Hidden Time Losses When Using a Car At DLR

[KelsiesMommy]

Oh, I understand, but since we're members of Hilton's club, we always stay at Embassy or Homewood Suites, and that's WAY too far to walk!

 

[labagit]

I haven't been to DLR since March of 2000. We drove to the park each day, even though we stayed at a hotel with the shuttle. We didn't have any problems or feel it was excessively inconvenient/time consuming.

Since CA was just under construction at that time, I'm wondering how the new park has affected parking. Is it much more congested now?

We'll be staying at Embassy Suites South this trip, so we'll need to either drive or take the shuttle. Both are prepaid with our AAA package, so we'll probably try both, but by the time we figure it out, it might be time to come home.

 

[HydroGuy]

I haven't been to DLR since March of 2000. We drove to the park each day, even though we stayed at a hotel with the shuttle. We didn't have any problems or feel it was excessively inconvenient/time consuming.

Since CA was just under construction at that time, I'm wondering how the new park has affected parking. Is it much more congested now?

We'll be staying at Embassy Suites South this trip, so we'll need to either drive or take the shuttle. Both are prepaid with our AAA package, so we'll probably try both, but by the time we figure it out, it might be time to come home.

As part of the DCA expansion, the largest parking structure in the world (literally true) was built near DLR. It is called Mickey & Friends. It is 3/4 of a mile away from the DLR entrance.

I have parked there on a day trip - so I had no other choice - and when trying to move as fast as possible it took me 30 minutes from the time I got to the line of cars at the M&F structure until I was standing at the gates of DL. Since it was early morning before the park opened, the line of cars (about 20) was pretty short and I was able to get thru the toll booth in about 5 minutes. This line of cars at the toll booth can get much, much longer (45 minute waits) at certain times of the day.

If I was staying at a hotel that was too far to walk, there is no way I would drive. As I said in the OP, it is the most time consuming mode of transportation to DLR. But some people still prefer to drive, so that is their choice. I am not speaking to those people here. I am speaking to the people who have no real idea of how time consuming the car option is and what other options they should consider.

 

[labagit]

Thanks for this info. I know it's "different strokes for different folks", so I was curious if there is a difference now since driving really wasn't a big deal then. Sounds like we'll take the shuttle the first trip and gauge from there what works best.

If or when we do drive, is there a time of day that is better than others, i.e. driving for EE is probably doable, but mid-day after rest don't waste your time. I know you're in the "it's never worth it anytime" camp, but when is it less horrible than other times?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hyrdroguy,

I have a question about taxi fare. You said it would cost $10-$15 for a taxi ride - is that one way or round trip? If it's roundtrip, you're talking $20-$30, depending on where the person is staying. Of course, it depends on what is more important - money or time - for a person/family.

My first choice for all the guests I book (unless they really like something else) is a property within walking distance. It really beats shuttles & driving, if you can help it. However, sometimes people have to pick hotels further away, or they just prefer the deluxes that are situated a little further.

You also have to keep in mind that sometimes the shuttles get crowded, and you might not get on the first one and have to wait for the next shuttle. Sometimes they're reliable, and sometimes not. Although I believe, for the most part, they are the better choice. A fellow DISer who normally stays at the Candy Cane Inn had to stay further down on Harbor, and said that they had to wait a really long time for the shuttle, and that cut down on park time.

There's no real right answer, it's more of what people are more willing to compromise - time, convenience, money... and I just thought I would throw in a couple of cents.

As for waiting for trams to get to the cars... I have walked from Disneyland Park to the car structure a few times, and it was less than 15 minutes - not long at all. I thought the parking structure was 1/4 mile, not 3/4 mile, but not sure of my facts.

 

[HydroGuy]

Hyrdroguy,

I have a question about taxi fare. You said it would cost $10-$15 for a taxi ride - is that one way or round trip? If it's roundtrip, you're talking $20-$30, depending on where the person is staying. Of course, it depends on what is more important - money or time - for a person/family.

My first choice for all the guests I book (unless they really like something else) is a property within walking distance. It really beats shuttles & driving, if you can help it. However, sometimes people have to pick hotels further away, or they just prefer the deluxes that are situated a little further.

You also have to keep in mind that sometimes the shuttles get crowded, and you might not get on the first one and have to wait for the next shuttle. Sometimes they're reliable, and sometimes not. Although I believe, for the most part, they are the better choice. A fellow DISer who normally stays at the Candy Cane Inn had to stay further down on Harbor, and said that they had to wait a really long time for the shuttle, and that cut down on park time.

There's no real right answer, it's more of what people are more willing to compromise - time, convenience, money... and I just thought I would throw in a couple of cents.

As for waiting for trams to get to the cars... I have walked from Disneyland Park to the car structure a few times, and it was less than 15 minutes - not long at all. I thought the parking structure was 1/4 mile, not 3/4 mile, but not sure of my facts.

Yes, it would be $20-30 round trip vs. $11 for a day parking pass. So call it an extra $9-19 per day to save an hour or more. I am not an expert on taxis, but if you are staying within a mile of DLR I think the taxi fee will be about $10 each way, in which case the $9 extra per day would apply. Even for people on a budget, that is a small price to pay compared to other expenses of the trip.

As you realize, I too am not recommending this a first choice.

After many Disney trips, I have come to realize the importance of getting to the parks early. It just sets things up for a more successful experience, which I am sure you would agree. With a car, it is just about impossible to get to the gates early because the parking structure does not open until 30 minutes before the gates. For me personally, paying an extra $9 a day to be sure to get the parks early (as opposed to sitting there hoping a bus or shuttle will come by) is worth it. But to be even more certain you can make rope drop, a walking distance hotel is the way to go. When I know we can easily walk, it makes me feel more relaxed.

Other people feel differently. They do not care about getting to the parks early. They do not really care about hidden time losses. Or the extra cost of transportation using say a taxi seems to be too much. So they should do the thing that makes them happy. I am not trying to say such people are doing something wrong, just to convey to the less experienced out there that these are issues they may want to consider.

Another option for places with shuttles is to use the shuttle in the morning and then just use a taxi to come back. That would be for places that do not have reliable or timely shuttles. In such cases, the ones in the morning would be more likely to be on time.

The distance from Mickey & Friends to DLR can be found in many places. For example, here: www.mouseplanet.com/guide.php?pg=A00000

Disneyland has three parking areas. The Mickey & Friends parking garage is one of the largest parking garages in the world and is the main lot. Access from here to the parks requires taking a tram or walking about three-quarters of a mile. The secondary parking lot is the Timon lot and is accessed from Harbor Boulevard. Annual Passholders are not allowed to park in this lot, and space is limited. After the Timon lot is full, all cars will be directed to the Mickey & Friends garage. The Timon lot also requires taking a tram or walking about half a mile. The third parking lot is the Pumbaa lot and is a more remote overflow parking area. If this lot is in use, signs on Harbor Boulevard will indicate this and provide directions. Tram service is not provided from this lot and requires a walk of almost 1 mile.

The walking time from M&F (say 15 minutes) is, under normal circumstances, a little longer than the tram time.

 

[HydroGuy]

Thanks for this info. I know it's "different strokes for different folks", so I was curious if there is a difference now since driving really wasn't a big deal then. Sounds like we'll take the shuttle the first trip and gauge from there what works best.

If or when we do drive, is there a time of day that is better than others, i.e. driving for EE is probably doable, but mid-day after rest don't waste your time. I know you're in the "it's never worth it anytime" camp, but when is it less horrible than other times?

I do not know the answer to this, but suspect if you get there when the parking structure opens it is the fastest entrance. If you get there over the next few hours, this is when the bulk of the people arrive and the time required to enter the parking lot is greatest.

 

[wdwishes1990]

No it isn't. If you stay at one of the closer hotels it takes 5-10 minutes from your hotel room door until you are standing at the DLR gates.

If you are traveling by car from a hotel, in this link www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=17150206&postcount=9 I describe how it will take you 30-75 minutes from the entrance of the parking structure to the DLR gates. If you are staying at a hotel a few miles away, you also need to add the time from the hotel room door to your car in the hotel parking lot (at least 5 minutes) and the drive to DLR which can take awhile with traffic lights (10 minutes). So that is 45-90 minutes from your hotel room door to the DLR gates. It is not "almost the same" at all.

I am not saying anyone is "wrong" who does DLR this way. I am just trying to make a point to those who have not thought this through that they may be spending a couple hours a day extra at DLR just on transportation (in total round trip). If you stay for four days this could burn 8 hours of your time.

If your hotel is too far to walk, a taxi would minimize this, and for not much more cost than a parking fee at DLR.

Is this maybe at peak arrival and departure times? When i went last March I drove in (no wait at the parking tkt gate) no wait in the structure and no wait for the tram. Seemed about 20 min door to door from my hotel maybe perspective we do WDW a lot and all the resorts are spread out a bit.

 

[labagit]

With a car, it is just about impossible to get to the gates early because the parking structure does not open until 30 minutes before the gates.

Does it open 1/2 before EE time?

 

[HydroGuy]

Does it open 1/2 before EE time?

Yes, that is my understanding. But I have never parked on an EE day.

 

[challada]

We go as often as we can (for living 1200 miles away) and ALWAYS have a rental car. With AAA, we ALWAYS park in the M&F structure. Here's why:

1. I will never, ever, ever, ever get on an ART bus...I did ONCE and that was one time too many.

2. I give myself enough time to get my family to the parking structure about 45 minutes before opening. Doing that, I miss the line to get in, I usually get decent parking and I can hop on a tram right away and be at the gate at least 20 minutes before opening.

3. I have the ability to send Dad to get the forgotten sweatshirt, etc, etc and usually, dad can get a parking spot right by the stairs mid-day so he moves the car there.

4. I can PARK for free....it's worth it to my family.

 

[HydroGuy]

Is this maybe at peak arrival and departure times? When i went last March I drove in (no wait at the parking tkt gate) no wait in the structure and no wait for the tram. Seemed about 20 min door to door from my hotel maybe perspective we do WDW a lot and all the resorts are spread out a bit.

The only way I could see it being 20 minutes is to be as you described. Zero wait at the toll booth, and then step onto the tram just as it is getting ready to leave. And then zero line at security. But that will not be most people's experience.

It took me 30 minutes on a day which was during a summer weekday, but not a very crowded one in my experience. I arrived at the parking garage 30 minutes before the park opened, and from there it took me 30 minutes to get to the DL gate. And that was with me trying to walk all the walking parts as quickly as I could without running. I had a 5 minute wait at the toll booth.

So I do not think 30 minutes represents peak time. A peak time could range up to 75 minutes. I think 30 minutes is what most people should expect as a minimum. And, as I pointed out, this is only from the parking structure to the DL gates. There is also the time it takes to get from your hotel, to your car and then to the parking structure.

 

[labagit]

2. I give myself enough time to get my family to the parking structure about 45 minutes before opening. Doing that, I miss the line to get in, I usually get decent parking and I can hop on a tram right away and be at the gate at least 20 minutes before opening.

I had never even considered how long before opening the parking garage opened until HydroGuy wrote that it opens 30 min prior to park opening. Do you just get there and wait in the queque or does it actually open more than 30min prior now?

 

[maddiesmommie]

seems as though some type of "people mover" or moving sidewalk is in order between M&F parking garage and entrance....
How bad of a problem will this be around May 3-5th?

 

[MATTERHORN]

It's not that horrible to park and take the tram, Hydroguy was just pointing out that in almost all cases, staying within walking distance will save you time and/or money!! And that sometimes even taking a taxi or the shuttle can be faster than driving and parking!!

Andrea

 

[HydroGuy]

It's not that horrible to park and take the tram, Hydroguy was just pointing out that in almost all cases, staying within walking distance will save you time and/or money!! And that sometimes even taking a taxi or the shuttle can be faster than driving and parking!!

Yes, Andrea summarized this just right. It will not ruin your trip or anything. It is just slower and takes more time than most people realize.

 

[bouncy54]

My husband had thought about parking in Disney's garage even though we're staying at HOJOs. (God bless him...he was thinking about me because I have a very painful foot problem ) But I told him that it wasn't worth neither the time, nor the money...that I would walk to the park, but I would probably take ART back to the hotel. (By the way...did you hear me groan aloud Hydroguy?) I about died when I looked at your maps and found that HOJO was nearly a 1/2 mile away from the gate.

We've stayed at HOJOs before (and I really liked the hotel) but I seem to be the only one who remembers the long walk back to the hotel..but that's probably because I was in so much pain.

I really get a kick out of their website...they say they're only 1 block from the main gate...1/2 a mile???....Now that's some kind of block!

I wanted to stay at the CCI because of their shuttle, but for a variety of reasons...mostly the cost...we couldn't afford it this trip. Anyway...at least this time, I know what to expect.

 

[Rivergallery]

I do not know the answer to this, but suspect if you get there when the parking structure opens it is the fastest entrance. If you get there over the next few hours, this is when the bulk of the people arrive and the time required to enter the parking lot is greatest.

We did this in December of 05 and we had to wait as they don't open the parking structure till a little before the gates open, and that day they opened late. So we didn't get to the gate till after it opened. That put me off taking the car. We stayed at the Embassy Suites and the shuttle service was the best for us. We would leave in time to get there with only about 4 people in line ahead of us.. this is with getting a stroller.

 

[talie95]

I agree that staying in a walking distance hotel is the easiest in terms of getting to the gates early. We live about an hour away and so we go occassionally for day trips and so we have to park. I will usually drop of my dh and dd's at the crosswalk and they will walk over and get a spot while I go park. In my experience (and we always get there before the parking lot opens) it only took about 15 min. to get to the gates. Usually if you're there first thing, you get to park in the outside parking area (pinnochio?) so it's only a 2 min walk to the tram. I've always made it to the gates before DL opened but by then the lines were getting long so if you didn't have a group to drop of and get a spot you would be at the end of a long line.

We will be using EE for the first time this weekend, and plan on doing the same thing.....I'm figuring the parking will be easier that early in the morning but we'll see!!

 

[luvsmickey1968]

I want to thank Hydroguy for this thread/topic because as a person who has not stayed at a hotel that was not within walking distance before October 2008, I would not have considered the option of a taxi but think it is a great idea.
We always stay within walking distance and we prefer it as we feels it gives us more flexibility.
However, in October we needed more room and I got a fabulous rate at the Residence Inn in Garden Grove.
This hotel is definitely not within walking distance.
We took the ART most days and although I agree that it can be a little inconvenient, on a whole I think it is a great system. Mind you, I am a transit user so I am used to a little inconvenience.
One day we went shopping and decided to go to Disneyland afterwards so figured we might as well park at Disneyland.
What a hassle!
First we entered on Harbour Blvd., they took our money but then directed us to Mickey and Friends parking lot.
Then once we found our space, we had to make sure that we made good note of it since that parking lot is so immense.
Find the exit, go down all the escalators, wait for a tram, board, take it to Downtown Disney and then walk to the main gates.
The tram doesn't even take you to the gates!
Then when we wanted to leave, we had to again get the tram, go to the parking lot, find our vehicle and then, it seemed to us that we could only go one way which was the opposite direction of our hotel.
As we don't know the area, this confused us!
All and all, we found this a big hassle and never drove again.
The suggestion about the taxi is a good one, I think, for anyone that wants to stay in a nice suite hotel but not be inconvenienced by the ART or driving your own car.