Transportation Questions???

[jacobandcoopersmommy]

Ok, background first. We are planning to go the first week of April. My dh has no sense of direction! But, we have two small children who tend to tire easily and are a bit difficult at times. I am wondering if we should rent a car so that we have the option of leaving/going to the parks whenever we want, or should we use the shuttle transportation to the parks and airport? The cost difference seems to be under $100.00 and I am wondering if the convenience would be worth it. However, we are from Idaho and have no idea how traffic will be in LA, and frankly the thought is a bit frightening. Is it that hard to get from LAX to Disneyland? Also, do you have to pay for parking at Disneyland, and if so how much? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[hlbtimes2]

Personally, unless you are already booked in to LAX, I would reconsider that. I would go with SNA (aka: orange county/ john Wayne). Its much closer. Or Long Beach airport if that is an option for you.

I would choose a hotel that is walking distance from the parks, rather then driving or using the shuttle back and forth. There are a lot of nice hotels in the area. YOu might consider the candy cane. They are close enough to walk and offer a shuttle that runs frequently (every 1/2 hour).

From the airport to hotel we like super shuttle. There is also the airport bus. Both are reasonably priced and easy to use.

 

[HydroGuy]

Also, do you have to pay for parking at Disneyland, and if so how much? Thanks in advance for your help!

I agree with Linda about getting a hotel near the parks such as CCI or other. See "HydroGuy's Hotel Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

In answer to your question, "yes", you have to pay for parking - about $10 per day. And if you are visiting from out of town and staying at a local hotel, parking is a hassle and time consuming. If you were staying beyond walking distance and wanted to drive, a taxi would be a better option as you avoid the lost time involved in parking, and the saved parking cost would partially offset the taxi cost.

Getting back to hotel proximity, when you stay within walking distance, you have 100% flexibility when you arrive and leave. If one parent wants to leave early, or stay late by themself or with a child, it is so much more flexible. Plus, you have no lost time parking, walking to trams, riding trams, etc.

 

[MATTERHORN]

I agree to get one near the parks. It is just as much hassle to park in the garage and take the tram to the entrance adn get the kids and stroller all on as it would be to take a shuttle. Stay within walking distance and skip all that.

And yes it costs to park so that adds even more.


Andrea

 

[Disneyenthusiast]

You will be MUCH happier staying within walking distance with little ones! We went for 6 nights and didn't even rent a car. Plenty to do, see and eat right there. We took a shuttle from the John Wayne airport. It was the most relaxing trip ever with no need to worry about traffic.

 

[shellyof4]

Just a note on this too, for us (there is 6 of us) it was basically the same price to rent a van or take the shuttle from the airport...so we rented a van (we flew into Long beach). I just like having my independence and we used it on our "day off" and to get some water etc. at Albertsons. We also used it to switch hotels.

We stayed at the Hojo and the Grand Cal. Hotel so we didn't use the transportation system, but I think if you're at a hotel that is too far too walk, it would be better to use that than drive and park. They have one that stopped at the Hojo and it came pretty frequently... But if you don't like that, at least you'd have options having the car.

I do agree with trying to get a walking distance hotel though... that was great! A big plus!

 

[ryan840]

Hi, I have a question if you don't mind- (our first trip will be this Oct.) if we opt not to get a car what are our options to get from Orange County airport (or Long Beach, haven't booked flight yet) to our hotel? Thanks!

 

[shellyof4]

From what I know it's basically taxi or shuttle...I think taxi would run about 45$ each way...Someone correct me if I'm wrong...I think the shuttle for the 6 of us was over a hundred each way. We got a great deal on a car through hotwire so I was happy to rent.