How a big family can get around Los Angeles

WE ARE A FAMILY OF SIX, PARENTS WITH 18 MONTH OLD AND 9 YEAR OLD AND GRANDMOTHER WITH 7 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER TRAVELLING TO L.A. FOR 13 DAYS IN JANUARY. WE WANT TO SEE DISNEYLAND, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND LEGOLAND. SHOULD WE BASE OURSELVES IN ONE LOCATION AND HIRE A VAN TO GET TO DISNEY THEN BACK TO L.A.? HIRE AN APARTMENT INSTEAD OF HOTEL ROOMS?

D. DONOVICK, FAIRFIELD WEST

With this many people you'd most likely be far more comfortable in an apartment, as well as better off. You could also save on meals and your own washer/dryer would certainly come in handy. Where and how long to base yourselves is crucial. If you're planning to spend several days at Disneyland and more time again at Legoland and possibly Sea Life Aquarium, it would make sense to look for an apartment or even a house in the Anaheim region, and AirBnB has plenty of three-bedroom houses starting from around $350 per night. Some of these are claimed to be within walking distance of Disneyland.

You've plenty of time in hand so you might also want to explore the other side of L.A. and in If you stay close to Disneyland you might find yourself making long trips once that part of the journey is over. I like Santa Monica because it's one area that you can explore on foot, it's safer than some parts and close to the beach but in chilly January, this might not be ideal. The Beverley Hills/West Hollywood/Mid-Wiltshire district would be my choice in January, which also puts you within reasonable driving distance of Universal Studios Hollywood. Three bedroom apartments in this area start at around $400 per night on Air BnB, and there are plenty of houses at about the same price. Bear in mind that you should get a discount on the daily rental if you hire an Air BnB property for a week.

Hiring a people mover is probably going to be a good option since public transport is woeful and taxis are going to be costly, and most likely unavailable with a suitable child restraint.