Completely lost planner - Help!

[ktglads]

Okay, so after many a trip to Disney World, I decided that I needed to turn my head west and see the original park, so I had to wait until August 2005 for my trip. I have a few places picked out that I want to visit, but I really need help as to a timeline and how much stuff I can get done.

Question #1 - Is Universal Hollywood worth it? I LOVE Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure, but is this all shows or too much repetition to the Orlando parks that we shouldn't bother with it

Question #2 - How many days for both Disney parks? I was thinking 3 but I don't want to cut it too short. Should we plan on 4 or will there be too many repeats then?

Question #3 - Is is worth the extra money for on-site? We are on-site people 100% in Orlando, but not too sure about California

Question #4 - Does anyone know if television shows tape in August? Is it worth going to a taping?

I know these things are all probably basics for any west coasters and kind of like Niagara Falls to me - you only go to some things when out of town company visits

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[got2travel]

All I can help with is #2 and 3.

Number of Days - Even with an annual pass and visiting 4-5 times per year, I won't visit for anything less than 3 days. For someone whose never been there, I'd say you could have a good visit in 3 days, but since you'll be there in the summer, 4 days would be better.

On-site or Off-site - This is a highly personal decision. For me, unlike WDW, it is not necessary to stay on-site at DL. Unless you can justify the cost of the Grand Californian, many of the hotels on Harbor Blvd are closer to the main entrance. Ok, so you won't have Mickey soaps, hidden Mickey's on the walls, and 1 early entry to Toontown, but the convenience and cost savings of staying offsite helps make my decision.

 

[SeattleRedBear]

Question #1 - Is Universal Hollywood worth it? I LOVE Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure, but is this all shows or too much repetition to the Orlando parks that we shouldn't bother with it

Surprisingly, the only Universal parks I've been to in the last 20 years are UO and IoA so can't help you there.

Question #2 - How many days for both Disney parks? I was thinking 3 but I don't want to cut it too short. Should we plan on 4 or will there be too many repeats then?

I think it depends on how much of a 'commando' you want to be. 3 days is reasonable but as someone else pointed out, you'll be there during summer, so 4 days allows you to take a more relaxed trip. Since the parks are within walking distance, a 3-day park hopper (when it gets crowded in DL head over to CA) might be the ticket.

Question #3 - Is is worth the extra money for on-site? We are on-site people 100% in Orlando, but not too sure about California

I don't think the benefits really justify it as there's a slew of reasonably priced accomodations within a 10-15 minute walk of the main gate.

Question #4 - Does anyone know if television shows tape in August? Is it worth going to a taping?

If you've never been to one, it's very enjoyable. Some websites (http://www.hollywoodtickets.com/ http://www.tvtix.com/) offers free tickets to a number of tapings. In some cases, you may need to contact the studio directly. Info is generally available form the studio website. Some of the more popular ones (Tonight Show) need to be reserved months in advance. Hope this helps.

 

[daannzzz]

I like going to Universal Hollywood. It is different in that it is an old studio and it feels neat to be there and see the history, though seems to be less and less each trip. Some of the attractions are the same but the layout of the park is completely different. There definately are not a lot of rides. If you are into movies and the history of movies it is good. If you are into rides it is just okay.

3 Days at Disneyland resort is definately doable, particularly if it is not busy. 4 days is even better as you don't have to rush.

Staying on property here is not nearly as important. There are many less expensive places to stay right across the street, some of them are a closer walk than two of the three Disney hotels. http://www.beachcalifornia.com/dlmp.html
But The Grand Californian rivels most of the WDW deluxes. The Disneyland hotel is older and not very themed but has great grounds and rooms. The Paradise Pier hotel is fine though a bit bland. If you love staying at Disney Hotels and can afford it, they do enhance your stay. If you want to save a bit of money it is really fine to stay across the street. Our favorites are Howard Johnson Plaza
Candy Cane Inn
Best Western Park Place Inn
These are 5-10 minutew walk from the hotel to the front gates of the parks.

 

[jxgriffi]

Question #1 - Is Universal Hollywood worth it? I LOVE Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure, but is this all shows or too much repetition to the Orlando parks that we shouldn't bother with it

If you like Universal Orlando, you should like the studios. However, it is NOTHING like IOA! Also, the thing that threw me for a loop in Florida, most of the things to do are part of the tram tour (Kong, Jaws, Earthquake, etc). They are not all separate attractions. Confused me in Florida. I enjoy the tram tour as it takes you through some real history. Also, Jurassic Park, Mummy (please...don't compare it to Floridas...we all know Florida has the better one), Backdraft, etc. are not on the tour and are different attractions.

Question #2 - How many days for both Disney parks? I was thinking 3 but I don't want to cut it too short. Should we plan on 4 or will there be too many repeats then?

I think everyone has covered this, but I'll throw in, since it's summer, the anniversary, etc., it will probably be crowded and I'd say 4 days. Just be sure to have hoppers so you can escape over to DCA if DL is too crowded.

Question #3 - Is is worth the extra money for on-site? We are on-site people 100% in Orlando, but not too sure about California

Being a local, I don't stay in the hotels, but like everyone has said, they are some better alternatives if you want to save some money. If you have the cash, I'd definitely recommend the Grand Californian.

Question #4 - Does anyone know if television shows tape in August? Is it worth going to a taping?

To be honest, even though I've lived here all my life, I've never been to a taping. Try to tie it in to your Universal day. They generally have "tickets" at the Studios since a majority of the tapings occur there or over at Warner Brothers (just on the other side of the hill). If you're up for something different, try the VIP Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Not a lot of people know about this one and each tour is limited to about 15 people. I'm not sure how much it costs, but I've heard it's completely worth it.

Have fun planning....