What to do/see--arriving 1 day prior to Backstage Magic!

[DisneyKevin]

A question about the Griddle----what do you mean by "get there early"??? Do they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner? What is the best time to go to minimize our wait??? TIA

They only serve breakfast and lunch.

We went at 8:30 and by 9, the line was long.

 

[alliebelle3]

We just returned last night from this tour...absolutely loved every minute! We arrived one night before. On Sunday, we took a taxi to the WB Studios and did the VIP tour. I think it was about $50/pp and definitely worth it if you're a tv/movie fan. We walked to In and Out Burger (quick, cheap, delicious!) for lunch, which was about 2 blocks from the Loews, and then spent a little bit of time relaxing before dinner.

Have a great trip!

 

[lornak]

We just returned last night from this tour...absolutely loved every minute! We arrived one night before. On Sunday, we took a taxi to the WB Studios and did the VIP tour. I think it was about $50/pp and definitely worth it if you're a tv/movie fan. We walked to In and Out Burger (quick, cheap, delicious!) for lunch, which was about 2 blocks from the Loews, and then spent a little bit of time relaxing before dinner.

Have a great trip!

This is great to hear, alliebelle3!! THANKS!! I would love any other tips or pointers you may have for getting the most out of our trip (both the pre-arrival day and the ABD itself)!!

 

[alliebelle3]

This is great to hear, alliebelle3!! THANKS!! I would love any other tips or pointers you may have for getting the most out of our trip (both the pre-arrival day and the ABD itself)!!

Definitely take it easy pre-ABD. The ABD itself is jam-packed with activities that start early and last most of the day, so be sure to take it easy before you get started! The guides offer suggested group activities that weren't necessarily pre-planned - take advantage of those. Most of our fellow adventurers did, as did we, and they were great.

I am a BIG planner, so it was hard for me to "let it go" and not know what was going to happen next. If you're anything like me - start preparing now! Be ready to go with the flow and not know what's going to happen next

 

[TexasMouseFan]

Has anyone done the VIP experience at Universal Studios? It looks like a way to see all of Universal in one day before the ABD. Do you think it is worth the cost? TIA

 

[jsilvers]

Has anyone done the VIP experience at Universal Studios? It looks like a way to see all of Universal in one day before the ABD. Do you think it is worth the cost? TIA

We took the Universal VIP tour in October 2013. It is pricey, but it also offers you the opportunity to see parts of the backlot that aren't part of the tram tour (and to get off and walk around), and then be back-doored into all the major attractions. The valet parking is nice too, although for a pre-ABD day, taking the subway probably makes more sense than having a rental car. I think our guide was what made it worthwhile - very personable, and an actual actress (nothing major, but I looked up her roles after the tour), so she wasn't just reciting a spiel when she talked about how Hollywood worked.

 

[TexasMouseFan]

Thank you! It sounds like a good idea. It will match the VIP experience we will be having at Disney with ABD!!

 

[happymomof1]

We rented a car at LAX, drove through the desert to NV, did the "Vegas-baby-
Vegas" thing, got a tour of the Grand Canyon, ate at The Palm in Carsars Palace,
Went to sleep, had breakfast the next am,headed back to Lax through another desert drive, got picked up by a wonderful driver and his comfy Mercedes that ABD had arranged for us that took us to Loews Hollywood hotel. Had enough time to check out the hotel and relax in our room before finally getting to meet our group for dinner. Yes, all of that in 24 hours!!!

 

[happymomof1]

*caesars palace*

 

[k5jm]

Ok, that looks unbelievably good! Tell me exactly what kind of pancake that is?!

That is the Blueberry Pancakes. I think we all nibbled on that, in addition to eating our own plates. The table barely held all the food.

Those are blueberry pancakes.

I just happened to be there when Mike took the picture.

Four of ate those pancakes and didn't finish them.

This is what prompted my reason for suggesting sharing.

Just saw you posted after I hit submit. It was truly a great breakfast with great folks!

 

[k5jm]

I would also suggest Griffith Observatory. Very cool place!

 

[tstidm1]

That is the Blueberry Pancakes. I think we all nibbled on that, in addition to eating our own plates. The table barely held all the food.

Just saw you posted after I hit submit. It was truly a great breakfast with great folks!

About How much is Breakfast there? I've been looking at their website, but I can't seem to find prices on the Menu there. The Pancakes look easily shareable for three.

 

[lornak]

And one more question on the GRIDDLE goodvibes)....
I see they are open until 4:00 PM. What do you think about going in the afternoon? Are the lines just as crazy? I'm wondering about visiting on our arrival day....maybe around 2:00 PM....

 

[DisneyKevin]

And one more question on the GRIDDLE goodvibes)....
I see they are open until 4:00 PM. What do you think about going in the afternoon? Are the lines just as crazy? I'm wondering about visiting on our arrival day....maybe around 2:00 PM....

I have been there once.....for breakfast, at about 8:00am.

The food was great.

By 9:00, there seemed to be about 100 people in line.

I have driven by several times after that and there always seems to be a line.

You now know everything I know about The Griddle.

Other than that info.....you might just want to go and see for yourself.

 

[lornak]

I'm just giving this thread a little bump in case anyone has some last minute ideas/advice. I leave for LAX a week from Friday! Can't wait!

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

Thanks for the bump....I leave this Saturday for my BSM Adventure June 8-13....I am super excited!!!!! I have decided to take the advice of not over doing it so I am going to rest on Saturday when I get arrive (and adapt to the time change) and then Sunday I am going to check out the Ghiradelli/Disney Soda Fountain place and then walk the Hollywood Stars...

 

[Cousin Orville]

I am interested as well. Is the Disney Soda Fountain not a part of the BSM itinerary?

 

[DisneyKevin]

I am interested as well. Is the Disney Soda Fountain not a part of the BSM itinerary?

The Disney Soda Fountain is no longer the Disney Soda Fountain.

It is now a Ghiradelli ice cream shop.

I believe the store still offers Disney items as it's attached to the El Capitan (owned by Disney).

It is not part of the actual itinerary, but after your second day, when you have on your own time, the guides usually open a tab and anyone that wants to head over is welcome to go and order ice cream or food.