Anyone have any advice going to the Rose Parade? Or is it just going to be a disaster getting in and out no matter what? I have my daughter this year for Christmas and we are extending our trip to go the Rose Bowl, but wanted to surprise her with the parade too. We are staying at my moms down in South OC, is this a "leave at 3 AM situation"?
I always tell my friends from elsewhere who are visiting SoCal to rent a car, it's not like New York, Chicago or Orlando where everything is more centralized. I'm guessing you are looking at around $80-100 round trip from Disney to Staples. I would rent a car, not only for the game but to do other things too, keep it for a couple of days and take your family to Newport or Huntington, especially if you get nice weather.
As far as parking, I've always had good luck all around the country saving a few bucks using SpotHero, it's usually a lot cheaper than buying parking as you arrive at the venue.