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Visiting LA (universal/disney) no car and 4year old

we are visiting LA in December, and I have a few questions on how to manage this trip

1) Will my 4 and 8-year-olds need a car seat, and is there a way around this as we are travelling from Australia and have heaps of luggage?

2) What is the best area for us to find accommodation that will not only be safe but also convenient for us to visit Disney, Universal, and take a tour bus that can take us around for a few hours.

3) What is the weather generally like in LA in early December? do we need to dress warm?

Visiting Los Angeles in December with young children and no car can be managed smoothly with some planning. Here’s a detailed breakdown addressing your questions:

1) Car seats for your children:

In California, children under 8 years old or under 4 feet 9 inches tall are required by law to use a car seat or booster seat in vehicles. This includes taxis, ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, and rental cars. For traveling from Australia with a lot of luggage, consider the following options:

  • Bring a lightweight, portable car seat that is approved for airline travel. Some are foldable and compact for easier transport.
  • Use ride-share services that offer child seats. Some services, like Uber Car Seat, provide a forward-facing car seat for children aged 2–6 years, but availability can be limited.
  • Check with your hotel or rental car company in advance to see if they can provide car seats.

2) Best area for accommodation:

Since you won’t have a car, choosing a centrally located, safe, and convenient area is important. Consider these areas:

  • Anaheim: Close to Disneyland, lots of family-friendly hotels, many offer shuttle service to Disney parks. Good for multiple nights if Disney is a priority.
  • Hollywood/Universal City: Convenient for Universal Studios, walking distance to restaurants and shops, and close to tour bus pick-ups. Good for staying near city attractions if Universal is a focus.
  • Santa Monica or Beverly Hills: While farther from Disney and Universal, these areas are very walkable, safe, and scenic, with easy access to guided city tours and public transit for shorter day trips.

Since you have a 4-year-old and 8-year-old, staying in Anaheim for a few nights to do Disneyland and then a night in Hollywood near Universal can balance travel time and convenience.

3) Weather in early December:

Los Angeles generally has mild winters, but mornings and evenings can be chilly. Typical conditions in December:

  • Daytime highs: 18–22°C (65–72°F)
  • Nighttime lows: 8–12°C (46–54°F)
  • Possible light rain, though December is relatively dry compared to many parts of the U.S.

For your family, pack layers: a light jacket or fleece for children, long-sleeve shirts, comfortable pants, and a small umbrella or rain jacket just in case.

Additional tips:

  • Consider booking a tour bus or hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour for a few hours. Many start near Hollywood and take you to major sights without needing a car.
  • Use ride-share apps to move between areas safely and conveniently; plan for travel time to Disney from Hollywood if staying off-site.
  • Bring snacks and small toys for waiting times, especially for the younger child.

With careful planning, you can enjoy both Disneyland and Universal Studios comfortably without a car while keeping your children safe and comfortable in the mild December weather.

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