Driving from DLR to Vegas

[BillyFan]

We are driving from DLR to Vegas for a family wedding, and I'm wondering what the travel time/driving conditions will be like.
We are leaving on Thursday, Feb. 14 so I know we will be dealing with LA commuters if we leave too early in the morning. My gut tells me to leave around noon, so we can have Valentine's breakfast at Storytellers Cafe, head into the parks for any last minute rides or shopping before we head out, and get through LA before it gets too bad.
Does this sound right?

 

[techno]

We are driving from DLR to Vegas for a family wedding, and I'm wondering what the travel time/driving conditions will be like.
We are leaving on Thursday, Feb. 14 so I know we will be dealing with LA commuters if we leave too early in the morning. My gut tells me to leave around noon, so we can have Valentine's breakfast at Storytellers Cafe, head into the parks for any last minute rides or shopping before we head out, and get through LA before it gets too bad.
Does this sound right?

Plan on a 6-7 hour drive and I'd leave around 10am. If you leave around noon, you might hit the lunch rush.

 

[JimmyJam838]

It takes 4 1/2 to 5 hours for us to drive between Vegas and Disneyland most of the time with a 20-30 minute break for us. Though being Valentine's day, I don't know if that will add to the traffic for those who want to get married in Vegas that day. We usually stop in Barstow at the Lenwood road exit. There are a bunch of gas stations, fast food restaurants, and an outlet mall there. Once you get past Baker, there aren't many places to stop until you hit Vegas. There are a couple mountain passes you have to go through and a few long hills that you go through. It's a rather uneventful drive most of the time. Also, bring some cds along as there aren't many radio stations available besides the "Highway Stations", though they do have traffic reports about every half hour.

 

[BillyFan]

Thanks so much for the replies. Mapquest tells me about 4 hours, and since we are just 2 adults, we should be able to drive straight through with just a quick gas/potty stop.
But I will plan for 5 hours just in case.

BTW, Welcome to the Dis JimmyJam! I'm so honored that your first post was a reply to my question!

 

[lillybug]

It was a 4 1/2 to 5 hour drive for us. It felt like no time at all.

 

[Zoemakes5]

I've taken the drive a number of times, and I'd say closer to 4.5 and 5.5 hours, too, with the caveat that it's alot longer if you drive TO Vegas on a Friday or FROM Vegas on a Sunday. Then it can be anywhere from 5.5-10 hours, no kidding. It's crazy!
I think your plans to leave at around noon are good. We took the trip in September. Left our Anaheim hotel around 10:30, give or take, and were in Vegas, at our hotel room by 3:30. We did make two stops, for bathrooms and gas, but didn't sit and eat or anything.
As for it being Valentine's, I'd imagine (though this is just a guess) that those who will be getting married on Valentines would probably already be in Vegas or be leaving very early in the morning, but that's just a guess. Being that's President's day weekend, there will be huge crowds in Vegas. Hotels are going at a premium. If you're traveling back from Vegas, I'd suggest doing it Sat. or early Sunday, if you can. Later Sunday and all day Monday are going to be tough.

 

[kkheburn]

We have been stuck in some of thet 10 hour traffic! We live in Vegas and visit San Diego all the time. Friday and Sunday are bad driving days.

 

[BillyFan]

Our plan is to leave early Sunday for home in San Jose. Hopefully we'll be able to get out of there before the traffic is terrible.
Thanks again to everybody for the advice!

 

[StitchMad]

We flew from Vegas to Disneyland last October. It was a 38 minute flight, yes, the best one we have ever done!
The drive is min. 4 hours to max. 5 hours, depending on conditions. We were thinking of doing this drive next October, but sadly the family can't get time off work.
Oh well, 2009 may bring new things! Have fun in Disneyland, I hear the drive has great views.. and don't forget to check out the buffet @ Bellargio!