Layover at LAX
May 21, 2005 | 12:20 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Programs: UA 1P 1MM, IHG Plat, HH Silver, DB BahnComfort
Posts: 336
I wouldn't recommend this. Disneyland is about 50 miles from LAX, and you need 60-90 minutes to get there, and the same amount of time to get back. This only gves you 4-5 hours at Disneyland, which really doesn't do it justice, particularly if it is your first time. Most first-time visitors spend 1-2 full days, a full day being 9:00 to midnight in the summertime!
May 22, 2005 | 10:55 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Boston area
Programs: Primary: AA & Marriott; Also Hilton, JetBlue and United
Posts: 313
Originally Posted by jamesstr3
We have 9 to 10 hours to fill in at LAX on our international connect. Is this enough time for a Disneyland visit.
Some things you can with a 10-hour layover are...
Universal Studios
Getty Center
Aquarium of the Pacific
Santa Monica shopping / strolling
Beverly Hills shopping / strolling
Hollywood shopping / strolling / celebrity homes tour
OK... just a few ideas for you. Good luck, and welcome to Los Angeles!
May 22, 2005 | 11:02 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 347
On the other hand...
If traveling to the US, or LAX in particular, is a once-in-a-blue-moon occurence, then you could go to Disneyland just to experience the thrill of it. From LAX it is, depending on when you arrive, substantially less than an hour to the Magic Kingdom, and through judicious use of Fast Track, you could get on at least a couple of the classic rides (I'm thinking Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean are the must-sees) and take in the whole ambiance. Of course, it would be a pricy short jaunt as entry fees approach $50 a head these days, and for only a few hours.... but it could clearly be done. I would arrange transportation in advance, not go through the hassle of renting and returning a car.
May 22, 2005 | 11:25 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2003
Location: GEG
Programs: Motel 6 Club Avoir Le Cafard
Posts: 5,027
Rushing through Disneyland in 3-4 hours is child abuse if you have very small children (for whom the park was designed). There is nothing like seeing your exhausted toddlers sleep soundly in the back seat with smiles on their faces from an unhurried day spent at Disneyland. Maybe you could change your flights....
May 23, 2005 | 12:22 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 347
Originally Posted by mbstone
Rushing through Disneyland in 3-4 hours is child abuse if you have very small children (for whom the park was designed). There is nothing like seeing your exhausted toddlers sleep soundly in the back seat with smiles on their faces from an unhurried day spent at Disneyland. Maybe you could change your flights....
Last edited by Don in LA; May 23, 2005 at 12:29 am
May 23, 2005 | 12:35 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi [+MKK4 EBBER R577 EDSEL R577 ELKEY EXERT]
Posts: 15,913
We recently went to Disneyland this past fall and spent four days there, which still wasn't enough (and we've been there several times in the past). Less than half a day just doesn't do it justice--especially if you don't stick around for the fireworks. IMHO.
Jun 8, 2005 | 6:29 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 13,144
I would have to agree with what most of the earlier replies have indicated. Disneyland is a good 45-60 minute drive from LAX or more depending on traffic conditions on the freeways. Having been a part time So cal residents for many years, I wouldn't take my chances. You would already be wasting 2-3 hours to get there and back, plus you would have to at least squeeze in 2-3 hours to be back at the airport prior to catching your connecting flight.
I would suggest going to any of the following nearby beaches/coastline instead: 1) Santa Monica 2) Venice 3) Redondo 4) Malibu 5) Marina Del Rey
I would suggest going to any of the following nearby beaches/coastline instead: 1) Santa Monica 2) Venice 3) Redondo 4) Malibu 5) Marina Del Rey
Jun 10, 2005 | 5:08 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Santa Monica
Programs: UA Gold, MR Plat (life gold), SPG Gold
Posts: 899
Give it a try.
If traffic or timing is bad on the way back, do some research ahead of time and take the green line along the 105 and watch the traffic sit!
They used to have D'Land busses (not owned by D'land, just logo'd) that cruise the terminals. Seems pretty painless to jump on one, then get off at the park. If you have a long flight after LAX, then tire yourself out as much as possible.
If you choose to beach it instead, I would suggest Hermosa for a combination of decent eats and good layout. All other beaches are less "centralized" even though all are nice.
If traffic or timing is bad on the way back, do some research ahead of time and take the green line along the 105 and watch the traffic sit!
They used to have D'Land busses (not owned by D'land, just logo'd) that cruise the terminals. Seems pretty painless to jump on one, then get off at the park. If you have a long flight after LAX, then tire yourself out as much as possible.
If you choose to beach it instead, I would suggest Hermosa for a combination of decent eats and good layout. All other beaches are less "centralized" even though all are nice.