Driving advice from Irvine

[Liltx]

We will be driving from Irvine the morning of our one day visit (a Saturday). How early will we need to leave the hotel to travel, park, and buy tickets before the gates open at 8:00 am? It won't be a big deal if it's super early since the 2 hour time change will be working in our favor. I just want to make sure we leave in enough time since I don't know the area or the traffic.

TIA
Monica

 

[oc_tony]

Assuming you are coming up the 5 Freeway, driving from Irvine to DLR takes only about 10-15 minutes, and you shouldn't have any traffic on a Saturday morning (hope I didn't just jinx it ).

I would leave at 7am (earlier if you need to stop for breakfast) in order to be there at park opening. Parking at that hour is very easy with hardly a wait to get in and find a spot. You may even be directed to park in Pinocchio lot, which makes getting to the tram even faster.

If you're buying a one-day park hopper ticket, you might consider buying your tickets in advance so you don't have to wait in line after passing through the security checkpoint. By then, you'll be so excited, you'll want to head straight for the gates. Otherwise, the one-day one-park tickets must be bought at the ticket booth.

 

[Liltx]

Thank you! So happy about the traffic and time news. Yes, we are right on the entrance to I-5.

Do you know the earliest time you can enter the lots? Say we get there at 7:00 AM, will it be open? Is there anything to eat before the park opens up? If not we will buy it on the way and eat while waiting in line to get in.

Monica

 

[pixiewings71]

Typically the parking structure opens an hour before DL opens, so if you're looking at an 8 am opening you will be good getting there at 7.

 

[lcasa]

While in general I agree with the 10-15 minute estimate especially early on a Saturday - but Irvine is a really long city so if you're in south Irvine you might want to consider more like 20 min.

And do a quick check in advance to make sure there are no freeway lane closures. They're usually late at night, but doesn't hurt to check.