LAX or SNA into Disneyland?

[Shanti]

My 12 year-old son and I are going to take a quick weekend getaway trip to Disneyland in early November, Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. We'll be staying at Disneyland Hotel, and have already booked a Sunday afternoon flight out from the Orange County airport via SWA.

I'll be using SWA travel credits to book the incoming flight, so am limited to SWA. We have to do a Friday evening flight to avoid my son missing school (this is non-negotiable), so I have a choice between us arriving at LAX at 8:05pm or SNA at 10:20pm. LAX is slightly cheaper but not enough to swing the decision. I'm more concerned about timing. Which flight would you recommend?

 

[Kittyskyfish]

I fly into both LAX and SNA (happy with both airports) and in your case, LAX would work out better because it arrives much earlier. The difference is two hours and fifteen minutes. No matter how fast SNA is, you will arrive at the Disneyland hotel sooner if you fly into LAX, and I'm sure you two want to get to sleep at a reasonable hour. Take a taxi from LAX to save you further time.

 

[DellyHoliday]

I'd rather take the shorter flight (In my case it's SNA, this depends on where you're coming from of course), spend less time in the Uber to get to the hotel and arrive later than the other option. I personally prefer SNA over LAX anyways XD.

 

[bumbershoot]

No matter how fast SNA is, you will arrive at the Disneyland hotel sooner if you fly into LAX

Agreed.

 

[Shanti]

I'd rather take the shorter flight (In my case it's SNA, this depends on where you're coming from of course), spend less time in the Uber to get to the hotel and arrive later than the other option. I personally prefer SNA over LAX anyways XD.

Yes, I'd typically pick SNA from what I've read about the two airports, except that the SNA flight arrives later. Both flights are about the same duration, so that doesn't factor in.

I've decided to go with LAX, and have been on hold on the phone to SWA for 90 minutes because their website isn't working.

 

[millie0312]

Honestly I've flown into both and we have checked bags and little kids and both were ok. SNA is closer of a drive but I agree with pp that based on time LAX is your best bet- cheaper and gets you there before SNA. Early bedtime before a park day is always a plus lol

 

[Shanti]

Booked the flight into LAX. Thanks, everyone.