HELP-WDW pro to DL in 2 weeks...1ST TIME EVER!

[GoBears 1980]

Yes, I have. I am a Trojan. I have owned and raised a family in the Jefferson Park area.

Real-estate prices do not off-set the boots-on-the-ground experience.

Please feel free to name what you would recommend *at night* for a family in the DTLA area? Seven Grand Whiskey Bar? Conga Room? Coles? DTLA is becoming a playground for the young professional...not the family. Still, feel free to walk down Broadway at night.

If it were a day they were trying to kill, Expo Park was top of my head, I have memberships to both the Science Museum and Natural History Museum. Hollywood...big fan of the Arclight/Amoeba area and their farmers market. And there is plenty to look at walking around the tourist block during the day, but beyond Musso and Frank, there's nothing on Hollywood Blvd.

Don't move the bar. You called Hollywood one of the "poorest zip codes" in LA. If you live in Jefferson Park you should know that. Jefferson Park has much lower demographics than Hollywood and driving south down Western or Normandie the demographics get even worse.

Then you said DTLA was "typically referred to as skid row", but now it is a "playground for the young professional"? Which is it? Even Broadway has turned and people were COMPLAINING that the real skid row, a two or three block area, was going away. Flower, Figueroa, Grand, Hope, etc ain't skid row and never, ever have been.

My grandmother was 1917 graduate of Jefferson High School and my other grandmother was a 1920 graduate from USC as well as both my parents, three aunts and two uncles as USC graduates. My family has been in the area a very, very long time and I've seen the ups and downs.

You mischaracterized both the current LA & Hollywood and now are trying to back peddle and misdirect the conversation.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

that's enough bickering kids-don't make me come over there!!! Oh wait...I AM coming over there...
to go to disneyland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[maltdizzy]

The Median Household Income in Hollywood (90028) is $4,000 less than Crenshaw... $10,000 less than Compton.

Just because the real estate as escalated, doesn't may pay has. Prop 13 will keep any area in Ca. from truely turning over, increased property taxes are what usually drives gentrification.

But we've digressed.

So...what do you recommend for a Sunday night in DTLA?

 

[CT Disney]

Greetings 'neighbor'
Have you ever left the East coast before?? We are giddy excited!! At 45 I was almost giving up hope my dream trip would ever happen! Have a blast! I will warn them that the NE families have arrived!!

The first and only time I've ever left the East Coast was 20 years ago for my honeymoon (Hawaii & San Fran). We've never been to DL.

We will be meeting my sis and her family while we're there. They've been to DL a few times before. When I tell her about my "attack plan" for the parks she just laughs at me. She keeps telling me that DL and DCA are far more relaxed than WDW.

We also have a great friend who is a WDW vet who just got back from DL. He also assured us that you CAN show up at the DL parks with no plans firmly in place for that day and still have FUN and ride things without huge lines. Imagine that!

The whole FP+ thing at WDW had really changed the way we plan and tour. We never used to plan out exactly which park we would be at on which day (let alone which ride we'd ride at 2:00 pm)! To be honest, I am really looking forward to an easy touring style this trip. And I'm definitely looking forward to the old FP system!

It's almost here!!!

 

[maltdizzy]

that's enough bickering kids-don't make me come over there!!! Oh wait...I AM coming over there...
to go to disneyland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry.

 

[White Rose]

One small thing...pun there...when orienting myself in WDW, I use the castle. When we were in fantasyland in DL... we could not SEE the castle because it is so....short! It made it a tiny bit frustrating to find stuff, till I got familiar.

Also things are slowly similar but yet at the same time different, it is a bit surreal like being in a dream...seeing captain EO and star tours in DL...it just blew my mind. Especially since captain EO was right near space mountain. I felt a bit out of sorts!

 

[SMD]

Okay, seriously.... have you been to Downtown LA or Hollywood in the last 20 years? DTLA is referred to as "skid row"? In what parallel universe? DTLA is the hottest neighborhood in LA right now. In no way is Hollywood one of the "poorest" neighborhoods in LA, not even close. Have you ever tried to rent an apartment or buy a house in 90028? The MEDIAN price of a house or condo is $645,000. A one bedroom apartment goes for around $1,900 a month.

There is also a lot in DTLA for families to do, especially when you include the USC/Expo Park area.

The reference to head shops and stripper boutiques makes me think it's been awhile since they've been to Hollywood. But, arriving in DTLA after 7:30 pm with 2 children the OP will struggle to find something to do. However, defining all of downtown as skid row is grossly inaccurate, but there are definitely still areas where it is not advisable to go walking alone at night.

 

[maltdizzy]

The reference to head shops and stripper boutiques makes me think it's been awhile since they've been to Hollywood. But, arriving in DTLA after 7:30 pm with 2 children the OP will struggle to find something to do. However, defining all of downtown as skid row is grossly inaccurate, but there are definitely still areas where it is not advisable to go walking alone at night.

Uh-huh...let's count, between Cherokee and Ivar there are 19 (mostly low-brow) lingerie stores, 15 smoke shops, 12 vape stores, and 26 check cashing stores (!) on Hollywood Blvd. Now, how many head shops do I need for me to be "current?" Sure there are also great restaurants, clubs, concert venues, etc. that are probably of far more interest to locals than tourists. I've spent plenty of nights in Hollywood and West Hollywood, but not at places I can take a kid.

But, I tired of splitting straws. Yes, I generalize, because the out of town tourist will generalize. I want them to enjoy their stay, so entice them to do research and prepare. I said, and stand by Hollywood on an Sunday evening, before it gets dark is a great way to spend time. I would neither suggest staying Hollywood for a family, nor looking for anything beyond nightlife after dark. DTLA isn't designed for families either, there are some exceptions depending on taste....Little Toyko can be family friendly at night and is near Union Station. L.A. Live is bright and exciting. but doesn't offer many family activities. It is all I can think of within walking distance of the Figueroa hotels and even some of them can isolated by freeway entrances.

 

[jlwhitney]

Just get two day park hoppers, you won't regret it at all.

DCA is a really great park. The Aladdin show is fantastic, Cars Land is also. Heck I would almost consider skipping DL fireworks for World Of Color (since its so different than what WDW does). It doesn't take long to go back and forth.

 

[VandVsmama]

FWIW, I really enjoy Downtown Disney. I wouldn't call it lame, but other people's mileage may vary. I have never been to the WDW DTD, though, so I don't have anything similar to compare it to. Our family has enjoyed it, but it's not something that you'd spend hours and hours exploring.

Re: the coastal train. If you're talking about the Amtrak Coast Starlight, it doesn't actually hug the coast the whole way. I'm not sure how far north you're taking the train, but north of Santa Barbara, it turns inland. So it does NOT follow Pacific Coast Highway the entire way up to San Francisco. Just something to keep in mind.

Hollywood at night is not a place that I would want to bring children. It's rather seedy. Just have your wits about you and don't go out dressed in matching outfits in Hollywood. Disneyland is one thing, but in the ickier parts of town, it'll paint you as a tourist vulnerable to a scam.

What you COULD consider doing instead, if you really want a Hollywood/entertainment industry experience, is look into being part of a live studio audience while you're out there. That is much more fun than walking past homeless people, prostitutes, and drug dealers on the Hollywood walk of fame at night.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

FWIW, I really enjoy Downtown Disney. I wouldn't call it lame, but other people's mileage may vary. I have never been to the WDW DTD, though, so I don't have anything similar to compare it to. Our family has enjoyed it, but it's not something that you'd spend hours and hours exploring.

Re: the coastal train. If you're talking about the Amtrak Coast Starlight, it doesn't actually hug the coast the whole way. I'm not sure how far north you're taking the train, but north of Santa Barbara, it turns inland. So it does NOT follow Pacific Coast Highway the entire way up to San Francisco. Just something to keep in mind.

Hollywood at night is not a place that I would want to bring children. It's rather seedy. Just have your wits about you and don't go out dressed in matching outfits in Hollywood. Disneyland is one thing, but in the ickier parts of town, it'll paint you as a tourist vulnerable to a scam.

What you COULD consider doing instead, if you really want a Hollywood/entertainment industry experience, is look into being part of a live studio audience while you're out there. That is much more fun than walking past homeless people, prostitutes, and drug dealers on the Hollywood walk of fame at night.

Thanks for the post.we plan to be driving along the coast one day before disney and then taking the Coast Starlight the day after we leave Disney.
My kids are 23 and 10 so not tiny but still I would never plan to walk around the seedy sections at night-or ever
We are just impressed to see palm trees!!! We will probably just drive around a bit and see Beverly Hills or something like that. We are staying in the Little Toyko area the night of the 13th so we are close to train in the morning.
Shows usually tape earlier in the day and we plan to rise late and swim at Fairfield Inn and then DTD.Since one of you smart people reminded me of the rush hour(we don't have that up in the country) we will not head to LA until 7pm now.

 

[elaine amj]

Sounds like some awesome plans!

 

[HydroGuy]

One small thing...pun there...when orienting myself in WDW, I use the castle. When we were in fantasyland in DL... we could not SEE the castle because it is so....short! It made it a tiny bit frustrating to find stuff, till I got familiar.

Also things are slowly similar but yet at the same time different, it is a bit surreal like being in a dream...seeing captain EO and star tours in DL...it just blew my mind. Especially since captain EO was right near space mountain. I felt a bit out of sorts!

WDW vets may use the castle. A DLR vet would never dream of that. An old school DL vet like me would use and has always used the Matterhorn. If I tried looking for the Matterhorn at WDW to orient myself I would still be looking.

Another thing. WDW vets (in general - not you specifically ) should be careful about things at DL "not being where they should be". I know it is said in jest, but seriously, aren't Splash Mtn and BTMRR at DL in the "wrong" place? Wait! Splash Mtn and BTMRR were built first at DL and then later at MK. So it is MK that has them in the "wrong" place. If something has to be wrong at all.

What about Fantasmic! being in the wrong place? Inside DL for heaven's sake! But wait! Fantasmic! was created for DL. It later came to WDW.

I think the moral of the story is that using your home park/resort as a reference without really understanding the history and culture of the other park/resort will only make you go in circles. And for some people the circles result in them not appreciating things at the other park/resort (or downright looking down their nose at these things) all because they misapplied their experience.

 

[White Rose]

WDW vets may use the castle. A DLR vet would never dream of that. An old school DL vet like me would use and has always used the Matterhorn. If I tried looking for the Matterhorn at WDW to orient myself I would still be looking.

Another thing. WDW vets (in general - not you specifically ) should be careful about things at DL "not being where they should be". I know it is said in jest, but seriously, aren't Splash Mtn and BTMRR at DL in the "wrong" place? Wait! Splash Mtn and BTMRR were built first at DL and then later at MK. So it is MK that has them in the "wrong" place. If something has to be wrong at all.

What about Fantasmic! being in the wrong place? Inside DL for heaven's sake! But wait! Fantasmic! was created for DL. It later came to WDW.

I think the moral of the story is that using your home park/resort as a reference without really understanding the history and culture of the other park/resort will only make you go in circles. And for some people the circles result in them not appreciating things at the other park/resort (or downright looking down their nose at these things) all because they misapplied their experience.

I would not use "wrong"...was just trying to say, Don't do this! I was frustrated because I kept "reverting" to WDW in the back of my head, and till I finally got that out of my head, I frustrated myself! Lol! I had to use a map....a map! Lol! I felt a little lost.

 

[NannyBeBe]

I am curious. I have been to the Grand Canyon and cannot imagine what you can do there to fill up five days. As to DLR, trust us and get park hoppers and do both parks. DTD is much smaller than at WDW and won't take much time to see.

Another suggestion: Get out all your worn undies and pack those and then just throw them out rather than drag them home. I got this idea from a friend whose son went to Europe for a couple of weeks.

 

[HydroGuy]

I would not use "wrong"...was just trying to say, Don't do this! I was frustrated because I kept "reverting" to WDW in the back of my head, and till I finally got that out of my head, I frustrated myself! Lol! I had to use a map....a map! Lol! I felt a little lost.

I understand. I was generalizing your comments/sentiments with those occasionally made by others.

After six trips to WDW I rarely have to look at a map anymore!

 

[ADLFAN]

I am curious. I have been to the Grand Canyon and cannot imagine what you can do there to fill up five days. As to DLR, trust us and get park hoppers and do both parks. DTD is much smaller than at WDW and won't take much time to see.

Another suggestion: Get out all your worn undies and pack those and then just throw them out rather than drag them home. I got this idea from a friend whose son went to Europe for a couple of weeks.

Haha, that is hilarious! But if he'd committed a crime, they could follow the trail of discarded undies. .. Just kidding, that is a pretty good idea, but I might feel too strange trying to find a place to discreetly dispose of them everyday! At the Fairfield Inn!? Haha!

 

[Mama Mia]

I also recommend DCA. It is so lovely. Carsland is a wonderful tribute to Southwestern Utah! Almost think I am there.

 

[SMD]

Thanks for the post.we plan to be driving along the coast one day before disney and then taking the Coast Starlight the day after we leave Disney.
My kids are 23 and 10 so not tiny but still I would never plan to walk around the seedy sections at night-or ever
We are just impressed to see palm trees!!! We will probably just drive around a bit and see Beverly Hills or something like that. We are staying in the Little Toyko area the night of the 13th so we are close to train in the morning.
Shows usually tape earlier in the day and we plan to rise late and swim at Fairfield Inn and then DTD.Since one of you smart people reminded me of the rush hour(we don't have that up in the country) we will not head to LA until 7pm now.

I would not consider most of Little Tokyo safe for walking at night. Everything will be shut down by the time you get there, so no reason to be out on the street anyway. More so on a Monday when theaters are dark and restaurantS closed. You won't see palm trees on Hollywood Blvd or downtown, so maybe adjust expectations there a little too. Is your plan to drive from Anaheim to Beverly Hills to downtown or hit up Beverly Hills early in the trip? If it's the former I would Google map that to make sure you want to invest the time. One thing that's kind of cool downtown and free is the central library. It's an old building from 1926 with some murals about CA history. I think it closes at 7 or 8 during the summer. There's also Grand Central Market, but that closes early on weekdays, maybe 6pm. It wouldn't be too much farther to Pasadena. You'll find restaurants open late in old town on a Monday, and also some movie theaters. Griffith Park is open until 10pm, but the observatory is closed Mondays, so not really a lot else to do there after dark.

 

[sheetz]

I would not consider most of Little Tokyo safe for walking at night. Everything will be shut down by the time you get there, so no reason to be out on the street anyway.

I don't know if I'd say that. LT is quite a popular nightlife spot nowadays. I'm looking at Yelp and it appears there are literally dozens of businesses open until fairly late on a Monday night. Most restaurants are open until at least 9pm, many until midnight or later.