Need Locals' Traffic Advice

[Canyon girl]

To all locals out there:
I have a dilemma. We were not planning to go to DL again until Sept, but a possible opportunity has popped up. Dh is going to Laguna Hills in early May for a couple of days for work. Kids and I are contemplating hopping a ride with him. How is the drive from Laguna Hills to DLR? About how long should I expect the drive to take early enough in the morning to get to DLR for park opening? What is the best way to go? I am wavering because I am not a big traffic person (ie rush hour). Is it doable commuting from Laguna Hills, or should I look for a place for the kids and I to stay in Anaheim? I hate doing that; since, dh's room is already paid for. Thanks!!!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

The commute isn't that far. Our wedding photographer was in Laguna Hills and our wedding was at the GCH. It's 29 miles and can take anywhere from 26 minutes to up to 45 minutes in traffic.

I put a call into Wendy, one of my fellow DL correspondents who lives in the OC and she can give you further advice.

Have fun and enjoy your surprise trip!

 

[sonnyjane]

Of course it depends on where specifically in Laguna Hills, but it's about 20 miles and more or less a straight shot on I-5 North to Harbor Blvd. I would definitely try to go earlier than rush hour or later in the day after it, because 20 miles could easily be an hour in my experience driving through LA, but nothing that would justify getting a separate hotel room, in my opinion.

 

[Canyon girl]

Thank you so much for the quick info! We are not 100% the kids and I are going. We are still crunching the numbers. What time is rush "hour"? What time would be a good time to get up to the park before traffic?

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Most freeways are good before 7 - 7:30. However, that depends on the direction of traffic flow in that area. Up north here, the south and eastbound lanes of traffic bog down (for traffic flowing into the main city), but I'm not completely sure how the OC works. It has different business centers and traffic issues seem to go both ways.

 

[Diznut84]

Leave at 9am (after rush hour) and stay late!

 

[wendyinoc]

It's 45 to 1 hour in traffic. Normally it takes about 15-20 minutes if its clear. No way around this as well. Go to love the 5 Freeway
You can also take the train. Pick it up in Irvine. Its about 10-15 from Laguna Hills. You can then grab the Art to Disneyland.

 

[Canyon girl]

Thanks for the info! I would probably leave at 7. What time would Mickey and Friends be open for parking? We are still debating back and forth. If we put dh on a plane, he can be there in 3-5 hours. If we drive (about 1000 miles round trip), we would have only 1 day or maybe 2. I'm glad that if we do go, it would be doable from dh's hotel. We would be at DL on 5/7 (maybe 5/8 too) if we go.

 

[Disney Dreams]

It's 45 to 1 hour in traffic. Normally it takes about 15-20 minutes if its clear. No way around this as well. Go to love the 5 Freeway

This is exactly correct. (I might say a bit more than 15-20 in clear traffic unless you like to drive fast.)

Add in time to park and take the tram if you are trying to figure door to gate.

- Dreams

 

[Dizneydaz]

When in Sept. are you thinking of going? The parks open later after Labor Day than before. DD9 and I go alot in Sept. since she's offtrack. I love it in Sept.

I just checked a Times Guides from Sept. 08. Maybe this info will help.

Mon. Sept. 15-Th. Sept. 18
DL 10-8, DCA 10-6

This was the only Sept. guide I could find but the weekday hours are pretty typical.

So, if the parks don't open until 10, you could leave LH anywhere from 8-8:30 and still be at DLR by park opening. (unless there's a sig alert, then all bets are off! )

Have fun!

 

[GreatDane]

I've made that drive daily for 15 years. If you are on the 5 North before 7:00 am. I would count on 30 minutes from the time get on the freeway until you exit.

 

[Canyon girl]

Thanks GreatDane! Sounds like it won't be bad at all!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Based on your ticker it looks like you are going around Sept. 12th, right? Parks will most likely open at 10 a.m. (except on the weekends and then traffic won't be a big factor.)

 

[Canyon girl]

Based on your ticker it looks like you are going around Sept. 12th, right? Parks will most likely open at 10 a.m. (except on the weekends and then traffic won't be a big factor.)

This is a possible trip the first week of May. Dh has to go to Laguna Hills for work that week. We are going in Sept., but I am considering bumming a ride with dh in May if it works out. If not, dh will have to fly.

 

[Dizneydaz]

This is a possible trip the first week of May. Dh has to go to Laguna Hills for work that week. We are going in Sept., but I am considering bumming a ride with dh in May if it works out. If not, dh will have to fly.

OK. DL will probaly open at 9 or 10 (based on past calendars) weekdays during May. DCA probably at 10.

 

[DBL101]

I would probably avoid 5 North between 7:30 and 9:00. I'm often heading south between 8:00 and 8:30 and see the north side backed up.