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[chezp]

Last time we went to Disneyland, we avoided LAX, as I've heard so many bad things about how difficult it is to get there from Disneyland with the traffic. This time, we may fly into LAX, but if we did, we'd probably be arriving around 10pm. I'm assuming there won't be much traffic on the roads at that time? Do you think this would be a good time to arrive at LAX, especially as we'd be picking up a rental car and driving to Disney?

[snoozin]

LOL... Just because I've done this (kinda)... my Mom & Dad live a bit south of DL, and I used to live in SoCal and I've flown in and out of LAX MANY times... I personally don't mind LAX... it's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be IMHO...

And YES, traffic is bad from LAX south, even at 10 at night, but not so bad that I'd avoid it, particularly considering the good rates on flights in and out of LAX, and the good rates you tend to get on rental cars there.

Bottom line is, from this former LA resident, go for LAX... it's not that bad!

Happy travels!

[marisag]

I have to say- I have always heard this too but when I was there in February- I didn't hit any traffic. (Knock on wood ) I arrived on Sunday around 1PM and left the following Sunday around 3PM. I took the Disneyland Resort Express and didn't hit traffic either way. So I would say go fo it. It probably just depends on the day.

[Tink and co.]

Cheryl,
As a former SoCal resident and frequenter of LAX it's certainly not bad, just not as good as SNA. Traffic shouldn't be a real issue at that time of night, and it's an easy, well-marked drive. Personally, price would be the deciding factor for me.

[Diz]

When we were planning our DL trip, the airport was a major decision. We ended up with LAX because I couldn't pass up the flight cost. Plus it was a non-stop flight. A big plus in my opinion! We had printed out our own directions, but the rental company also provided a set. It was a piece of cake. We had some heavy traffic at times, but it wasn't a dead stand-still! We arrived quickly at DL and never was lost or over-wrought from traffic.

[Caldercup]

Cheryl, you and Mark will be able to use the carpool lanes and I have found that to be not too bad, even in really bad traffic.

Good luck!
Eileen

[snoozy]

The price is better, traffic is a crap shoot, you never know what you will be getting in LA

[ilovedisney0_0]

I am glad you are going back to DLR, Cheryl! You will Aladdin!

[LauraBelle V. Hime]

You guys did some major touring of SoCal the last time you were there. Since you are already familiar with the area and traffic, I'm sure you will do just fine.

[Disneybine]

I can't tell you anything about the drive from LAX to DL but as far as LAX goes, I'd try to avoid it. I posted about it in the "airport" thread: airport

But since you're flying from Europe, you might not have a choice because I believe it's the only airport in the area that has direct flights to/from Europe. You could always opt for a lay-over in the U.S., of course, but then you'd have to claim your baggage at the first entry-point (= your lay-over airport) so you'll need at least 2 to 3 hours there... I absolutely hated the chaos at LAX but if it was the cheapest airport in the area to fly into (which is probably the case) I'd go there again, I suppose. Just be prepared to spend LOTS of time in lines (esp. as a non-U.S. citizen)!

[duck addict]

If you have to fly to LAX, 10 PM is as good of a time as any. The run from LAX to DL is a lot easier than any of the routes I have to take that go through downtown. In fact I will often take the longer (distance, not time) route to LAX and on to DL.

Glad to see you are planning another DL visit.
Any dates in mind yet???

[Joy J]

We had been worried before our first trip to DLR about LAX but it was the only option for us in a direct flight flying out from Toronto. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the airport was just fine and the traffic we encountered from the airport to DLR wasn't bad at all. Mind you, we weren't doing the driving. On our second trip, we arrived around the same time you'll be arriving and were pleasantly surprised to find very little traffic on the highways at all that night.

Joy