Back to my Happy Place! FINAL UPDATE 6/28 - Pg. 20 Posts #291 & #292

[Spartangirl]

Yay!!

I LOVE reading your reports... your California coast trip was awesome, i'd done alot of the same things a couple of years before and you took me right back to that trip...

Can't wait to read more - have fun planning and preparing!!

So glad you are here to read another one of my reports!!! I can't wait for this trip to begin and I definitely can't wait to share it!!!

 

[Spartangirl]

Our Plans!

Or maybe I should say "tentative plans" because we're just over 2 weeks out and I'm still currently planning, rethinking, and changing my ideas. I'm usually quite decisive and it's just not panning out that way. Things may not be entirely in place until the week we go...that's a first for me! At least it will be an adventure!

I've been going over ideas and getting some tentative plans in place since mid-December. That's when Chris found out he had vacation time with me. I was SO EXCITED about the fact that I had "talked my way into" California and Disneyland that I didn't even really think about the dates that we were traveling. Originally, I had planned on doing DL the first half of our trip (so I could spend my birthday there) and finishing up in Hollywood. However, researching prices, I found that hotel prices were quite high during the first part of Presidents' week for DL and OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH (think triple/or higher the price for normal hotel rates) for Hollywood from mid-week until the weekend. Come to find out, the week we are traveling is also OSCAR WEEK! So, it was back to the drawing board...

We ended up reversing our stay, beginning in Hollywood and ending in Disneyland! My fingers are crossed that this will work to our advantage because we will NOT be in DL for Presidents' Day and the Oscar traffic should hit Hollywood at the end of the week since they air on the 26th.

Here's what I have planned so far...
February 18th - Fly into LAX (***See Below!)

February 19th - VIP Experience at Universal Studios
Chris and I went to Universal Studios Hollywood about 9 years ago. We loved our experience then and were interested in going back. Through research, I found out about the VIP tour that provides quite a bit of "behind the scenes access," escorted "front of the line privileges," and all sorts of other perks. I really wanted to do this tour! I'm a "movie buff," so this is right up my alley! It was pricy, but it's going to be a "once in a lifetime" experience for us.

February 20th (***See Below!)

February 21st (***See Below!)

***As you can see, my plans are not in place yet for LosAngeles/Hollywood! However, I do have a list of things that we'd like to do and see and we're going to try our best to hit most of them in our visit. For those of you who have read my previous TR's, you know that I love my "commando touring plans," and we go, go, go! Part of the reason I don't have any definitive plans is that I'm waiting to see if Jimmy Kimmel opens up any shows for the 20th or 21st. Booking or not booking a show should help us to set our schedule.
~Hike Runyon Canyon (for views of the Hollywood Hills)
~Downtown LA (Chinatown, Disney Concert Hall.....more Disney!!! )
~Rodeo Drive/Beverly Hills
~Hollywood (Graumann's Chinese Theater, Kodak Theater (home of the Oscar's), Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign, Disney's Soda Fountain...even more Disney!!! )
~Farmer's Market & The Grove
~Venice Beach
~Santa Monica Pier

February 22nd - Head to Anaheim
Explore Downtown Disney and maybe the Grand Californian Hotel

February 23rd - California Adventure
Dinner at Wine Country Trattoria - Preferred Viewing Ticket for World of Color

5 years ago at California Adventure...can't wait to see World of Color for the first time!

February 24th - Disneyland
"Remember... Dreams Come True" Fireworks Spectacular

Here we are at Disneyland 5 years ago...I can't wait to walk in the "Original Park" once again!

February 25th - Come Home


Once again, I'd like to say "Welcome to my TR and thanks for coming along for the ride!" It's sure to be an adventure and I CAN'T WAIT to share it with you!!!

 

[Tracy161]

Sounds amazing so far!!!!!!!!!!!!! It'll be here before you know it!

 

[burly]

ooo i'm in. Love your reports.

KIM

 

[Jennifer48]

Your plans sound great so far. I hope you are able to get Jimmy Kimmel tickets!

I can't imagine what those prices were for CA around the Oscars

 

[redsox721]

Plans are sounding good so far.

Love the food at Wine Country Trattoria.

 

[<3myfamily]

I'm a longtime lurker on your trip reports... I've read them all, but don't think I've ever posted. When I saw you had a trip planned to Disneyland in your ticker, I was hoping you'd write a trip report! You have awesome pictures... and wonderful trips. The last trip you took to Disneyland made me want to go and see everything you had taken pictures of. Even though I live in So Cal (San Diego area), and I've been to most of the places... I saw them from a new prospective!
Yeah... can't wait to see all you did on this trip!

 

[Aburns8]

Hey Lynn!

Sorry it took me so long to get here, but I am not on the boards as much. How exciting this trip sounds. I am hoping to make it back to DL in the next couple years, or a day next year before our DCL cruise from LA to Vancouver. Jimmy Kimmel is fun. We did it when we did our ABD trip to LA and Disneyland. The guy who warmed up the crowd was from Rochester Hills. I really can't wait to hear about your experiences and I am glad that you are going soon and don't have to wait until this summer.

 

[BecBennett]

Just over 2 weeks to go! How exciting!!

 

[Spartangirl]

Sounds amazing so far!!!!!!!!!!!!! It'll be here before you know it!

Thanks, Tracy!!! I am so excited to go! I'm definitely counting the days!

ooo i'm in. Love your reports.

KIM

Welcome, Kim! So glad you're here for another one of my reports!!!

Your plans sound great so far. I hope you are able to get Jimmy Kimmel tickets!

Thanks, Jen! Unfortunately, I just found out we're not going to be able to get Jimmy Kimmel tickets. His show is on HIATUS until the 26th (Oscar Night). I guess it makes sense though since he tapes right by the Kodak Theater. I guess that means I can add some more things into our schedule!

I can't imagine what those prices were for CA around the Oscars

Here's an example......a hotel that usually goes for around $180.00 a night was priced at almost $700.00 a night. I DON'T THINK SO!

Plans are sounding good so far.

Thanks, Cheryl!

Love the food at Wine Country Trattoria.

Oh, that is SO GOOD to hear! It will be a first for us! Since we have limited time in the parks, I didn't want to race to have to get a FP for World of Color and have to worry about the section that we might have to view it from. We booked the package at WCT that includes a preferred viewing area for WOC.

 

[Spartangirl]

I'm a longtime lurker on your trip reports... I've read them all, but don't think I've ever posted. When I saw you had a trip planned to Disneyland in your ticker, I was hoping you'd write a trip report!

Welcome, Cindy! I'm so glad you decided to "join in" on my TR and I'm happy to have you here! Thanks so much for reading my other reports too!

You have awesome pictures... and wonderful trips. The last trip you took to Disneyland made me want to go and see everything you had taken pictures of. Even though I live in So Cal (San Diego area), and I've been to most of the places... I saw them from a new prospective!
Yeah... can't wait to see all you did on this trip!

Awwww...thanks! I'm glad I was able to show you something "new!"

Hey Lynn!

Sorry it took me so long to get here, but I am not on the boards as much.

Hey, Andrea! No worries...I'm kind of "hit or miss" on the boards too. "Real life" kind of gets in the way sometimes. So glad to have you here though!

How exciting this trip sounds. I am hoping to make it back to DL in the next couple years, or a day next year before our DCL cruise from LA to Vancouver.

Oooooo.....a DCL cruise from LA to Vancouver sounds amazing!!!

Jimmy Kimmel is fun. We did it when we did our ABD trip to LA and Disneyland. The guy who warmed up the crowd was from Rochester Hills. I really can't wait to hear about your experiences and I am glad that you are going soon and don't have to wait until this summer.

I bet Jimmy Kimmel was a blast! I'm kind of bummed because I just found out that his show is on HIATUS while we're going to be there. I figured it might be with the Oscars going on and the proximity of his show to the Kodak Theater. I guess that will have to be a "next time!" Guess I'll have to schedule in a few more things on our trip!

Just over 2 weeks to go! How exciting!!

I KNOW!!! I can't wait!!! It really can't come soon enough!!! Thanks so much for joining in, Bec! So glad to have you here!

 

[heaven2dc]

I'm so excited for you! Sounds like a fun trip

My son surprised me with a quick 5 day visit before I started my new job the week before January 22nd. He lives in Culver City and on our first night we went to Venice Beach and Santa Monica and ate at a delicious Mexican restaurant at this place in Santa Monica where they blocked off streets to put in a sort of outdoor mall - really cool!

Then the next night he got tickets to Jimmy Kimmel Live and his gf who works for Sony Pictures got a friend at the show to get us VIP seating - we sat in the second row! Here's a pic of us - second row on the right, first three people (you can see me dressed in black with my hands raised clapping lol)

[/IMG] It was a blast
After the show we drove down Rodeo Drive (the shops were closed but it was cool looking in the windows) and drove around Beverly Hills.

The next night we went back to Hollywood to see the Chinese Grumann (sp) Theatre but couldn't get close because there was a movie premiere for Underworld: Awakening. We saw Kate Beckinsale and Jeremiah Brent (we were standing off to the side hiding behind a pillar so that we wouldn't get chased away ) It was a really fun night walking up and down seeing all the stars names on the sidewalk. Then the last night we went up to Griffith Park Observatory and saw an awesome view of the city. It was really eerie though - we were taking pics and we started hearing howling or strange barking. I thought it was hyenas but we weren't close to the LA Zoo so when we drove down the hill we saw a coyote running on the side of the road I just moved to the country in Central Oregon and have seen a few out here but didn't expect it in the city We also went to The Grove which has a really neat view of the city on the rooftop parking garage.

Sorry I took over your TR to tell about my trip Oh I almost forgot - on my last day we went to Beverly Hills to eat at The Farm and I saw some guys standing outside with grey suits. I told my son there must be someone important inside eating. Well as we were waiting for our check my son's gf said to him "Isn't that Joe Biden?" My son turned around and said "I think so". Well I couldn't hear the whole conversation and I asked "Joe who?" and my son said "the Vice President". I said "Vice President of what?" because I still didn't hear the last name, and my son burst out laughing "the Vice President of the United States!" I about died!! I'm not a fan particularly but I jumped up, ran outside to try to catch him and asked the last Secret Service guy who was walking ahead of me if I could shake the Vice President's hand. He didn't say anything but the Vice President turned around, smiled and wave at me. So that was my only other "star" sighting I had besides seeing Will Arnett and Madeleine Stowe on Jimmy Kimmel.

I hope you have an awesome trip seeing Tinsel Town and visiting Disneyland! I wish I could have had time to visit DL but my son was pretty broke so we did free things. But I did apply and had my interview this week for the Disneyland College Program so hopefully I will be accepted. I'm hoping to work Front Desk or Concierge at Grand Californian. Have a fantastic trip and again my apologies for stealing your TR!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Fun plans!!! You are going to have a great time!!! I have never read where anyone has been to the Soda Fountain, so you must be sure to get lots of pictures there!

 

[Spartangirl]

I'm so excited for you! Sounds like a fun trip

Thank you so much!!! I am so excited!!! And...thanks so much for joining in!

My son surprised me with a quick 5 day visit before I started my new job the week before January 22nd. He lives in Culver City and on our first night we went to Venice Beach and Santa Monica and ate at a delicious Mexican restaurant at this place in Santa Monica where they blocked off streets to put in a sort of outdoor mall - really cool!

Then the next night he got tickets to Jimmy Kimmel Live and his gf who works for Sony Pictures got a friend at the show to get us VIP seating - we sat in the second row! Here's a pic of us - second row in the front on the right, first three people (you can see me dressed in black with my hands raised clapping lol)

[/IMG] It was a blast

AMAZING!!! Sounds like so much fun AND VIP seating...wow!

After the show we drove down Rodeo Drive (the shops were closed but it was cool looking in the windows) and drove around Beverly Hills.

The next night we went back to Hollywood to see the Chinese Grumann (sp) Theatre but couldn't get close because there was a movie premiere for Underworld: Awakening. We saw Kate Beckinsale and Jeremiah Brent (we were standing off to the side hiding behind a pillar so that we wouldn't get chased away ) It was a really fun night walking up and down seeing all the stars names on the sidewalk. Then the last night we went up to Griffith Park Observatory and saw an awesome view of the city. It was really eerie though - we were taking pics and we started hearing howling or strange barking. I thought it was hyenas but we weren't close to the LA Zoo so when we drove down the hill we saw a coyote running on the side of the road I just moved to the country in Central Oregon and have seen a few out here but didn't expect it in the city We also went to The Grove which has a really neat view of the city on the rooftop parking garage.

Sorry I took over your TR to tell about my trip Oh I almost forgot - on my last day we went to Beverly Hills to eat at The Farm and I saw some guys standing outside with grey suits. I told my son there must be someone important inside eating. Well as we were waiting for our check my son's gf said to him "Isn't that Joe Biden?" My son turned around and said "I think so". Well I couldn't hear the whole conversation and I asked "Joe who?" and my son said "the Vice President". I said "Vice President of what?" because I still didn't hear the last name, and my son burst out laughing "the Vice President of the United States!" I about died!! I'm not a fan particularly but I jumped up, ran outside to try to catch him and asked the last Secret Service guy who was walking ahead of me if I could shake the Vice President's hand. He didn't say anything but the Vice President turned around, smiled and wave at me. So that was my only other "star" sighting I had besides seeing Will Arnett and Madeleine Stowe on Jimmy Kimmel.

Sounds like quite the trip!!! I love the fact that your son surprised you with it!

I hope you have an awesome trip seeing Tinsel Town and visiting Disneyland!

Thanks! Chris and I can't wait to go...2 weeks from today!

I wish I could have had time to visit DL but my son was pretty broke so we did free things. But I did apply and had my interview this week for the Disneyland College Program so hopefully I will be accepted. I'm hoping to work Front Desk or Concierge at Grand Californian.

That would be amazing...fingers are crossed for you. Sending pixie dust your way!

Have a fantastic trip and again my apologies for stealing your TR!!

No worries at all! I loved hearing about your adventures! It just helped to make me "that much more excited!"

Fun plans!!! You are going to have a great time!!!

Thank you!!! We can't wait!!!

I have never read where anyone has been to the Soda Fountain, so you must be sure to get lots of pictures there!

Oh you know I'll get lots of pictures! When we went to LA the first time, we only walked by the Soda Fountain and I knew that it was a place I'd love to visit in the future. Our future will be very soon!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I'm so excited for you! Sounds like a fun trip

My son surprised me with a quick 5 day visit before I started my new job the week before January 22nd. He lives in Culver City and on our first night we went to Venice Beach and Santa Monica and ate at a delicious Mexican restaurant at this place in Santa Monica where they blocked off streets to put in a sort of outdoor mall - really cool!

Then the next night he got tickets to Jimmy Kimmel Live and his gf who works for Sony Pictures got a friend at the show to get us VIP seating - we sat in the second row! Here's a pic of us - second row on the right, first three people (you can see me dressed in black with my hands raised clapping lol)

[/IMG] It was a blast
After the show we drove down Rodeo Drive (the shops were closed but it was cool looking in the windows) and drove around Beverly Hills.

The next night we went back to Hollywood to see the Chinese Grumann (sp) Theatre but couldn't get close because there was a movie premiere for Underworld: Awakening. We saw Kate Beckinsale and Jeremiah Brent (we were standing off to the side hiding behind a pillar so that we wouldn't get chased away ) It was a really fun night walking up and down seeing all the stars names on the sidewalk. Then the last night we went up to Griffith Park Observatory and saw an awesome view of the city. It was really eerie though - we were taking pics and we started hearing howling or strange barking. I thought it was hyenas but we weren't close to the LA Zoo so when we drove down the hill we saw a coyote running on the side of the road I just moved to the country in Central Oregon and have seen a few out here but didn't expect it in the city We also went to The Grove which has a really neat view of the city on the rooftop parking garage.

Sorry I took over your TR to tell about my trip Oh I almost forgot - on my last day we went to Beverly Hills to eat at The Farm and I saw some guys standing outside with grey suits. I told my son there must be someone important inside eating. Well as we were waiting for our check my son's gf said to him "Isn't that Joe Biden?" My son turned around and said "I think so". Well I couldn't hear the whole conversation and I asked "Joe who?" and my son said "the Vice President". I said "Vice President of what?" because I still didn't hear the last name, and my son burst out laughing "the Vice President of the United States!" I about died!! I'm not a fan particularly but I jumped up, ran outside to try to catch him and asked the last Secret Service guy who was walking ahead of me if I could shake the Vice President's hand. He didn't say anything but the Vice President turned around, smiled and wave at me. So that was my only other "star" sighting I had besides seeing Will Arnett and Madeleine Stowe on Jimmy Kimmel.

I hope you have an awesome trip seeing Tinsel Town and visiting Disneyland! I wish I could have had time to visit DL but my son was pretty broke so we did free things. But I did apply and had my interview this week for the Disneyland College Program so hopefully I will be accepted. I'm hoping to work Front Desk or Concierge at Grand Californian. Have a fantastic trip and again my apologies for stealing your TR!!

Sounds like an amazing Hollywood experience! We have done some of those things, too - There is so much to see. You must be in the Bend area - We're
in Klamath Falls for a few months more, then Arizona bound! Good luck on your applications!

 

[Spartangirl]

The bad news is... The good news is...

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend and enjoyed the Superbowl! It was a close game, which made it really fun to watch!

I was able to do a little more planning this weekend, which is good since we leave so soon. I'm still in disbelief that our trip is just around the corner, so I'm trying to secure all of the last minute details and things that I need to do.

I secured all of our transfers and I "think" our plans are finally in place!

I do have a little bad news...
I really wanted to see Jimmy Kimmel on our trip, but found out that his show is on HIATUS while we are there. I kind of figured that might be the case since his theater is right by the Kodak Theater where the Oscars take place.

With the bad news out of the way, I do have some good news too...
In addition to the plans that I have previously mentioned, I have added in a Warner Brothers' Studio Tour and Chris and I have secured dinner reservations at the World Famous Hollywood Magic Castle!

http://www.magiccastle.com/images/mcwelcome.jpg

The Magic Castle is an exclusive private club. You must be a member or have a guest card from a member to gain admittance. We didn't have either of those options available to us, but I also learned that you can try for reservations if you stay at their hotel.

Through my research, I recently found out that Neil Patrick Harris is the President and makes frequent appearances at the club. I've been crossing my fingers that we would be able to get a reservation since it is such a unique thing to do and I don't know if the opportunity will ever arise for us again. On Sunday, I got my confirmation!

We happened to get dinner reservations for my birthday, so I am super excited about that! Chris and I are excited for this experience since it is so out of the "norm." I found out that there is a strict dress code, so we will be bringing a suit and tie for Chris and a cocktail dress for myself. It should be a night of fun!

Information that I "borrowed" from the website includes:

"Dinner is served at the Magic Castle in an atmosphere of Victorian elegance."

"Your night at the Magic Castle would not be complete without magic! The Magic Castle hosts five different magic shows in three showrooms."

I also read that after dinner you are free to roam the castle to check out the shows that you are interested in and explore the various rooms. I've been told there are "surprises" around many corners.

I am so excited to experience the Magic Castle and I can't wait to share the details with all of you!!!

 

[Jennifer48]

I'm sorry to hear about Jimmy Kimmel but dinner at the Magic Castle sounds wonderful! What a great birthday that should be! I hope you are able to take photos inside!

 

[Spartangirl]

I'm sorry to hear about Jimmy Kimmel but dinner at the Magic Castle sounds wonderful! What a great birthday that should be! I hope you are able to take photos inside!

I know...I was really looking forward to seeing Jimmy Kimmel, but I'm glad we have some other great things to look forward to! Crossing my fingers that I can take photos inside too...



DISNEYLAND NEWS!!!

As if I couldn't already be excited enough, look what's going to be happening while we visit:

The New Orleans Bayou Bash!

"We’re getting ready to party New Orleans-style here at Disneyland park. During February and early March, the streets of New Orleans Square will be filled with music, Disney characters, street performers and delicious food at New Orleans Bayou Bash!
Special entertainment will include performances by Princess Tiana, Louis and Naveen and meet & greet opportunities with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale – all dressed up in their Mardi Gras finest!"

Sounds good to me!!!

 

[jwwi]

Sounds like you have some great plans. We visited the Griffith Observatory on our trip to LA. The views were great. Make sure you are hungry when you visit the Farmers Market, so many great choices to pick from, and very close to Hollywood Blvd and the Kodak theater.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

for your Magic Castle evening! Sounds very interesting and fun! You will be living large!

Disneyland will be so fun at that time, too! I wonder if they'll have Mardi Gras parade?