Originally Posted By dizzdis We will be at DL in July and are planning a day at Universal.If we dont have a car, what is the most cost effective way for a party of eight(4 adults/4kids)to get there? We don't really want to take one of the buses as we would like to spend the whole day/eve there ending with dinner in City Walk. Is that a good idea? We took one of the bus tours a few years back and they made us leave at 5 pm on a week day, and spent two hours in traffic. Eight people ending up upchucking(sorry for the graphic). There weren't enough garbage bags or bathrooms to accommodate everyone that was sick including my son and myself! It was a nightmare!Would a limo, rental van, or taxi be best? What is the best day of the week to visit keeping in mind not wanting to miss any "best" days at DL. Am I asking too much, hehehehe My main problem is I am sooo familar with DL and completely at a loss outside my "park"!
Originally Posted By typhoonCM might want to post this in the DL portion instead of the WDW portion. Those of us in florida aren't always proficient in Californian roads...
Originally Posted By typhoonCM Sorry, just noticed I was looking in the wrong category... *smacks self upside the head*
Originally Posted By indysoarin19 Universal or any LA landmark is best reached by car. The only other option I can think of is taking the Metrolink from the Anaheim station (a stone's throw from DL) up to Union Station then transfer to the Red Line subway which goes up to Universal, but for eight, it isn't very cost-effective and isn't very safe. Taxis will charge a ton because of the distance. With a car and driving in LA, just know to avoid rush hour traffic (roughly 6-9 am and 3-7 pm). The nice thing about going to Uni from DL is that it is just a trip up I-5 to the 134 west, a 30-45 minute trip if timed correctly. I highly suggest going to Uni on a weekday, but be warned that if crowds are light enough, you'll have done everything in a matter of a couple of hours. CityWalk is always packed on the weekends as it is one of the top places in LA to party and isn't as kid-friendly as Downtown Disney. Have a great trip when you go.
Originally Posted By dizzdis ah ha! All good tips! No Metrolink for us from little ol town in Oregon. The onbly taxi I have ever taken was from SNA to GCH, and we have four kids ages 4-12. And no slapping needed typhoon!
Originally Posted By Darkbeer Take Public transportation. To do this, catch the OCTA route 43 bus north to the Fullerton Train Station. (It runs up and down Harbor, including a stop next to the Pedistrian Entrance to Disneyland.) Then, take an Amtrak (or Metrolink) train from Fullerton to Union Station. From Union Station, take the Metro Red Line subway to North Hollywood (make sure and check that it is going to North Hollywood, not all Red Line trains do). Get off at Universal City, walk across the street and catch the free shuttle bus that Universal Studio supplies to the park. Cost for this... OCTA bus $1.25 each way. Amtrak is normally $8.50 each way, but using the promotional code H570 would give you 25% off most of the time. The Metro Red Line is $1.25 each way, but if you want to get off in Hollywood (I recommend Hollywood and Highland) get the $3 all day pass. That is $22 per Adult, cheaper than the tour bus, and you can choose the times you go, instead of the bus schedule, which only has one trip a day. Kids prices, OCTA allows up to three kids 6 and under to ride free per paying adult, Amtrak fare is just $4.25 one way for children 2 thru 15, and the Metro Subway allows up to 2 children 4 and under to ride free per paying adult. The last train leaves Union Station at 10:10 PM 7 days a week, so plenty of time to enjoy dinner at CityWalk, then head back to Anaheim. (I would want to be headed to the Subway around 9 PM to make sure to not miss the train). I recently did this (didn't stop at Universal, but did go to Hollywood and other parts of LA), the trains are clean and nice, no real worries about security and not too long, you are looking at about 90 minutes to get to Universal, including transfer time. Just think of it as another theme park ride , many kids would love the train ride.
