Questions about a quick DL trip pre-cruise in April

[Kristi391]

Hi,

I am going on a cruise out of LA on April 24th so I thought it would be fun to get a little bit of time at DL before (cruise ends up in Vancouver, so I couldn't do it after). Flying in on the 22nd from Boston. I will be arriving at LAX at 11 am and plan to take super shuttle to the Red Lion Hotel. Hopefully, we (my mom and I) will not be too tired (we travel a fair amount and jet lag doesn't seem to be too much of a problem, except when flying overnight to Europe.) we can grab some food then get a few hours in at the one of the parks Thursday night. Then all day on Friday at the parks. Then take a shuttle back to LAX to transfer to another shuttle to San Pedro.

So, these are my questions:

1. Approximately how long should it take to get from LAX to Anaheim via shuttle van? I figure we should be able to get our luggage by noon-ish from an 11 am arrival. I know traffic can be bad, but what should I expect at that time of day?

2. Opinions of the Red Lion Hotel? Is it realistically walk-able to DL? No kids with us, 37 and 63 yo women...I work out 3 times a week and mom takes walks fairly regularly. Is it walkable to Garden Walk?

3. What kind of crowds can I expect?

4. Thinking about using Ridemax, since I will only be there for a very short time...is it a good idea? We have been to DL before, so it's not like we need to see EVERYTHING (although it would be nice! ).

5. Does anyone know of a shuttle service that goes from Anaheim hotel to the San Pedro pier? I will plan to use super shuttle, but that will mean I will have to go back to LAX and then transfer, which isn't a huge deal, but if I find something better, I would look into that.

That's all I can think of...any tips/info to make the most out of our limited time at DL would be greatly appreciated!

Kris
GO WINGS!

 

[HydroGuy]

1. Approximately how long should it take to get from LAX to Anaheim via shuttle van? I figure we should be able to get our luggage by noon-ish from an 11 am arrival. I know traffic can be bad, but what should I expect at that time of day?

Usually not that bad, so maybe an hour? Depends on how many stops the shuttle has to make.

2. Opinions of the Red Lion Hotel? Is it realistically walk-able to DL? No kids with us, 37 and 63 yo women...I work out 3 times a week and mom takes walks fairly regularly. Is it walkable to Garden Walk?

Have not heard of that being a walking distance hotel. You may need to check into ART www.rideart.org.

Here are some maps and info on hotel locations:

Helpful Hotel Links

"How Far Is It?" (shows actual distances in feet from hotels to DLR entrance plaza) www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mm060329as

"Walking Distance Accommodations" (shows hotels within walking distance) http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/maps/...g_distance_map

"Accomodations Near Disney" - http://www.accommodationsneardisney....nd/default.asp

Anaheim Resort Map - http://www.disboards.com/showpost.ph...84&postcount=1

Interactive Map of DLR - http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.809...2&z=19&l=0&m=b

Lots other maps here: MAPS and AERIAL SHOTS + Airport/Transportation Info

3. What kind of crowds can I expect?

On Thursday low crowds. It is off-season. On Friday low crowds during the day but more in the evening.

Lots of things are closed late April this year FYI.

Here is some info from MousePlanet: http://www.mouseplanet.com/9195/Disneyland_Resort_Update#Rehabs

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Disneyland

• Rivers of America – closed through May 6 for major refurbishment. This also closes all attractions requiring use of the river: Sailing Ship Columbia, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, Mark Twain Riverboat (closed until May 14), as well as the Fantasmic! nighttime show (closed until May 27).
• Tomorrowland Terrace – closed through July 2 for refurbishment. The Jedi Training Academy show will be offered while the restaurant is closed.
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – closed April 12–16 and April 19–23 for additional work following a recent refurbishment.
• Little Red Wagon (Corn Dog Wagon) – closed through May 4 for refurbishment.
• Disneyland Monorail – closed April 19 & 20 for refurbishment.
• Disney Showcase – closed April 20 & 21 for refurbishment.
• Disney Showcase Annex – closed April 26 & 27 for refurbishment.
• Newsstand – closed April 26 through May 20 for refurbishment.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 26 through May 16 for refurbishment.
• King Arthur Carrousel – closed May 8 through 10 for refurbishment.

Disney's California Adventure



Seasonal refurbishments:

• Golden Zephyr – closed through April 2 for refurbishment.
• Award Weiners – closed through April 14.
• Princess Dot Puddle Park – closed April 12–16 and April 19–23 for refurbishment.
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail – closed April 12 through May 20 for refurbishment.

Construction-related closures:

• The Vineyard Room – closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this restaurant, though work to expand the venue is reportedly part of the refurbishment that has the Golden Vine Trattoria closed through April 26.
• Golden Dreams – closed. The building that once house this film-based attraction has been demolished, and will eventually be replaced with the new Little Mermaid ride.
• Burger Invasion – closed. No announcement has been made about a potential replacement for this former McDonald's location, but an employee publication lists May 24, 2011 as the return date.
• Paradise Pier Lagoon – work continues on the World of Color installation.
• Golden State Amphitheater – area closed for construction of new viewing area for Disney's World of Color water show. The area is now scheduled to reopen in Spring 2010.
• Corn Dog Castle – closed due to construction in the area. An employee publication lists March 24, 2011 as its return date. During the renovation, corn dogs are available at Bountiful Valley Farmer's Market.
• Souvenir 66 – closed due to construction in the area. An employee publication lists March 24, 2011 as its return date, and "Seaside Souvenirs" as the new name of the store.
• Orange Stinger – closed through May 28 for refurbishment and renovation into the Silly Symphonies Swings.
• Golden Vine Trattoria – closed through April 26.
• Tower of Terror Fastpass – not offered April 15 through August 15 due to construction of the connector between Bug's Land and Tower of Terror.
• Bug's Land / Tower of Terror connector – the temporary connector path will be closed April 19 through August 15 to allow construction of a more permanent route between the two lands.

4. Thinking about using Ridemax, since I will only be there for a very short time...is it a good idea? We have been to DL before, so it's not like we need to see EVERYTHING (although it would be nice! ).

Hard to say. If you know what you want to do then RM may not be that helpful. However, if you do not not mind being on an itinerary and want to squeeze in a little more then it may be a good idea.

5. Does anyone know of a shuttle service that goes from Anaheim hotel to the San Pedro pier? I will plan to use super shuttle, but that will mean I will have to go back to LAX and then transfer, which isn't a huge deal, but if I find something better, I would look into that.

Sorry, I do not know about that one.

Have a great cruise and a magical DLR visit!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Are you possibly departing out of Long Beach? If so that's great, even closer to DLR than LA. I found this ~ http://www.sanpedro.com/spcom/crusshp2.htm

 

[Dizneydaz]

I goggled shuttle,San Pedro, Disneyland and found this one-Prime Shuttle.

http://www.primetimeshuttle.com/disneylandshuttle.htm

I did a quick quote (leaving Disneyland Hotel, arriving L.A. Port, 2 adults, 4 bags) and it came to $48. They apparently don't pick up at Red Lion but do at many other Anaheim hotels.

I've never stayed there but I've only read good things about HoJos on Harbor. And it's definitely in walking distance. I mapquested The Red Lion and it's not too far from DLR. It's south of Katella a little bit so not too bad.

 

[Kristi391]

Thanks for everyone's help! It is much appreciated. I am so excited about going back to DL! I am not even excited about the cruise...just the parks!

The next 35 days are going to drag!!!

Thanks again!

Kris
Go Wings!