Late late LAX arrival?

[zimaaaaah]

Trying to plan our first trip to DL for fall and have a total newbie question. We can fly direct to LAX but our flight would not get in until 10 pm. We would then have to rent a car and drive to DL. Should I be concerned about driving that drive late at night considering that neither DH or I have ever been to the area before? Of course we have GPS etc., but it would be in the dark and we would have 2 DD with us. Am I just paranoid or could it be a potential issue that i should avoid? Any help from experienced DL disers would be appreciated!

 

[AndyR]

Do you really need the car? You won't need it while at DL. If you need it for later in your trip, then I'd get the shuttle to DL and pick up the car later in your vacation.

Andy

 

[ttfn2u2pooh]

First off, is LAX your only option? You might also want to check on flights that go into SNA (John Wayne Airport) or even Long Beach Airport. Both of those are a little closer than LAX. Also, unless you REALLY need a car while you'll be at DL, check into other options... a town car rental (car with a driver who will get you there), a shuttle service, or you can see if your hotel may actually offer a shuttle by them.

I've driven the area (I'm out of town and was there for other reasons besides DL) and I hated the freeways. I had never been on a freeway that was 6 lanes wides. Scared the pee-whatts out of me. I would love to say that due to the lateness of your arrival, traffic might be a little lighter... but we are talking LA so you never know. But do know that DL seemed to be a pretty easy shot as far as driving there.... and it has it's own exit off of the freeway.

Before settling in on renting a car, take a look at other options for yourself. Plus, most of the hotels around DL also charge a per day parking fee.

 

[cyclenut]

You'll have to decide if you want to rent the car or not. I live here in socal and when I fly I try to book Long Beach first and LAX second. I've found it to be more expensive to fly in/out of SNA.

If you land at 10pm then you would probably be on the road by 10:45 or so. In addition to whatever your GPS may tell you, ask for the best route to Disnelyand from the rental counter. They should be able to advise of any road closures in the area and help you get onto the right freeway out of the airport. Those are things the GPS doesn't really tell you.

Once you are on your way, there should be few concerns about the late hour. I understand the worry about safety but it really isn't much of a worry at all on the freeways. There will be little to no traffic, meaning your trip from the airport to the Disney property should be pretty quick, less than 45 minutes. the GPS should tell you to take the 105 East to the 605 South to the 91 East to the 5 south and exit at DL.

SNA (John Wayne Airport) is easier and quicker if you can find an affordable flight. It's a little less than 30 minutes away. Long Beach airport would also take you about 30 minutes, but your route would likely take you through an area that is currently experiencing heavy construction and periodic road closures (405 Freeway at the 605 and 22 interchanges). While I usually prefer Long Beach, I suggest avoiding it for those heading to DL until after 2012 (when the construction is supposed to be done).

 

[brenda1966]

I would have no concerns about driving from LAX to DL at that time of night. I'd probably be pretty pleased I wasn't sitting that dreadful LA traffic!

 

[zimaaaaah]

Thanks for all the info! We can fly Allegiant straight from here to LAX cheaper than anything else into another airport. We are not near a major multi-carrier airport, so that is pretty set. We are actually adding DL to our original Grand Canyon trip when I figured out we could fly to LAX as cheap as to Vegas which was the original plan. Our reservations are for Wed-Sat at the GCanyon so we are flying in Friday and staying at DL until Tuesday then heading off to drive to Vegas and on to Grand Canyon on Wed. We have hotel reservations right at DL so if we really don't need a car maybe your suggestion of alternate transportation would be better. Does anyone know if there are rental car counters at one of the Disney hotels or very close by?

thanks again for the help!

 

[starkweatherink]

It's all about what you need in terms of convenience. I chose LAX because #1 - the plane tickets to LAX were on sale for about 80.00 from Utah. #2 - the car rental (including insurance) is 150.00 cheaper overall.

I choose to rent a car for convenience. Too many horror stories and issues with the shuttles out there and I like to run on my own schedule. That, and I'd like to be able to drive to the Walmart or even to the beach on my off days.

my point is just do what you think would be best for you.

 

[Quinnie]

You really don't need the car and could save a lot with out it, especially parking and gas $4 a gallon and more in LA. No matter what hotel you are staying at, they are going to have a free shuttle to Disney. Everything is right there. If you decide to forego the car, try shuttle2lax.com. They have a flat rate ... 20 for first person, 10 for each additional person, so 40 bucks for you guys. Better than taking a chance in a taxi and not knowing what e $$$ is going to be in the end.

 

[cyclenut]

Thanks for all the info! We can fly Allegiant straight from here to LAX cheaper than anything else into another airport. We are not near a major multi-carrier airport, so that is pretty set. We are actually adding DL to our original Grand Canyon trip when I figured out we could fly to LAX as cheap as to Vegas which was the original plan. Our reservations are for Wed-Sat at the GCanyon so we are flying in Friday and staying at DL until Tuesday then heading off to drive to Vegas and on to Grand Canyon on Wed. We have hotel reservations right at DL so if we really don't need a car maybe your suggestion of alternate transportation would be better. Does anyone know if there are rental car counters at one of the Disney hotels or very close by?

thanks again for the help!

You don't likely really need a car until you are ready to leave for the GCanyon. You should have no problem in arranging a pick up or drop off to the rental counter even if there isn't one in your hotel. Each of the majors are nearby DL. Make sure you have your car reservation set up in advance though. You'll need to plan for the vehicle return as well. I'm assuming you'll be coming back to fly out of LAX.

Some things to consider.
1) If you rent at the DL are counter, you'll likely need to return it to the DL are counter. That means you'll need a shuttle on your return as well, and allow for the extra time. By that time your $40 shuttle ride just became $80.
2) You may find that the weekly rental rate makes the car option almost as affordable, even if you leave it parked most of the time you are at DL.
3) How much does the Hotel you are staying at charge for parking?
4) Do you plan any side trips (or might you want to do any side trips) while at DL? Maybe a quick trip to a local beach?

I personally like the freedom of having my own car. It's worth the extra expense to me, even if I plan to take a shuttle most of the time once I'm at my destination.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I don't see an issue with renting a car and driving to DLR. I live near LAX and have driven those roads late at night several times. When you rent a car tell them you need directions to the 105 freeway. It's pretty easy from there to the resort and you won't be dealing with the daytime traffic that can slow things down.