DL to Universal...Advice Needed!

[inkkognito]

DH and I are doing an Adventure by Disney, staying at the Grand Californian, and we were hoping to slip in a trip to Universal on the last day. Here is the dilemma:

Our flight leaves at 10 p.m. We would like to do the Universal VIP tour, which runs from 10 a.m. till around 5 p.m. Grayline would get us there early enough, but the return would be dicey because they only leave Universal at 6:30. Anyone know of any other shuttles or options that would give us a little more control? Our bags will be stored at the Grand Californian, and our transfer from there to the airport is included. I'm guessing we would have to be on the road to the airport by 7ish to get a 10pm flight.

 

[XTinabell]

Honestly I think the only way you'll have more control is if you rent a car or overpay for a cab. And seriously driving to universal is sooo easy. It's practically in a straight line doing one lane change. We're from Canada with super wide lanes and baby traffic compared to California but we made it to Universal with ZERO problems and were able to have more flexibility and stay later at the park than we would have if were taking the big bus. We got a map from our hotel and the guy at the desk showed us how to get there it was very easy.

 

[DizneyMommy]

I would definitly rent a car for that day. You can rent one at DTD from Alamo and drop it off at LAX when you leave, and the PP is right, super easy drive. Yes, lots of traffic, but still better than missing your flight. Just keep in mind, you want to get to LAX an extra hour earlier than anywhere else because of the insane security lines and allow an hour for dropping off your car and getting the ride to the terminal from Alamo. Plus, LA traffic is very unpredictable, basically leave the minute your tour is over and plan to have dinner at the airport! Better safe than sorry.

It sounds like this service you are using is bringing you BACK to GCH before taking you to LAX, is that true? That is one heck of a big circle and way more time on the freeway than necessary. You will be near LAX when you leave Universal.

 

[CoolPool]

1) What day are you doing all this? It makes a difference if you attempting this on a weekday or a Sunday. I wouldn't risk this on a weekday.
2) Am I reading this correctly that after Universal, you want to go back to Anaheim to get the free shuttle over to LAX or John Wayne or which airport? That sounds extremely stressful. One good sigalert and your schedule is whacked.

I live about 3 miles from Universal. Uhm, I wouldn't attempt what you are doing simply because I'm wounded on a daily basis by the traffic here but I admire your gumption.

 

[inkkognito]

We will be doing it on a Sunday morning. I think that renting a car will be our best bet...too much left to chance with the bus, and it would indeed bring us back to the hotel where we would have to get another bus to LAX. Any idea of the drive times on a Sun. from DL to Universal and then Universal to LAX in the early evening?

 

[CoolPool]

The ride to Universal on a Sunday will be a breeze. You just shoot up the 5 to the 101. I do have experience doing this coming home from DLR on a Sunday morning after staying the weekend. Unless there is an accident or major road work - its about an hour. Maybe a little more. Definitely bring a freeway map - hopefully the rental company will just give you one.

Back to LAX can be done a number of ways. I suppose the most common way would be to take the 101 west to the 405 south and then down you go. It should take only about an hour or a little more....unless you run into "returning home" weekend trippers which can change outcomes. Again the usual accident slowdowns can happen. Always allow yourself more time than you think particularly since you'll need the time to fill up the car and return it to the lot then take the shuttle to the terminal....

Always use the carpool lane - particularly heading south on the 405 after getting off the 101!

 

[DizneyMommy]

We will be doing it on a Sunday morning. I think that renting a car will be our best bet...too much left to chance with the bus, and it would indeed bring us back to the hotel where we would have to get another bus to LAX. Any idea of the drive times on a Sun. from DL to Universal and then Universal to LAX in the early evening?

In that case, you would definintely be wasting a TON of time on the freeway if you use the buses. Rent a car, you'll be so glad you did. I'd still leave Universal the minute your tour is over and go straight to the airport. It is only 24 miles according to mapquest, and you COULD get there as quickly as 45 minutes with really light traffic, but you still need to drop off the car and take a shuttle to the terminal. You'd much rather be really early for your flight than miss it. That will give you a chance to sit down and get some dinner before you hop on the plane.

 

[Goofy_Dave]

Why would you want to go to Universal anyway, when you could spend another day at DLR??!!

Seriously though, we went a few years ago and it was quite dissapointing. After DLR, it just seems like the Universal Park is severely lacking in quality attractions. The tram tour is cool though. Either way, I hope you have fun and are able to keep to your schedule!