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

[Tracy161]

Yay!!! Sounds like a great start!!!

 

[jwwi]

How fun to be in Hollywood right before the Academy Awards. Did you like In and Out? I've only had it once, it was ok, may try it again on our upcoming AZ trip.

Happy to hear your trip went well, can't wait to read more about it.

 

[Jennifer48]

Wow what a fantastic start!!

 

[redsox721]

What a great beginning to your vacation. The hotel looks amazing. I love how Chris always looks like a little kid on vacation.

Congratulations on your Oscar.

Can't wait for the next chapter.

 

[maryr1oz]

Woo hoo!!

So glad you had a great trip

We stayed at the Magic Castle Hotel too - it was a fantastic experience, although we didn't visit the Club.

Can't wait to read more

 

[Spartangirl]

So excited that you started your report! I need to try In and Out Burger the next time we are out that way.

In-N-Out Burger was good and definitely worth a try! I guess I still don't understand all of the hype though!

At least you can say you saw the Kodak Theater while it was still the Kodak Theater.

I know...I can't believe they are changing the name??? There were TONS of reporters there before the Oscars and one actually came up to Chris and I and asked us what we thought about the name being changed.

Yay!!! Sounds like a great start!!!

It was a fantastic start!!!

How fun to be in Hollywood right before the Academy Awards. Did you like In and Out? I've only had it once, it was ok, may try it again on our upcoming AZ trip.

It was really fun to be in Hollywood at that time! I did like In-N-Out. I thought the food was good, but I still don't understand all of the hype!

Happy to hear your trip went well, can't wait to read more about it.

Thanks! Can't wait to share more!

Wow what a fantastic start!!

It really was fantastic! I was blown away by the birthday surprise!

What a great beginning to your vacation. The hotel looks amazing. I love how Chris always looks like a little kid on vacation.

The hotel was basic, but nice!!! The service really was tops, in my opinion! He does look like a little kid, huh? I guess more like a BIG kid!

Congratulations on your Oscar.

Thanks!

Can't wait for the next chapter.

Can't wait to share more!!!

Woo hoo!!

So glad you had a great trip

Thanks!!!

We stayed at the Magic Castle Hotel too - it was a fantastic experience, although we didn't visit the Club.

Oooooo....if you ever go back, you should visit the Club! It's a lot of fun!

Can't wait to read more

Can't wait to share more!

 

[redsox721]

Just noticed you are coming to Boston.

 

[ariel1025]

I'm in What a fantastic start to your vacation! Awesome about the cake and balloons ... it's great to know that there are places (other than Disney ) that go above and beyond to make you feel special.

Can't wait to hear about Jimmy Kimmel!

 

[Spartangirl]

Just noticed you are coming to Boston.

We are! I've been one time before, many years ago and this will be a first visit for Chris! If you have any tips for us, I'll gladly take them!

I'm in What a fantastic start to your vacation!

Glad to have you here!

Awesome about the cake and balloons ... it's great to know that there are places (other than Disney ) that go above and beyond to make you feel special.

It was such a fantastic surprise!

Can't wait to hear about Jimmy Kimmel!

Can't wait to share!!!

 

[Spartangirl]

"The Great Movie Ride" and Walt's Star

After cruising up and down Hollywood Boulevard to get our bearings, we headed back to Grauman's Chinese Theater. Out in front of the theater were ballots for the Oscars. Why not? Here is Chris casting his vote!

We decided to purchase tickets for the "Behind the Scenes Tour" of the theater so we would have a chance to go inside. The next tour was scheduled in 7 minutes, so our timing was spot on. Since we had few minutes to spare, we took a few pictures outside of the theater. LOOK! It's the Great Movie Ride from Hollywood Studios at WDW!

The tour was about 30 minutes long and there were only 4 of us, so it was quite intimate. The theater is absolutely gorgeous inside and is still used for 35 - 50 premiers a year. We were informed that the most recent premier had been within the last week and it was "This Means War" with Reese Witherspoon.

Our tour guide was very informative and provided us with so many cool facts and lots of interesting information on old Hollywood. I didn't take any photos of the actual inside of the theater because a movie was about to begin and I didn't want to offend any of the movie patrons. However, here are the few pictures I did take on the tour.

This first picture is the main lobby for the Chinese 6 theaters. It is used for premiers and big Hollywood parties. Our guide mentioned that Maxim Magazine held their New Year's Eve party here!

Here is Jennifer Aniston's "practice handprint." We learned that the stars get to make a practice impression before their big public appearance.

This picture with Marilyn Monroe is one of the most famous and well known photos known to Grauman's Chinese Theater.

We finished up our tour and made our way next door to the Kodak Theater, which is home to the Academy Awards!

Our goal was to climb the stairs in the theater complex to make our way to the top to catch a glimpse of the "all important sign." I snapped this photo on our climb up!

And here it is...the Hollywood sign!

We were literally like sardines, packed into a tiny area, trying to get the perfect picture. There was a tour group in the area at the time and they all seemed to be in this one spot!!! I walked up, snapped my picture, and Chris and I squeezed through the rest of the tourists so we could breathe again. Wow, was it crazy up there!

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST... http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44212667&postcount=91

 

[Spartangirl]

CONTINUED...

Chris and I headed back down the stairs and made our way to the front entrance of the Kodak Theater. There was a production worker guarding the bleachers out in front. We decided to walk over and chat with him about the upcoming events. He stated, "Tonight, Hollywood Boulevard will be shut down until the Oscars are over. The red carpet is going to be installed, along with the light fixtures, and huge Oscar statues." This made me so excited! I knew that we'd have to come back to check it out within the next few days.

Here is a picture of me standing where the red carpet will soon be in place.

We continued on our journey and I snapped a picture of the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Next we headed back to Grauman's so we could get a few pictures of the handprints out front, since we didn't do so earlier with our tour.

Here is Jack Nicholson...

Ron Howard...

George Clooney...

I wanted to get a picture of the newest addition, which was "Michael Jackson's glove print," which his children did within the last month. This didn't happen due to a VERY LARGE tour group from overseas. I think there were a couple hundred of them and they all seemed to be in the area that I wanted to see. I didn't feel like fighting any crowds...

So Chris and I continued our journey by strolling down the "walk of fame." We made picture stops for two iconic figures...

First up was Betty White...we just love her!

And who could forget Mr. Walt Disney himself! I actually had to wait in a "short line" to get this photo!

Being a long travel day, we decided to head in early and rest up in the hotel. The next day would bring our big V.I.P. tour at Universal Studios and we wanted to be alert and ready for the day!

Our first day was full, but very entertaining. It helped to set the mood for our trip and we were excited for what was yet to come!

UP NEXT: Universal Studios - V.I.P Style http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44256450&postcount=99

 

[Jennifer48]

What a great day! I can't wait to get to Hollywood one day! The hub around the Kodak Theater must have been awesome with the Oscars coming up!

You are coming to Boston? Are you going to try to see a Sox game? I think you should walk the Freedom Trail. Lots of wonderful sights along the way. They do have a paying guide you can purchase but if you just buy a Boston tour book (like Frommers) they have great information.

 

[Aburns8]

Looks like fun! We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel right there when we did our ABD tour. Your pictures are bringing back great memories. I can't wait to hear about Universal!

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a great start to your vacation!

Yours is the second California trip report I have read this weekend where the first stop was at the In-N-Out Burger!

You're right -- the courtyard of your hotel does look like the original Melrose Place.

Love that you got to see Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Kodak Theatre! You know my first reaction (even though I know better) was "It's the Great Movie Ride." I can just picture the red carpet out in front of the Kodak Theatre!

Yeay for seeing Walt's star! So cool!

Can't wait for more!

 

[Tracy161]

What a great way to spend your first day... kinda like an introduction to Hollywood and all the fun you'll be having the rest of the trip!!! My own picture with Walt's star is in my signature... that was one of the highlights of my trip to LA a couple years ago! (Well that, and Disneyland of course!)

 

[Spartangirl]

What a great day! I can't wait to get to Hollywood one day! The hub around the Kodak Theater must have been awesome with the Oscars coming up!

It was crazy around the hub, but so much FUN!!!

You are coming to Boston? Are you going to try to see a Sox game?

YES and YES!!! My beloved Tigers won't be there, but a GREAT game is scheduled! We get to see the Sox vs. the Yankees! Already bought our tickets! Can't wait!!!

I think you should walk the Freedom Trail. Lots of wonderful sights along the way. They do have a paying guide you can purchase but if you just buy a Boston tour book (like Frommers) they have great information.

Thanks for the tips! I think we will do it on our own with a guide book! Can you recommend any great restaurants in Boston? I want to take Chris for lobster!!!

Looks like fun! We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel right there when we did our ABD tour. Your pictures are bringing back great memories. I can't wait to hear about Universal!

It was so much fun!!! We walked by the Renaissance every day that we were in Hollywood...in fact, we almost stayed there! The only reason that I went with the Magic Castle was so that we could go to the Magic Castle Club. Glad to hear that I helped to bring back so many of your great memories! Can't wait to share all the details about Universal!

What a great start to your vacation!

It really was a fantastic start...and it only gets better!

Yours is the second California trip report I have read this weekend where the first stop was at the In-N-Out Burger!

Too funny! Must be a popular spot!!!

You're right -- the courtyard of your hotel does look like the original Melrose Place.

I know, right? When we first got there, I kept thinking that it looked familiar. I figured it out by the 2nd day! Thankfully we didn't experience all of the craziness that often happened on that show!

Love that you got to see Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Kodak Theatre! You know my first reaction (even though I know better) was "It's the Great Movie Ride." I can just picture the red carpet out in front of the Kodak Theatre!

LOVE IT! I'm right there with you...each time we passed it I looked at Chris and said, "Look, it's the Great Movie Ride." He just rolled his eyes at me!

Yeay for seeing Walt's star! So cool!

The BEST star on the Walk of Fame!!!

Can't wait for more!

Can't wait to share more!!!

What a great way to spend your first day... kinda like an introduction to Hollywood and all the fun you'll be having the rest of the trip!!!

It really was a fantastic first day!!! We really had a ton of fun and the rest of the trip only got better!!!

My own picture with Walt's star is in my signature... that was one of the highlights of my trip to LA a couple years ago! (Well that, and Disneyland of course!)

LOVE IT!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I'm glad you had a good travel day! That can start your trip out so well!

In-N-Out - Did they tell you to order it "animal style?" Most people don't "get it" unti they have it that way! Then you're hooked! I also love to get their chocolate shake with mine - Yummm! You can get the fries animal style too!

You got to see some great Hollywood classics already! Too bad you were fighting the tour crowd. At least it wasn't a Brazilian group (I hope)

Looking forward to catching up after I get back! Aloha!

 

[Spartangirl]

I'm glad you had a good travel day! That can start your trip out so well!

I am too...it helped to get us off to a smooth start!

In-N-Out - Did they tell you to order it "animal style?" Most people don't "get it" unti they have it that way! Then you're hooked! I also love to get their chocolate shake with mine - Yummm! You can get the fries animal style too!

Animal style??? What is that? That will have to be a "next time!"

You got to see some great Hollywood classics already! Too bad you were fighting the tour crowd. At least it wasn't a Brazilian group (I hope)

THANKFULLY it wasn't a Brazilian group! There were a lot of them, but they definitely weren't that loud!!!

Looking forward to catching up after I get back! Aloha!

ALOHA! Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[Spartangirl]

Universal Studios - V.I.P. Style

No need for an alarm this morning because our internal clocks were not quite acclimated to CA time. We were up and ready to go!

We grabbed a quick bit to eat from our hotel and decided to hit the quiet streets of Hollywood in the early morning. Chris and I headed to Grauman's.

It was EMPTY, so I was able to get a picture of Michael Jackson's square (the one I missed the other day due to the large tour group), which his children did in honor of him. The left side has an imprint of Michael's "glove."

Heading down Hollywood Boulevard, I stopped to take a quick picture of the Disney Soda Shop and El Capitan Theater. You can see quite a bit of the Oscar bleachers in the photo.

We soon made our way to the Metro and boarded the train bound for Universal Studios.

It was a quick trip seeing as though Universal is the first stop from Hollywood.

Since we arrived at Universal with a fair amount of time before our tour, we decided to walk up the large hill leading to the park, rather than taking the tram. We loved seeing all of the "Birds of Paradise" flowers along the walkway.

Chris and I finally arrived at our destination for the day!!!

Finding the V.I.P. booth was next on our agenda so that we could get situated for our tour. We spoke with one of the "Universal employees" out front and we were soon led to a VERY NICE lounge where we were given our V.I.P. badges for the day. Chris and I had about 20 minutes before we had to meet up with our group so we decided to check out the gift shops.

On the way to the stores, Chris snapped a picture of me with my badge!

We had a lot of fun in the shops. I found E.T., who I just adored in my childhood. That was the first movie that I remember shedding a tear at as a kid.

Chris tried his hand at directing!

We casually made our way back to the lounge and found our guide, Donna, and the other 14 people in our group. We grabbed some coffee and chatted for a bit and were on our way about 5 minutes before our scheduled tour departure time.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST... http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44256502&postcount=100

 

[Spartangirl]

CONTINUED...

The first stop on our tour was the set of the T.V. show, Parenthood. We were able to walk through and tour the sound stage to see the different rooms of the house.

It was interesting to see the intricate details that go into planning each and every room. Personally, I don't watch the show, but I now feel the need to watch an episode or two just to see the sets!

For those of you who do watch the show, you may recognize the various rooms of the house. Here are a few pictures that I took...

The "mini house" hanging above Chris' head is a facade used when filming scenes from the master bedroom of the house.

It's what you would see through the window and is supposed to be the neighbor's house. Here's "Hollywood Magic" at its best!

UP NEXT: Props, a REALLY BIG SHARK, and Wisteria Lane http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44294075&postcount=104