HELP! no clue what to do where to go!

[wiskband]

On a whim last night, I found great air fare from NY to LA and bought it! yikes! Now I am under to pressure to plan this trip (4-23) for one week! We probably will only visit DL for 2 days then want to really take advantage of what cali has to offer, beach etc. Problem is I have no clue where to go how far everything is and I have 4 kids in tow! In other words, if you could anything in cali (asside from DL) what would you do/see?
thanks

 

[mjgruber]

Do what I did ( doing? )...I am going 4/12 - 19 LA and San Diego.

I read the Fodors and Frommers guide books.....So much to do ..you need a guidebook ( check your local Library )

 

[VegasMike21]

One possibility is looking at the So Cal City pass it gives you 6 days of attractions (3 days at Disney, 1 at Universal, 1 at Sea World, and 1 day at either the San Diego Zoo OR Wild Animal Park)

This is your best bet for seeing the sites in So Cal.

Other attractions in So Cal:

Beach (Of course)
Knott's Berry Farm (8 miles from Disney)
Six Flags Magic Mountain (40 miles from Disney)
Legoland (65-70 miles from Disney)

 

[mjgruber]

 

[ballarinamom]

Get your PS planned out and call. Do you want character meals? Doing Blue Bayou? All Counter service? Once you have it figured out, call Disney Dining and get those set up asap

 

[honeymom]

I grew up in NY and have lived in SoCal (around LA). When I used to travel for vacation from NY to SoCal, I used to really enjoy having beachtime and seeing the scenery. Besides DL, I would look at doing San Diego. There is a lot to do there and there are great beaches etc.

LA is fun, too. But, it won't be as relaxing.

 

[tkitty]

One possibility is looking at the So Cal City pass it gives you 6 days of attractions (3 days at Disney, 1 at Universal, 1 at Sea World, and 1 day at either the San Diego Zoo OR Wild Animal Park)

This is your best bet for seeing the sites in So Cal.

Other attractions in So Cal:

Beach (Of course)
Knott's Berry Farm (8 miles from Disney)
Six Flags Magic Mountain (40 miles from Disney)
Legoland (65-70 miles from Disney)

I agree that the City Pass is the way to go. It seems to be a great value.

 

[wiskband]

hey thanks all! I know about the city pass and although its a great value we decided NOT to get it, we there for 7 days and thats 6 days of parks, if our trip were longer definitely! anyway think we are going to go to 2 days @ DL, heard thats doable there not so big, right? We kinda eliminated sea world and universal we do that in FL and US seems out dated! right? I think I may visit KB farms because that seems like a value. Thing is my kids are 5 8 12 and 14 so the age range and intrests are so different. Anyway the guide will be great help, I never even thought to get it from library! lol, so used to getting everything from internet, may as well take it with me. We definitely want the beach, DL and a lil city (hollywood, LA) but dont want to drive too much so which beach and do any of them have peirs? with attractions? I'll even take boardwalks with stuff to do.
thanks again

 

[wiskband]

Well, actually Long Island (new york) but with an accent most of us pronounce it Lon Gisland (GUYLAND).

 

[wiskband]

Get your PS planned out and call. Do you want character meals? Doing Blue Bayou? All Counter service? Once you have it figured out, call Disney Dining and get those set up asap

Think I am gonna wing the meals, we frequent WDW and usually with a dining plan so I have a very structured where to be list and my family hates it! As a matter of fact I have a habit of doing that with every aspect of all our vacations it drives them nuts they just all free spirited! SO being I know nothing of where to go just not gonna plan the meals, I am looking however and if you know of any MUST DO's, CAN NOT MISS, I'll try and get them there with out them knowing it s all in the plan! lol

so, blue bayou? tell more!

 

[ballarinamom]

Blue Bayou is a definate do and a definate PS. It's actually PART of Pirates of the Carribean. Different from WDW, the ride starts in the Lousiana Bayou. The restaurant is in the "bayou" and the boats full of riders passby. You can check out the menu on allears.net. There are alot less dining options for DLR and the better places can get really packed

 

[blue donkey]

We definitely want the beach, DL and a lil city (hollywood, LA) but dont want to drive too much so which beach and do any of them have peirs? with attractions? I'll even take boardwalks with stuff to do.
thanks again

We definitely want the beach, DL and a lil city (hollywood, LA) but dont want to drive too much so which beach and do any of them have peirs? with attractions? I'll even take boardwalks with stuff to do.
thanks again[/QUOTE]

I think the closest beaches are Huntington & Newport. I haven't been to Newport in ages so I can't really tell you about that. But, Huntington does have a pier. It's just primarily a pier with a Ruby's on the end though. Nothing exciting. Right across from the pier is downtown & will have regular beach town shops. Huntington is great for being in the water if you're going during the summer. I find the water too cold other times of the year. I have to admit that I'm partial to it b/c that's where I grew up.

But if you want a real boardwalk, I remember going to Balboa during high school at night. It was mostly a hang out. But during the day, it may be more family oriented. You might want to look into that.

Also Santa Monica Pier also has a boardwalk but it's more of a drive.

If you're looking just to test the waters, I'd stay close to Anaheim. Rent some boogie boards, go for a surfing lesson (Hyatt has some in HB), or just play in the sand. Have a great time at the beach!

PS. If you end up at Huntington, I like eating at the Sugar Shack when I can.

 

[lillybug]

On our Southern California Vacation we enjoyed Huntington Beach (they have a pier), the Aquarium in Long Beach, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo.

Next time we go we are planning on a guided tour of Hollywood, Sea World, San Diego Harbor Tour.

 

[silence]

Where might one find info about a guided Holleywood Tour?

We always just go the parks when we are in the area. However, we added 2 nights to our trip at the end of the month and that means we will be there during a black out day. We don't plan on going to the parks that day, maybe some shopping, but I'm very interested in a tour.....

 

[tinkermell]

On a whim last night, I found great air fare from NY to LA and bought it! yikes! Now I am under to pressure to plan this trip (4-23) for one week! We probably will only visit DL for 2 days then want to really take advantage of what cali has to offer, beach etc. Problem is I have no clue where to go how far everything is and I have 4 kids in tow! In other words, if you could anything in cali (asside from DL) what would you do/see?
thanks

You have a lot to do.

You might want to visit the other board on the DIS called Southern California? Alot af people giving advice over there.

My favorite beach nearby is Huntington. There is so much just to see. Alot of the SoCal beachy things you might see on TV. Surfing, volleyball, bikes, skateboards, exotic cars that you only dream about. The Sugar Shack is great, especially for breakfast.

Newport is fun too. Beautful homes right along the strand,(boardwalk) at the sand's edge. Balboa Island and harbor within walking distance. Charlies Chili, another good ole stand by for food right by the pier.

At both beaches there will be little walk up stands for snacks and food. Be sure to try the cheese strips. They have been serving these long before chips and salsa were the rage.

Laguna Beach is beautiful too. More artsy, and such. Geesh, almost every beach town is cool there. These are just our favorites, and they are the closest to DL!!

San Diego is another story. ALOT to see and do.

One more suggestion. Even though DL is smaller that WDW, there is alot packed into the 2 parks. You might want to spend 3 days there.

When you get the chance, read Hydro Guys Stickey called "Tips Compilation." A world of info for WDW vets such as you.

Have fun planning!!!