Question? Non park day

[BABYJOSIE98]

After our cruise we will be driving from San Diego and checking in at the HOJO Annaheim for 3 days!

We are planning to spend 2 days at the parks...So our first day after we check in we are planning to just site see around the area.

Our Daughter really wants to see the Hollywood sign! So how far is it too Hollywood from the Disneyland resort area? Another area we were thinking of visiting was Laguna beach? We could even catch Laguna beach on Saturday before we head back to San Diego for our flight.

Are there any nice close beaches to visit on our way too Hollywood?? The west coast is all new too us?? This is our first trip. We will have a rental car.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Pir8girl]

I can't remember exactly how far in miles, but I think it's a good 45 minutes to an hour drive from DL to the sign - on a good traffic day.
If you have to choose one, I'd definitely choose Laguna Beach. It's a very easy detour off the 405 heading north from San Diego and you could stop there on your way to Anaheim.
For a pretty scenic drive head north from Laguna on PCH to Newport and then catch the freeway - use the carpool lane - to Disneyland.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

So if we went to Hollywood on a wednesday Mid day would we be ok traffic wise?? What time would we want to get headed back to Anaheim to avoid terrible traffic???? Or should we stay later and head back in the evening?

Thanks for the info...

We are going to try and do both....I do want to see Laguna beach.

 

[Pir8girl]

The Hollywood sign is roughly 35 miles from Disneyland so plan at least an hour drive. The freeways are busiest in the morning, pick up at lunch, and then again around 2 or 2:30 p.m. Utilize the car pool lanes as many Californians do not. These will save you oodles of time.

How long do you want to look around Hollywood? If you leave Disneyland around 9:00 or 9:30 a.m. that gives you time to look at the sights, maybe head into Beverly Hills area for lunch. Then head back no later than 1:30 or 2 p.m.

How old is your daughter? I'm asking only because back when I worked in Hollywood, it wasn't the best part of town. Although they clean it up on occasion.

Here are mapquest directions:


http://*******.com/dmlwfl

 

[DizNee Luver]

In 2005 we took a day to go to the Hollywood area, we wanted to see the stars on the walk of fame, the Hollywood sign, Kodak theatre & Mann's Chinese theater. Now keep in mind, this was 4 yrs ago & since then, people are saying its much better & been cleaned up some: our experience down there was terrible. The stars were filthy & broken by tree roots in the sidewalks (nothing like we pictured), a number of the shops were, how should I put this......Not appropriate for children...... there were a lot of homeless laying on the sidewalks. There were tons of dressed up characters in front of the Mann's theater who will gladly get your child excited about having a picture & then tell you there's a charge (to take one with your own camera). It was totally not worth the heavy traffic to & from in our opinion. (but like I stated earlier, some posters have said it's not as bad as that anymore, so use your own discretion). We really couldn't get a good pic of the Hollywood sign either.....to smoggy.

 

[LavenderPeach]

In 2005 we took a day to go to the Hollywood area, we wanted to see the stars on the walk of fame, the Hollywood sign, Kodak theatre & Mann's Chinese theater. Now keep in mind, this was 4 yrs ago & since then, people are saying its much better & been cleaned up some: our experience down there was terrible. The stars were filthy & broken by tree roots in the sidewalks (nothing like we pictured), a number of the shops were, how should I put this......Not appropriate for children...... there were a lot of homeless laying on the sidewalks. There were tons of dressed up characters in front of the Mann's theater who will gladly get your child excited about having a picture & then tell you there's a charge (to take one with your own camera). It was totally not worth the heavy traffic to & from in our opinion. (but like I stated earlier, some posters have said it's not as bad as that anymore, so use your own discretion). We really couldn't get a good pic of the Hollywood sign either.....to smoggy.

Yeah, I never quite understand people wanting to go visit Hollywood because there isn't really much to see (imo) and it's not the cleanest place in the world. I guess you can say you've been there but people who haven't been aren't really missing much. (sorry to any hollywood lovers out there! ) Actually, it's funny that you heard it's been cleaned up since 4 years ago because it seems like it was about 4-5 years ago when they were saying it had been cleaned up from what it was before.

If you want to see the hollywood sign you could try going to Griffith Park. We went on a hike there one time and were able to get a good view of the sign and the park is much nicer than the street areas. I'm not familiar enough with it to tell you exactly where we went but we were somewhere near the observatory.

I agree with PP that traffic can start to get heavy even at 2 or 2:30. It seems like "rush hour" starts at 3.

 

[Ride Junkie]

If you decide to split up your park days & go to the beach in between, Huntington Beach is a really short drive from the DL area. We did that last summer & it was a nice little side trip.

 

[fairycat]

Yeah, I never quite understand people wanting to go visit Hollywood because there isn't really much to see (imo) and it's not the cleanest place in the world. I guess you can say you've been there but people who haven't been aren't really missing much. (sorry to any hollywood lovers out there! ) Actually, it's funny that you heard it's been cleaned up since 4 years ago because it seems like it was about 4-5 years ago when they were saying it had been cleaned up from what it was before.

If you want to see the hollywood sign you could try going to Griffith Park. We went on a hike there one time and were able to get a good view of the sign and the park is much nicer than the street areas. I'm not familiar enough with it to tell you exactly where we went but we were somewhere near the observatory.

I agree with PP that traffic can start to get heavy even at 2 or 2:30. It seems like "rush hour" starts at 3.

I was also going to suggest Griffith park. You can see the LA Zoo, the observatory, train park or just hike the area. It also has a stunning night view.


There are pros and cons about the immediate Hollywood Blvd area. Some is better some looks worse as they keep working on things. Some more work has to be done, but I thought it was cleaner then Times Square for example.

In my thread about Hollywood I warn people about the characters some can be a pain, but over all no issues for us since we always prewarn the tourists we go with. I have not had the issue with Homeless people except way down the Blvd. personally. But the irony is in Pasadena in one of the nicest high end shopping areas I saw more begging and people sleeping on the street then on Hollywood.

I would say that Hollywood and Highland is what it is, the shopping complex is very nice, El Capitain and the Disney Ice Cream Shoppe across the street are wonderfull, Mann's is fun next door and basically that is all I suggest in the area.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

Our DD will be 11 and she really just wants a picture with the Hollywood sign to show her friends... You know the whole American Idol thing has the kids all thinking Hollywood is cool!!!

I think I will take the advice of visiting that park the previous posters have talked about and then we can get some pictures and head back to DL or go to the beach.

We are not planning on spending much time in the Hollywood area..Just a little sight seeing...

Great ideas...Thanks everyone..Love these boards!

Michelle

 

[fairycat]

Just so you know the reason we suggested Griffith is because you can see the Hollywood sign from the top of the hill. The observatory area is a great place to see it and it is famous for films like Rebel without a Cause and Fast and the Furious.

Your other option is Hollywood and Highland if you go upstairs in the complex (where they hold the Oscars and there is shopping) on the second story balcony looking at the hills you can see the Hollywood sign.

For more about Hollywood and the surrounding areas try this thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1741375

Also do not forget to add in driving time!!!!!! A quick trip to Hollywood could end up taking you hours!! If you leave in the afternoon I suggest staying in the area and seeing a movie at El Capitian or eating dinner in the area and leave later. Your best bet is to leave DLR area approx 10am and hope to head back no later then 1pm. After 3pm things start to get bad in some areas.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

I went on line and looked at the info on Griffith park and the hike will do us good after eating all the food on that cruise!

We have no real plans for our non park day so time is no issue except I really don't want to get caught in rush hour traffic.

We may do like you said and get dinner and head back to DL after 6pm.

Thanks for the advice.

Michelle

 

[Mom of three]

The Hollywood sign is roughly 35 miles from Disneyland so plan at least an hour drive. The freeways are busiest in the morning, pick up at lunch, and then again around 2 or 2:30 p.m. Utilize the car pool lanes as many Californians do not. These will save you oodles of time.

Now, I read/heard somewhere that you had to pay to use the carpool lane, or something to that effect?

 

[Stacerita]

Now, I read/heard somewhere that you had to pay to use the carpool lane, or something to that effect?

No, carpool lanes are not toll lanes. Fast Track is a toll lane. Regular car pool lanes do not cost.

 

[Mom of three]

No, carpool lanes are not toll lanes. Fast Track is a toll lane. Regular car pool lanes do not cost.

Thank you for the clarification. What is the difference? Is it similar to what WA State where even cars with less than 2 occupants can enter the carpool lane for a fee in some areas?

 

[LavenderPeach]

Thank you for the clarification. What is the difference? Is it similar to what WA State where even cars with less than 2 occupants can enter the carpool lane for a fee in some areas?

No, there are 2 different types of lanes. You can't pay for carpool lanes, you have to have at least 2 people. Some freeways have toll lanes and there are also whole freeways that are toll roads. You have to pay for those and you don't need to have 2 people. Also, to add to the confusion, on some toll roads you can stop and pay cash at toll booths but some (like the 91 toll lanes) you have to have the fasttrak transponder and you can't pay cash on them. There is no toll booth, just an electronic thing you drive under that detects the transponder. There are big signs up warning you that they don't take cash so it's not a secret, you just have to make sure to read the signs. Hope that made sense and wasn't more confusing.

 

[Mom of three]

No, there are 2 different types of lanes. You can't pay for carpool lanes, you have to have at least 2 people. Some freeways have toll lanes and there are also whole freeways that are toll roads. You have to pay for those and you don't need to have 2 people. Also, to add to the confusion, on some toll roads you can stop and pay cash at toll booths but some (like the 91 toll lanes) you have to have the fasttrak transponder and you can't pay cash on them. There is no toll booth, just an electronic thing you drive under that detects the transponder. There are big signs up warning you that they don't take cash so it's not a secret, you just have to make sure to read the signs. Hope that made sense and wasn't more confusing.

For cryin out loud, sounds like it will be easier to walk....during our girls only trip in April we are renting a car and im the designated driver. I don't do well in unfamiliar territory so you can bet we will look like Lucy and Ethel trying to manuever places. Im Lucy, btw.

 

[LavenderPeach]

For cryin out loud, sounds like it will be easier to walk....during our girls only trip in April we are renting a car and im the designated driver. I don't do well in unfamiliar territory so you can bet we will look like Lucy and Ethel trying to manuever places. Im Lucy, btw.

Oh, I'm sure you'll be fine. It is a little crazy down here with all the freeways but it's not too bad. When we first moved down here from Northern California we learned quickly that you do have to drive more defensively. We were used to people slowing down, waving to us and letting us over if we put our blinker on to change lanes. Down here you just have to find an opportunity and take it, no one (usually) is going to let you over. Hope I'm not scaring you but just trying to prepare you for how you're going to have to drive if you're not used to driving that way.

 

[fairycat]

Ok to help ease you, and to help, you are going to get on the 5 freeway heading North to go to Hollywood, from DLR there is only a small portion of Car Pool lane that you may or may not make it across the lanes to get into by the time it ends (basically I am saying skip it ), from DLR to Griffith Park there are NO more car pool lanes. So it is a mote point. To cross to get to Hollywood you would change freeways a few times, I think most are older freeways and do not have carpool lanes.

To get to some of the OC beaches you would take the 5 freeway South, to the 55 freeway. Those freeways have carpool lanes, if you have more then 2 people in the car obviously you can use them no issues!

Really the freeway system is not that bad. The only slightly confusing part of the drive on the 5 is when some new freeways come up, but as long as you stay in the clearly marked lanes you will be fine. They give you plenty of time to adjust in most cases, though I tell most tourists to aim for the center lanes, since its the best place to be!

Lavendar Peach- Not to confuse things but technically there is a way to get in the carpool lane with only 1 person. If you own a Hybrid or a high emission vehicle and got in early and got the special pass you can go in the Carpool lane alone. This will rarely effect any of the tourists coming down unless they are on a solo trip, but I bet some specialty car rentals who rent Hybrids have one's with the carpool pass. Otherwise yes all carpool lanes are 2 or more people.

ETA- Lavender Peach from reading your post about No Cal traffic I am guessing you weren't from the Bay Area The bay area and Chicago are the two scariest places I have ever driven, and I refuse to drive in NYC!

 

[LavenderPeach]

Lavendar Peach- Not to confuse things but technically there is a way to get in the carpool lane with only 1 person. If you own a Hybrid or a high emission vehicle and got in early and got the special pass you can go in the Carpool lane alone. This will rarely effect any of the tourists coming down unless they are on a solo trip, but I bet some specialty car rentals who rent Hybrids have one's with the carpool pass. Otherwise yes all carpool lanes are 2 or more people.

ETA- Lavender Peach from reading your post about No Cal traffic I am guessing you weren't from the Bay Area The bay area and Chicago are the two scariest places I have ever driven, and I refuse to drive in NYC!

Good point about the hybrid cars. I forgot about that.

I'm originally from Santa Rosa (Sonoma County) which is considered Bay Area but it's about 45-60 min north of SF and isn't right in the thick of all the freeways around there. There's only 2 freeways, the 101 goes N/S and hwy 12 goes E/W. But we drive through the bay area fairly often to go visit family up there and I have to say I haven't noticed it being any scarier than down here (and I can be a fraidy cat on the freeways!) Never been to Chicago but I totally agree with you about NYC. I couldn't believe how crazy it was. People were driving down the middle of the line to make their own lane, like how motorcycles sometimes do, but it was regular cars!

 

[Zoemakes5]

Our DD will be 11 and she really just wants a picture with the Hollywood sign to show her friends... You know the whole American Idol thing has the kids all thinking Hollywood is cool!!!

I think I will take the advice of visiting that park the previous posters have talked about and then we can get some pictures and head back to DL or go to the beach.

We are not planning on spending much time in the Hollywood area..Just a little sight seeing...

Great ideas...Thanks everyone..Love these boards!

Michelle

I'd recommend a couple of things if you're going with a girl her age....
The first is the American Girl Store. The ultimate in Girly experiences. They have the store and Cafe in Hollywood. Though it is a bit spendy. A big bit spendy, but, totally worth it for a one time occurance, as far as I'm concerned.
Another would be to go to the Hollywood & Highland center, have lunch (or dinner) at the California Pizza Kitchen (love the salads there!) and then ice cream at the Disney Soda Shoppe and a movie at the El Capitan Theatre. http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/
I also LOVE Sprinkles cup cakes. Nummy nummy. Delish. It's over in Beverly Hills, though. http://www.sprinklescupcakes.com/
I personally like taking a trip to Hollywood. I enjoy walking around looking at the stars on Hollywood blvd and visiting Mann (Graumann's) Theatre. But, you do get all kinds there!