Flight canceled d/t snow, rerouted to LAX, DLR express or private hired car faster?

[HuskyGal]

Traveling with DH, DD5, DS2. Originally had flight to John wayne then mini van rental. Snowed in in Seattle. Got a flight to LAX tomorrow am. Each kid needs a car seat. Mini van rentals are too expensive now (Alamo won't honor the rate). Help with transportation around town please. How long does the Disneyland resort express take from LAX to Hojo at around 10-10:30 am with morning traffic? How many hotels until they get to Hojo? Will they drop us off at the lobby or will we have to walk from a bus stop? This admittedly sounds like a viable option considering the low cost and No need to install car seats (parental heaven).
Thoughts on hiring a private car? More expensive but if it's much faster then I will go with that since I had scheduled tomorrow As our magic morning and don't want to cut too much into park time. Will morning traffic be 1 hour or more than that?
I'm considering renting a car for a day or two or taxi/uber/Lyft for when my mom joins us and we all go out to dinner, etc.
Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[SMD]

By 10:30 rush hour will be starting to clear, but yes, it could be an hour. In ideal conditions it would still take 40-45 minutes once off LAX property, and depending on the shuttle schedule, how many stops at LAX and traffic at LAX it can easily push even ideal traffic (which you won't have) to an hour. If you're going to get a private car, do it soon, because the dispatcher has to make a car available. If you do go with the express bus, at least you can store the car seats under the bus for when you need them later.

The first stop is DLH. I guess if one person can handle your luggage, one parent could take the kids into the park while the other checks into the hotel and meet up inside the parks.

 

[poptart90]

Hi! We were in the same boat coming home this last weekend. Flight cancelled from John Wayne into Portland due to freezing rain. Rebooked home the next day. Anaheim Town Car Services (who we've hired the last few trips) was amazing. They accommodated our last minute change in schedule without any issues or extra charges. They also have multiple car sizes and provide car seats - so no lugging ours through the airports anymore. Might want to check them out for the airport transportation. They will also make a stop on the way if you want (Von's or a convenience store for food or drinks). They are more expensive than a traditional taxi, but the car seats and dependability has made them our go to choice. Nice to have someone waiting outside baggage claim to whisk you away to your hotel!

 

[HuskyGal]

It's going to be the DLR express or uber/Lyft/taxi since its late now. I will report how our experience goes.

 

[NiceOneSimba]

If you don't want to lug the car seats, you won't need them for the Magical Express bus.

Enjoy getting away from the cold and snow!

 

[HuskyGal]

Thank you so much. Will make do and make it to Disneyland!

 

[HuskyGal]

Thanks, everyone! We tried the DLR express. There were only 6 other people on it. Took about 35 min to get to the Disneyland hotel then maybe another 10-15 to get to Hojo - there was a DL hotel stop and a convention stop and the route goes behind the hotels/motels. Not sure we will use it for our departure but it was nice to not install car seats as we were exhausted by then. Although it was an unsafe feeling to have the kids without car seats and instead using my arm like my mom did in the 70's. Another note for first time traveling parents with small children, the pick up at LAX for shuttles is on a skinny island with traffic on both sides so I would definitely recommend a harness/leash or stroller for toddlers. Disneyland was a ghost town at noon. I was in shock. No line at security or the turnstiles. We are having a great time. Kids are in heaven, characters have been great and my usually shy, quiet 5 yo has turned into a thrill ride junkie.

 

[RainyDayPixie]

Glad you're having a good trip. The snow is gone up here in the Seattle area, but it is POURING rain. I hope you're enjoying some sunshine!

I agree that the waiting area for the DLR Express is a bit scary with littles! I've had to wait a really long time in the past, too. I love DLRE from SNA, not so much from LAX (but I would've taken it in your case, too).

ETA: Also a husky. Go Dawgs!

 

[HuskyGal]

Oh yeah! Go, dawgs.
It was pouring on Friday afternoon so We had bugsland to ourselves. Kiddos wanted to go alki today and we mistakenly said yes and froze our butts off. Haha. We're not in California anymore.