HELP! Should I fly in to LAX or John Wayne airport?

[colbybug]

Price isn't necessarily a factor - which is more convenient? I can actually fly into John Wayne for the same price and that way can avoid LA altogether but am I missing something? Please help! I have to book the flight tomorrowand am nervous that it might not be a good idea....

Thanks,
A bug's mom

 

[almostGoofy]

John Wayne definitely. It's closer and less crowded. LAX can be a real hassle. The only reason to fly into LAX for a DL vacation is if the price is significantly cheaper.

 

[Beth8266]

I totally agree!. YOu can be in the park in about an hour. Assuming you have no baggage, like kids! Just kidding, but I've gone by myself and was pleasantly surprised how quickly I got into the park without my kids!!

 

[colbybug]

I appreciate the wisdom of "those who have gone before" me - so to speak!
Any suggestions on a cheap rental car?

Bug's mom

 

[brenda1966]

I found Dollar and Thrifty to be the cheapest out of LAX. I would have flown into John Wayne but saved $50 a ticket by flying into LAX and for 5 tickets it was worth the savings.

 

[Aggie96]

We fly into John Wayne every time and it has always been wonderful. If we don't get to DL in an hour, it's only because we stop at In-N-Out on the way! For our trip next week, we went with Thrifty for the rental car because they had the best rate by far. I booked it a long time ago though, so I couldn't say whether or not they would still be the cheapest. Defnitely check them out though. And check out the rental car section on Mousesavers.com for discounts!

 

[Beth8266]

because we stop at In-N-Out on the way!

What I wouldn't give for In N Out right now!!!! October can't come soon enough!!

 

[disneylvr2]

I have also flown to both. I loved the close proximity of John Wayne, but it usually does cost a little more. I also found that I can get a direct flight to LAX, but never to SNA.

We are actually flying in to San Diego this time to try it out, since we need to to Legoland & Sea World, too.

 

[jlima]

I would fly into Long Beach before SNA or LAX . . .

 

[karylrocks]

We always fly into John Wayne because we can get direct flights from Portland for the same price as LAX - there are no direct flights from here to Long Beach so I don't know anything about that airport. Yesterday we left the Disneyland Hotel at 7:00 pm and had returned our rental car and were in the terminal by 7:30. I would hate having to worry about traffic going as far as LAX because you never know how long it will take (it took 2 1/2 hours to get to Magic Mountain on Tuesday morning, leaving at 8:15).

 

[colbybug]

Your suggestions are great. We booked into John Wayne for the same price as LA - anything to get out of LA traffic if possible....

Bug

 

[BBGraph]

John wayne is excelent Flying in but security on flight out can be long lines but i belive the cut the lines in almost half by opening additional checkpoint since my last trip

 

[karylrocks]

Last Friday we were through security in just a couple of minutes, but I suppose that could change depending on the time of day and how many lanes they have open.

 

[Brendita]

You will pay more to fly in John Wayne.
To me it is worth it.
By far a lot least hassel.
Much better service also.
If you are traveling with children go for JW.
LAX with children can be a nightmare.
Way to crowded & service is bad.

 

[Cast Member Boy]

Everyone has said that John Wayne is quicker and closer which is true. But to maximize my time in the park I fly in/out of LAX. Here's why: I originate in Orlando @7am fly to LAX arrive at 9:30am (local time). With traffic hassel, ect I'm at the resort by Noon. Departing: Check out of hotel store luggage at Disneyland Hotel, enjoy the parks. Leave the resort around 7:00pm. Fly out of LAX at 11pm. (Clean up a bit and change clothes before departure) arrive back in Orlando at 6am the next day.

The latest flight out of John Wayne to Orlando was around 8pm. I don't travel with kids but I would assume a full day in the parks, they will sleep all night on the plane and it's a non stop flight.

Just my suggestions....

 

[jw2736]

Cast Member Boy,
I too live in Orlando and am going to DL at the end of September, We are flying Southwest Airline leaving MCO at 335pm with an arrival into LAX at 650pm. I believe we had a short layover in Alberque (sp?) Did you have any trouble with LAX and in getting to DL? On the way home we leave at 130pm and arrive home at 1020pm. Just fyi.. I originally booked the flights at a cost of $506.oo total. I rechecked later and found the same flights for a total of $366.00. For $183 round trip from Orlando, Ill fly into LAX.