Ground transportation to/from SNA to DLR

[hellokitty1]

We will be dropping off a rental car at SNA before we begin our stay at a DLR hotel and then returning to SNA to fly home. I see a choice between shuttle van and motorcoach. I assumed motorcoach would be cheapest but van is. Can anyone better explain difference between two so I can decide. FWIW, it will be DH and me and two kids, 9 and 3 and we won't have car seat for the 3 yo once we turn in our car. Thanks!

 

[Lucille1963]

I believe a shuttle van is a large sized van with 2 or three rows of seating. I've used this service a few times and it was ok, the problems are they try to fill the van and will circle the airport to do it and your stop may not be the first. You will need a car seat.

A motor coach is a large fancy bus, which does not require a car seat.

Personally, we take a cab from SNA to DLR, it only costs about $35 (actually, I think our last trip cost exactly $35 before tip). We travel with a lightweight booster seat for our 4 year old (not sure if your kid would be large enough for this type). Since motor coaches/vans were charging by the person compared to a cab only adding on a couple dollars for additional passengers, it was a better deal, and we didn't have to wait for other people or the bus to show up. We hopped right in when we got to the airport!

 

[NiceOneSimba]

Disneyland Express is your best bet, but only because of the car seat issue. You won't need a booster or car seat for your 3-year old if you take the DLE. There are some good deals online (getawaytoday has adult for kids price).

You may be able to find some sort of shuttle van that provides a booster or car seat, but most do not.

If you search the forums, there have been other similar threads recently. I think one poster found a company that provides car seats, but can't remember any specifics like names or price.

Other options (cab, super shuttle) are cheapter/faster/better options in general, but not when you have a small child who would require a car seat.

 

[nikkislaght]

You can get an inflatable booster seat for you child. it folds up when not needed.. the link I am posting is for target , but you can get in on amazon and some other sites as well..
I am looking into this for my son..

http://www.target.com/p/bubblebum-c...44&CPNG=baby&ci_src=13736960&ci_sku=14005344&

We took a mini van cab from SNA and it cost $45 for our family of 6.

when we were family of 4 we took a shuttle. and it was under $40.

just out of the terminal you will find the shuttles and cabs... when we went we were the only ones in the shuttle and so they went straight to our hotel...

 

[mrsmith9]

We just completed a trip with a 3 year old. We didn't have a car seat either, so we opted for the Disneyland Resort Express. It is motorcoach transporation and therefore does not require a car seat.

 

[NiceOneSimba]

That booster is cool, but it's only for kids above 40 pounds. Once my daughter hits that mark, I will definitely be checking it out!

Unfortunately, though, many 3-year olds will need a high-back booster because they haven't hit the 40-pound mark.

If it works for the OP, though, it's a great idea.

 

[nikkislaght]

That booster is cool, but it's only for kids above 40 pounds. Once my daughter hits that mark, I will definitely be checking it out!

Unfortunately, though, many 3-year olds will need a high-back booster because they haven't hit the 40-pound mark.

If it works for the OP, though, it's a great idea.

Hey Susan,

Thanks for the heads up about the weight restriction.. I didnt even look at that ..

Took my 7 yr old a long time to 50 lbs... and now that he is there I stop looking at toddler stuff..

 

[DisneytheKid]

We usually use Super Shuttle but for your situation the Disneyland Express sounds like the best option. Have a great trip!

 

[DizMe]

Just out of curiosity, why aren't boosters needed on buses? I can't believe they're that much safer. I know taxis were exempt before but I think small children are required to have a booster in taxis now. We never needed them when our kids were 4 (the first year they got to go to DLR) so we always took supershuttle, but the laws keep changing and it's hard to keep up!

And I did want to add that at SNA, Super Shuttle does not circle the airport until the van is full. They just wait in the shuttle area, which is usually no more than about 10 minutes. They're really good about not making you wait very long, probably because there is a lot of competition and there are plenty of passengers going to DLR!

 

[hellokitty1]

Thanks everyone. Looks like well go with the bus. My son is not big enough for a booster.

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

My daughter and son-in-law always have kids use booster seats. Well not 8 yeal old grandson now but you get my drift.

Say you are in a small compact and get hit by a bus. Who so you think is going to have the least damage?

I have to agree with DizMe though boosters should be used on buses to. You never know the teeth you save should there be a sudden stop could be your own.

One last note to DisMe. I was one of the most fortunate Disers that got a signed book by WALLY BOAG I also got some special treats along with. So Thank You again. It is amazing how the posters here are some of the most special people you may ever meet-- even is not in person.

Patty

 

[DISHoppy]

You will need a car seat.

This was not the case with Super Shuttle last week. Recommended, but not required.

-Kevin

 

[DizMe]

My daughter and son-in-law always have kids use booster seats. Well not 8 yeal old grandson now but you get my drift.

Say you are in a small compact and get hit by a bus. Who so you think is going to have the least damage?

I have to agree with DizMe though boosters should be used on buses to. You never know the teeth you save should there be a sudden stop could be your own.

One last note to DisMe. I was one of the most fortunate Disers that got a signed book by WALLY BOAG I also got some special treats along with. So Thank You again. It is amazing how the posters here are some of the most special people you may ever meet-- even is not in person.

Patty

Wow, Patty, you really made my day!!! It's funny how many DISers I've met through that connection--we were so fortunate to be able to have that experience. I'm very happy that you were able to get a signed book! I tried to get a few more shortly after Wally passed away, but they were all long gone. I so appreciate your kind words.