Help. Trying to Plan a DL/USH trip

[msbatchelor5]

Hello DisBoards.

I am a daily lurker/occasional poster (previous to our Oct '12 trip to Aulani, thanks for the help!)

I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to California for my ME, Mom, Sister (16), Hubby, Daughter (2), & Grandmother (87).

Being a WDW CM and a USF TM, we are wanting to visit both DL/CA & USH during our trip.

Also, I want to visit Hollywood see the sights, some studio tours (whats worth it?) (and MAYBE, Hopefully a taping of ELLEN!)

Disneyland is a whole new monster for this WDW vet. I am reading trip reports, but not many include a visit to Universal Hollywood.

Any tips/tricks/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Right now we are debating commuting there and just staying Anaheim the entire time or a hotel move (but being a large group we need 2 rooms or a VRBO which I am having a hard time finding).

I need your advice once again Disboard.


Thank you!

 

[Minuet888]

I'm here but I'm not sure what specifically you need help or advice on.
How many days somewhere?
A specific place to stay?
As for a taping of Ellen, tickets sell out probably a year in advance plus you have to catch it when it is in production and not on hiatus or in between seasons.
I'm not too familiar with the Hollywood tours.
USH should only take you about one day.
Soe other cool things to do in the area are Knott's Berry Farm amusement park (coasters and such), its really close to DL/CA plus also close by is Medieval Times Dinner Theater and Tournament which is a lot of fun
SixFlags Magic Mountain in Valencia (about 40 minutes away) TONS of coasters and rides plus there's a water park there.
As for a hotel, I recommend Howard Johnsons as I believe they have special rooms that can accomodate your larger party.
You do have an 87 year old with you so I'm not sure how long your days are, or what type of physical condition she is in that would be my only uh oh in the plans type thing.

If there's something more specific that I haven't addressed that you need help with let me know, I'd be happy to help.

 

[rszdtrvl]

We have this Universal Studios Tour booked through Grayline for our trip next month :

http://tours.graylineanaheim.com/toursAna.cfm/tour_id/1429/mode/tour_detail/location_id/1021

This departs from Anaheim. The only thing is that if there are not 8 or more people signed up for the LA tour it will be cancelled. No big deal for us if it is cancelled, we just thought it would be cool.

Anaheim is a great hub and Grayline offers just about every tour you could want (except for the tv show tapings). We have always used them for our Anaheim vacations and have never had any trouble.

 

[kellymonaghan]

My advice is to allot at least a day to Universal Studios Hollywood.

And NOT a day that involves a trip from the Anaheim area. Do it right. Go to the Hollywood Hills. Stay at a Universal on-property hotel or one nearby. Then enjoy USH and CityWalk for a day. Maybe two.

 

[Magalex]

We have this Universal Studios Tour booked through Grayline for our trip next month :

http://tours.graylineanaheim.com/toursAna.cfm/tour_id/1429/mode/tour_detail/location_id/1021

This departs from Anaheim. The only thing is that if there are not 8 or more people signed up for the LA tour it will be cancelled. No big deal for us if it is cancelled, we just thought it would be cool.

Anaheim is a great hub and Grayline offers just about every tour you could want (except for the tv show tapings). We have always used them for our Anaheim vacations and have never had any trouble.

Great to hear!! We have one day to chose another activity. Trying to decide between Sea World or Universal. There are so many tour companies too. So I guess the best one is to stick with Grayline. How many hours do they allow for Universal (not the combo with LA tour)? We are visiting in July & staying at BW Stovall's Inn.

 

[rszdtrvl]

Great to hear!! We have one day to chose another activity. Trying to decide between Sea World or Universal. There are so many tour companies too. So I guess the best one is to stick with Grayline. How many hours do they allow for Universal (not the combo with LA tour)? We are visiting in July & staying at BW Stovall's Inn.

If it is anything like our last two times at Universal, you are pretty much there from open until 5pm or so.

 

[grumpz]

Great to hear!! We have one day to chose another activity. Trying to decide between Sea World or Universal. There are so many tour companies too. So I guess the best one is to stick with Grayline. How many hours do they allow for Universal (not the combo with LA tour)? We are visiting in July & staying at BW Stovall's Inn.

I would vote for Sea World over USH