I will disagree with LAX, it is doable (not normally hell on eart) but can be bad at at times, especially the traffic getting to and from there, for example, the roads near LAX flood out, and some are still closed (thing the roadways that go under the runways), long lines for TSA, especially Terminal 1 (Southwest) in the Mornings. and a large mass of humanity, thankfully I do have the airport version of FastPass (TSA Pre-Check, frequent flyer special check in, etc.). In the news this weekend for having some of the slowest WiFi speeds in the nation's airports. Very limited food options outside of the security area. But as a local, it is my LAST choice for flights, and try and use other airports.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-lax-problems-20161229-story.html
My personal preferences in local airports.
LOVE Long Beach (LGB) - Old School and small (no Jetways), but a new TSA building and two small terminal buildings.
So what makes it great is also its worse issue, small and limited, 50 flights per day. So if your needs meet the available options, this is a no brainer. Best TSA experience I have had ever! Building being built for TSA instead of retro-fitted makes a big difference. The two terminals are in line to each other, the planes just pull up in line near the door, and if needed, the old fashioned stairs and ramps are attached to allow you access from the runway. Decent food options, luggage claim is outdoors, and if needed Rental car offices and pickup are just across the street from the terminal, no shuttle needed. Simple and easy to get to the airport, when leaving the airport,just go straight at the main exit/traffic light (and there is only one) and head east on Wardlow Road, once you leave LA County and enter Orange County, it turns into Ball Road, after about 13 miles, Disneyland will be on the right side. Yes, that easy, and since I personally live just north of Ball, a even shorter trip to me (Basically draw a line between Knott's and Disneyland, and you will find my house in the middle section).
Worth the walk in the arrival building, (Historic) and check the info posted on the walls upstairs. Stop in and have a drink at the bar and enjoy the great views. Located outside the secure area, so open to anyone, and a nice place to wait for someone to arrive.
Like John Wayne (Aka, Orange County/Santa Ana/SNA), a medium sized airport, though numbered a bit strangely, it is basically one big rectangular box with 2 levels. Planes board on the West Side using jetways and has about 30 gates. Check in is on the East Side. With expansion, it now has an official Customs set of gates and full processing. Main drawback, limited operating hours (good for me when I lived In Tustin right under the main arrival flight-way) so early mornings before the first flight can take off is very busy and TSA was retro-fitted so tough to deal with the wait queues to be processed.
Benefits - More flight options than LAX (more airlines and destinations using non-stop and direct flights), Rental cars are next to the luggage claim check (part of the parking structure) no shuttle is needed. There was only one taxi/Tranist location, though they opened a secondary one near the Customs exit. The Customs area basically only opens up if a flight (usually Mexico) arrives and needs to process the flight.so no long backups.
Fairly easy access, next to the 405 freeway, and the carpool lane for the 55 and 5 makes it an easier drive to Disneyland (just use the Disney way special carpool exit in most cases), just slightly longer than the LGB drive.
Next would be Ontario (ONT) and Bob Hope (BUR), but too far away unless they have something that can keep me out of LAX and not offered at LGB or SNA.
As for the other Motel, it is the Eden Roc next to the Anabella, a little too old and Motel like for my liking.
Have you found a Hotel/Motel yet?
