Huntington Beach to Disney questions

[Basefoot]

We are staying at Huntington Beach in late July. We will likely be going to the parks on Wednesday and Thursday. What is the best route to take from the beach to disney? How long might it take to get to parking lots in time for opening? Then how much time to allow for parking and shuttle? Thank you in advance for any info.

 

[PHXscuba]

We often stay in HB when we go to Disneyland. Presuming you are coming from the downtown/beach area, I'd allow up to 45 minutes to get to the parking structure. Any street going north, then east is good -- out of habit I personally take Magnolia up to Ball and come into the Mickey and Friends structure from the north side -- avoids DLR traffic.

When we did this last July it took less than 40 minutes to get to Mickey and Friends and we were early enough they parked us in the Pinocchio lot right next to the tram! I think we left HB at 6:30, got to the parking lot about 7:10, got onto a tram pretty quickly, and were through bag check on the esplanade before 7:30. (we went a little early because we had to buy tix)

PHXscuba

 

[jlmarr]

We are staying at Huntington Beach in late July. We will likely be going to the parks on Wednesday and Thursday. What is the best route to take from the beach to disney? How long might it take to get to parking lots in time for opening? Then how much time to allow for parking and shuttle? Thank you in advance for any info.

I'd say take Beach Blvd north to the 22 freeway, then right (east) to Harbor Blvd, then left (north) to the Toy Story parking lot. Altogether I'd say give it an hour. You might want to purchase your tickets online to eliminate standing in line at the ticket booths.

A tip: Thursday will be a Magic Morning Hours day so the gate won't open till the announced time. But on Wednesday there are no MM hours and on those days the gates will likely open early so you can be on Main Street for a "rope drop" at the announced opening time.

 

[Basefoot]

Thank you for your tips.

 

[CMHusband]

I'd say take Beach Blvd north to the 22 freeway, then right (east) to Harbor Blvd, then left (north) to the Toy Story parking lot. Altogether I'd say give it an hour. You might want to purchase your tickets online to eliminate standing in line at the ticket booths.

A tip: Thursday will be a Magic Morning Hours day so the gate won't open till the announced time. But on Wednesday there are no MM hours and on those days the gates will likely open early so you can be on Main Street for a "rope drop" at the announced opening time.

This is the best route. We live near the beach and can get to the park in under 25-35 minutes in the mornings. An now you can buy tickets in the parking lot at Toy Story and there is never a line. (Credit Card or ATM Only, no cash)
Toy story is a great place to park.

 

[lapdwife]

It's a 16 mile drive, but takes about a half hour and we're about as far from the freeway as we can get. Coming from the downtown area, just all depends on hitting the lights on Beach Blvd. I don't park in the TS lot because it's outdoors, I'd rather my car was under cover personally...
And depending how late July, you may have the US Open to enjoy too which I'm already excited for