California Trip. Need Advice?
 

We are traveling to California with a 2 1/2 year old and a 9 year old. We are staying at the new Grand Californian Hotel in Disneyland for 7 days. I want to use the first day to get organized and check out everything and the kids want to swim. So, that leaves us 6 full days for other things. We have 4 day hopper passes for the 2 parks at Disney and want to take at least 2 more side trips. Any suggestions? We are not planning to rent a car, but will if needed but we are concerned about driving around LA for the first time. Disney offers some tours that can pick us up at our hotel. Let me know which are best? 1. LA/Hollywood tour that stops at the Queen Mary for 10 minutes, Mann's Chinese theater for 30 minutes, the Beverly Center for 1 1/2 hours and a narrated tour of Rodeo and Melrose. Then, we have 2 hours at Santa Monica Pier. 2. LA/Hollywood shortened tour stopping at the Music Center, and Mann's theatre, and then a narrated tour only (no stops) of Beverly Hills, Rodeo, Melrose and Sunset Blvd. Then, they drop us off at Universal Studios for 7 hours. <BR>3. Catalina Island- 5 hours on the island and 1 hour boat ride each way.(What is there to do on Catalina Island? Is there a swimming beach?)<BR>4. Orange county beaches of Laguna (2 hours) and Newport (1 1/2 hours) and a 45 minute harbor cruise.<BR>We really want to see a beach and want to lay around a beach for part of one day. Should we spend 4 full days around Disney and the new park and Downtown Disney or less? What days would be good for going to each of these attractions? Thanks.

Hi Laura,<BR>Welcome to LA. Let me try to give you my opinions as to your tour options.<BR>1) While this tour certainly will show you from one end of LA to the other.. by my estimation you will spend hours and hours driving. I mean it could take as long as 2 hours to get to the Queen Mary, hardly worth it for a 10 minute visit. Likewise 30 minutes in Hollywood is hardly worth doing. With two little children I think this is entirely too far of a distance between attractions and too little time AT the attractions to make it worth your while. How much would your children get out of a narrated tour down Melrose.. Theres the gates of Paramount Studios and lots of super trendy purple haired, leather wearing people shopping at artsy clothing boutiques. <BR>2) Sounds better at least they are not driving you 2 hours down to Long Beach. Do they let you out at all in Hollywood?? Just curious, I am trying to think in terms of keeping the children's interest. They'd love Universal Studios though this one is a lot better then the first one.Less driving.<BR>3) Catalina is a great place, but I don't know if I'd go there given your limited time in So. Cal. The activities on the island are swimming, shopping, restaurants, you can rent golf carts, bikes and I believe mopeds to explore the island and the nature reserve that used to be owned by the heir to the Wrigley Chewing Gum fortune, also there is the Avalon Ballroom, which used to have classic swing broadcasts during the 1940's.<BR>4) I am not particularly into beaches, but if they are your big interest then tour #4 would be OK, Newport and Laguna are nice places to swim and hang out. Not much else to do there BUT the beach, IMO. <BR>I am sure your children will really enjoy Disneyland and Universal Studios. However, in terms of ethetics and places of interest, in Anaheim, where Disneyland is, there is not much else to do or see besides Disneyland, or Knotts Berry Farm, which is another theme park. Anaheim it self is lots of strip malls and not IMO.. the nicest place to look at in Los Angeles. Unfortunatly LA is a place that is designed for cars, there are so many great places to see, but they are really spread out. It would be nice if you could spend some more time on Hollywood Blvd., See the Walk of Fame, Mann's Chinese, take the new Subway to Universal Studios Return to Hollywood, and back to Anaheim. <BR>In terms of what are the best days to see the attractions you mentioned, definately avoid weekend, or holidays at Disneyland or any of the themeparks, you are best going mid-week, if at all possible. Email directly if you have questions.

Oh and on tour #1 the Beverly center is just a shopping mall, nothing too special, except that parking is really difficult there :).

I would forget LA and the tours. Kids get carsick or cranky. They will love every day at Disney. The beach tour sounds ok except why not just stay at one beach and enjoy the day. You could get picnic food from the hotel deli. About the harbor cruise, again, kids get seasick and tired. You could probably get a town car service to drive you to a beach for a set time. Keep it simple, don't overplan. On your last day in the parks, let the kids repeat their favorite rides. The earlier you get there in the day, the better it will be. Have fun!

Laura,<BR>Try to remember this is a vacation - not a race to see everything possible. I know where you're coming from, and hate to admit I've put a damper on family fun due to my over-scheduling and stressing out. You mention that you have a four-day pass for the two Disney Parks - use them! I'd head out early morning when the kids are fresh, eat an early lunch at the park, and head home around 2-3:pm for a little heat relief in the pool or just the room or hotel lobby! You don't have to be there all day. Also, you and your husband may want to trade off on the two extra days. Take just the nine-year old off on your choice of tour, while the other stays put with the baby. Window shopping while pushing the stroller, or sipping a pina colada while you play kiddie-poolside would be just as much fun and much more relaxing. Just enjoy the time with your family and being away from the rat race.

We were in California a few years ago. Here is my recommendation: 1st there is a lot to do out there. Take your time, especially with a small child. Universal is beautiful and definetly a place to visit. Downtown LA (Hollyweird) is just that, you have to pay to use the restroom in McDonalds on Hollywood Blvd., so be prepared. There is one side visit that I can certainly recommend, that is the SAN DIEGO ZOO. It was really a lot of fun and very beautiful. <BR>Have fun.

I was in the McDonalds on Hollywood Blvd. two weeks ago and the restroom was free -- the coin box on the door was either malfunctioning or had been jimmied on purpose. (The bathroom was filthy and the line took forever, though.)

Thanks to everyone who has replied. If anyone has more information, I would appreciate it. The more, the better.<BR>

thyra, <BR>you give great info! You mentioned a nature center on catalina island, how would you describe it? That sounds like something we would be interested in. we are leaving for los angeles/san diego on the 20th. We have no clue what to do. we are staying half the time w/my sister in La and the other half W/our friend in San Diego. They both just moved there this year, so they are still learning the ropes. jen <BR>

I'd try to minimize the time on formal tours with a two year old, for the sake of your sanity and the pleasure of the other guets. <BR> <BR>And I'd limit it on behalf of the pleasure of the nine year old. <BR> <BR>LA is not that bad a place to drive in, once you realize it is big and therefore takes a while to get across the city. leave lots of tiume, try to avoid rush hours, and you'll be fine. <BR> <BR>The little kid does not care where he is, so pay attention to the bigger one. I'd take a nine year old to Venice Beach, which has lots of weird people, plus restaurants and souvenir shops. And to the Santa Monica Pier, and to see the Hollywood sign. <BR> <BR>Kids like stuff they will see again later in magazines or newspapers or on television, so they can say "I've been there." The Framer's Market would fit into this categoy, too, and there are lots of good things to buy there to eat. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>BAK

Hello everyone. I am still in need of getting advice on my original post. Any suggestions would be great.

I also like the idea of Venice Beach, Sta. Monica Pier and the Farmers Market. There's a very shallow swimming beach in Newport--maybe one of the "more local" folks knows the name. Balboa Island is fun and the kids will love a Balboa Bar--frozen chocolate covered banana. I agree with the keep it simple---bus tours in L.A. are a lot of wasted time in a bus in traffic. Disney is just as you would imagine but Anaheim is pretty ugly. Enjoy.

Thanks, any more suggestions?

Laura, <BR> <BR>I agree with the above poster that you're 9-yr old might enjoy Venice beach. It's a fun place to walk around, Santa Monica Pier has rides and the beach is a nice LA county beach. I think you're going to have a great trip! I wish my parents could've taken me on a trip like that when I was nine! <BR> <BR>Good luck, <BR>Kelly

Laura...I am a Disney fanatic and am there 1-2 times a month. Just a few suggestions about staying at Disney. While there may be a grocery store within a mile of the place, it's not easy to get to without a car. Disney is really a place unto itself, so with 2 children, I would bring a smaller suitcase with just snack foods and then use the suitcase for any purchases home. There are fast food restaurants on Harbor Blvd or Katella the main streets bordering Disney property (at leat a 1/2 mile from your hotel). Fastpass is the way to go at Disney, use them. We never wait more than 25 -30 minutes for ride even on the busiest days. If you are late night people Fantasyland is emptier after 10:00 p.m. to closeing. The longest wait for a ride or fastpass time at Disney is Indiana Jones so get that fastpass or ride first. And use the infant pass for those rides that your younger child will not be getting on, and your 9 yr old will be able to go twice. At California Park get a fast pass or ride Soaring Over California first, and do see it. The bigger rollercoaster is very good. The California movie hosted by Whoopie Goldberg is also very good. Sorry it is so new I don't remember the names of all the rides in California. <BR> <BR>If you do not live near the beach I would try and go one day. But rent a car. I'm sure the Californian Hotel can help to arrange it. I do not usually go to the tourist beaches I prefer the family beaches that you do not find in most tourist books. But your 9 yr old will probably like to see the ones you see on t.v. If you go to Venice Beach you see all the weirdos mostly on the weekends but get there early for parking. Santa Monica Pier, Beach, and 3rd Street (pedestrian street w/shopping and weirdos) also seen allot on t.v. is full of tourists and locals alike (parking structures on 2nd and 4th street) <BR> <BR>If you have any specific questions that you'd like answered about Disney or anywhere else e-mail me directly.

Laura, <BR>I would agree with some of the other posters - keep it simple! <BR> <BR>I would use all 4 days at Disney. You and your husband may become "Disney'd out" (I do after just a few hours), but your kids won't be able to get enough. I wouldn't do 4 days in a row, however. Maybe 2 and 2, with 2 days in between doing something else. <BR> <BR>I would skip the bus tours. A 2 yr old is just not going to do it well, and the 9 year old will most likely be bored. I would consider going to either Knott's Berry Farm (not too far from Disney and the hotel can probably arrange transport), or possibly Universal Studios. I believe there is something now at Disney where they will provide transportation to Universal and you get a break on admission, but I would check with the hotel first. <BR> <BR>I would definitely see a beach - it's what So Cal is known for. The thing is - which beach? You don't say what you're into. Typical tourist? Family? Surfing atmosphere? Places to shop? (Remember, after a day in the water and sand, sometimes shopping is not all that comfortable - especially with 2 youngsters in tow) Venice beach is cool because of the "weirdos", but the drive from Anaheim is a minimum of 1 1/2 hours - WITHOUT any traffic. Santa Monica is the same thing. And don't forget when you're going back to the hotel, tired from a day in the sun, kids tired and cranky, everyone a little sunburn, the drive in rush hour can take up to 2 1/2 hours - barring no accidents. If you are looking at something that most So Californians do, then there are many beaches south of LA or in Orange County, closer to your hotel, that can be just as nice. Problem is, you will be surrounded by normal-looking people. (they DO comprise the vast majority of the population here) <BR> <BR>I personally have always like Laguna Beach - it's small, lots of people, a few shops, and a beautiful beach. For absolute quiet and more of a family atmosphere, Corona Del Mar - just south of Newport Beach - is great. It's right next to the jetty, and kids get a kick out of watching the boats coming in and out of Newport Harbor. Sunset Beach (another smaller beach) has always been a big surfing beach. My word of caution here would be that if you and your family are not used to the beach, be prepared to be somewhat tired by the end of the day. Soaking up rays and splashing through waves takes more out of you than you think. And don't forget the sunblock. Nothing worse than getting that nasty sunburn half-way through your vacation. <BR> <BR>I'd say take it easy, relax, and don't overplan. (you stated you were giving yourself the first day to get oriented - use it to talk to hotel staff about their picks) Your kids will enjoy seeing Mickey and the beach more than sitting in a bus on 101 freeway - I guarantee it! <BR> <BR>Have F U N! <BR> <BR>

I would like to add Dana Point to your list of things to do. It is a small little beach town. They have a marine observation center the children like. They can learn about and touch many different marine animals. They also host tidepool trips for kids. Enjoy your visit. <BR> <BR>Don't forget to pack light jackets or sweatshirts for yourself and kids, the evenings here tend to be chilly.

Thanks for all the advice. There are too many decisions to make. I am really concerned about driving in LA. Is taking a bus tour to the beaches and Universal that bad of an idea?

Laura, <BR> <BR>I don't think you really need a car during your stay. Unless there is something that you "must" see. I don't think the 2.5 year old will really care about Mann's Theatre or the Beverly Center. As far as beaches, it really doesn't get easier than a day trip to my home town of Newport Beach. From Disneyland, you can catch the OCTA bus (route #43) that shoots you directly to the Newport Pier. The concierge can easily guide you to the stations. Probably a 30 minute ride with all the stops. Oh, and we have the best beaches. Back at Disneyland, they built the new Downtown Disney and the Marina so there's plenty to do in that area. Feel free to contact me for more info. <BR> <BR>Jim

Thanks, Jim. <BR>The idea of just taking a day trip to Newport sounds good. Could you give more details? Tell me about Newport Beach, I enjoy laying around the beach and splashing in the water with the kids. What about the trip to Universal?