Least crowded security checkpoint on a Saturday

[Angrose]

I will be getting to Anaheim at around 8:30am this Saturday. I can either rent a car and park at the Mickey and Friends structure or taxi/Uber to one of the other security entrances (DTD, DLH or Harbor). I'm flying into SNA and already have a car reserved for $15 for the day (I know, crazy cheap) and parking is included in my signature AP. I just don't want it to take an hour to park, get through security, wait for a tram, etc. I'm wondering if Ubering to one of the other entrances makes more sense. Any thoughts?

I'm flying back home to Norcal late that night...this is my crazy day trip to celebrate Pirates of the Caribbean's 50th anniversary!

 

[Brians_myth]

This won't make any sense, but entrance #13. The stigma is real and you'll reap the benefits. Just show up 45 minutes early to beat the long lines. You should have less people in that lane than the others. As far as security, I've never had an issue with the gate by the bus stops. YMMV.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I would try either DtD or DLH. The last few Saturdays, we've had really long waits at the M&F checkpoint. The other two checkpoints haven't been bad at all. If you park in the structure, you can look to see if there is a back up at the checkpoint. If so, walk to DtD. The walk won't take long. Then you still can take the tram back at the end of your day. Have fun!

 

[Angrose]

I would try either DtD or DLH. The last few Saturdays, we've had really long waits at the M&F checkpoint. The other two checkpoints haven't been bad at all. If you park in the structure, you can look to see if there is a back up at the checkpoint. If so, walk to DtD. The walk won't take long. Then you still can take the tram back at the end of your day. Have fun!

I have a feeling that DtD or DLH will be less crowded. I’ve read a few recent trip reports where it’s been reported that the Mickey and Friends structure is super busy so people have walked to the DtD check point. I think I will just get a Lyft to DtD to avoid any delays. Thanks!

 

[pharmama]

I have a feeling that DtD or DLH will be less crowded. I’ve read a few recent trip reports where it’s been reported that the Mickey and Friends structure is super busy so people have walked to the DtD check point. I think I will just get a Lyft to DtD to avoid any delays. Thanks!

I think this is an excellent choice. You could lose A LOT of precious time if you get to M&F only to find them re-routing to Toy Story or another lot (been there, done that) which wouldn't surprise me based on your approximate arrival time.

That said, I wouldn't be too scared of the security wait at M&F. We were there on a couple very busy days after New Years (including a day the parks were closed to new admission due to capacity) and the lines were long at M&F but moved well. So much better than the old security checkpoint after the trams and at the entrance to the esplanade.

 

[Xenorye]

Wife and I are going to arrive on a Wednesday, staying at the Desert Palms, probably entering the parks just before noon. On that day, should we walk and use the Harbor entrance, or will security be backed up crazy far? We don't mind spending a few bucks to Lyft over to DtD and using those security entrances.

Likewise, on our other days, if we plan on arriving an hour before rope drop (or more), will security be okay on the Harbor side, or should we plan to Lyft and walk through DtD every day?