PPH to SNA - Realistic Time Line?

[kristenm514]

We will be staying at the PPH 8/25 - 8/28 I really would like to do the Surf's Up breakfast the morning that we leave, since DD4 loves Stitch and he is usually there. I also think extending our Disney magic by just a little while will help make the trip home a little easier.

So here's my problem. Our flight leaves SNA at 10:50am on 8/28. We will be using Disneyland Resort Express to get to the airport, and I hear it can take a while to pick up all of the other hotels' guests (though I believe I heard that the DLR guests get picked up last?). If we got the earliest reservation for Surf's Up, I think we could make an 8:30 pickup, though I know you don't really get to choose your pickup time. I know that the airports say you must arrive 90 minutes prior to your flight to get through security, and for a large, busy airport I certainly always follow that. If we wanted to be certain we would make it to SNA by 9:20am, I think the character breakfast would be a no-go.

My question to you all: how long, realistically, does it take to get through SNA? I have heard from many people that they got there only an hour early and still had to sit and wait for a while, since the airport is so small and security is so quick to get through. I know there is always the risk that you could get held up, and I'm willing to assume that risk if it is small, but not if it's pretty likely. Even if we didn't leave the DLR until 9:00, we would still be at the airport by at least 10:00, yes?

Also, for those that have used DLRE, do they assign your pickup time, or can you choose? How long did it actually take to get to SNA once you were on the bus? Am I dreaming, thinking we can squeeze this breakfast in before we go? I think I might be, lol...but we really want to do it, and are willing to hustle a little bit to get on the plane if it means a little more Disney time.

 

[mrswh]

If you can get the 8:30 bus, you will have plenty of time to make a10:50 flight! Even when we rent a car, we leave DLR for SNA about 2 hrs. before our flight, and we have time to stop and get gas, return the car, and eat lunch before our flight. Security is usually around 10 minutes, and you are required to check your bags only 30 minutes before your flight (though I wouldn't cut it quite that close!)

Have fun!

ETA: I think you could make it easily even if you get the 9:00 bus. It only takes 30 minutes to get to SNA. Not sure why you think you don't get to pick your time for the DLRE? Of course you do.

 

[lulubelle]

I would think you would be fine on a 9 am bus. John Wayne airport is not nearly as busy as LAX and it is pretty close to DLR.

I am not sure if you can choose your own pick up time in CA. I know in FL they assign you the time based on your flights (you have to provide them your flight number) and it's always 3 hours ahead.

Surf's Up is my favorite character breakfast. It's so much fun for the kids and they have a few unique food options that we love.

Have a great trip.