transportation to Universal / Super Shuttle ????

[teril]

I just booked our travel plans and decided to include one day at universal. What's the best way to travel to universal for just one day? I hate buses and being tied to a schedule so I didn't get my universal tickets with transportation. Will I be sorry? I am traveling alone with my 7 yr. old daughter.

1) How expensive is it to take a cab to universal?

2) Should I get a rental car instead....and if so is it easily driveable. We live in the country so I'm not used to driving in the city with tons of activity.

3) Or should I change my tickets to include the transportation.

Also I did give in and get super shuttle from SNA to the Hilton Anaheim where we will be staying. I understand they are easy to catch at the airport, you don't have to wait long and you don't make to many stops. Is this true or will we be disappointed.

We had a bad experience with a shuttle in WDW not pick us up and having to wait for over an hour so I'm a little nervous and worried we like to get where we are going quickly and cheaply but I don't want to over spend I ' d rather save my $$$ for DL goodies

Thanks for any help

teri

 

[pbuyse2]

Below are directions from the Hilton on W Convention way to USH.
I have no idea how expensive taxis are in the LA area, but would think a 37 mile ride would set you back quite a bit, seeing you also have to make your way back to the hotel.
For directions you can use www.mapquest.com
We did it for our last trip to SC and did not get lost once.
Pete




1: Start out going East on W CONVENTION WAY toward HOTEL WAY. 0.19 miles



2: Turn LEFT onto S HARBOR BLVD. 1.13 miles



3: Merge onto I-5 N toward LOS ANGELES. 22.98 miles



4: Merge onto US-101 N via the exit- on the left- toward LOS ANGELES/CIVIC CENTER. 11.60 miles



5: Take the exit toward UNIVERSAL CENTER DR. 0.06 miles



6: Stay straight to go onto BUDDY HOLLY DR. 0.34 miles



7: Turn RIGHT onto UNIVERSAL CENTER DR. 0.16 miles



Total Estimated Time: Total Distance: 36.46 miles
38 minutes

 

[ilovemky]

If you live in the country and are not used to city traffic, I would definitely NOT drive to Universal. I would check into the various shuttle services. The disneyland hotel folks should be able to tell you if the Universal shuttle bus still runs from there--it used to be free transport if you bought a full price ticket but that was about a year ago.

I am a native of Southern California and I do not particularly enjoy that drive so judge for yourself

super shuttle is usually very reliable--they drive around the airport and pick you up as they come around your way. should be ok!

 

[Grog]

if the Universal shuttle bus still runs from there--it used to be free transport if you bought a full price ticket but that was about a year ago.

They don't do that anymore. I asked about it when I was there last month and was told it had been discontinued a couple of months previous.

 

[mikeymars]

The L.A. Airport Bus company (http://www.airportbus.com/apb7_001.htm) runs a shuttle between the Disneyland hotels and Universal.

The current "off-season" winter schedule from Anaheim leaves at 8:30am, gets to Universal an hour later; return is at 6:30pm, hour back to Anheim.

I'm not 100% sure, but think the company has "shuttle" buses that run people between the Disneyland hotels and the Anaheim Bus Center (which is where the bus to/from Universal leaves/arrives).

Have also heard the Universal schedule goes to two shuttles each way during the high season (ergo, summer) and that the guest services desk at any of the Disneyland resort hotels can make reservations for you.

 

[NancyIL]

I just got back from Disneyland on Monday, and I used SuperShuttle for a roundtrip between SNA and the Hyatt Regency Orange County. It was $10.75 each way, and they made a few stops. I would definitely use them again.

 

[mikeymars]

Just an additional update on Airport Bus (which may be the best solution for those who want to take a day trip from the Disneyland Resort to Universal without renting a car):

I called them (714-758-4820). Here's the bottom line on their shuttle.

They run daily from the Disneyland Resort up to and back from Universal. The bus to Universal leaves at 8:30am, although they recommend being at the front of your hotel at 8:00 (they pick up from each hotel). Return is at 6:00pm.

To make reservations, call them THE DAY BEFORE you want to go to Universal. Current prices are $20 round trip for adults, $15.00 for kids, which for most parties is going to be much less than renting a car and a heck of a lot more user friendly (the roads to Universal during rush hour are classic Southland stall, crawl and honk - you DON'T want to drive these if you are not a local).