Disney Trip Report

Question

My husband and I just returned from a four-night stay in Anaheim. We flew in to John Wayne Airport in Orange County on Tuesday, spent Wednesday at Disney California Adventure, visited Disneyland on Thursday and Friday, then flew home on Saturday. I wanted stress-free, so we used ride-shares between the airport and our hotel. Here’s the trip report:

Answer

It sounds like you had a well-planned, stress-free trip to Disneyland and California Adventure. Using ride-shares from John Wayne Airport is a convenient choice, especially to avoid rental cars and parking hassles near the parks. Here’s a detailed summary and tips based on your itinerary:

Arrival and transportation:

Flying into John Wayne Airport (SNA) is ideal for Anaheim as it’s smaller and closer than LAX, reducing travel time and crowds.
Using Uber or Lyft directly to your hotel saved time and stress, especially with luggage and without worrying about parking.

Disney California Adventure (Wednesday):

Arriving early is key for shorter wait times on popular rides like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! and Radiator Springs Racers.
Consider using Genie+ or Lightning Lane passes to maximize rides and minimize long queues.
Take breaks mid-day for meals and a rest to keep energy levels high, especially if you’re walking the park for several hours.

Disneyland Park (Thursday and Friday):

Splitting the park over two days allows for a more relaxed experience, covering different lands and attractions.
Classic rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain are must-dos.
Check show and parade times in advance to plan meal breaks around them.

Meals and dining:

Booking table-service meals in advance can prevent long waits, especially for popular spots like Blue Bayou or Carthay Circle.
Quick-service locations like Plaza Inn or Pym Test Kitchen offer faster options with decent variety.

Departure and wrap-up:

Using a ride-share back to John Wayne Airport keeps the trip simple and stress-free, without worrying about returning rental cars or navigating heavy traffic.

Additional tips:

Check park hours and nighttime shows in advance; evening shows like World of Color or fireworks can be a highlight but require strategic planning for viewing spots.
Stay hydrated and wear comfortable walking shoes—parks involve a lot of walking.
Consider a midday break at your hotel if staying nearby to recharge before evening activities.

Overall, your approach of short stays, splitting parks, and using ride-share services makes for a low-stress, enjoyable Disney trip. This setup is especially effective for couples or small groups aiming to maximize the park experience without the hassle of cars or long waits.

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