"Hollywood"

[6ofus2]

We are going back to DL in Dec. 2007!!! Anyhow, my girls really want to go to "Hollywood." Any suggestions for things to do there (location, etc)? We're planning on El Capitan. Thanks!

X-posted in DL area...

 

[woody73]

If you are driving, park at the Hollywood & Highland Center. Take the elevators to the street level, and walk to the sidewalk. You're now on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Go right (west) about 200 feet. You're now in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. See celebrities' handprints and footprints.

Walk across the street. You're at the El Capitan theatre. See a movie and stage show if you have time. Go next store to the Disney Soda Fountain and have ice cream.

Return to the Hollywood & Highland Center. Buy something and get your parking validated (for a reduced rate). Go to an upper level for a view of the Hollywood sign.

Woody

 

[Scratch42]

If you are driving, park at the Hollywood & Highland Center. Take the elevators to the street level, and walk to the sidewalk. You're now on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Go right (west) about 200 feet. You're now in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. See celebrities' handprints and footprints.

Walk across the street. You're at the El Capitan theatre. See a movie and stage show if you have time. Go next store to the Disney Soda Fountain and have ice cream.

Return to the Hollywood & Highland Center. Buy something and get your parking validated (for a reduced rate). Go to an upper level for a view of the Hollywood sign.

Woody

And if you are not driving? How's the best way to get there?

TIA

j

 

[woody73]

And if you are not driving? How's the best way to get there?

TIA

j

From where?

Woody

 

[dee519]

Take one of the tours that are offered out there. We did that and you see so much more then you would if you went on your own.

 

[Another Voice]

There are several, very different “Hollywoods” to see.

For children the ages of your daughters, I think Universal Studios Hollywood would be all they really understand. There’s plenty to do at the theme park, they get a peak at a real studio (rent Back to the Future before you go so everyone recognizes the town square set) and CityWalk has enough dazzle to keep fill in for all the “glamour” real Hollywood doesn’t have.

The Hollywood and Highland complex is nice, but it is essentially a shopping mall. The highlight for movie buffs is the Kodak Theater. It’s the home of the Oscars. They have a good tour of the inside And for a limited time up to ceremony, they’re running an “Oscar” promotion that lets you hold and be photographed with a real Oscar.

Part of the complex if the Chinese Theatre and part of the Walk of Fame is outside as well. Over the last couple of years, however, this area has become infested with “street performers” dressed as various movie characters. They’ll pose for pictures and they expect a tip. There have been problems with them becoming a little too insitant about the tip. The people are hired by anyone, they just show up (it’s “freedom of expression” according to the courts). The whole thing is rather seedy.

Across the street is the El Captain Theater. Like the Chinese theater it is an oppulanent movie palace that’s worth a visit for movie fans. Our grandparents didn’t have DVDs, but they sure knew how to see a movie. The El Cap is the flapship theater for Disney – check if there are any special programs during your visit. Disney tends to put on a good show.

The two other “Hollywoods” – working Hollywood and the nightlife/club scene Hollywood probably aren’t of interest to nine year olds.

In general, there’s not a lot to actually “see” in Hollywood. The town itself is long past the glory days and the current hot spots do not cater to tourists.

 

[Scratch42]

From where?

Woody

From the Grand Californian Hotel.

j

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

We love Hollywood, but then again we are involved in the film industry and its exciting to be there. I would suggest just taking a tour from the hotel. That will be the easiest way. When we went, stayed at the Renaissance at Hollywood & Highland for 2 nights. The complex is fun, with a Johnny Rockets, build a bear and lots of neat shops. Right outside is the Chinese theater (and yes, the other poster is right about the people dressing up as stars out there...and they are not all that clean LOL). I felt very safe there in the daytime. We walked up and down and looked around. If you want to buy cheesey hollywood souviniers...walk up the street (towards the Roosevelet Hotel) and the further you go, the cheaper they get - same mug in front of the chinese theater is $5 more than the same mug down the street.
Starline tours is very reputable and can take you on a tour. My daughter was 4 the first time I took her on one and she loved it. I did tell her a few 'fibs' to keep her interested and would point out 'Mary Kate & Ashley's house' and stuff like that. LOL.
We have never done universal studios, just never seem to have time. I also find it pricey for what you get compared to Disney, so I guess that is why.

We are going to be in Hollywood in March and can't wait!

 

[woody73]

And if you are not driving? How's the best way to get there?

From the Grand Californian Hotel.

Taxi, but they're expensive. There's no direct public transportation.

Woody

 

[Scratch42]

Taxi, but they're expensive. There's no direct public transportation.

Woody

That's what I was afraid of!

But we will be sharing so might not be as bad!

Thanks!

j

 

[faindrops27]

Scratch look up posts about transportation to and from hollywood. You can take the metro transportation. No, it is not direct, but can be done. I will be staying in hollywood, and will take metro transportation to disney, so there are cheaper alternatives, than a cab.

 

[Scratch42]

Scratch look up posts about transportation to and from hollywood. You can take the metro transportation. No, it is not direct, but can be done. I will be staying in hollywood, and will take metro transportation to disney, so there are cheaper alternatives, than a cab.

Thanks, will try that!

j

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

You could take the amtrak to union station, then the red line out to hollywood/highland.

 

[Scratch42]

Thanks! I'll look into that too!

j

 

[tinker&belle]

Also, google shuttle from anaheim to LA, and there should be something. We thought we were going to need transportation to San Diego from Anaheim and there were several companies that would do one-way/two-way.