Help and advice needed

[MaggieMouse]

Hi all,

I'm taking a solo trip to DL in early March.

I found some great airfare from the east coast and it's a go. I want to book a shuttle from the Orange County airport, any recommendations to that Anaheim resort area?

Heres' my question, is it better to book the whole package now (Expedia has some decent packages) or is it better to book the airfare now and book the hotel about 10 days before I leave? I was looking on MouseSavers and it says that Expedia sometimes drops the rates about 10 days before.

Right now I'm looking at staying at the Ramada Inn Maingate. Has anyone stayed here? If so, can you tell me anything about it? It it within walking distance? Does the shuttle run at certain times or all day?

Finally, since I will be solo, I'm concerned about safety, is it safe to walk after dark? Are there security guards at the hotels?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

MaggieMouse

 

[MaggieMouse]

I forgot to mention that I will be arriving very late on a Wednesday so I need to keep that in mind when planning transportation.

 

[Grog]

I stayed at the Ramada Inn Maingate last time I went. It wasn't bad, but I have stayed in better. If you plan on spending most of your time in the parks and are getting a good deal on your room then it might be what you are looking for. I got it for $59 when I went.

As for distance, you can walk to the front entrance of the parks in about five minutes. I don't remember them having a shuttle.

 

[MaggieMouse]

Thanks for the reply!

 

[mickeyfan1]

There are a bunch of us Disers going to be there the weekend of the 23/24 of MArch. Maybe we'll see you! I'm staying at the Residence Inn, they say 2 blocks away, but I will have my car. I stayed at the Fairfield Inn last time I went, I felt fime about walking arond after dark, but I am also pretty unaware, so I may have missed something. I think they had security for the parking lots, bnut it was in 2001, in October, that may have been why.

 

[MaggieMouse]

Thanks for the info mickeyfan.

I will be there the week prior March 12 - 16. I'm most concerned with getting from the airport since I will be arriving late. Any tips on that? Is there a shuttle that runs late in the evening?

Thanks

 

[ADisneyPrincess]

I usually like to take Super Shuttle (blue van with yellow lettering) from LAX to DL. It's $14 each way and they usually have a van that goes directly to the DL area. I imagine they run pretty late, but you may want to check them out on the internet or give them a call to confirm. There is no need to make reservations with them, after you get your lugguage you go out the doors by the baggage claim and you'll see different "islands" for the shuttles, busses and taxis. There will be a sign that says something like "Shuttles" or "Vans." You cross the street to the island and there are a few shuttle service employees. I head to the end where the Super Shuttle employee is and tell him I'm going to the DL area. They then call in for a van.

There is also an airport bus which costs about the same. I'm not sure how late this runs. I like the shuttle because it's what I'm used to.

I'm not sure where the Ramada Inn Maingate is so I'm not sure what is along the route to the parks if you're walking at night. I have always felt very safe as there are always other tourists out walking and the main roads are very well lit. If you're going to out late at Downtown Disney and then walking back, I'm not sure how many other people would be out. However, if you're heading back to the hotel at park closing there should be plenty of people around.