To rent a car or not?

[ct7878]

We are flying into LAX- it seems like it’s going to cost me $160 for a transfer for my family of 4 from Lax to DLH (one way). Does that seem right? I am wondering if it’s so high because we get in at 10 pm? Regardless, I feels really high to me.

I had planned on taking a transfer and renting a car the last 2 days of our trip from car rental at Paradise pier since we will be exploring a bit. It seems like the car rental for the entire time is coming out to the same price as you the transfer+ car for only 2 days. But I would have to pay for parking which will add about $140 in fees so I am trying to figure out if it’s worth the extra money for the convenience of having a car. We do have a baby so this would allow us to go to the store for diapers and formula (rather than traveling with them) and maybe we would grab water/snacks. I don’t really that much that we would use it, but it might be nice to have it available. Any thoughts or experiences that might push us one way or another?

 

[jason417]

We have done both. $160 is more than I would expect. We use Lyft and that would probably run $100 or so from LAX for an XL. Having a car is both a convenience and a hassle. When we use Lyft we love not having to deal with getting and returning a car. And being able to just go to the front curb with our luggage to be picked up is nice versus going to a parking garage. However, you are kind of limited then to whatever is in walking distance. Basically, if we anticipate we will want to Lyft to another location within our trip, then we want a car. If our only real use of a car is to get from and to the airport, then Lyft it is.
As far as supplies go, we have used Instacart for that and had it delivered to our hotel room. I haven’t tried that in a Disney hotel so I can’t speak for that, but it has worked fine at the hotels across Harbor. We have them deliver cereal, milk, bowls, spoons, pump soap, bottled water, hand sanitizer, protein drinks, and some produce to offset the plethora of junk we eat in the parks.

 

[Geemo]

We are flying into LAX- it seems like it’s going to cost me $160 for a transfer for my family of 4 from Lax to DLH (one way). Does that seem right? I am wondering if it’s so high because we get in at 10 pm? Regardless, I feels really high to me.

I had planned on taking a transfer and renting a car the last 2 days of our trip from car rental at Paradise pier since we will be exploring a bit. It seems like the car rental for the entire time is coming out to the same price as you the transfer+ car for only 2 days. But I would have to pay for parking which will add about $140 in fees so I am trying to figure out if it’s worth the extra money for the convenience of having a car. We do have a baby so this would allow us to go to the store for diapers and formula (rather than traveling with them) and maybe we would grab water/snacks. I don’t really that much that we would use it, but it might be nice to have it available. Any thoughts or experiences that might push us one way or another?

Will you be traveling with a car seat for the baby?
For ease and convenience I feel a rental car might work out best.
Lansky Car Service is one that is mentioned here often. You might check out their rates.
I believe they provide car seats for the kids.

 

[mel2014]

The off-site car rental at LAX is a 10-15 minute shuttle ride from the terminals -- in the time it takes to wait for the shuttle bus, juggle luggage, baby and car seat onto the bus, handle the car rental paperwork, install the car seat, and get on the road (to drive at night) you would likely be at your hotel if you took a shuttle. At 10 pm at night, that sounds like an attractive proposition to me, especially if you don't know how well your baby will do with travelling. Renting at Paradise Pier later lets you pick a time that's convenient for you. Instacart can deliver any groceries or baby needs you would have, probably for less than the $140 difference in cost. I've priced out Sav-on shuttle several times and it's usually not more than $120 to or from LAX and they definitely have car seats: https://sav-onshuttle.net/

 

[Wilcojoe]

We are in the same boat. We’re flying into LAX and staying for 3 nights at the Disneyland Hotel and then 3 nights at the Loews Santa Monica, where we will do 1 day at Universal. I have been pricing Ubers from Lax to DH and it’s consistently around $85 for an XL, which is very reasonable. The rates for a local rental pickup and airport drop off for the last 3 days aren’t a whole lot cheaper than just renting for the whole week. And then we have parking to take into consideration. I think Uber or Lyft is going to be more convenient and cost effective for us, even if we decide to Uber to dinners and maybe even Beverly Hills for a visit on our last day.

 

[Wilcojoe]

The highest I have seen for Uber XL from lax to DH is $125, so I would assume a $100 One way fare.

 

[PirateBrigade]

Granted it’s not 10pm, but here’s what I found:





I personally HATE the rental car process at LAX, it’s such a waste of time. It’s one of the reasons I choose LGB or SNA. It’s doubly annoying when hauling baby items and/or needing to coordinate with your spouse if you choose to leave them at the terminal and pick them up.

If I were you, I’d snag an Uber Black SUV to DLR to get a professional driver (that’s a must for me if traveling for baby - safety reasons) and rent as needed.

If you have unlimited amounts of money, find a way to land at LGB or SNA. Personally, if I came from the east coast or elsewhere, I’d even pick a one-stop to LGB/SNA over a non-stop to LAX (personal preference).

Goodluck!

 

[Wilcojoe]

Granted it’s not 10pm, but here’s what I found:

View attachment 637113
View attachment 637114
View attachment 637115

I personally HATE the rental car process at LAX, it’s such a waste of time. It’s one of the reasons I choose LGB or SNA. It’s doubly annoying when hauling baby items and/or needing to coordinate with your spouse if you choose to leave them at the terminal and pick them up.

If I were you, I’d snag an Uber Black SUV to DLR to get a professional driver (that’s a must for me if traveling for baby - safety reasons) and rent as needed.

If you have unlimited amounts of money, find a way to land at LGB or SNA. Personally, if I came from the east coast or elsewhere, I’d even pick a one-stop to LGB/SNA over a non-stop to LAX (personal preference).

Goodluck!

Those are as high as I have seen the rates, but certainly could happen during busier times. I agree on going with the Uber black with a baby in tow.

 

[lalasmama]

As far as procuring baby items once you get to the DLR area and that factoring into if you rent a car, there's a CVS right up the street (perhaps a 15 minute walk, corner of Katella and Harbor) where they should have diaps, wipes, formula, and all that kind of baby stuff. It may cost a little more, but if you'd be spending an extra $140 for parking at DLH, spending an extra $3 for formula doesn't seem so bad An Uber/Lyft over there should only be a few dollars.

I'd look at a car service personally, and then rent the car when you will actually be using it (Santa Monica, Universal). You might also want to consider one adult taking an Uber/Lyft to an off-site car rental store front. That will knock the cost of renting down significantly.

 

[lalasmama]

Side note:
Saving $140 could be:
23 churros or Dole Whips
1-2 dinners at Blue Bayou
2 Spirit jerseys
3-4 sweatshirts
5+ quick-service meals
6 Minnie ears....

Clearly, saving money where it doesn't impact me much is a huge motivation for my family, ha!

 

[Geemo]

Side note:
Saving $140 could be:
23 churros or Dole Whips
1-2 dinners at Blue Bayou
2 Spirit jerseys
3-4 sweatshirts
5+ quick-service meals
6 Minnie ears....

Clearly, saving money where it doesn't impact me much is a huge motivation for my family, ha!

So what is the current price of a Churro?

 

[lalasmama]

So what is the current price of a Churro?

$6-ish if I remember correctly.

Edited to add: $5.25 (basic) -$7 (super special).

 

[PirateBrigade]

I have to say… I lived in so cal for many years and am comfortable driving everywhere, but wife and I did our first Uber Black-only weekend in LA last month and it was the best thing ever.

It’s so much better posting on dis boards while being driven around…instead of posting on dis boards while driving yourself around!

 

[Ross Kratter]

I highly recommend booking a car service to pick you up from the airport.
Lots of people seem to recommend Lansky, but their prices have recently gone up.
I really, really like In Style Transportation. I used them three times in November. Their prices are reasonable, the drivers are excellent, and the cars are top notch.