Parking/ transportation questions

[traveljunkie]

Hello,
Last minute trip and we leave tomorrow and am staying offsite at the Hyatt and debating about the ART transportation vs. driving (which I REALLY don't want to do....).

1st ?: Tomorrow, if we try to drive to Mickey & Friends around 4:00, will parking already be full due to spring break crowds or maybe emptying back out a little?

2nd ?: For early mornings, is Mickey parking the most 'convenient' to try to navigate? Is Mickey the one located 1313 Disney drive (using mapquest to figure out directions)

3rd ?: is the ART transportation as questionable/non reliable/crowded as I've read? It will be 3 of us (so $4/pp)

4th ?: I have a non park day and want to go to DTD, is there a fee for parking there?

Nothing like last minute 'planning'.
Thanks!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hello,
Last minute trip and we leave tomorrow and am staying offsite at the Hyatt and debating about the ART transportation vs. driving (which I REALLY don't want to do....).

1st ?: Tomorrow, if we try to drive to Mickey & Friends around 4:00, will parking already be full due to spring break crowds or maybe emptying back out a little?

Sorry, can't help there but it would surprise me since many day trippers would be leaving at that time of day which should open things up.

2nd ?: For early mornings, is Mickey parking the most 'convenient' to try to navigate? Is Mickey the one located 1313 Disney drive (using mapquest to figure out directions)

I actually looked up that address and it threw me for a loop since it did not exist on Mapquest. But yes, the M&F structure is at:

1313 Disneyland drive

Actually, I think driving to DLR is the least efficient decision one could make. Just my opinion. See "Hidden Time Losses When Using a Car At DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1381580 It depends on your particular situation. So YMMV.

3rd ?: is the ART transportation as questionable/non reliable/crowded as I've read? It will be 3 of us (so $4/pp)

It is not that ART is unreliable, it is just that it is not completely reliable enough for some folks. After spending a couple thousand dollars on a DLR trip the last thing I want is to have a non-Disney shuttle like ART somehow mess up my attempt to get to the gates early and waste my time. Just to save a few dollars. Penny wise but pound foolish IMO.

Does that mean ART is a bad decision? No, lots of people use ART just fine. It depends on how intent you are to get to places on time.

4th ?: I have a non park day and want to go to DTD, is there a fee for parking there?

I believe it is free for 3 hours. If you buy something (a meal, or a gift) and show the receipt then I believe it is free for five hours.

 

[Malcon10t]

4th ?: I have a non park day and want to go to DTD, is there a fee for parking there?

The first three hours are free. After the 3 free, you can get 2 additional hours with validation. (Most restaurants and AMC offer validation.) After that, each hour is $6 (last I checked.)

 

[traveljunkie]

thank you for the quick responses! I agree totally about driving and wish I was staying walking distance but in order to book semi- decent airfare at the last minute, I needed to do a package. I did read all about the time sap of driving and that's why I really don't want to. Being type 'A' personality, I know I'll be going crazy on ART. Other than cry at this point , what would you do? Cab? That may be a lot more $$ but worth it for less aggregation?? Any clue of how much it would be each way?

Thanks again!

 

[HydroGuy]

thank you for the quick responses! I agree totally about driving and wish I was staying walking distance but in order to book semi- decent airfare at the last minute, I needed to do a package. I did read all about the time sap of driving and that's why I really don't want to. Being type 'A' personality, I know I'll be going crazy on ART. Other than cry at this point , what would you do? Cab? That may be a lot more $$ but worth it for less aggregation?? Any clue of how much it would be each way?

Thanks again!

How big is your group again?

If you are planning an early morning arrival I would think about a cab. Other times which are not so time sensitive, maybe ART? Or still a cab. How much? Probably $10-20 each way.

 

[traveljunkie]

How big is your group again?


.

3 of us -- me, 15 & 11


I may try ART tomorrow since it will be around 4:00 and see how crazy it is for the return at night. Maybe do cab Tues, Wed & Thurs

Argh! wish I was staying closer

 

[Disneyland 1951]

You should consider the Toy Story lot instead of Mickey & friends. The Toy Story lot is a faster way to get into the park, and is half way between the Hyatt and Disneyland Resort (less traffic).

1. M&F will possibly be full. (about a 30-40% chance). Use Toy Story.

2. Toy Story is better / faster/ less crowded.

3. ART is not too bad if you time it right. However, the Hyatt may be the last stop on the route. However, again drive to Toy Story (One mile) and park for $15. This is as fast if not faster than ART.

If you do not mind walking halfway one mile north on Harbor to Toy Story, Cross the Convention Way light (just before Katella), and then across Harbor into Toy Story. You can use the TS Bus without paying parking.

4. Yes 3 hours free at DTD. Not only can you visit DTD, but the Monorail stop is there to take you directly to Tomorrowland in the park. And, if you walk quickly three hours is enough to see a show (Aladdin - Parade), or several small shows (Minnies Fly girls, P&F, or meet Russell), and walk back through DTD.

 

[traveljunkie]

Hmmm, more to think about. Thanks for another perspective and using Toy Story lot. Who knows what I'll do . I appreciate the help!