Meeting place between DL and Newbury Park?

[bubbasmom99]

We will be visiting in October for DH's 30th birthday and would like to meet up with some friends who live in Newbury Park. Since we are visiting in the middle of the week, it would be practically impossible for them to take time off and come vacation with us, so I thought we might be able to meet them halfway somewhere for dinner... Anyone familiar with the area have any ideas? It needs to be kid-friendly, as between us, there will be a 6 yr old, 2-3 yr olds, and an infant.

Thanks!

 

[tinagirl]

Well, Newbury park is actually a suburb of Thousand Oaks. Most folks don't know where it is, but it runs from the 101 between the Lynn Road and Wendy Drive Exits. Just so you know, it's actually not that far from Disneyland. I used to live up there on Ventu Park Road, and it only took about and hour and 15 to get to Disneyland, if not going against rush hour. To get there, you take the 5 freeway from Anaheim to the 101 Ventura freeway, then it is smooth sailing. Something in between would probably be in the valley. You could try Islands on Ventura Blvd in Encino, which is right off the 101 just past Sherman Oaks. It is family friendly, and has a great atmosphere, and it would be about 40 minutes for both parties to get there. Just make sure that they know it is the Islands on Ventura Blvd in the Valley, and not the one on Agoura Road, as that one is much closer to them.

Just pick something in the Valley, near the 101, and you'll be fine.

All my best ~Tina
P.S. - If they are willing to go a little further, Carneys off of Coldwater is a really great little hot dog/hamburger place, where you sit and eat in a big yellow train. I like it, but since it is counter service, it may not suit your needs.

 

[softfluff]

In the middle of the week the drive is going to be horrible for both, if meeting for dinner. How about meeting at Universal Citywalk? This isn't far for them and it wouldn't be a bad hike for you either.

 

[tinagirl]

Just keep in mind that Citywalk has $8 parking. You can get a $2 parking rebate if you see a movie, but then it is still $6. (They used to offer a complete parking refund, but unfortunately, they changed that). Something to keep in mind. Unfortunately, It's not like Downtown Disney where you get 3 hours free and 2 hours extra upon validation. Meaning you get 5 hours with your meal, instead of paying $8 plus your meal. Plus, although you would have less ways to go on the 101, they will be taking the 101 even further in traffic. If you met in the valley, you could take the 101 OR you could take the 5 to the 405 to the 101 - Or they could come across and take the 23 to the 118 to the other side of the valley, and you could stay on the 5, which is typically less crowded. Oye, that's alot of #'s isn't it! Just ask them what they think.

This isn't to say that Citywalk isnt a great place to go. I personally, like Hard Rock, and must buy candy at Sparkys every time I go. Its just that there is a downside to it, but then again, there is truthfully a downside to every choice.

Good Luck!
~Tina