Solo... Fly or Drive from Bay Area?

[nikerbokers]

I am taking my first solo trip to Disneyland in late April-early May. Yes, without my kids or my husband. It's an once in a lifetime trip where I am going and doing what I want, when I want to, and not worrying about someone's feelings.

Two nights in park, three nights booked at Candy Cane Inn.

Anyways, I am torn between flying down or driving. Driving takes 5.5 hours if I don't stop. I will probably stop at Harris Ranch as that's a tradition that is almost as old as I am. So 6.5 hours total. Gas is $90 round trip probably. I found flights with Southwest flying into Long Beach for $97 round trip. I would probably do Uber or Lyft (any reviews on ride share from LGB?) to CCI. Flight would get in at 10am but I can't check in until 3 though.

Which would you choose?

 

[julesann]

I fly from Sac to Orange County and drive 1-1/2 hour to Sac. I save about 1-1/2 to 2 hours in total with flying over driving--I have about a 7 hour drive. I probably save a little money flying or it's a close wash even with paying for Uber or a Taxi from the airport to the hotel. Even if it is more expensive, I fly because I find it much more relaxing.

If I was you I'd decide how much the time difference is between driving and flying. I can't speak to how much value is added for you with driving and stopping at Harris Ranch. If this is part of the experience of your solo trip then this is important to consider. I like going into the park on the day of arrival. I do this with a 10 am arrival as I can be in the park around noon. I enjoy a nice lunch and then play in the park until check in time and then head back later in the afternoon for an evening. The CCI could store your bags for you until your room is ready.

 

[Robinjay]

I'd fly. That is a looooong, tiring, and boring drive with others in the car. By yourself it is also very lonely! I have done it a few times myself.

Since the prices are close, flying would win for me. I would go with Uber of Lyft if they are available at LGB (haven't used them there before, but used them both plenty). Maybe $15-20 each way?

Your trip sounds fun!!! Have a wonderful time!

 

[ashley0139]

If you can fly for that cheaply I'd do that. The drive down might not be so bad, but going back will be worse, when you are tired from the parks and just want to get home.

 

[Lm3js]

Fly southwest -- good deal and fly right in to SNA. You will get stuck in LA traffic and it will take you forever. I have driven many times from SF and it is long. Flying is much better. Easy to get an Uber to hotel.

 

[jfk4]

I often find myself in a similar situation and have both driven and flown. If I'm going to need a car while I'm there the decision is simple, but much of the time I don't end up leaving the resort area.

Flying doesn't really save that much time, and it is generally more expensive. It takes 45 minutes to get to the airport, and I like to arrive at least 1 hour before the flight is scheduled to depart. It takes an hour to fly from SJC to SNA. And then you need to get transportation from the airport. So all told, you're looking at roughly 3.5 hours for the entire flight process.

That said, I tend to find flying less fatiguing than driving, and it is much easier getting out of LA in the morning. When flying, I can get back into the Bay Area and still work a full day if I schedule an early flight. So I generally fly when I'm going solo.

 

[nikerbokers]

Fly southwest -- good deal and fly right in to SNA. You will get stuck in LA traffic and it will take you forever. I have driven many times from SF and it is long. Flying is much better. Easy to get an Uber to hotel.

Flights from Oakland to SNA were $50 each way vs flying into Long Beach actually! $49 each way.

 

[Astylla]

Flying is preffered with southwest for us - bay area childfree couple who have AP's here. SNA is airport of choice but be aware of LGB there is NOT Lyft/Uber available FROM the airport so you will need to arrange other shuttle or taxi service if that is where you fly into. It's almost too small for me..SNA is perfect though.

We are driving down tomorrow night after work but we do 50/50 driving or flying depending on length of trip and budget.

 

[goooof1]

FLY!!! It will be much easier on you! If you do LGB, there is a flat rate for taxis to the DLR area $45. Great airport.....very, very easy!

 

[nikerbokers]

I bought my plane ticket before hitting the hay! Horray!!! Thank you to everyone for your input and great advice. I love these boards!!!! 2.5 more months until my trip.

 

[nikerbokers]

Also not sure if this has been posted but LGB is going to roll out a test on drop offs with Uber and Lyft next month-June I think they said... It will have an extra fee (of course) but I'm optimistic this will be running when I land on April 30th!

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

Glad you chose to fly! We often go to the Bay Area to visit family (we live 12 miles from DLR and family is in Alameda, Concord and Clayton) and when we take our kids we drive. When we're solo or go as a couple we fly. That drive is boring and exhausting. I know it'd be cheaper to drive when we go as a couple but the convenience can't be beat.

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

Also not sure if this has been posted but LGB is going to roll out a test on drop offs with Uber and Lyft next month-June I think they said... It will have an extra fee (of course) but I'm optimistic this will be running when I land on April 30th!

Good to know, thanks! Please keep us posted. We go in May

 

[ParkHopper1]

I used to drive to LA from NorCal almost weekly, so driving was a no brainer for me and I liked having my own schedule.

Now...I fly hands down. While that all sounds great, you have to manage traffic and add times for stops...there ends up being a greater time savings to fly and with the addition of Uber as a transportation option you show up much more refreshed and relaxed IMO.

For those prices fly. If it was $250 each way, maybe different story.

 

[MICKEYFIL]

Just you? Fly down. Family of 6? Probably drive. From that distance flying makes too much sense.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Flight would get in at 10am but I can't check in until 3 though.

And FYI if you are not aware...CCI...and almost any hotel around the resort for that matter...will store your bags when you arrive even before check in time if your room is not ready before 3pm. So wear your park clothes, drop bags at hotel and you can head right over to the park...no need to wait for check in time!

Same thing on check out day. We will check out in the AM before headed to the parks, leave bags at the bell desk then head back to the hotel later in the day to get bags and leave on our own schedule so we do not have to deal with it at 11am checkout time.

 

[nikerbokers]

Here is the article I read about ride share coming to LGB pick ups! And yes, I think you are all correct- fly if solo, drive with the fam!

http://www.presstelegram.com/busine...low-uber-lyft-to-pick-up-passengers-for-a-fee

 

[disneychrista]

I drive from 90 miles north of SF. Takes about 9 hours. I like having my car and being on MY timetable. I don't know if I would feel comfortable with an Uber/Lyft.

We usually leave about 4am and get to the parks by 1pm, including 2 - 3 stops for gas/breakfast/bathroom breaks.

 

[Robinjay]

I was in a cast then a boot last year and could not drive. I took Uber and Lyft many times alone to get home from work and never had an issue. They were both great. I live by Disneyland. I liked Lyft a little better but both are good.

 

[nikerbokers]

I was in a cast then a boot last year and could not drive. I took Uber and Lyft many times alone to get home from work and never had an issue. They were both great. I live by Disneyland. I liked Lyft a little better but both are good.

Is there a reason you preferred Lyft over Uber? I haven't used either yet but was planning to during my trip.