Greetings, Laura! Welcome back to
planDisney! I like where your head is at! As a Southern Californian, I would definitely recommend booking a cruise and capitalizing on the port’s proximity to the park that started it all, my second home, the
Disneyland Resort! This is going to be a great trip!
The distance from the port in San Diego to Disneyland Resort is about 95 miles. Those 95 miles could mean an hour-and-a-half drive, or a lot more, depending on traffic! My recommendation would actually be to take the train. The
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner boards at the Santa Fe Station, which is about two blocks from the
Disney Cruise Line terminal in San Diego. Since the Surfliner departs every hour to two hours, you’ll be able to get a ride without too much of a wait, and you’ll be on your way, enjoying the beautiful Southern California coastline as you speed towards the Happiest Place on Earth.
You’ll arrive at the ARTIC (Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center) and transfer to the OCTA Bus Route 50 for free when you present your Amtrak ticket to the bus driver. You’ll then exit at the Katella-Harbor Blvd. stop, which is about three blocks from the Disneyland Resort. Depending on where you stay, this may or may not be close to your hotel, so this last leg may be more efficient by skipping the bus altogether and using a rideshare, especially when considering navigating luggage on a public bus. Personally, I’d opt for the rideshare.
You could opt for a rideshare all the way from San Diego to Anaheim, but depending on how many are in your party and how much luggage you have, it may be cost-prohibitive. Since many will be looking for rideshares as they disembark from the cruise ship, it may trigger surge pricing. If you also need to use an XL vehicle, it may be more expensive than it’s worth.
If you’re flying home after your time at the Disneyland Resort, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the best option, followed by Long Beach (LGB). LAX will have more flight options, but will be the most difficult to get to. Check out these
recommendations regarding transportation to and from airports on the Disneyland website.
I hope some of these options are helpful to you. No matter what you choose to do, you’re going to get two of the best experiences Disney has to offer: a voyage on Disney Cruise Line and the charm and magic of the Disneyland Resort! I’m so excited for you, and I wish you many magical memories on this trip. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to bring them to us at
planDisney!
I hope you have a magical day!
Corey