Disneyland and Hollywood Universal suggestions

[lynnfitz]

Hi, never been to DL, we're Orlando vets, but looks like alot of things are different at DL. If we want to do Universal too, should we switch hotels and stay closer to Universal, or stay at the DL hotel? We haven't chosen a DL hotel yet, but it will be one of the ones that is within walking distance to DL. As far as Universal, how may days do you suggest? We're not coaster people, but like simpsons, Minions etc.

We also might through Seaworld into the mix-just wondering if we should have 1 base hotel, or move around-thanks for any suggestions!!

 

[FCDub]

Depends how your days are planned. If you're doing DL for X days straight in Anaheim THEN going to Universal, it might be worth a move. There are lots of hotels in Studio City, right near Universal, Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign, that could make for a nice change of scenery.

It will also depend on whether you have a car.

 

[Geemo]

Hi, never been to DL, we're Orlando vets, but looks like alot of things are different at DL. If we want to do Universal too, should we switch hotels and stay closer to Universal, or stay at the DL hotel? We haven't chosen a DL hotel yet, but it will be one of the ones that is within walking distance to DL. As far as Universal, how may days do you suggest? We're not coaster people, but like simpsons, Minions etc.

We also might through Seaworld into the mix-just wondering if we should have 1 base hotel, or move around-thanks for any suggestions!!

I dislike the traffic issue when having to go anywhere from Disney. I find it easier to switch hotels and allow for travel time.

For the three stop vacation in SoCal you mention...
I'd fly into San Diego, plan you time there for SeaWorld the Zoo, whatever. From there travel up to Hollywood.
For a first time trip to Universal, I feel it's best to take two days in the park. The reason for two days, there are not only rides but the shows are a huge chunk of time. My grandkids like the rides and they really enjoy the shows. If you find it doesn't take a full two days there are plenty of near by things to see.

When you have all of this out of your system head to Disneyland to complete your trip.

I have done many trips to SoCal. My preference is to end a trip at Disneyland.

Enjoy

Geremo

 

[aliceindisneyland]

We just drive to Universal from Anaheim, it only takes 45 min on a weekends. On weekdays I wouldn't leave Anaheim before 9:30am. We pack a car full so split stays are not for us, would be a huge pain. Also anything safe/non-grungy near Universal (coming from someone who has no problem taking kiddos to Hollywood) is more expensive than DL area hotels. You can do everything in Universal in one day easily, but it is definitely fun enough that multiple days are great too.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I think staying and Anaheim and going up to Universal for one day is doable but I wouldn't try to go to SeaWorld and back from Anaheim. The drive is 90 minutes to 2 hours IF there is no traffic. It can be 2.5+ hours each way with traffic.

I agree with doing San Diego first, then Universal, then Disney because Disney is the best of these three.

 

[mfleeting]

We spent 1 1/2 days at Universal Studios and was able to do everything multiple times. Of course it was also in January and raining the first day. We are going before Thanksgiving and only spending 1 day at Universal and we should still be able to get everything we want done.

If you do multiple days some season passes are cheaper (we bought ours from Costco). Also, like Disney some nearby hotels get you in 1 hour earlier. But if your only going to go 1 day just stay near Disneyland.

 

[PHXscuba]

If you've done Universal in Orlando, one day should be enough in Hollywood. There isn't that much that is unique to that park. If you are flying into LAX and can do Universal at the beginning/end of your trip it might make the most sense to switch hotels. If you're flying into Orange County or San Diego, I'd weigh the hassle of driving to LA for one long day vs. the hassle of changing hotels.

In reverse direction, I suppose I'd also apply the same advice to Sea World -- worth one long day of driving, or switching hotels? I used to live in Orange County and often did Sea World as a day trip.

If it were me and I had extra time, I'd find a couple things to do in LA or SD, stay a couple nights, and make it a rounder part of the trip.

PHXscuba

 

[SteveMP]

I live an hour and 45 minutes from DL. Sometimes we drive up to DL then either stay in Anaheim and drive up to USH next morning early, or drive at night and stay at Hilton right by USH. I much prefer driving late at night to USH. The drive on the 101 on a weekday morning can be an absolute NIGHTMARE.

 

[corrie563]

Last time we split the trip between LA and Anaheim, but Universal is the only thing left for us in LA, so this time we will just uber over...

 

[lynnfitz]

thanks for all the suggestions!!

 

[SteveMP]

thanks for all the suggestions!!

Btw if you are orlando vets probably only need a day at universal. Your HO stuff is way better and I personally like the mummy at Orlando better, while some are identical.Also look for the thread for WDW vets guide to DL