Disneyland Without Kids

Getting to Disneyland is like getting to most places you can fly or drive but there are some particulars for avoiding crowds and costs with both.

If you’re flying in the nearest local airport is John Wayne/ Orange County (SNA) which while fairly small (just 1 terminal with less than 20 gates) receives flights from all over the US every day. Because the airport is just 15-20 minutes to the park there’s a lot of “Disney” about it and you’ll find easy access to park shuttles, hotel shuttles as well as rental cars onsite. John Wayne’s small size also makes it a quick in-and-out with security lines often under 20 minutes.

Unfortunately John Wayne doesn’t get flights from everywhere and the flights they do get can be a lot more expensive than those to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) located about 45-60 minutes away. LAX is a major airport serving dozens of carriers with flight routes from all around the world. Like with SNA there’s an abundance of transit options but because it’s almost 50 miles from the airport to the park it can cost $50 or more for private transportation. If you do end up hiring transportation from LAX always use a flat-fee service as traffic can cause hours of delays and you don’t want a cab meter running! LAX is also a busy airport and while that means more food choices when you’re waiting to leave expect and plan for long security lines and delays during peak periods.

Money Saving Tip: If John Wayne is too pricey, fly into Long Beach Airport (LBA) located about 25 minutes from the park. While even smaller than John Wayne Jetblue serves this airport and often has great ticket deals.

If you’re driving remember that while you may not technically be in LA, you’re going to hit what we locals would call “LA traffic” which is bad. Rush hour doesn’t end here; it just gets worse at times and less worse at others but generally staying off the freeways from 8-10 and 3-7 ideal. Luckily many of the freeways (including all of I-5) have dedicated carpool lanes with just 2 passengers required to qualify 24 hours a day. No kids? No problem, you’re still in and often times flying.

As far as how to drive there, well Google maps can do the directions but put basically get to Disney drive or Harbor Blvd. in Anaheim and find your way to the hotel or right to one of the park entrances. Things are well marked and easy to find… for the most part. And don’t worry if you get a bit lost either, everyone around you is looking at signs or telling their kids to quiet down anyways.

Need Gas? Fuel near the park isn’t the cheapest in the area but it isn’t horrible either. You can find two nice stations with mini-marts by the Mickey & Friends Parking structure entrance.

Need snacks? Before you drive back head a few miles down Harbor Blvd. past most of the hotels and you’ll find a Target and a supermarket to stock up on whatever drinks and snacks you need for the drive home.