Time for Universal Studios visit?

[robmab]

We are returning to San Pedro the morning of Sunday, June 21 (Father's Day), but our flight doesn't leave LAX until 4:40pm. I would like to surprise my husband with something fun planned for the day and I was thinking maybe Universal Studios or Disneyland? It would just be the two of us. Which of those places would be easiest to get to from San Pedro? And would we have time to play for a few hours and make it to LAX by 3:30pm?

[andynapril]

Universal is definitely closer, which would give you more time at the park. Are you renting a car?

[Arwenmark]

I disagree, I live just down the street from Universal and it is a hike from San Pedro, where as Disney is relatively close and so is LAX [to San Pedro that is]

Trouble is by the time you got to either you would not have that much time there before you had to leave to get to airport and check in in time for security. Which can be a pain at LAX sometimes.

[kenish]

You will have time for only a quick visit to either DL or Universal. Not time or money well-spent. If you are off the ship and in your rental car by 930am you will be at the turnstile to either park at 1030. Drive time is about 30-40 minutes, then you need to park, wait for a parking lot tram, purchase tickets, etc.

 

I would not walk out of either park any later than 2pm. You have to drive to LAX, return the car, and get the courtesy shuttle to the terminal. That puts you curbside at 315pm.

 

That means you have 3-1/2 hours at either park; the timelines I provided are typical and don't leave any wiggle room for traffic, flat tires, long security lines, etc.

 

If you can change flight times and itenerary, BUR is close to Universal and SNA is close to Disney. There may be later flights available.

 

Otherwise, find something to do in Santa Monica, Venice, or West LA. There's many posts and experts on that area and you will not be far from LAX.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Personally,

You really don't have time.

By the time you get off the ship, rent a car (or are you thinking about taking a shuttle or taxi?), pay, get in, wait in lines, get out, and try to get to the airport - it's just not worth the money at all.

You'll barely be in and out.

(If on the other hand, someone wanted to do this and had a 7 PM or later flight, I'd say go for it!)

 

I'd highly recommend spending that time and money over at the Santa Monica Pier instead!

http://www.santamonicapier.org/

Classic spot, seen in tons of films and TV Shows (check all the commercials for the new Hanna Montana movie as the most recent example)

Cool roller coaster and ferris wheel at the Pacific Park section:

http://www.pacpark.com/

Where else can you take a roller coaster and ferris wheel above the ocean?

http://www.westland.net/Piercam/

 

You can also have time to walk down Venice Beach from there...

http://www.westland.net/venice/

There's restaurants to enjoy, and a one of a kind unique LA Experience.

 

You could have a very nice day here, with plenty of time in your schedule.

Then you are also only about 20 to 30 minutes (drive right back down Lincoln Blvd from there, and you don't even have to get on the Freeway - even faster) to LAX!

Much safer in your time frame, much closer to your LAX flight, and a far, far better use of your money.

 

That would be the way to make this kind of idea work for you much, much better - and not have a panic on missing your flight.

See if that works for you, or you need other ideas or suggestions.

 

 

[Cruisin' Chick]

I would also add that mid-June would be considered the start of the tourist season. Both places would be packed, especially with many local families deciding to spend Father's day at a fun place.

[robmab]

Personally,

You really don't have time.

By the time you get off the ship, rent a car (or are you thinking about taking a shuttle or taxi?), pay, get in, wait in lines, get out, and try to get to the airport - it's just not worth the money at all.

You'll barely be in and out.

(If on the other hand, someone wanted to do this and had a 7 PM or later flight, I'd say go for it!)

 

I'd highly recommend spending that time and money over at the Santa Monica Pier instead!

http://www.santamonicapier.org/

Classic spot, seen in tons of films and TV Shows (check all the commercials for the new Hanna Montana movie as the most recent example)

Cool roller coaster and ferris wheel at the Pacific Park section:

http://www.pacpark.com/

Where else can you take a roller coaster and ferris wheel above the ocean?

http://www.westland.net/Piercam/

 

You can also have time to walk down Venice Beach from there...

http://www.westland.net/venice/

There's restaurants to enjoy, and a one of a kind unique LA Experience.

 

You could have a very nice day here, with plenty of time in your schedule.

Then you are also only about 20 to 30 minutes (drive right back down Lincoln Blvd from there, and you don't even have to get on the Freeway - even faster) to LAX!

Much safer in your time frame, much closer to your LAX flight, and a far, far better use of your money.

 

That would be the way to make this kind of idea work for you much, much better - and not have a panic on missing your flight.

See if that works for you, or you need other ideas or suggestions.

 

 

 

 

Thank you SO much! That is exactly what I needed. This sounds like a perfect plan and I've always wanted to visit Santa Monica Pier. I really appreciate the sound advice!

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Thank you SO much! That is exactly what I needed. This sounds like a perfect plan and I've always wanted to visit Santa Monica Pier. I really appreciate the sound advice!

Great!

That should work out for you very well then!

Report back when you return, and let us know how it all turned out.:D