Hi Rosie,
Welcome back to planDisney! Thank you for continuing to trust us with your planning questions. I'm so excited that you're planning your first visit to the Disneyland Resort — it truly is The Happiest Place on Earth! Coming to celebrate during the
70th Anniversary makes it even more special. I'm happy to share some tips on accommodations and transportation.
I’ve had the chance to visit all three
Disneyland Resort Hotels, and each one is accessible for guests using an
Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV). The Disneyland Resort has made a strong commitment to ensuring its facilities and rooms are accessible. Of the three hotels, I’d say the
Grand Californian is the most convenient for access to California Adventure, as it has a direct entrance into the park. The
Disneyland Hotel is closest to the
Monorail, which gives you a drop-off point right inside Disneyland Park.
As you plan your travel, keep in mind that
ECVs are available for rent at the stroller rental area near the theme park entrances. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance, so it's best to arrive early. If you're staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel, there's also the option to rent an ECV for the length of your stay through Disney’s featured mobility device provider. These rentals can be reserved in advance. You’ll find all the details on the ECV and Wheelchair Rentals page— just scroll down to the section titled “Disney Featured Provider.” This could be a great solution if you're concerned about traveling with your own scooter.
Now let’s shift gears and talk about airport transportation.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the closest airport to the Disneyland Resort. While Disney currently doesn’t offer its own airport shuttle service, there are several shuttles and limousines available at the Ground Transportation Center at SNA. Disney recommends Karmel Shuttle, which you can book in advance to ensure your party is accommodated. That said, I recommend comparing options and choosing a provider that best suits your needs.
If you have specific concerns or need added flexibility, you might consider renting a car. There’s an
Enterprise® Rent-A-Car office on the second floor of Pixar Place Hotel. You could rent a vehicle from the airport and return it to the hotel. This option may provide more freedom for your group.
My final magical tip: Don’t forget to stop by City Hall in Disneyland Park and ask for a free souvenir button that says “First Visit.” Guests and Cast Members may sprinkle you with extra positive energy when they see it's your very first trip!
I hope this information was helpful, Rosie! If you have more questions or would like tips for your upcoming adventure, feel free to reach out to me or any of my fellow planDisney panelists. We're always here to add a little extra pixie dust to your planning.
Happy Planning!
– Melinda