Question about transportation

[millie0312]

Hi everyone,
I have a couple of quick questions about getting to DLR and hoping to get everyone's opinions on what is the best route for us to take.
Senario: 3 adults, 1-8 year old and 1-1 year old (will sit on lap) will be flying from Northern CA to DLR and will need to figure out which airport to fly into as well as what is the best ground transportation to take to/from airport to onsite hotel (still deciding DLH vs GCH). We are going in early December and will do between 3-5 days in the park and one day at Knott's Berry Farm (a tradition). We usually drive but this time we are able to fly (12 hours with crying baby vs 1 1/2 hours of flying LOL) so I'm very new to this part of the planning- ack!! Because the baby will sit in my lap for the flight- I'm guessing the best bet is to NOT bring a car seat, but unsure if that is truly the best thing to do? We are also planning on renting a stroller and having it waiting at the hotel so we dont have to lug ours around and gate check it- is this the best route (we would use an ergo to carry the infant during the airport times).
I believe SNA is closest for airports to DLR but our local airport (which is tiny and about 15 mins from our house and SO easy to navigate) only goes non-stop to LAX and it really doesn't offer connecting flights to SNA or other close by airports- would LAX be fairly close still? The next closest airport to fly out of is BIG and is about 3 hours away (SFO) and is not nearly as nice to deal with but would be able to go non-stop to SNA I think. Any thoughts on flights/airports (or even how to deal with flight vs driving like we did before- packing, kids, etc we are newbies on this aspect)?
We also need to figure out the best mode of ground transportation for airport/hotel trips- we were not planning on having a car seat with us because the 1 year old can sit on my lap, so is there a safe for infants ground transportation that is easy to do? I saw Disney recommended a shuttle but I have no experience with any of this part so I am lost!!!
Also- one last thing- we will stay onsite the whole trip (6-8 nights depending on flights) but we will spend one day at Knott's Berry Farm- any thoughts on the most infant friendly way to get there and back? I'm guessing since we will need to store our stuff this might be best done in the middle of the trip so we don't need to worry about checking out and where to put our stuff?? We aren't opposed to renting a car for one day, but if we don't have a car seat with us is that the best way and how would this work best and from where?
I appreciate any thoughts on this- I will continue to do my "research" on this new aspect of the trip (up until today we planned on driving so it was just dealing with a packing list LOL)- now we have to figure out airports, ground transportation, how to deal with 2 young kids on the flight, when to fly, what to pack, etc- my obsessive planner in me is going crazy LOL Also any general thoughts on flights and packing and what to do with things like ordering groceries, strollers etc would be appreciated too! I know its a lot of questions about a lot of stuff but I really do appreciate the help!!! TIA

 

[nikkislaght]

We fly into SNA and its a great airport.. small and easy to navigate...
as you have a baby , the only way you will not need a car seat is going via a coach.. if you go in a shuttle or taxi you will need a car seat.. the 8 yr old should be ok..
you could arrange for a town car service and request a car seat...
the same for getting to Knotts.. use a town car service and request the car seat..
as for the flying leg of your journey.. I would do the path of least hassle.. the easiest route is going to be different for everyone.. if you have a good traveler .. then its a matter of time and money... if you have a bad traveler then go the most straight forward route..
if you are thinking of renting a car , then do Knotts your first full day there.. that way you get from the airport and to Knotts in your "own" vehicle and you can request to rent a car seat with the rental.. I would seriously consider bringing your own car seat though.. as you never can really know the history of rentals..
If its airline compatible you can use it on the plane.. otherwise it will be checked bags.. this would be the better option for me.. and if you are renting a car from the airport then I would fly into SNA .. being a smaller airport.. less trouble getting to the rental car extra.. and if you cant return the car in Anaheim , its not to far that you cant return it to the airport and get a cab back into Anaheim and it should only take about 2hrs all up to do so..
Hope you have a great trip

 

[nicolispicoli]

I'm not sure where you live in Northern California, but is Sacramento Airport an option for you? I live in Sacramento and have done both driving and flying many times with my dd since she was 7 months old to DLR (She's now 4). I mainly fly into Long Beach (LGB) using Jet Blue or Orange County (SNA) using Southwest, both direct. For me, SNA has been easiest because they have the Disneyland Resort Express and I don't have to bring her car seat. LGB is not much farther out, but no express there, so I have to use some sort of shuttle and bring her car seat (NEVER AGAIN). I always bring her stroller, which is easy now since it's a lightweight one, but with your little being smaller, renting is a smart idea.

As for Knott's, I'm pretty sure I've seen some sort of coach shuttle and if it's similar to the resort express, you won't need a car seat on there. If you rent a car, you can pay extra for a car seat, but it might not be worth it, especially if you can find the shuttle. I'll check that out and report back.

 

[nicolispicoli]

This is a coach that is $19.99/person, but it seems like kids are free as it says n/a under child price. Also, they DO pickup at the Disney hotels.

http://www.allanaheimtours.com/body.asp?tour=ANA-B0043&page=TourDetails

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

If the price is comparable (or you don't care) I would fly out of your home airport and into LAX. I'm not sure where in Northern California you are, but we've flown out of all the major (and one regional) airport and I find the hassle of SFO to be a headache. Now some will argue that LAX is the same, but it has been so easy for us taking the Disneyland Express from there. And it's only an hour away from Anaheim, as opposed to the 3 hrs for you to get to SFO.

For transportation, the only method you can take without needing a car seat for your youngest is the Disneyland Express. You'll get mixed reviews on this, but we really like it. I will warn you that if you chose this method, it's the giant Greyhound bus. There are vans that have a similar name, but aren't the real deal.

I know there is a rental car place in DTD if you needed it for the day to Knotts, but I don't know their rates. You will need a car seat for this though. I know you can rent them with the car. Personally, I won't do it though since you don't know the history of the car seat (accidents, how old, cleanliness, etc). It looks like the PP gave you a great option for another motorcoach style bus to Knotts which might be good.

If you do decide to rent a car, I would personally bring your car seat with you. Bring it to the gate with you - if there is an empty seat, they'll let you have it for free (or the airlines we've flown have) and if there isn't room, they'll gate check it. We also prefer to bring our stroller and gate check that as well, but that's a personal choice.

Have a fun trip!

 

[nicolispicoli]

I always forget that LAX has the resort express there too. I would go that route if it's an option with your home airport.

 

[tlovesdis]

I would suggest Jet Blue into Long Beach and a cab to the resort. Easy peasy! Love LB airport and Jet Blue!!

 

[minnierunning]

I am planning of Jet blue through long beach. Could you suggest a cheap shuttle to hotel? We're staying at disneyland hotel.

 

[Aladora]

This is a coach that is $19.99/person, but it seems like kids are free as it says n/a under child price. Also, they DO pickup at the Disney hotels.

http://www.allanaheimtours.com/body.asp?tour=ANA-B0043&page=TourDetails

Infants 2 and under are free, children 3 and up are charged the same as adults.

Pricing and Availability