I-15 on Columbus Day Weekend

[Pamb]

We will be driving from Utah on Sunday, Oct 11th. I have been advised by many people to avoid driving into Cal from LV on Sunday nights because of all the cars going home on Sunday nights.

My original plan was to stay with family in St. George Utah and get up early on Monday morning and drive the rest of the way in then hit the park. Now I want to be at the park at opening on the 12th. When I planned the trip I didn't realize it was Columbus Day weekend ( it is DH's birthday that day so I was thinking about the "get in free" bonus instead) but now with the holiday and extended hours I want to be there at opening, take a nap in the afternoon, then go back later.

So the question is: With Monday being a holiday, what should I expect for traffic if we do drive in on Sunday night instead of Monday morning? What should I expect for traffic if we try to arrive around 7am Monday morning instead?

Also, what should I expect for lines to pick up our tickets on Monday morning? I was planning on buying them from Getaway Today Travel then we just pick up our park hoppers when we get there. What time would the ticket windows and security open on a day the park opens at 8am?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

There are many schools that don't have it for a holiday, I know we haven't in our area since I was in elementary school.

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

My kids don't have the day off either (Northern California public school) but DH does...

 

[Brady's Mom]

I've used GAT for tickets before and they are really easy to use. One thing I wish I had known was that I could pick up the tickets at the ticket booth the night before we actually went to the park. The tickets aren't activated until you use them for the first time.

That way if you get them Sun. night instead of Mon. morning you can get in as soon as the Park opens. I don't have any experience driving to Cal. on a Sun. night, but if you are driving from St. George it should only take you about 6 ish hours to get to Anaheim. You could plan to leave earlier or later to miss the rush of people going home to Cal. I personally would leave earlier and maybe add an extra day to my ticket so I could go in on Sun. since they are open later and parades and shows and fireworks run on the weekend.

On Sunday Fantasmic and fireworks are running and also on Monday. Both days have extended hours and Tuesday hours aren't bad either. It might be worth it to add another day or change your days around to have 2 chances to see fireworks since they can be cancelled if the winds are bad.

 

[mybestieismickey]

I would say that Sunday night would be just like any other Sunday night. You will likley encounter a great deal of traffic between Vegas and the Cajon Pass. Especially since they always seem to be doing construction in that stretch. Just make sure that you drive carefully and pay attention to what the cars in front of you are doing. Also, I haven't done the drive since June, but there was an "express" lane on the California side of Primm that trucks weren't allowed in. If it's still there, take advantage. That hill can be a killer if you're stuck behind a truck.

Also, if you're worried about time, give yourself a cusion when going through Vegas. The north side has been under construction for...ever. We live in St George and go through Vegas frequently. It always takes us longer than we think to get through. It can be very frustrating when you're trying to catch a flight or get to Disneyland...

And I just want to say I am very greatful that DH does all the driving

ETA: DH said just leave on Saturday so you can be there on Sunday afternoon.

 

[kailuagirl]

I kinda agree with the driving on Saturday if you can. I have no clue how long of a drive you will have, but it sounds long, so given that you might want to also get there early so you'll have fresh legs and lots of energy for the parks.

At the end of June we drove from DL to Vegas and left on a Sunday. Traffic going to Vegas was great, we left about noonish. But traffic back to California was terrible. Bumper to bumper. We returned back to CA on a Wednesday, left Vegas around 3 and traffic was good all the way to riverside and then we were dead stop for a long time due to construction.

It's hard to say what the holiday weekend will do, because like other's said alot of folks don't get that holiday. I'd hate for you to be stuck forever in traffic.

How long are you going to DL for?