We are making a similar trip this summer coming from Oklahoma. I like to have stops on the drive for the kiddos to get out and stretch and burn energy. I found some great ideas on the roadside America website. We are stopping at the Cadillac Ranch and the wigwam hotel to get some pics. Then when we are at DCA we plan on taking pics in front of the cars land attractions themed off of them.
I had that same thought when I first saw the Wigwam motel (get pictures at the real thing then at the Disney Cars version)
Glad to see you've dropped SF and LV...you've already got a lot of driving to do.
I assumed you were flying out and renting a car....didn't realize you were driving from MO...yikes!
Completely agree with the observations that
- Universal should be part of your LA time. What else were you thinking of doing besides downtown Hollywood? (I assume) Occasionally, we'll go to a studio taping...fun, free entertainment (although you often have to set aside a big chunk of time for it....last one we went to was an episode of Happily Divorced...got there around 5, left at 11:30). Pink's for hot dogs is always enjoyable.
- I agree with others that three days in San Diego is not necessary...I would spend one less day in San Diego and do your beach time in Santa Monica...depending on time of year, the pier might be open and you've got the whole Muscle Beach/Venice scene going on. We lucked out one year and pricelined the SM Holiday Inn across the street from the beach...ended up watching a beautiful sunset off the pier.
- Sound like you might be using the SoCal City Pass (and if you're not, you should consider, given your itinerary). If so, what specific attractions does it include (as the offerings do change over time)?
- Considering that your AZ stops are Grand Canyon and Scottsdale, the loop that you're proposing (GC -> LA -> DL -> SD -> Scottsdale) makes sense. What time of year? If this is summer, it might make sense to do your desert driving at night...less chance of overheating and less traffic as well.
- No matter what time of year, try to schedule your DL time so that at least part of it is during the week. Because a LOT of locals have AP's, there's a clear difference in crowd levels between weekday and weekend.
- If your family includes baseball fans, a game at Dodgers Stadium is always fun
Given these comments, here's what I'd propose:
DAY 1/DAY 2 - Drive from Missouri, stay outside of GC on Day 2 night
DAY 3 - See GC. In evening, drive to LA. Arrive quite late. Stay somewhere in north LA (San Fernando/Universal City/Burbank/Glendale/Hollywood) (or stay en route if the drive's too long/late)
DAY 4 - USH/Hollywood (again, maybe a studio taping or baseball game)
DAY 5 - leisurely morning, a.m. Santa Monica/Venice. early afternoon drive to Anaheim (to minimize rush hour traffic). check-in to hotel. hang out at DTD in the evening, maybe head over to the queen mary and do some other OC thing.
DAY 6/7/8 - DLR
DAY 9 - Drive to SD Zoo, afternoon there, then check-in and see the city
DAY 10 - Sea World
DAY 11 - Drive to Scottsdale
DAY 12 - Scottsdale
DAY 13/14 - Drive home
Or put in terms of where your hotel stays are:
On the road (1 night)
GC (1 night)
LA (2 nights)
Anaheim (4 nights)
SD (2 nights)
Scottsdale (2 nights)
On the road (1 night)
Don't know how good of a fit this is, but I hope it maximizes the time for the things you're interested in. Remember to try (in general) to avoid rush hour traffic in LA (which generally is 5 am-10 am and 3 pm-7 pm and don't think about driving a long distance on Friday night before 9 pm...I've been caught in several Friday night rush hours over the years).
Man, that's a lot of driving. It's a shame your kids aren't quite old enough to help out with it. Good luck.