Taking a bus to the beach?

[poseys]

Considering the cost of parking at GCH and us only really wanting to go to the beach a day or two on our trip, would a bus to maybe Newport and/or Huntington be a reasonable idea? Renting a car for a day seems like just as much hassle for more money? It will be me, DH, and DD5. What do you suggest? Thanks!

 

[Darkbeer1]

Well, it is a long trip, maybe close to two hours, the Balboa Peninsula is the easier option.

Start by taking the OCTA Route 43 bus south on Harbor to the end of the line, which is the Triangle Mall.

You will transfer here in inland Newport Beach to OCTA Route 47, which will take you to then end of its line, Balboa Pier and Beach.

Cost would be $5 per adult round trip, and the DD would be free.

I would suggest Uber/Lyft, but you need a Car Seat for a 5 year old.

Huntington Beach Pier would be going to the corner of Disneyland Drive and Katella, and then take OCTA Route 50 west down Katella to Beach Blvd, and then switch to Route 29 south going down Beach. It ends at the Huntington Beach Pier.

Same costs, two day passes ($5 each) and about 2 hours each way.

 

[rentayenta]

There is an Alamo in DTD. I would considering renting a car. Originally we were going to drive to So Cal and have our own car but have decided to fly now and are renting a car at the Long Beach airport airport and returning it to the Alamo at DTD. Its not expensive at all. I love Huntington and Seal Beach. Newport is fun too but really enjoyed Seal when my kids were little. Their Main St is pretty chill (not as many people partying). HB's Main St turns rough at night. Love it during the day and hate it at night.

 

[Darkbeer1]

There is an Alamo in DTD. I would considering renting a car. Originally we were going to drive to So Cal and have our own car but have decided to fly now and are renting a car at the Long Beach airport airport and returning it to the Alamo at DTD. Its not expensive at all. I love Huntington and Seal Beach. Newport is fun too but really enjoyed Seal when my kids were little. Their Main St is pretty chill (not as many people partying). HB's Main St turns rough at night. Love it during the day and hate it at night.

If you rent a car, you will also need to rent a car seat, as children under 8 in California are required to use one. (Child or Booster, based on size and weight).

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-...Car.Seats.For.Children.Under.8.Years.Old.html

 

[poseys]

There is an Alamo in DTD. I would considering renting a car. Originally we were going to drive to So Cal and have our own car but have decided to fly now and are renting a car at the Long Beach airport airport and returning it to the Alamo at DTD. Its not expensive at all. I love Huntington and Seal Beach. Newport is fun too but really enjoyed Seal when my kids were little. Their Main St is pretty chill (not as many people partying). HB's Main St turns rough at night. Love it during the day and hate it at night.

Rentayenta, was this a pretty smooth process? Would you recommend taking it to and from the airport as well as a beach day or two (all separate rentals?). Or is it a pretty smooth process? What about getting luggage/car seat in/out if we are staying at GCH?

 

[rentayenta]

^^^ Yes, thank you. Thankfully it's been quite a while since we have needed car seats.

 

[rentayenta]

Rentayenta, was this a pretty smooth process? Would you recommend taking it to and from the airport as well as a beach day or two (all separate rentals?). Or is it a pretty smooth process? What about getting luggage/car seat in/out if we are staying at GCH?

I just got on the Alamo site and the rental process was easy. I guess it partly depends on what airport you are flying into. We are flying into Long Beach which is super small and very user friendly. I wouldn't rent a car if flying into LAX because I find LAX a mess but DH wouldn't hesitate and therefor I would make him drive. I would rent and return in DTD if that were the case. Bell services at the GCH is awesome. We haven't had any issues when retrieving luggage.

What does your vacation schedule look like?

 

[poseys]

I just got on the Alamo site and the rental process was easy. I guess it partly depends on what airport you are flying into. We are flying into Long Beach which is super small and very user friendly. I wouldn't rent a car if flying into LAX because I find LAX a mess but DH wouldn't hesitate and therefor I would make him drive. I would rent and return in DTD if that were the case. Bell services at the GCH is awesome. We haven't had any issues when retrieving luggage.

What does your vacation schedule look like?

I think we are looking at 9 nights, flying into John Wayne. We would be staying on Disney property except a day or two throughout the week where we would like to go to the beach and we want the process to be as easy as possible but also not outrageously priced (no limos )

 

[poseys]

Note: I'd be open to spending maybe $100 round trip on a beach day if it really improved the convenience. Beach days are our relax-y days.

 

[rentayenta]

I think we are looking at 9 nights, flying into John Wayne. We would be staying on Disney property except a day or two throughout the week where we would like to go to the beach and we want the process to be as easy as possible but also not outrageously priced (no limos )

I would totally rent a car and if it'll be in the middle of your trip, just rent from Alamo in DTD. Sooooo easy. Not sure if you need supplies at the store before and need to stop but thats something else to consider as far as when you'll want/need a car. There are also places that deliver groceries but that gets a little nuts for me though people swear by it. We did it once for a 10 day trip to WDW. It was great but I completely over ordered.

 

[rentayenta]

Our beach days are relax days too. The thought of riding a bus all sandy and potentially wet sounds unappealing to me. Maybe in my younger days but not at this stage in the game.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Renting a car at Long Beach (LGB) and John Wayne (Orange County/Santa Ana/SNA) is easy, as the major companies have offices and cars right across the road from the main terminal, so no shuttle needed.

LAX requires all rental car companies to be off-site, and each company has a different location, so you would need a shuttle.

Best thing to do, sign up for the free frequent renter program online before you book. This basically has you enter all your personal info, and what options you want (such as libaility, persoanl and other insurance (or not) based on your personal auto policy and credit card coverage.

So when you arrive, you can bypass most of the lines and get out quickly. Some airports will allow you to go straight to the pick up lot and your car will be waiting for you, others will require you to use an express line and pick up your keys and sign the rental agreement.

 

[poseys]

I would totally rent a car and if it'll be in the middle of your trip, just rent from Alamo in DTD. Sooooo easy. Not sure if you need supplies at the store before and need to stop but thats something else to consider as far as when you'll want/need a car. There are also places that deliver groceries but that gets a little nuts for me though people swear by it. We did it once for a 10 day trip to WDW. It was great but I completely over ordered.

Last time, we just ordered a little wine, water, granolas, and bananas and it was perfect. I think we will do that this time, too. Thanks for reminding me, though!

 

[poseys]

Renting a car at Long Beach (LGB) and John Wayne (Orange County/Santa Ana/SNA) is easy, as the major companies have offices and cars right across the road from the main terminal, so no shuttle needed.

LAX requires all rental car companies to be off-site, and each company has a different location, so you would need a shuttle.

Best thing to do, sign up for the free frequent renter program online before you book. This basically has you enter all your personal info, and what options you want (such as libaility, persoanl and other insurance (or not) based on your personal auto policy and credit card coverage.

So when you arrive, you can bypass most of the lines and get out quickly. Some airports will allow you to go straight to the pick up lot and your car will be waiting for you, others will require you to use an express line and pick up your keys and sign the rental agreement.

Wow, that's really helpful! Thank you!

 

[Darkbeer1]

OK, you can use a private hire town car service (cheaper than a limo) that would provide a car seat.

Here is a link to one company, they show the price Round Trip at $118 plus tip, and they would provide the car seat at no extra charge.

https://anaheimtowncarservices.com/services.php

As for basic groceries, there is now a CVS and Walgreens at the corner of Harbor and Katella that have a good selection at a reasonable price and is within walking distance. Walking down Disneyland Drive to Katella, then east on the south side of Katella is the easiest, and avoids the security check issue if you went through Downtown Disney when you bring your purchases back.

 

[poseys]

OK, you can use a private hire town car service (cheaper than a limo) that would provide a car seat.

Here is a link to one company, they show the price Round Trip at $118 plus tip, and they would provide the car seat at no extra charge.

https://anaheimtowncarservices.com/services.php

As for basic groceries, there is now a CVS and Walgreens at the corner of Harbor and Katella that have a good selection at a reasonable price and is within walking distance. Walking down Disneyland Drive to Katella, then east on the south side of Katella is the easiest, and avoids the security check issue if you went through Downtown Disney when you bring your purchases back.

If they pick you up right at the hotel/restaurant/whatever, this might be worth it. We were initially going to do a cruise but decided we'd do a long DLR trip with a few no-fuss days so this might be the way to go.

 

[poseys]

OK, you can use a private hire town car service (cheaper than a limo) that would provide a car seat.

Here is a link to one company, they show the price Round Trip at $118 plus tip, and they would provide the car seat at no extra charge.

https://anaheimtowncarservices.com/services.php

As for basic groceries, there is now a CVS and Walgreens at the corner of Harbor and Katella that have a good selection at a reasonable price and is within walking distance. Walking down Disneyland Drive to Katella, then east on the south side of Katella is the easiest, and avoids the security check issue if you went through Downtown Disney when you bring your purchases back.

Hm, when I calculate it, it quotes more than $118 for either beach.

 

[DLgal]

Just use Uber. I would not ride the bus at all. Go to Corona del Mar state beach in Newport. Round trip Uber will run you much less than a car hire service. You can request an Uber with a car seat.

 

[Darkbeer1]

That is weird, maybe use google to search, sometimes a lower price is offered when you first look for the service... (I just searched again, and got $150 R/T as the lowest rate.)

Here is an often mentioned service that provides car seats, you would need to e-mail them for a quote.

http://www.zippyshuttle.net/index.html

 

[Darkbeer1]

Just use Uber. I would not ride the bus at all. Go to Corona del Mar state beach in Newport. Round trip Uber will run you much less than a car hire service. You can request an Uber with a car seat.

The OP can't use Uber, since they need a Car Seat, as the Daughter is just 5.

And when can you request a Car Seat from Uber in California? I know it is offered in New York City (Uber Family using UberX) I never have heard Uber/Lyft offering car seats in California.