First visit and need some advice from fellow planners!

[badnitrus]

Hi!
I will be arriving from Montreal to Anaheim for a short trip from June 27th - July 2nd, and will be staying at the HoJo. This will be my first visit! However, I desperately need some advice since I planned to visit a little bit of everything. I don't know if it's conceivable at all...

Our flight will arrive before noon on June 27th (a Monday), and we wanted to spend a half-day at Universal Studios (say from 3 or 4PM to closing), then 3 full days at the Disneyland Resort (Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30), and finally a guided tour of the Los Angeles area (Friday 1st).

I'd be so appreciative if you could give me your input on some of my concerns?...

We know some companies (like www.allanaheimtours.com, or Starline Tours) offer a combo of Universal and LA, but these tours only start at 9 in the morning (so can't use these on our first day), and I'd rather not loose the few hours I'd have when I get there (Universal is scheduled to close at 8PM that first day).

Is there a shuttle or any other convenient means of transportation to get from the Hojo to Universal (either booked in advanced, or running frequently)?

And also, did anybody ever try a guided tour of LA & Hollywood? I think I might go with Starline Tours... I heard they were reputable. We won't have access to a car, so we figured this is was our best option.

Hope to hear from some of you,
And can't wait for that trip!

Thanks everybody!!

 

[almostGoofy]

I think you're going to need a car that first day if you have any hopes of getting to Universal and I would question the wisdom of even attempting to get to Universal with your schedule on day one.

I'd be surprised if you found a shuttle from Anahiem to Universal during the middle of the day. I also think you will hit rush hour traffic unless you left directly from the airport to Universal via car or taxi. The latter would be more expensive than renting a car for the day.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I also question if itd be worth doing Universal- From what I remember Universal doesnt have much and what it has is time consumers- The backlot tour is great but its like an hour long and their shows are good but also long and if there is any type of a crowd Id only plan on 1 maybe 2 rides an hour plus its a spread out park and those escalators take FOREVER to get down and up on and with only 4 hours max- You would prob spend more time going and coming than there-

Just my opinion though-

-em

 

[LucyKate]

Seriously, I would just spend that first day getting to your hotel, perhaps enjoying Downtown Disney that day etc - I mean, where are you going to put your bags while in Universal?

Then, spend the three days in Disney, and take the combined Universal/LA tour, which lets you do what you want, without having to bo back up to LA twice.

 

[Buckimion]

Something to consider instead of Universal for your first day may be Knott's Berry Farm. A reasonable cab ride if you have to and After 4 pm the admission price drops to $22.50 for adults / $14.95 kids. (There are also discount tickets at some grocery stores and coupons at Carl Jr's that make the all day price @$27/adults. On your arrival I believe the park is open until 8pm. Arrive before 4 and have a chicken dinner. )

 

[geffric]

Universal is much better in FL than CA.. IMHO I would skip it..

 

[badnitrus]

Thanks everybody for your opinions!
I didn't even realize Knott's Berry Farm was not so far away from the DL resort. I might consider it instead of Universal, or just hang out by the pool and visit Downtown Disney like some of you suggested. I'll also book a full day tour of LA and Universal, finally.

Thanks again!
This board is fun!