How to get from San Diego to DLR??

[Mom 2 Two]

Hi guys! We have finally decided to extend my husband's business trip to San Diego and add a day at DLR. (just the 2 of us... we are so excited!!). So now I have so many questions. We were thinking of renting a car and driving to DL. Should we even consider driving in the morning? We would like to get there for the park opening since we are only going to have one day in the parks. How early would we need to leave San Diego? I am not sure where in San Diego we are staying, but I think it is downtown. Anyway, our other option is to drive in late the night before. What would you do? We are very anxious about the California traffic, and would like to avoid it as much as possible.

Ok, next question. What hotel would you recommend? I have read the posts about the parking problem with some of the good neighbor hotels. I like a nice hotel, but it doesn't have to be over the top since we will be spending the entire day in the parks.

Thanks in advance. I know you guys will have some great suggestions!

 

[Magix]

To drive, you'd just take the 5 fwy all the way up, which takes about 2 hours without traffic. You'll only hit bad traffic in the morning if you're traveling on a weekday. If that will be the case, I'd recommend coming the night before, just to play it safe so you can be there for park opening. Another option is to take the Amtrak, which departs from San Diego downtown, then choose a hotel that has a shuttle that will pick you up at the depot in Anaheim (or take a cab).

 

[nun69]

I say go the night before just so you won't be in morning traffic!!! I Lived in San Diego for 3 years and that morning traffic up I-5 can be rough...then you will be rested the next mroning instead of having to sit through traffic you can just have some breakfast and hit the park (just my thoughts)

 

[hidetherum]

To drive, you'd just take the 5 fwy all the way up, which takes about 2 hours without traffic. You'll only hit bad traffic in the morning if you're traveling on a weekday. If that will be the case, I'd recommend coming the night before, just to play it safe so you can be there for park opening. Another option is to take the Amtrak, which departs from San Diego downtown, then choose a hotel that has a shuttle that will pick you up at the depot in Anaheim (or take a cab).

Our group of 12 which includes 5 kids under 5 is going the Amtrak route. The kids are almost as excited about riding a "train" as they are about Disney!

 

[I Heart Disneyland!]

I would honestly leave early in the morning to beat rush hour, and come back to S.D. in the evening, after rush hour.

Have a wonderful time!!!!

 

[Mom 2 Two]

Thanks for all your replies. We are leaning towards driving in the night before. If we left in the morning, what time would you recommend us leaving San Diego? Lets assume the park opens at 8am.

Also, tell me more about Amtrak. Is there a shuttle to and from the amtrak?

TIA!

 

[Califgirl]

I love taking the train up! You will get off at the Anaheim station and take a taxi to your hotel or the parks (@$10) Check the train schedule for return trips, as I'm not sure how late they run.

I would take the train up the afternoon/evening before, check into a hotel, and enjoy DTD that evening. Then the next morning you would be there for park opening and get the maximum time and enjoyment at the parks.

To check train schedules, I believe it is the Amtrak Surfliner that goes from San Diego to Anaheim. Not sure what the Metrolink does, but that's another train service to check. Maybe someone who has used the Metrolink could post. I always end up on the Amtrak. fares are about $12pp each way, plus your taxi 2@$10 each way. You can decide if it is cheaper or more convenient than renting a car would be for you.

 

[Disney Anna]

I lie in San Diego near downtown. It's about 99 miles from my front door to Mickey and Friends parking structure. Without traffic, it takes 1.5 hours.

It's key to know if you are traveling on weekday or weekend. Weekdays are tough because of morning traffic. If you are going on a weekday, it is probably best to go up the night before. This will be less stressful. But, either get out of San Diego no later than 2 p.m. Or else, don't leave till 7 p.m.

It's easier to go up on a weekend. I never hit traffic on weekend going up. I leave home by 7 or 7:30 and am there 1.5 hours later. Go on a Sunday v. a Saturday if you can. Way less crowds at parks.

Re: hotel. I stayed at Howard Johnson's..can get some good rates through mousesavers.com. It's a preferred hotel. It's right across the street from parks. Room is not fancy, very plain. But it's safe and clean. I go there because it's a good deal, but it's not the most fantastic place you'll ever stay at. It is convenient, though, and it's near a Mimi's Cafe which is a good place to get breakfast or pie late at nite. You are also near a McDonald's and several other restaurtants.

Have a great time.

 

[Mom 2 Two]

Disney Anna, we are going to be travelling on a weekday. No choice there, but maybe the crowds at the parks will be lower than on a weekend. (hopefully )

I am definitely going to look into the Amtrak. We have never been on an Amtrak before, so that should be fun.

Has anyone ever stayed at the Sheraton Park or Anaheim? Can you give me some perspective oln distance from the parks? Are these nice hotels? I have heard good things about the HoJo. We might just go with that one.