Out of state visitors - lots of questions

[htegler]

Best time for short lines.
Best time for weather being nice.
Best time for long park hours.
Best time for most rides being opened.

Car - rent one or not?
Coming from SNA - is there a shuttle. If it is not Disney what's the best company to use?
Hotels - not too expensive or one that we can get a good deal. One with a shuttle if needed.
Good places to eat - on site and near the parks - any meal

We plan to stay 3 to 5 days.

 

[skiingfast]

No car is needed, unless you find a great deal that beats the shuttle costs.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2318297


Weather
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158

High and Low seasons have thier pros and cons.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36509602


By chance have you been to WDW a lot? DLR guide for WDW vets
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[Geemo]

Best time for short lines.
Disney's Super Value Pricing times are times of low crowds. January, February or September

Best time for weather being nice.
I feel the weather is most always nice in So.Cal.

Best time for long park hours.
Peak Season. Late April to first of May, early August, ThanksGiving and Christmas Break

Best time for most rides being opened.
Peak Season

Car - rent one or not?
Depends on your budget or if you plan to tour the area.
Coming from SNA - is there a shuttle. If it is not Disney what's the best company to use?
Disney has their express bus. Disney also contracts with Yellow Cab for FlatRateFairs to various destinations in and around Disney Resorts. Shuttles - Super Shuttle or 24-7 Ride Shuttle
Hotels - not too expensive or one that we can get a good deal. One with a shuttle if needed.
Go online and see which hotels are within your budget. Disney has three Resort Hotels and there are numerous GoodNeighbor hotels all around the Parks.
Good places to eat - on site and near the parks - any meal
Too many to list....

We plan to stay 3 to 5 days.
Stay FIVE you'll be glad you did!