John Wayne Airport, located in Santa Ana California is the closest airport to the Disneyland Resort at approximately 14 miles from Disneyland it is definitely convenient. The John Wayne, or Orange County Airport is much smaller than LAX and very easy to navigate once inside. With one large, straight concourse, it is very easy to walk around once you get through security. This can be very important for parents of young toddlers who need room to roam. This setting is absolutely perfect for the child who needs to exercise before boarding an airplane.
Food choices at John Wayne are:
McDonalds
Starbucks
Creative Croissants
Quick Connection Food Service
For Adults:
Sports Page Pub
Gibson Guitar Lounge
The food court at John Wayne is currently under construction and the restaurants there are no longer available (2005).
The ground transportation options between John Wayne and the Disneyland Resort are immense, with the option of rental car, shuttle, taxi or private shuttle. Below you will find a list of the most popular options for travel between John Wayne and the Disneyland Resort.
Shuttle Options
Super Shuttle (2005, 20.00 per person round trip to the Disneyland Resort Hotels) 800-258-3826. Super Shuttle is one of the favorite shuttles used to the Disneyland Resort. Efficient, and well known, the only drawback could be that you may be the last stop in a van full of other people.
Airport Bus (2005, 24.00 for each adult, 16.00 for each child, round trip to the Disneyland Resort Hotels) 800-828-6699. This is the large motor coach you may have seen that is painted with Disney Characters, large, purple and very comfortable. This bus will take you to their location across from Howard Johnson Hotel where you will pay and transfer to smaller vans for your hotel delivery.
Private Car can be set up from the Howard Johnson hotel to the John Wayne Airport for $35.00 plus tip. You will be picked up in a Lincoln Town Car and feel like royalty on your ride to the airport. The company they have a contract with is Jag. Ask for it when staying at Howard Johnsons.
Taxi
When flying into John Wayne Airport sometimes a Taxi is the way to go. Rates from the airport to the Disneyland Resort are usually around 35.00 plus tip. Be sure to negotiate the rate before getting in the cab. If you don't negotiate, you could be subject to the meter rates, which are as follows:
Meter rate: $2.40 first 1/6 mile, plus $0.40 per additional 1/6 mile. (2005)
Yellow Cab Company (Anaheim)
Toll Free: 800-535-2211
714-535-2211
Rental Car
There are many rental car companies at the John Wayne Airport. The two we prefer are National and Alamo because they have an extremely easy rental car return 1 block from Disneyland. A rental car can be cheaper than a shuttle, and with the ease of return, and the easy of pick up we definitely recommend either of these companies. They are also very competitive in price, and if you are looking for the cheaper way to go, that is usually Alamo.
Pro's of John Wayne Airport
Easy to navigate due to its small size
Very close to the Disneyland Resort
Relaxing and someone quiet compared to large airports
Large 'people free' concourse for children to play
Con's of John Wayne Airport
Small size means less choice
Fewer places to eat and drink
Personal Review
We use this airport quite often. It is small and easy to navigate both inside and outside. It is close to Disneyland. When we return, we always find no line for security, and a nearly empty concourse where are toddler can walk/run up and down with minimal worry of upsetting other passengers. While there are not a ton of food choices, there is a McDonalds, which makes my child happy. Before the construction, there was a Dominoes Pizza. It will be interesting to see what food choices there are when the food court is completed.
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