Need driving help!!

[nannyz]

We will be driving from AZ to Disneyland. We have driving directions but have been flying to CA for the past several visits and haven't driven to CA for many years.
I know the CA freeways are crazy and I'm concerned about making the turnoffs without getting killed!! I get so nervous driving on the busy freeways.
Of course we will be coming in on I-10. Our directions say to take SR60 to CA91 to SR57 to Katella.
My question is -- if anyone is famliar with these roads, how tricky is it to get on the 60 and the 91 -- do I need to be in certain lanes or anything? Will the turnoffs be easy to do?
Thanks so much!!

 

[DangerMouse]

The 60 to the 91 transition has been under construction since . . . well FOREVER. The exit is easy to miss, and marked horribly with signage (they give you no warning at all).

Our preferred route from Phoenix is the 10 all the way to the 57 then South to Ball or Katella (whichever exit you prefer). It's less transitions, and depending on traffic, adds little to no time to the drive.

 

[MickeyManiac]

I can't help with driving directions from AZ and I don't know if it's in the budget, but get a GPS. If you can't purchase one maybe you can borrow one from a friend or family member. I love, love, love my GPS. It never ceases to amaze me that I can get anywhere on a California freeway now. It's a miracle!!!

 

[Huff]

I always take I-10 to 60 to 91 to 57. It's faster. You could take I-10 to I-215 to 91 which is ok but a little further.

The I-10 to 60 transition its clearly marked. You'll be in the left hand lanes. The 60 to 91 is in my opinion not well marked but I'm used to it. Most construction is finally completed. You'll be in the right hand lane. The exit is labeled Main Street/Riverside/I-215/91 and may also say Beach Cities. If you do miss the 91 then just continue on 60 to 57 south.

Exit to 57 is clearly marked. From the 57 you'll want to exit either Ball or Katella depending on where around Disneyland you are heading. Ball road for hotels on the north side or to the Mickey and Friends parking. Katella for south side hotels.

 

[nannyz]

Thank you so much for responding so quickly.
I have saved your advice and help and feel much better about making this trip.
I'm so glad I found this website!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

The 60 to the 91 transition has been under construction since . . . well FOREVER. The exit is easy to miss, and marked horribly with signage (they give you no warning at all).

Our preferred route from Phoenix is the 10 all the way to the 57 then South to Ball or Katella (whichever exit you prefer). It's less transitions, and depending on traffic, adds little to no time to the drive.

I agree w/DangerMouse on the route. I drive to El Paso & back a lot and I've driven on both the 10 and the 60 (though I usually take them to the 605 to get to my house).

The 60 goes through hills and there are a lot of fast-driving big trucks on that part of the road. It's confusing, especially at night. I consider the 10 to be safer with wider roads, and it might be longer, but to me the distance is negligible (after 12 hours on the road from El Paso, an additional 10-15 minutes doesn't matter to me).

I'd also recommend the 10 to the 57 south to either Ball or Katella.

Have a fun & safe trip.

 

[Huff]

60 to 91 to 57 to Katella and Harbor is 65 miles.

Taking I-10 all the way to 57 south adds 10 miles. Not a big deal but sometimes traffic can get bad around Ontario. 60 through Moreno Valley can get some traffic just east of the 91. 60 does go through the mountains but only 3 or 4 miles worth and is all good road. I prefer the 60 as its shorter and I've always found less traffic and more scenic. Either way is good and not that much difference.

 

[mechurchlady]

The 60 to the 91 transition has been under construction since . . . well FOREVER. The exit is easy to miss, and marked horribly with signage (they give you no warning at all).

Our preferred route from Phoenix is the 10 all the way to the 57 then South to Ball or Katella (whichever exit you prefer). It's less transitions, and depending on traffic, adds little to no time to the drive.

I like this answer the best and agree with her. Some parts of California are permanent construction area and seem never to get finished. On Google you can change the route to suit your needs. DangerMouse's route is 11 mile longer and easier.

If you decide to take the 91 then use Google maps and the street view to see what the signs look like and get a feel of how the trip works. I did that for my San Antonio trip. You can even print out the pictures for a step by step guide. If you take the 91 and end up on the 60 then you can take it to the 57 south.