Adding extra days to ABD BSM - ideas on what to do?

[scottmel]

We are from the east coast and this will be DD16 at the time first trip to West Coast. Thinking of adding on a few days to the adventure. I was thinking Backstage Warner Brothers Tour and a cheezy Hollywood tour? Any other ideas? Was also going to tag on a day to stay at Disneyland an extra day but will just enjoy the park that day.

Ideas on what to do the day before the tour starts! Thanks! San Diego looked good but don't really want to rent a car....

 

[OKW Lover]

For your pre-adventure days, we enjoyed just going over to the LA Farmers Market. Also, go over to the Roosevelt Hotel to get a fantastic burger at their "bar" and check out a lobby that must have influenced the design of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

We've also had friends that visited the Hollywood Bowl, Griffin Park and Universal. They enjoyed all of that.

I'd also caution people not to over do things before the adventure actually starts. This is a really busy adventure and you'll be up early every day and out late. Don't start out in sleep deprivation mode!

 

[scottmel]

For your pre-adventure days, we enjoyed just going over to the LA Farmers Market. Also, go over to the Roosevelt Hotel to get a fantastic burger at their "bar" and check out a lobby that must have influenced the design of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

We've also had friends that visited the Hollywood Bowl, Griffin Park and Universal. They enjoyed all of that.

I'd also caution people not to over do things before the adventure actually starts. This is a really busy adventure and you'll be up early every day and out late. Don't start out in sleep deprivation mode!

We are use to 10 day 17 hour days at WDW in the height of June! We can handle anything!! I really wanted to make some Hollywood stuff interesting for DD16....We have done Universal many times in Orlando and since there is no potter at Hollywood FORGET IT! Thx for the input though!!!

 

[Cousin Orville]

On Day 2 there's free time listed after lunch. What do most people usually do in the afternoon/evening? Is that a good time for the Farmers Market or Roosevelt Hotel?

 

[scottmel]

On Day 2 there's free time listed after lunch. What do most people usually do in the afternoon/evening? Is that a good time for the Farmers Market or Roosevelt Hotel?

This is why I am a TEENY bit worried about this tour. I have a 16 year old and we are constantly on the go people..so Famers Market or a hotel isn't going to cut it for us for a side excursion no matter how neat they are, she is 16!....I am hoping others chime in with stuff that can be done on the down time. I definitely want to do the Warner Bros. behind the scenes tour but can't decide if the 2 or 5 hour one is more our style....and doing a cheezy Hollywood star tours home tour...Hoping for other ideas as I wanted to arrive a full day early....

 

[OKW Lover]

On Day 2 there's free time listed after lunch. What do most people usually do in the afternoon/evening? Is that a good time for the Farmers Market or Roosevelt Hotel?

We avoid scheduling anything particular for that time. There might be a surprise event that your guides will arrange. If it turns out that there isn't a surprise there's no problem just walking around Hollywood Blvd (marveling at the "characters") or going to the Farmers Market.

 

[sayhello]

If your daughter is into thrill rides, you could always go to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Has an amazing collection of thrill rides and roller coasters. Several of the top coasters in the world. It's about half an hour from the Loews. I'd suggest getting a rental car if you're doing pre-days outside of the Hollywood area. Los Angeles is *very* hard to get around without a car. (Of course, it's hard to get around *with* a car, but that's a whole different story! )

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/175...dc4f8cdb35401!2m2!1d-118.5979035!2d34.4275494

Griffith Park is also a good choice. There's the Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

The California Science Center is also not that far away, and is, among other things, the home of the Space Shuttle Endeavor and is a wonderful interactive museum. When I was a kid, it was called the Museum of Science and Industry.

The Page Museum and the La Brea Tar pits are also nearby.

Sayhello

 

[mare1203]

None of my ideas come from doing an ABD, just visiting LA on my own.

I've done the Warner Bros Tour and it's great. My friend and I chose it because it was a golf cart tour, haha! I think we did the long version, but we got to go in and explore the Ellen Set, the Harry Potter artifact building, and the Big Bang Theory set. We also saw the facades of old buildings and neighborhoods used in a variety of shows. They base where your group goes on what the group is interested in as well as what is filming.

We also did a tour of Hollywood homes, and thought it was pretty fun. We really embraced our inner tourist, haha! Our tour included homes in the Hollywood hills as well as downtown LA.

Santa Monica has a great shopping district and nice beach to explore. Plus, there is a great little seafood shack between Santa Monica and Malibu on the Pacific Coast Highway. I would also recommend Newport Beach for a cute little town feel.

We had a car, if you aren't planning on renting one, how are you thinking of getting from place to place? I know for the Warner Bros studio, it was located in Burbank, and not really a central location. This is true of most of LA.

 

[scottmel]

None of my ideas come from doing an ABD, just visiting LA on my own.

I've done the Warner Bros Tour and it's great. My friend and I chose it because it was a golf cart tour, haha! I think we did the long version, but we got to go in and explore the Ellen Set, the Harry Potter artifact building, and the Big Bang Theory set. We also saw the facades of old buildings and neighborhoods used in a variety of shows. They base where your group goes on what the group is interested in as well as what is filming.

We also did a tour of Hollywood homes, and thought it was pretty fun. We really embraced our inner tourist, haha! Our tour included homes in the Hollywood hills as well as downtown LA.

Santa Monica has a great shopping district and nice beach to explore. Plus, there is a great little seafood shack between Santa Monica and Malibu on the Pacific Coast Highway. I would also recommend Newport Beach for a cute little town feel.

We had a car, if you aren't planning on renting one, how are you thinking of getting from place to place? I know for the Warner Bros studio, it was located in Burbank, and not really a central location. This is true of most of LA.

Thanks for helpful reply. The warner brothers tour shows 11 miles from the Hollywood hotel. Would cab or bus be possible? The longer tour was. 5 hours and was 299 shorter tour is 80. Can u recall which one u did? Longer tour had lunch. Do u think a car is a must do? We only need it for that one day was hoping to get around to warner brothers without

 

[mare1203]

Thanks for helpful reply. The warner brothers tour shows 11 miles from the Hollywood hotel. Would cab or bus be possible? The longer tour was. 5 hours and was 299 shorter tour is 80. Can u recall which one u did? Longer tour had lunch. Do u think a car is a must do? We only need it for that one day was hoping to get around to warner brothers without

I would think a cab is your best bet. Either that or Uber would be an option (if you aren't familiar it's an app you can sign up for. You tell it where you want to go and it gives you an estimated wait and quoted price. Then, you are connected with a car and driver, but you pay completely through your phone. It's very handy). We found the car to be helpful, but we drove to LA.

I checked the website and we did the VIP Tour, which is $54 and lasts just over 2 hours. I also know we called a day ahead to book. I thought the 2 hours was a good amount. We covered a lot during the time. Here's a link to the tour we did. http://vipstudiotour.warnerbros.com/vip-tour/

 

[scottmel]

thanks mary!

 

[DisneyKevin]

This is why I am a TEENY bit worried about this tour. I have a 16 year old and we are constantly on the go people..so Famers Market or a hotel isn't going to cut it for us for a side excursion no matter how neat they are, she is 16!....I am hoping others chime in with stuff that can be done on the down time. I definitely want to do the Warner Bros. behind the scenes tour but can't decide if the 2 or 5 hour one is more our style....and doing a cheezy Hollywood star tours home tour...Hoping for other ideas as I wanted to arrive a full day early....

I have just completed my 6 Backstage Magic and booked hundreds more.

I think you are underestimating The LA Farmer's Market.

It's not what you are thinking.

It's also attached to The Grove. This is an outdoor mall and all you have to do is watch TMZ to see it's where famous and semi famous folks go to get the photos taken being "normal and doing normal things".

I have yet to meet anyone that hasn't enjoyed the Grove and the Farmer's Market.

In addition to that, the Loew's Hotel is attached to Hollywood and Highland Shopping area. The El Capitan is across the street, as is the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is outside your door.

Also, as others have said....you might not need to fill every second of you "on your own time", as your Guides may have ideas....or activities that aren't listed.

Also, keep in mind that this is a busy, active trip and your days start at 7:00am. You might be used to 17 hours days at WDW in June, but with that scenario, you are welcome to sleep in one day. Each day of your Adventure starts early is pretty full and at the end of your touring, the guides will give you fast passes to use in the parks.

I hope you have a great time.

 

[scottmel]

I have just completed my 6 Backstage Magic and booked hundreds more.

I think you are underestimating The LA Farmer's Market.

It's not what you are thinking.

It's also attached to The Grove. This is an outdoor mall and all you have to do is watch TMZ to see it's where famous and semi famous folks go to get the photos taken being "normal and doing normal things".

I have yet to meet anyone that hasn't enjoyed the Grove and the Farmer's Market.

In addition to that, the Loew's Hotel is attached to Hollywood and Highland Shopping area. The El Capitan is across the street, as is the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is outside your door.

Also, as others have said....you might not need to fill every second of you "on your own time", as your Guides may have ideas....or activities that aren't listed.

Also, keep in mind that this is a busy, active trip and your days start at 7:00am. You might be used to 17 hours days at WDW in June, but with that scenario, you are welcome to sleep in one day. Each day of your Adventure starts early is pretty full and at the end of your touring, the guides will give you fast passes to use in the parks.

I hope you have a great time.

Great perspective, Kevin! your posts are always so informative!! I honestly pictured produce and jewelry, glad to see I was wrong! From what I hear you say my arrival day doesn't have to be FILLED enjoy what is steps away from the hotel and then maybe on the next day (which is the ABD arrival day) I can do the Warner Brothers Tour in the morning...THANKS!

 

[DisneyKevin]

Great perspective, Kevin! your posts are always so informative!! I honestly pictured produce and jewelry, glad to see I was wrong! From what I hear you say my arrival day doesn't have to be FILLED enjoy what is steps away from the hotel and then maybe on the next day (which is the ABD arrival day) I can do the Warner Brothers Tour in the morning...THANKS!

If you decide to visit the Farmer's Market, which has been there since the 1930's, I would strongly recommend a corned beef sandwich from Magee's and a Bob's Donut. Every time we go to LA...this is our arrival meal.

As for Farmer's Market history, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo go to the Farmer's Market during the "Lucy in Hollywood" episodes. The have breakfast at DuPar's, which is still there.

Also, it's said that DuPar's was James Dean's last meal before his fatal car accident.

Something else you might not know...the food area on the left as you walk to the Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios is based on the LA Farmer's Market.

If you visit the offices (upstairs at the FM) they have free posters (which are great...one hangs framed in my kitchen) and they sell plasticized reusable grocery bags...which a are fun and cheap souvenir.

Just thought you may like some of the "backstory".

 

[scottmel]

If you decide to visit the Farmer's Market, which has been there since the 1930's, I would strongly recommend a corned beef sandwich from Magee's and a Bob's Donut. Every time we go to LA...this is our arrival meal.

As for Farmer's Market history, Lucy and Ricky Ricardo go to the Farmer's Market during the "Lucy in Hollywood" episodes. The have breakfast at DuPar's, which is still there.

Also, it's said that DuPar's was James Dean's last meal before his fatal car accident.

Something else you might not know...the food area on the left as you walk to the Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios is based on the LA Farmer's Market.

If you visit the offices (upstairs at the FM) they have free posters (which are great...one hangs framed in my kitchen) and they sell plasticized reusable grocery bags...which a are fun and cheap souvenir.

Just thought you may like some of the "backstory".

You are awesome! Love that kind of stuff!! Thanks so much. Still in my planning/thinking stages but decided to NOT rent a car, will be too crazy but have you found getting from Loewes Hollywood Hotel to say Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank impossible? I looked up google maps and it appears one can take a bus as a cab ride looks pretty expensive...Is a bus a viable option or do they have a metro/subway? I am an east coaster so this is foreign territory to me!

 

[DisneyKevin]

You are awesome! Love that kind of stuff!! Thanks so much. Still in my planning/thinking stages but decided to NOT rent a car, will be too crazy but have you found getting from Loewes Hollywood Hotel to say Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank impossible? I looked up google maps and it appears one can take a bus as a cab ride looks pretty expensive...Is a bus a viable option or do they have a metro/subway? I am an east coaster so this is foreign territory to me!

There is a Hertz inside the Loews Hotel.

We usually pick up at the airport and drop off at the Loews.

I have never used the subway or bus system.

As for taxis.....I strongly suggest Uber. You will see the cost before you agree. and you pay in advance, so there is no discrepancy.

 

[sayhello]

You are awesome! Love that kind of stuff!! Thanks so much. Still in my planning/thinking stages but decided to NOT rent a car, will be too crazy but have you found getting from Loewes Hollywood Hotel to say Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank impossible? I looked up google maps and it appears one can take a bus as a cab ride looks pretty expensive...Is a bus a viable option or do they have a metro/subway? I am an east coaster so this is foreign territory to me!

I haven't taken the bus in Los Angeles in eons, so I can't help you with that.

LA *does* have a Metro, but I consider it very limited. It looks like you can get part way to Warner Bros on the Metro Red Line, but you'd have to take a taxi or the bus the rest of the way.

https://maps.google.com/maps?sll=34...wy,+Valencia,+CA+91355&output=classic&dg=ntvb

I'm wondering if you saw my post above?

Sayhello

 

[scottmel]

I haven't taken the bus in Los Angeles in eons, so I can't help you with that.

LA *does* have a Metro, but I consider it very limited. It looks like you can get part way to Warner Bros on the Metro Red Line, but you'd have to take a taxi or the bus the rest of the way.

https://maps.google.com/maps?sll=34...wy,+Valencia,+CA+91355&output=classic&dg=ntvb

I'm wondering if you saw my post above?

Sayhello

Thanks for the info and no I didn't see the above posted, glad you pointed it out! I think when I check messages on my iphone things slip thru the cracks. I looked at the link you sent with directions but per the vip tour girl it is the riverside address to which I plugged in below. Again I am so clueless on this but is this address an easier to get to from the Hollywood loewes hotel? Time distance looks easy enough but ???

https://maps.google.com/maps?sll=34...wy,+Valencia,+CA+91355&output=classic&dg=ntvb

 

[drclaws]

When we were did the BSM last month we arranged the one-way drop-off from the Loews using their FREE Fiat service. They'll drop off within a 10 mile (I believe) radius from the Loews and was perfect for us to get to the Farmer's Market. They don't pick-up to bring you back. We took a taxi back. You can arrange it via the Loews Hollywood webpage.

Quick and easy!

 

[sayhello]

Thanks for the info and no I didn't see the above posted, glad you pointed it out! I think when I check messages on my iphone things slip thru the cracks. I looked at the link you sent with directions but per the vip tour girl it is the riverside address to which I plugged in below. Again I am so clueless on this but is this address an easier to get to from the Hollywood loewes hotel? Time distance looks easy enough but ???

That's interesting, somehow all the links are leading to the map of Magic Mountain, not to the Warner Bros Studio tour. I *did* use the Riverside address, and that's the one that is Metro Red Line part way, and bus or taxi the rest. I'm going to try it again...

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Loew...a=X&ei=5PnfU_2wF8ySyASc3ICYBQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ

Hopefully this link works better.

ETA: No, it didn't. I don't know what is up with Google maps...

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