I'm Back! Hotel & AP help requested; Driving to Vegas from DLR on Friday night??

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Hello everyone!!!
I haven't been to DLR since Sept 2009 IIRC, after having gone almost every year and often, multiple times during the previous years... So I was wondering what's new? I'm going to Vegas for a 2 day conference, and then to DLR for 3 days. We'll be there from June 13-15. I plan on buying an AP at that time. Can any of you tell me the cost of an AP now? Also, I know I'm crazy to ask, but any AP deals during that time? I think Hojos is just about sold out on those dates, and they aren't offering the Entertainment rate, FFI seems to be sold out as I couldn't find rooms there when trying to book through Marriott, so suggestions for inexpensive, but good value hotels/motels in the area, preferably walking distance, would be appreciated. I know, I know, crazy to be booking so late, but this is a last minute trip. I'm looking for inexpensive because I am paying 3x what I would normally pay for airfare since it's so freaking last minute. Which brings me to my next question regarding traffic to Vegas from Cali on a Friday night:
If I fly into LAX, I'll save about $400 on air, but would have to drive to Vegas on Friday the 10th for my conference which is the 11th & 12th. The upside, is I could fly out of LAX to go home, so I get the whole day of the 15th at DLR. If I fly to Vegas, I would be driving to LA on Monday the 13th and have to drive back to Vegas on Wednesday night the 15th for a Red eye back home that leaves at 1:55 am, and it's $400 more. I'm worried about traffic getting to Vegas from Cali. Is the traffic still a nightmare driving to Vegas from Cali on Fridays? What about if I left late -- like early Saturday morning around 1-2am?
Help please! Thank you!! Gish, I've missed these boards and I've missed Disneyland!!!

 

[skiingfast]

AP prices, Delux $329, Premium $459. You won't find a discount to buy a pass. Though the Premium offers no blocked days, includes parking, and has a higher discount for dining and shopping.


Drive to Vegas. Do you fell ok driving late, arriving late?

I don't know when you arrive in LA. But if you leave around noon that ok. If you leave around 3pm the problems start. If you leave around 10 pm it's ok, by midnight should be fine.

If you leave Vegas for LA on Sunday night you will also want to wait until late.

 

[geekypeach]

I can confirm the AP prices.

We drove from northern Utah and arrived home about a week or so ago. That stretch between Anaheim and LV is the worst, IMO. Once I'm past that leg, I'm cool, but that expanse of desert feels like it will never ever end! Ugh. I guess it all depends on your motivation and energy! It's definitely doable. But I wouldn't if I didn't have to.

 

[sonnyjane]

I can confirm the AP prices.

We drove from northern Utah and arrived home about a week or so ago. That stretch between Anaheim and LV is the worst, IMO. Once I'm past that leg, I'm cool, but that expanse of desert feels like it will never ever end! Ugh. I guess it all depends on your motivation and energy! It's definitely doable. But I wouldn't if I didn't have to.

I agree!!!

OP, Just for kicks, have you priced out flights going into Vegas and leaving from LAX, particularly at two one-way flights on Southwest or something? That drive is really something I really don't care for. We live in San Diego and have driven to Las Vegas at least a half a dozen times. On our most recent trip, we got a cheap flight on Southwest and I don't think I can ever go back to driving after that!

 

[robinjh7]

In April we drove from Anaheim to Vegas on Friday afternoon. NEVER AGAIN! We had an extra added THREE HOURS to get to Vegas! Bumper to bumper to bumper to bumper. So, yes, still a nightmare. I'd avoid it at all costs!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks for the info everyone!

I agree!!!
OP, Just for kicks, have you priced out flights going into Vegas and leaving from LAX, particularly at two one-way flights on Southwest or something? That drive is really something I really don't care for. We live in San Diego and have driven to Las Vegas at least a half a dozen times. On our most recent trip, we got a cheap flight on Southwest and I don't think I can ever go back to driving after that!

Sonny Jane, yes I priced it out on Southwest and the prices are high! To SNA it was looking like $160 per person per leg. Uggh! Didn't price it to LAX because we don't need to go to LAX except when we leave... Thanks!

 

[smile4stamps]

Where are you flying out of?