Meeting someone at Santa Ana Airport?

[barbaraann]

I need some advice. I will be flying into the Santa Ana airport on Wednesday January the 26th. My flight arrives about 1 o'clock or just before. I was planning on getting the Disneyland XPress bus and taking it to the Howard Johnson hotel where I am staying. I have asked a friend to come and stay with me on my first night, and we will be going to Disneyland the next day together.

My friend uses a wheelchair to get around at the parks. She drives, and I understand her car is equipped with hand controls. She wants to pick me up at the airport. I appreciate her kindness, but I was wondering if it would be easier for her, if I just meet her at the hotel. Once we get to the hotel, she said that she leaves the wheelchair in the car, and she uses her crutches to get around.

I also know that I will be starving once I arrive in California, and getting picked up by her would be nice. We could then stop for a meal first before we even get to the hotel and check in. That would definitely be convenient. I am not planning on visiting a park on my very first night, I believe once we check in, we might just spend the entire evening in the room.

So, how easy is it to meet someone at the John Wayne Airport. Would it be a real hazzle? Or is it a simple thing? I have flown into this airport before, and it does seem a whole lot simpler than LAX.

I have booked a Queen Deluxe room, and I understand I will be in building 2. If my friend is with me when I check in, perhaps that will be an advantage in getting a room that would be easier for her to navigate at the hotel, even if it is only for one evening.

I guess most of this might sound quite obvious to some, but I am split down the middle about how I want to handle this.

Thanks for any replies that are forethcoming.

 

[tinkcollector]

I have picked up my friend at John Wayne many times. Tell your friend that you will meet her at the curb in front of the terminal. You are not allowed to park here, but to drop off or pick up quickly is okay.
As for eating before you check-in. You have a wonderful restaurant called "Mimi's" next to the Howard Johnsons.
I am a little worried about your friend using her crutches to get around. You have a nice walk (not far, maybe the length of two city blocks) to get to the gates. Then of course in the parks you will be doing lots of walking.
Also, I would call HoJo's and ask if you are on the ground floor of building 2. I believe building 2 has no elevators, only stairs. They may want to move you to another room that your friend can access.

 

[barbaraann]

I am trying to talk through the logistics of doing the easiest thing for my friend.

First of all, she is an annual passholder, and she visits the parks a lot. She just has never stayed at the Howard Johnson. I asked her to come stay with me the first night, because that day I am not going to the park. I figured we could enjoy the park together all day on Thursday together, which is the day after I arrive. I then have a full 6 days. The first being the day I plan to spend with this particular friend. She lives in nearby Redondo Beach.

I figure her car can stay in the HoJo lot, and we can ride the ART together, since that is the way that I plan on getting around.

I know about Mimi's restaurant. I ate there on my last vacation two years ago.

I didn't know about building two not having elevators. I guess I should call ahead, and ask a few questions.

 

[Disney Dreams]

As TInkcollector stated, it is very easy to pick someone up from SNA. Make sure she has your flight information. She can call ahead to track your arrival time and plan accordingly. At SNA, people "do the loop" when picking someone up. Basically, you get to area on the curb where your airline is, slow down to see if your party is there. If they are, it's very easy to pull over, have someone hop in with luggage, etc... (police allow this as long as you are loading or unloading). If they are not there, you keep driving and do the loop around the airport (a few minutes drive) and pass by again.

It's easy. If she offered, I'd let her do it.

From how I am reading your post, she will use her wheelchair in the Parks, but crutches to get around at HoJos. Is this correct?

I suppose the key is - she's aware of her needs and will let you know what she needs if there is something specific. A ground floor room would probably be nice, but I would not worry too much about logistics (for her) as I am sure she is aware of her needs and would mention them to you if needed.

Have a great trip and a nice visit with your friend. Getting picked up at the airport is always nicer than hitching a shuttle or a taxi. How wonderful to have a friend offer.

- Dreams

 

[pixiewings71]

Bldgs 1 & 2 have elevator's, I've used them.
Bldgs 3-6 do not have elevators. I've stayed in every bldg at the HoJo so I know what I'm talking about.

I've never flown tho so I can't help you there, sorry. I will say Mimi's is very very good and if you're looking for a good meal close to your hotel you can't go wrong with Mimi's!!

 

[dalepool]

First off ---- HAVE A FUN VISIT WITH YOUR FRIEND.

I WOULD TAKE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO HOTEL, CUTS OUT ONE STEP. WELL UNLESS FRIEND PASSES SNA ANYWAY. NO SENSE BEING ON THE CALIFORNIA HWY IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO.

YOU CAN ALWAYS TAKE CAR TO RESTAURANT AFTER YOU GET TO HOTEL.

I WONDER IF ONE OF THE ELECTRIC CARTS WOULD BE EASIER FOR FRIEND. HUSBAND BRINGS HIS OWN ON PLANE WHEN WE TRAVEL. SHE SOUNDS LIKE A GO GETTER LEAVING WHEEL CHAIR IN CAR AND USES CRUTCHES AT DL.

MY BEST ADVICE IS TO GO HALF SPEED AND ENJOY FRIEND AND TRIP

HAVE FUN
PATTY