First timer - Car/Shuttle? Beach?

[DaniellePoppins]

Hi!

So this is my first time going out to Disneyland/California. As a WDW vet and not used to venturing off property or the need for a car rental or transportation to and from the airport, I could use some advice. I'm going to be traveling 5/29-6/5. I'm staying at the Tropicana and since I'm so close to the park I won't need the car the entire time I'll be on my trip. That being said, I do want to rent a car for a couple of days to make a trip out to a beach and then over to the Aquarium of the Pacific.

My choices are renting at the airport on the 29th and then returning the car on the 31st at a nearby car rental location (probably Enterprise based on the prices) and then getting a shuttle back to the airport on the 5th. Or getting a shuttle to and from the airport and renting a car at Select Rent-A-Car which is right next to the hotel. I'd like to avoid using Uber or Lyft with the mass confusion that seems to be going on at LAX and using ride shares and cabs just seem to be WAY overpriced out there. So what's my best option? Has anyone used Select? They seem to be a small independent owned company, but with a good reputation. Has anyone used Karmel Shuttle? Its recommended by Tropicana and there's a discount through the hotel for them.

I'd also love beach recommendations. I'm not a big beach person, but I'm not going across the country and not sticking my toes in the Pacific. I'd like something that's more quiet or family oriented. I'm traveling solo so safety is also something I consider a factor.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[PHXscuba]

I can't speak to Select but I can say renting a car is the way to go in SoCal. Things are very spread out and everywhere has ample parking. It's probably cheaper to drive yourself in a rental from the airport and then shuttle back rather than a 2-way shuttle and then a rental car for a similar period. The advantage I see to renting/returning in Anaheim is not having to drive from LA to Anaheim, which is a significant headache-reducer for people scared of LA traffic.

As for beaches, any of the Orange County beaches should be clean and safe during the day. Huntington, Newport or Balboa would meet your needs. The weather should be warm and sunny (by midday after the morning's June Gloom wears off) but kids will still be in school during that time.

PHXscuba

 

[DaniellePoppins]

Thanks PHXscuba! I appreciate the input with beaches and car rental. Traffic doesn't really scare me. I live in a VERY bad traffic area. Everything is always under construction. I work in a building I can see from my home and it still takes over 20 minutes to get home at night because of traffic. Of course construction would go much faster if the bridge they were trying to replace hadn't been measured wrong.

 

[sjmac42]

I’ve used Karmel to shuttle from the airport to Anaheim a few times, most recently in December when I used their shared van service. It was great because they guarantee no more than 3 pickups including yours (we had 1 extra group) and we were out of the airport quickly and in Anaheim an hour later for $52. The other good thing about the shared vans is they still pick up kerbside at the various terminals. been international visitors, we had to call their dispatcher but as locals, you will have access to their flight tracking service via text for pickup.

As for beaches, I too love Huntington and Newport but if you’re happy to go a bit further, the section of coastline between Laguna Beach and Dana Point is stunning with beautiful beaches. Could take 30 mins, could be an hour so just avoid rush hour if you go that far (its about 25-30 miles).

 

[mad hatter fan]

We love Laguna Beach. And if you happen to go at low tide, there are some nice tide pools there

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Some helpful threads for you:
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets
HydroGuy Tips Compilation
Maxpass/Fastpass Superthread: an overview and some strategy
Airport Proximity to DLR and Ground Transportation Information Superthread