We are arriving at LAX June 21 and need to get to Disneyland- staying 2nights and don't need or want car. Then June 23 need to get from Disneyland to Long Beach ferry service (to Catalina). Then June 26 need to get from Ferry to LAX. I am aware of the shuttle service from LAX to Disney, but for family of 4, does it make sense to hire a private car, or perhaps do combo of shuttle/car/taxi? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Although you don't want a car, do check out the rental car rates at LAX. They are surprisingly inexpensive, and this might be your least expensive and most convenient option. Perhaps you could take a car to Disney, return it to LAX and use a shuttle from LAX to the ferry...I really don't know anything about LA except for how cheap it is to rent a car there.

I would get some fare quotes from a shuttle service. Try the online quote system for primetimeshuttle.com. By the time one factors in gas, parking and one-way fees, a shuttle may be a better option than a rental car.

Get a quote from a private car/limo service.

I see National at $125 a week midsize car, even with the parking fees added in it will probably be cheaper an more convenient.

Shuttle probably would be the best cost-saving solution. (Of course a rental car is the most convenient.) Do check rates of each option.

I don't find rental cars cheaper in LAX, unless you have a coupon. But it doesn't matter so much. Say you save $10/day, 1 week is $70 days - no big deal. Here are some other facts that you might want to consider:

- Gas
Today's regular gas costs over $3.4/gallon. LAX to Disneyland is about 50 miles. And be prepared for LA traffic, can be 15mph.

- Insurance
You can never tell when an accident is going to happen, particularly in an unfamilar environment. Do you want to use your regular insurance to cover it? Does your credit card provide full coverage? The rental car company's insurance cost $$$.

- Parking
It may not be cheap at the ferry.

- Type of car
Since there are 4 of you, depends on how much luggage you have, a car may not be enough. $$$ again.

My suggested route is LAX - Disneyland by shuttle, Disneyland to ferry by hotel service or taxi, ferry to LAX by shuttle. If the shuttle doesn't go to the ferry, it should go to a hotel nearby.

BTW is there any particular reason why you are going to Catalina? There are many better-rated attractions along the coast.

Thanks for the great input. Cost savings is not as much of a factor as convenience and safety. Not afraid to drive in the traffic- just didn't want the added hassle of renting the car- waiting in line at airport, etc. Being driven is always more relaxing, whether by shuttle or private driver. Was wondering if anyone has a specific company for limo service we could check out. Will definitely check out Primetime.

2fly- LOL- We have to go to Catalina for a wedding (sister-in-law)- we already went to meet up with them there last summer- totally not our taste but whatchagonnado....

OP, just to be clear, I don't necessarily LIKE Primetime shuttle, I prefer Supershuttle, but I think the Primetime link for checking out pricing. I agree that limos/shuttles are generally less hassle when you factor in the fact that LAX will require you to take a shuttle to the car rental pickup/and back.

I read and understood the posters feelings about a rental car. But to me this trip would be perfect for one.
A. Renting a car at LAX is not that big of a hassle. Rental car busses regularly cruise the baggage claim areas. Will your shuttle or driver be waiting for you when you exit baggage claim? What if your flight is late or early? The rental car gives you more flexibility.
B. Cost of parking will only be a concern at the lot in Long Beach (eight dollars a day), your Disney Hotel parking will probably be included.
C. You'll sit in the same traffic if you are in a shuttle or a rental.
D. Not having to stand around wasting time waiting for a shuttle to pick you up at the hotel and the dock,
p.s. I love Catalina .

Well, I know if I'm trying to get from LAX to the Disney area I skip the shuttle and go with the Disney bus. Perhaps not as comfy as a shuttle, but sometimes cheaper and most of the time quicker. The Disney bus does stop at other places besides Disney properties, so if you are not staying at a Disney hotel you needn't worry. Adults are $19.00 (one way) and children (3-11) are $16.00. The website for more information: http://airport.anaheimsightseeing.com/. May or may be worth it for your family.

Your best bet to get to Long Beach would be shuttle, though I would compare quotes with private car. Who knows? You might get a better deal.

I don't really see where you would need a rental here, unless you would plan to do any driving while in Anaheim. You would just be wasting your money.

I recently stayed at the Hilton Anaheim and flew into LAX.

Super Shuttle was $15 pp and had an Express shuttle - we were the 1st stop.

The hotel has a Super Shuttle desk, which is usually left unmanned. However, there is a phone there that you pick up and a dispatcher answers.

You can order a hired car (sedan) from the hotel to go pretty much anywhere you would like to go.

It works out great - they pick you up when you're finished for the day and drop you off at the hotel. You can start all over the next day!

You didn't mention what hotel you were staying at, but you might want to contact them and see what car services they offer on-site.

thats a great idea, esp for getting from Disney (staying at Grand Californian) to Long Beach ferry. I looked into PrimeTime shuttle- they offer a private van with no other pick ups for not much more than reg van, so I think we'll splurge and go that route. Thanks for the input