number) to get the rate, and during busier times they may not offer it, but it's worth it to give it a try. Many people are successful. Also, you'll have to bring your entertainment card to show at check in.

You'll also get lots of great information and tips over on the Disneyland boards!


Just for reference, I looked up the different airport distances from the Disneyland Resort. Personally, we always just book the flight that gives us the best deal, but SNA is the closest and most convenient to Disneyland.

SNA - 13.6 miles
Ontario - 32 miles
LAX - 34.5 miles

And Gumbys7227 is right about rush hour. If you happen to hit rush hour traffic, that nice leisurely 25-35 minute ride from Ontario or LAX to the Disneyland resort could turn into an hour or more. If you're traveling the freeways/highways between 10:00am and 4:00pm, you should have smooth sailing, provided that there's no accidents.

 

[JanB]

Kayak allows you to search (hotel, airfares, car rentals, etc) for prices based on your dates, your destination, etc. It searches a wide variety of websites and displays the results along with links to those websites.
http://www.kayak.com

Travelocity has a feature called Fare Watcher. You can set up a (free) account, and you can designate the air travel route that you are interested in -- Orlando to Los Angeles, in your case. Then you will receive periodic emails telling you when fares are going up or down. And, of course, it looks at all airlines. If I'm not mistaken, you can also set it up so that it will look at any airport in the Los Angeles area.
http://www.travelocity.com

Disneyland seems to offer admission ticket specials with some frequency. For example, buy a 3-day pass, get a 4th day free. Subcribe to Mousesavers to keep up with all of that.

Have fun. We love Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure -- we particularly love California Screamin'!