Need help from some DLR vets please...

[ColoradoDis]

We're arriving from Denver at 6:45 pm on Thurs, Nov 29 at LAX. We're staying at the Embassy Suites South (Harbor Blvd) for three nights.

I'm struggling with how to get to the hotel and whether it is worth it to rent a car or whether we can get by with ART and the Disneyland Express.

Do you think we'll get to DLR in time for dinner on the night we arrive? I'm not sure how long it takes to get there from LAX at that time. If we are there in time for dinner, how can we get to Downtown Disney for dinner if we don't have a car? Does ART run after the parks are closed?

I'm a WDW vet so I know what to do there (I always have a car), I just don't know Southern CA well enough to decide.

Thanks for your help.

 

[DLR29]

I would highly recommend getting an ART pass. The Embassy is a little far to walk (15-20 minutes each way). I don't think a car is necessary because you can get everywhere you will want to via ART, Magical Express, and walking.

I seriously doubt you will make it to DTD in time for a decent dinner because that is prime rush hour traffic thorugh LA. You might make it to your hotel around 8 if you're lucky. I'd just eat at the hotel's restaurant, or find somewhere close to grab a bite.

Here's the ART website which has prices, hours, and routes.
http://www.rideart.org

It looks like the Embassy is on the lime green route which only has 2 other hotels which means it won't be many stops before DL. From the hours schedule it looks like the last ART to leave the DL stop is 30 minutes after park closing and the last bus to the DL stop is 15 minutes before park closing.

 

[Feistygirl916]

I agree with the previous post as well...

8pm is about the time you will arrive at your hotel. If the parks are closed, there will be no ART busses.

I would rely on the ART busses, as they are very nice to have so close. We always stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, which is right next door to the Embassy Suites South, and the ART came every 15-20 minutes. Walk right out the door of your hotel, and there is the stop. It takes about 5-10 minutes to get there, and they drop you really close!

For dinner, I would NOT eat at the hotel. In my experience there, it is not quality food or service. Buca de Beppo is right there in the parking lot, and they have wonderful Italian food... I would suggest there to eat if you are looking for something nice.

Have fun on your trip!

 

[CalGal]

I agree with the Feistygirl916. There is no reason to rent a car. The ART is generally going to much quicker, cheaper, and convenient than driving to the parks. (Don't walk; it's pretty far, especially after a long day of walking at the parks). DisneylandExpress or a shuttle is a fine way to get to the hotel. However, by the time you get to the hotel, it will be pretty late (probably closer to 9 PM). There are restaurants very close to the hotel and I've heard plenty of good things about Buca de Beppo.