From East Coast, Driving to Disneyland from Pasadena, PLEASE HELP!

[charlie6127]

Hi,

We are from the Washington, DC metro area and vets of WDW. However, we will be making our first trip to the West Coast in June to visit family in Pasadena. We would like to drive down early (so that we arrive at the most advisable parking structure 1-1.5 hrs before park opening) a couple of days and are hoping some So Cal Disneyland Vets could give us some pointers.

1. We would really like to travel by a route that is about as tame as it can be. We are used to Wash DC traffic, but we have heard LA traffic is bad. What would be the most advisable route (less frequented or maybe less hectic)? Its ok if it takes a little bit longer.

2. Given the route, which parking structure should we head for? Are the road directions to the parking structure clear?

3. Once we have gotten to Disneyland for the day, we'll have to get back to Pasadena. Would you recommend the same route?

4. For Wash DC traffic, its typically true that, unless you want to hit traffic, you want to leave before 3-4 or wait until 7:30. Would the same be true on the Disneyland to Pasadena trip or are generally time frames different?

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP! We are very grateful.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

L.A. traffic is nothing to be afraid of. It can be heavy. It isn't always heavy. If you've driven in an east coast rush hour, you pretty much have it down.

DLR is directly adjacent to the 5 (Interstate 5, aka the Santa Ana Freeway), and the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure--DLR's main parking structure--is accessible via a dedicated, very well marked exit ramp directly from the 5. You CANNOT miss it.

From Pasadena, just take the 110 to the 5. On a good day maybe 45 minutes to an hour each way. During rush hour add another half an hour to 45 minutes. L.A. has long rush hours, so add maybe an hour on each end of your local rush hour to figure it out. Your time frames seem about right, except you might begin to hit traffic coming back after 3. Again, nothing to fear, just go early and leave late.

 

[msmama]

I have no direction help but I, too, was nervous about driving in LA. It wasn't bad at all. Certainly no worse than the beltway!!

 

[Pucka1378]

I lived in the DC for about 5yrs and have lived in LA as well.

The traffic will be no problem for you. I find out in CA the freeways are way better marked and less confusing than the DC area!

 

[DLfan4]

I suggest using a GPS or TOMTOM for driving directions.

 

[Nonsuch]

...From Pasadena, just take the 110 to the 5...

I must disagree, and suggest an alternate

210 East, move to the carpool (aka HOV) lane.
Be aware there are specific areas to enter/exit carpool lanes.
Exit the carpool lane and move to the right lane, at least a mile before 605.
605 South, carpool begins after a few miles.
Stay in the carpool lane, and cross over 5.
Exit the carpool lane and move to the right lane, at least a mile before 91.
91 East, move to the carpool lane.
Stay in the carpool lane, there is a dedicated carpool to carpool connector.
Use the carpool connector (on the left) to 5 South.
Stay in the carpool lane.
Use the dedicated carpool exit (on the left) to Disneyland Drive

Stay on Disneyland Drive to Mickey and Friends parking structure.
There are other parking lots, but that is another topic (and I'm not a parking expert).

The same route works in reverse.
There is a dedicated carpool connector from 5 North to 91 West.

 

[jlima]

I must disagree, and suggest an alternate

210 East, move to the carpool (aka HOV) lane.
Be aware there are specific areas to enter/exit carpool lanes.
Exit the carpool lane and move to the right lane, at least a mile before 605.
605 South, carpool begins after a few miles.
Stay in the carpool lane, and cross over 5.
Exit the carpool lane and move to the right lane, at least a mile before 91.
91 East, move to the carpool lane.
Stay in the carpool lane, there is a dedicated carpool to carpool connector.
Use the carpool connector (on the left) to 5 South.
Stay in the carpool lane.
Use the dedicated carpool exit (on the left) to Disneyland Drive

Stay on Disneyland Drive to Mickey and Friends parking structure.
There are other parking lots, but that is another topic (and I'm not a parking expert).

The same route works in reverse.
There is a dedicated carpool connector from 5 North to 91 West.

^This. The carpool flyover lanes will save you TONS of time.

If DL opens at 9am, leave Pasadena at 7am. 45 mins - hour to drive there; 30 - 45 mins to park/get to tram/wait for tram/ride tram/go through security/wait to get into park. Try and buy tickets in advance to save more time. I would leave DL anytime after 6:30p. Have fun on your trip!

 

[charlie6127]

Thank you so much for your help everyone!

I'm leaning the 210 route right now...