Need West Coast Help!!

[jupers]

We are an East Coast family who are planning or first trip west! I have many questions...

We are dvc members so planning on staying at the Grand Californian...I have been looking into the SoCal pass but really have no interest in sea world... Is it still my best bet?

Also, want to see all the sights but doubt I can fit it all in a week. Our must dos are universal, a beach...,any recommendations?

And would love to see a taping of something, anything!! How do I do that???

Should we take a day and go to San Diego?? Help!!

 

[superlarz]

Unless you want to go to Seaworld or the Zoo, there isnt really a reason to come down to San Diego just for a day of a longer trip. The close beaches to Disneyland are Huntington and Newport. Universal is much different on the West Coast than the East Coast. It is worth it for some to see the real working studios, but the theme park does not have much to do. I would consider doing a tour of the WB studio. There is lots to see and do in the area, you will have no trouble filling a week with things to do.

 

[sechelt]

And would love to see a taping of something, anything!! How do I do that???

We've done this quite a few times and have been lucky enough to watch Home Improvement, Mad About You and the Big Bang Theory as well as a few that didn't have lasting power. We've always gotten free tickets through Audiences Unlimited. You'll need to plan ahead and, if the show you want is really popular, be ready to grab the tickets as soon as they're available. They have tickets for a number of different studios and there's a minimum age limit, depending on the show. http://www.tvtickets.com/

Have fun!

 

[jina]

DS5 would probably love Legoland (about an hour drive south of DL) but DD10 may not like it as much. We did a day trip from our hotel in Santa Ana back in March - got there for rope drop and stayed till lunch time. We had a great time but didn't see everything and will be back. DD4 was very parked-out after 3 days of DL prior to LegoLand so she didn't last too long but keeps talking about wanting to go back.

 

[Cinderpamela]

You should check out the other threads in the Disneyland(California) forum:

"California and the West": http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=131

and

Southern California: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=130

Especially check out the stickies at the top of those two Forums, tons of great advice and suggestion for what to do when out west in addition to Disneyland Resort.

 

[Nonsuch]

...We are dvc members so planning on staying at the Grand Californian...

The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group

Welcome Home

 

[GatorChris]

If you're an east coaster and want to visit a Universal Studios, visit the one in Orlando. With the Harry Potter theming, it far exceeds the one on our side.

One of the fun things I did before kids was grab a map of the homes of the famous. It was a cool one-time thing. LA also has the Garment District where you can get dressed to the 9s for a pretty small dollar amount.

If you do get to San Diego, head to Coronado Island and tour the hotel Del Coronado. Marilyn Monroe filmed "Some Like It Hot" there. And if you've been to WDW, you'll see that the Grand Floridian was modeled after this hotel.

 

[JKalai]

The WB studios tour is awesome. Although you won't be able to sit in a live taping, you'll be able to go through most sets like the Big Bang Theory, Ellen, The Doctors etc. Availability on which soundstage you'll be able to see depends on taping schedule, but IMO it's better as you'll be able to go onto the set and walk around. Much better than the one offered at Universal IMO, which is essentially a tram like tour in which you don't really get to see the inside of a working soundstage.

 

[Coffee50]

While Universal Hollywood may not be on the level of it's sister park in Orlando, it's still a great time!

And if you haven't been to the one in Florida, you'll def have a great time.

If you decide to do Universal, you can combine that with a (daytime or late afternoon) subway from Universal into Hollywood / Highland. While "Hollywood blvd" has a "love it or hate it" consensus, you can still check out the Dolby Theatre, El Capitan, etc.

 

[mitchwebb]

If you do not own at GCV and will be going at a busy time you might not get the days you want. Might think about trading points or having someone book for you at 11 month mark.

Universal was not a hit with my girls but they are older. They asked why there were no roller coaster and a lot of simulator rides. They enjoyed the tour the best.

Santa Monica would be a fun beach to go for the day and very close.