r2i forum

I am going to be there in Annaheim (Disneyworld) area for a few days with my family in Sept. Wife and one kid who is 2.7 years old. What would you recommend for us to do in those 3 days? I just want to touch on the important tourist things and make sure we come back with a feeling "We saw LA".


PS I am thinking Disneyland for my kid and studios of LA & Hollywood for my wife. Maybe even the stars homes. Any suggestions? Where should I stay (Annaheim, Disneworld, or LA)? Someone suggested to Legoland near Carlsbad as my kid might enjoy there more. Any comments?

try tripadivsor.com for advice.

1 day - Disney
1 day - Univ studios & Hollywood (if u are in for south indian food - Parus: http://www.yelp.com/biz/t22X4OZvKo5YTYZzAZLvPQ ).

1 day: Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Beach, 3rd street promenade.


Go to Disney on a weekday or Sunday (it it is the long wknd, then try Sep 1 - monday) as it is the most crowded theme park amongst others in southern calif. At a minimum, you need a day to see the park. If you want to be more relaxed, you should stay close to Disney and , you can take a break during lunch..go to your room, take a nap, and then come back for another round. Or, you can enjoy the day...go to your room..relax.and then come back in time for the fireworks (check the timings).

Legoland is a good distance from Disney (around 50 to 55 miles .. google it).

I'm not sure what you mean by studios of LA & Hollywood - Univ studios or tour Warner Bros & Paramount in Burbank ? You can go to Univ Studios in the morning thru' afternoon. Then, in the evening & night, you can do Hollywood (nothing much there.. you'll get a better view if the hollywood sign from UNiv studios and the 110-N freeway). In Hollywwod, you just walk around (walk of fame, look at the old chinese mann theatre, and the Kodak theatre - where oscars are held).

3rd street - go on a Fri or a Sat evening/night). Anything more would be tiring. If you have the time & energy, try to squeeze in Paul Getty museum - u just pay entry fee and u can see select exhibits. The building is perched on a hill. A tram takes you from the parking lot to the musem entrance. From there, you get a view of the famed (or notorious) 405 Fwy.

Beverly Hills is not too far but with traffic, it may take a while to get there. Go to Rodeo Drive..you might spot a celebrity or perhaps a lamborghini or a RRoyce.
stars homes - If you want to do this, I'd suggest taking a tour. We went once with star maps and could never see anything clearly as most homes are tucked away and u need to map the location properly. If u can't do the tour, just drive around looking at the homes & mansions.

----
Alternate:

1-day: Dinsey (stay nearby)
1 -day: Legoland (stay near) - in the evening - stroll around Carlsbad & visit nearby beaches
1-day: Sea World & SD downtown or old town san diego. You can do the cruise around san diego bay.

ACSS, lots of thanks for the detailed suggestion. I have decided that I will use your template for our vacation. You planned it for me.

Any recommendations for where to stay? I have two small kids (one 2-1/2 and one 7 months). I don't want it either too expensive or too cheap. I have heard not so good things about the Disneyland hotel. Opinions? Any other hotels?

I've never been to LA, but from TV shows n stuff i gather that Sunset Blvd. might be a really cool place to visit - might even get to see some celebrities.

Venice Beach (also known as muscle beach where Schwarznegger used to build his body !), Santa Monica Bch, Newport Beach or Laguna Beach - Any would be fine. If u r in the Beverly hills area, then it is better to do SM bch & 3rd street.

SM bch is baywatch beach....but stop dreamin'..u won't see too many bikinis..

If u plan to do Disney & Lego, then I'd suggest do NewPort bch and/or laguna as it is near. from 5 Fwy, take 133 west to laguna beach - you'll go thru a nice drive..from flat land to hilly area (admire the homes hanging on the edge..) and in 10 to 15 min, you'll hit the ocean. Park & enjoy the sunset there - nice views. There is a Kali temple nearby that I've never been to although I've been to Laguna bch umpteen times. After that, if u have time, u can drive up north on Route 1 to Nprt Bch (nice drive). Parking might be an issue in Nprt bch..but if u can get there, u can take long nice walks..and admire the washboard abs..

Someone suggested Sunset Blvd.. That is the street from 405 fwy to Hollywood extending to 101 or 5 fwy. The segment between 405 & hollywood is nice.. (hollywood blvd and sunset blvd are parallel streets). This would be good if u plan to visit Paul getty as the latter is by the 405 fwy.

Griifth park is nice (not too far from Parus cuisine or hollywood). If u drive from hollywood on one of the streets (I forget the name), you may spot a gurudwara.. BTW, griifith park reopened a couple of days back after the massive fire. u can get a view of L.A. from the hill like u've seen in E.T. It maybe smoggy..but if it rains....then u r in luck as u'll get clear view..

no clue on hotels..if u need with kitchen..try homestead, homewood suites or similar..

Warner & NBC has some tour but u need to go on a weekday and am not sure about tickets and booking..never been there although I spotted Jay Leno once by Bob hope exit on 134 fwy with one of his vintage cars that stalled.

If u wanna see celebrities, try flying into Burbank airport..

Best way to enjoy is to have a shitty expectation..and then be surprised!!

Ok, much said... enjoy ur trip..

For some reason I liked San Diego more than LA. Lego land is nice (less crowded than Disney land). Kids will also enjoy Sea World. The zoo and the museum was also nice.

I would advise you to spend a couple of days in San Diego, in addition to 3 days in LA.

2 days Disney
1 day Universal
1 day Lego land
1 day Zoo or Sea world

With a 2.7 yr kid, you are better off visiting the attractions than visiting streets, Sunset Blvd etc