First Disneyland trip - first CA trip HELP!

[beattyfamily]

I'm in the middle of planning our first trip to Disneyland CA!!! I've never even been to CA.

This will probably be a once in a lifetime trip at least until my 2 DDs are grown up.

We will probably go April 17 thru April 23. I'd stay 3 or 4 nights at the Grand Californian hotel (3 day pass) and then 2 or 3 nights elsewhere sightseeing.

I don't what else to fit in before we leave CA and I haven't got a clue where we could stay. CA is like a foreign country to me!

I love anything to do with the stars and Hollywood. I love Universal Studios in Florida and visit it every year while we're in Florida. Should I bother with Universal Studios? It's about 40 miles from Dinseyland right?

We'll be flying in and out through Long Beach Airport via Jetblue probably.

How would you tour Hollywood (the sign and Hollywood Blvd??)and other 'star' related things? Is there a good wax museum? Maybe Rodeo Drive?

Any advice or tips would be GREATLY appreciated like what I shouldn't miss or where to stay and I guess we'll rent a car so we can see other places??

I know I'm not giving ourselves too much time to sight see that is why I'm asking for advice on what I should do with those 2 to 3 days...after Disneyland CA.

What would you do?

Thanks!

 

[Amberle3]

For the first time in CA I definitely recommend taking one of the package tours available. Check out Grayline (http://www.etix.com/travel/servlet/onlineSale?action=viewTours&franchise_id=106) and see what they have to offer. They're a good company, I've done a few of their tours.

I haven't been to Universal in Florida, but it is kinda neat to go to Universal Hollywood. Last time was there (several years ago) they were getting ready to film The Grinch and were building the sets for it.

The San Diego Zoo is also something to see.

 

[daannzzz]

The Grand Californian is a wonderful place to stay and super convenient. It's location beats any at WDW as far as proximity to parks goes.
I like both Universal Studios parks though they are quite different. Florida is more of a theme park atmosphere designed with guests in mind and loads of seperate attractions.
Universal Hollywood is a real old studio and many of the main attractions (Jaws, King Kong and Earthquake are all part of the backlot tour on the tram. There are other attractions of smaller caliper along the rout as well but the meat of the tour is that you are on the backlot where movies were made way back in th 20's and 30's all the way until present. There is a great history here that you see and feel that is not present in Florida. But there are less seperate attractions.
I don't know anything about lodging in the Hollywood area. An ex boss of mine stayed at the Hilton at Universal Studios and liked it a lot.
As far as Hollywood goes you may find you don't spend as much time there as you might think. Many parts are pretty nasty and scary looking. The Walk of stars is interesting for a bit but it goes for a long way. Touring Beverly Hills and Hollywood by bus or car is nice though.

 

[beattyfamily]

Thanks everyone for the great tips!

Keep them coming!

I'm wondering where I should stay if I focus on Hollywood and the stars' homes and maybe the San Diego Zoo.

Where is a good central location to visit Hollywood, San Diego, Mailbu, or Beverly Hills??? That's where I'm comfused.

Thanks again for all the info so far!

 

[MaliboomerMike]

If you want a central location for both the Hollywood and San Diego areas, you're talking about Orange County. Hollywood is about 45 minutes north of Disneyland, Malibu is about an hour, and San Diego is about an hour south of Disneyland.
Just to give you a heads-up as far as geographically speaking.

 

[iceskatejen]

If you do visit USH, go on a weekday, because there's never any filming on weekends. Also, there's a booth inside fairly close to the entrance where you can get tv show taping tickets. These are free, though there are often age restrictions (like 10 or 14 and up). There might not be too much available, though as most prime time shows are on hiatus. Also in the Hollywood area (and along the walk of fame) is the Hollywood and Highland shopping area (also home to the Kodak Theater--which you can get a tour of). It's right where the name says it is--at the intersection of Hollywood and Highland BLVDs. This is where Ryan Seacrest (host of American Idol) does his daily talkshow and morning radio show. You would have to check out his website for taping tickets (free) at ryanonair.com (this isn't linked) or to check the schedule. Often he has people performing out in the courtyard and that's free to all comers.