Opinions please: best transpotation option for family of 4 flying into SNA with lots of luggage

[sgrap]

I have read the thread on transportation but still can't get a grip on what would be our best option. Family of 4 flying into Orange County, 2 adults 2 teens, we always bring way too much luggage. I don't want to rent a car this trip. Staying at GCH (VGC). Shuttle? Taxi? Uber? I know we can get the flat rate taxi on the way back to the airport, but what is best flying in? We have done the Disneyland Express in the past and it was kind of a pain. We definitely will need more than a normal sedan style taxi, but we have fit in a minivan taxi from LGB on prior trips. If we need a minivan size taxi should we arrange that ahead of time? Thanks!

 

[Gisele]

I would look into a larger Lyft or Uber vehicle. Unless you can get a better flat rate mini van taxi, the former will most likely save you money.

 

[sgrap]

I would look into a larger Lyft or Uber vehicle. Unless you can get a better flat rate mini van taxi, the former will most likely save you money.

Great, thank you. We live in a rural area so I'm unfamiliar with exactly how Uber or Lyft works. Can you arrange the rides ahead of time, or do you just request one once you arrive?

 

[ParkHopper1]

UberXL is the way to go which is a larger car than UberX...but if you are unfamiliar and unsure about Uber...taxi van is the easiest and fastest in my opinion. They will have taxis on standby so there is no waiting and if you will not fit in a standard taxi they will put you in the next taxi van which are usually in the standby line for the same cost. Cost should be about $45 plus tip from SNA to GCH. You can not pre-arrange a taxi at the airport. You can pre-arrange a car service like a limo or town car but that is a bit overkill for a quick trip in my opinion.

Personally I HATE shuttles and waiting and I am one that will ALWAYS rent a car at a destination just so I have complete control but there there is really zero need for a rental car at Disneyland. I will always just Uber or Taxi over from SNA.

Just for comparison UberX would be $25-$25, Uber XL $35 ish, Taxi $45 plus tip.

...but my last two SNA trips Uber drivers took 15+ min to show up which was irritating. I almost canceled and hopped in a Taxi as they were sitting right there ready to go.

 

[SMD]

You can schedule a ride with Uber, but I'm not sure you can with an airport pick up, and I think it's only UberX, not XL. With Lyft I know you can only request a 10 minute pickup window, which doesn't work well with airport arrivals. Make sure you order an Uber XL, or Lyft Plus otherwise you could end up with a compact car. I know at LAX there is a dispatch for taxis that will make sure you have a large enough vehicle. For a smaller airport like SNA you might want to make sure you have the number of one of the approved taxi providers so that you can call for a larger vehicle if

 

[Gisele]

It would be when you are ready to be picked up. Uber X fits 4 people. And at this time would be @$21 from sna to gch. Uber XL fits 6 people and at this time would cost @$35.00
You can download the lyft and uber apps to see who can give you the best rate at the time. Be aware of price surging. So hopefully if you choose uber or lyft, at the time you request whichever it may be, it will be at regular rates.
First time users can receive a free ride or a discounted ride. Just put the code into the app. It will figure it out for you.

 

[Gisele]

Here are the current promo code offers by the apps.

https://www.lyft.com/promo-coupon-code-free-rides

http://www.fareestimate.com/uber/

 

[Geemo]

Several times I have landed at SNA with 4 adults and 2 kids, ALL with luggage and backpacks.
I also don't want to wait for a shuttle service or pre-arranged ride to show up.
We just head out to the taxi area, tell the director where we're going and how many in the group.
They send us to a mini-van and off we go. I also as the driver for flat rate to the hotel.
Taxi is the fasted way from the airport to the hotel.

Geemo

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

Check the prices for a private car service, like Lansky. They'll help you with your luggage, stop at a grocery store, and you'll find that the price breaks down to less than the cost of a shuttle once you've got four people.

 

[DL_Forever]

Question on Lyft or Uber. Can either of those provide carseats if requested? I hate lugging the carseats through the airport.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Question on Lyft or Uber. Can either of those provide carseats if requested? I hate lugging the carseats through the airport.

Negative. Your only non car seats options are to hire a pre arranged car service that will provide a car seat or shuttle bus where car seats are not required. Taxi and Uber/Lyft you need to bring your own.