Preparing for BlizzCon: Getting there by car or rail
by Robin Torres 
Jun 22nd 2009 at 7:00PM
On Friday, we talked about getting to BlizzCon by air. Until teleportation technology is invented (and not deadly) or "The Big One" hits causing Anaheim to become coastal, the only other two ways to get to BlizzCon are by train or car. (Edit: Ok, there is the bus, but yeah, ugh. AishaLove is right. I can't recommend it.)
Trains: Anaheim is a stop on the Pacific Surfliner route. Amtrak can be pricey, but with a membership in AAA and a watchful eye on their specials, you may be able to come up with a price that is comparable to flying. The train stop is just down the road from the Anaheim Convention Center and is close to most of the hotels. Of course, trains take much longer than planes, but the trip can be part of your vacation fun.
Automobiles: The Anaheim Convention Center is right off the I-5, near the Harbor Boulevard exit. You all know how to use Google Maps or your favorite mapping program to find the best directions. If you are thinking of renting a car or making a long road trip, gas prices will probably continue to go up throughout the summer, so you need to calculate mileage and worst case gas costs into your budgeting. Also, be aware that the greater Los Angeles area has ridiculously long and stressful rush hours. Try to avoid arrival into town during the hours of 7am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm. When there are accidents, expect those hours to expand and the freeways to turn into parking lots. AM radio has a few stations that keep you up to date on traffic and this traffic site is invaluable to check when you are getting close, if you have the technology.
Anaheim is a pretty safe place to be, but there are many pockets of nastiness in L.A. proper. Getting off the freeway in a place you don't know is not recommended. If you can avoid the city altogether in your trip, it would be best for your stress level and your personal safety.
BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon, you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there are some great looking costumes.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
AishaLove Jun 22nd 2009 7:13PM
did not mention the bus did ya?
LOL thats because bus travel is horrible, like hell on wheels with stops in between and huge delays!!
And I never have enough food..... >.>
McRaider Jun 22nd 2009 7:29PM
Take 22 slot bags this time and you'll be fine.
Robin Torres Jun 22nd 2009 8:16PM
I think I must have blocked it from my memory. Unpleasant experiences. *shudder*
Slaytanic Jul 16th 2009 2:04PM
I try to avoid "The Shame Train".
t0ddd Jun 22nd 2009 7:30PM
I guess I got lucky when I was in LA: I never hit a single traffic jam and I absolutely loved being able to drive 85-90 miles per hour with no worry of a Rhode Island State Trooper pulling me over. CHiPS sort of just swerved in and out of lanes.
jfofla Jun 22nd 2009 7:34PM
That is because 100-120 on the 10 is not uncommon. At 90 you would be slow lane.
t0ddd Jun 22nd 2009 7:36PM
As far as I know I was mainly on the 405 and not many people were passing me. We all seemed to be going the same speed.
jfofla Jun 22nd 2009 7:32PM
Yeah Anaheim is very safe. Think Disney. It is a tourist town, clean and friendly.
Joozu Jun 22nd 2009 7:51PM
Orange county in general is pretty OK but, I wouldn't suggest any form of public transport (except taxi) in the late night, say after 9pm. Anaheim itself is fine and you shouldn't have any worries; however, If you need to get a place to stay that's not close to the convention center/Disneyland, I'd say north east of the center is better than south west. The Anaheim Hills area is pretty nice but the Garden Grove area is well, less nice and more dangerous. I'm from LA city though, so in comparison everything down there is safer.
Juddernaut Jun 22nd 2009 8:02PM
AM 1070 KNX news Radio and AM 640 are both good sources of traffic reports.
Joozu Jun 22nd 2009 8:10PM
About the Sigalert.com link... I'd prefer using them over using Google maps. Google maps is great but the traffic readings aren't anywhere near as accurate as Sigalerts, who give you approximate speeds every quarter mile or so and notifications of accidents or road barriers. Where as GMaps just has color coding that generalizes a broad range of speeds. Just to let anyone know who isn't familiar with using traffic on either of them.
Robin Torres Jun 22nd 2009 8:12PM
I agree. Google maps for directions. Sigalert for traffic.
chinasky Jun 22nd 2009 8:39PM
My driving advice, use google maps to make sure you get off the freeway before the Orange Crush. There is a mess of a freeway interchange where the 57, 5 and 22 freeways meet. This is leads to frequent backups, delays, and easily missing your offramp (22e to 5 north, I'm looking at you). Plan in advance to get off one or two exits early, it will be much faster by surface road.
Codexx Jun 25th 2009 5:22AM
Word of advice from a local: Definitely DO NOT get off on mysterious off ramps. You end up in the creepiest neighborhoods. The last place you want to be while BlizzCon is going on is Little Saigon. With all the Disneyland signs though, it's not too hard to find it.
Pantyraider Jun 23rd 2009 12:57PM
I hear Watts is nice in the summer, you should check it out.