How to fill 2 days in Hollywood before Backstage Tour

[scottmel]

Yes, @scottmel, if you look at the itinerary on ABD's website, it lists touring the TCL Chinese Theatre, not the El Capitan.

Sayhello

any other thoughts of things you did on your own or wish you would have? places to eat?

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

If you want to spend some time like the locals do, check out the following http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/runyon-canyon-hike-hollywood-los-angeles/ It's about a 10-15 minute walk from the Loew's Hollywood to the entrance to Runyon Canyon. Great views of LA.

 

[sayhello]

any other thoughts of things you did on your own or wish you would have? places to eat?

I actually haven't done this particular ABD (yet!) I grew up in Southern California, and am having a hard time a) justifying the cost and b) going out there long enough to do an ABD as well as visit family & friends! But I'm sure others will answer your questions!

Sayhello

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

I did the BSM ABD (Adult Only) in June 2014 and we got the most amazing tour of the Dolby Theatre (even got to be on the stage), we did not go to the Chinese Theatre or the forecourt nor did we get a tour of El Capitan. Your guides should be available at your hotel (I arrived a day early and within 30 minutes of me being in my room the guides called to make sure everything was okay and if I had any questions.

 

[scottmel]

I did the BSM ABD (Adult Only) in June 2014 and we got the most amazing tour of the Dolby Theatre (even got to be on the stage), we did not go to the Chinese Theatre or the forecourt nor did we get a tour of El Capitan. Your guides should be available at your hotel (I arrived a day early and within 30 minutes of me being in my room the guides called to make sure everything was okay and if I had any questions.

Oh good thanks. We are arriving two days early so I hope there are guides there that I could just get an idea if certain things are done or are being offered as optional activities. etc. Thanks!

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Maybe we toured the El Capitan (we got to go on stage and everything, private conversation with the organist and free night at the movies) because we couldn't access the Dolby due to the Oscar set up.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

I actually haven't done this particular ABD (yet!) I grew up in Southern California, and am having a hard time a) justifying the cost and b) going out there long enough to do an ABD as well as visit family & friends! But I'm sure others will answer your questions!

Sayhello

Trust me, you can justify it. We had 4 ladies who all lived 90 minutes away from Disneyland and grew up going to Disneyland and they all took the tour.

 

[scottmel]

Maybe we toured the El Capitan (we got to go on stage and everything, private conversation with the organist and free night at the movies) because we couldn't access the Dolby due to the Oscar set up.

That is kind of what I was thinking.......THanks!

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

While we were there, it was Oscar chaos going on. Hollywood Blvd was shut down to traffic and everything. They were setting up the stands as well as preparing to roll out the red carpet. They had the curtain swags up on the outside of the Dolby Theatre and on our last full day in Hollywood, they had installed the 2 giant Oscar statues that stand outside the theatre. I was more interested in seeing the El Capitan anyway. Living in "Broadway North", I'm familiar with theatres and how they work but I was fascinated by the history of the El Capitan.

 

[pudinhd]

Maybe we toured the El Capitan (we got to go on stage and everything, private conversation with the organist and free night at the movies) because we couldn't access the Dolby due to the Oscar set up.

We did this, too... Back on the trip in April of 2009! I would have enjoyed doing it again, but the Chinese Theatre was cool, too!

 

[SaraMc]

Ive done this trip twice and always go in early. I love the Farmers Market and the Grove. There is something about that area.. could spend a week there. Make sure to check it out. Loews has cars that will take you all over for free. We used those and at at Dupar's for breakfast at the Farmers Market. So good.

 

[scottmel]

Ive done this trip twice and always go in early. I love the Farmers Market and the Grove. There is something about that area.. could spend a week there. Make sure to check it out. Loews has cars that will take you all over for free. We used those and at at Dupar's for breakfast at the Farmers Market. So good.

thanks after all my research I feel like I am ready to live here, lol! we found thru a referral of a referral a local LA tour guide that will privately take us to see pretty much anything we want and the rate is VERY reasonable!!! The arrival day we are planning on just getting a burger at roosevelts and looking at the shops, etc. The following day we are doing Warner Bros. Tour and a Movie. THEn the following day in the morning we have hired the guide to take us for 5 hours to see all the attractions we want that aren't covered by ABD. My DD wants to see the American horror story house, lol. I researched this so much and found tours that offered a little of this I liked but honestly I hate the idea of a tour bus etc. and this was our perfect fit having a private tour and yes farmers market for lunch she has scheduled. thx much!

 

[knewton64]

Thank you all for this thread!


Very informative -
just put in an inquiry via my TA for pre & post days add ons (suggestions) for this adventure sometime late next year.


**THANK U ALL****



T.T.F.N.
& CHEERS Y'ALL





"MY VERY 1ST TRIP 2 WDW / DISNEY WONDER" 01-07-09 to 01-15-09 (w/pics & video)
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2062857