Yes the Ambrose was pricey but it worked out really well for us. Our room had a gorgeous view, and we never heard any street or hospital noise. Although it wasn't really walking distance from 3rd street or the ocean, parking was easy enough there, and the hotel has a free taxi. I guess it depends on how important being right next to the water is. I live in SF, near the ocean, so it wasn't crucial to me to stay on the water. But, you are right....if that's important to someone, it's a little far. Thanks!
Andiamo

I just wanted to second andiamo about the VIP tour of Universal Studios. Definitely worth the extra bucks not to have to wait for 1-2 hours in the heat for the attractions. That and you get a way better tour than the regular one -- much smaller group and we got to actually get off the tram and walk around some of the areas (including getting our picture taken inside the shower of the Bates Motel set from Psycho).

I'd suggest staying just one night in the Santa Monica/northern LA area to catch the Universal/Warner Studio Tour.

Then move down to Costa Mesa. It's a great location. And there's the Irvine Center nearby.

I'd also suggest doing San Diego instead of Balboa Island. There's so much more to do, especially with children, in San Diego - SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Old Town, all the different museums, like the railroad museum, in Balboa Park.

Considering the VIP tour for Universal too. What is the best way to get tickets ahead of time? Phone #, website??

Thanks!

We got ours through this website:
https://tickets.universalstudios.com...re_secure2.jsp

Have fun!

Oops! I forgot to mention -- if you go to that website to buy the VIP tickets, once you've selected the Hollywood, CA one you need to select "Single Day Tickets" to get to where the VIP passes are.