Trip to So. California.. Any ideas?

Geemo · 12-16-2007, 08:44 PM

We're getting together for a trip to Southern California. 2 Adults, 13yr boy and 9yr girl.

We will stay at the Disneyland Hotel or the Paradise Pier Hotel. Please share any feelings you have about these two hotels.

While we are in So. Cal. we will also visit Knott's Berry farm for sure.

Wondering what people think about a day at Universal Studio's? Is it worth the drive for the day or not.

Any of your experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

I'll be watching for you info.

Geemo

eddie haskel · 12-16-2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geemo

We're getting together for a trip to Southern California. 2 Adults, 13yr boy and 9yr girl.

We will stay at the Disneyland Hotel or the Paradise Pier Hotel. Please share any feelings you have about these two hotels.

While we are in So. Cal. we will also visit Knott's Berry farm for sure.

Wondering what people think about a day at Universal Studio's? Is it worth the drive for the day or not.

Any of your experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

I'll be watching for you info.

Geemo

You can do much better on hotels, just do a price search. Those closer to Knott's will be cheaper too, and don't be afraid to get one a little further away....most will have shuttle service. Universal is a must!

Angus · 12-16-2007, 09:07 PM

Geemo, Thanks to Make-a-wish I was just there 2 weeks ago, we stayed at Paradise Pier and got incredible service, they had by far the best room service we have ever experienced and we used it alot. They also went out of there way to help us with our disabled son, both the Disney parks did as a great job as well, I can't say that about Knotts Berry Farm and we did not see Universal Studios as others told us our 3 kids, all under 7, probably wouldn't like it as much.
If/when we go back again I would definitely stay at 1 of the Disney hotels, so much more convienient than the cheaper places away from the parks.

Straydog · 12-16-2007, 09:09 PM

We were there last spring, but stayed in a Best Western across the street from Disneyland.

Universal is worth the time and effort and we took a day to visit Marine World in San Diego and enjoyed that very much.

I had never been to California Adventure next to Disneyland and thought that was cool, too!!

trollin4trout · 12-17-2007, 09:21 AM

Ditto on Universal-don't miss it!

uhmw · 12-17-2007, 11:00 AM

Universal studios very worth the time - Way more than I expected- I enjoyed it alot they had rides and a cool mall. My kids went nuts in the nickalodian section. It is a all day trip not far from from your hotel. Very cool to see all the old and new tv and movie sets.

retaliate · 12-17-2007, 11:42 AM

Six Flags(Magic Mountain) is much better than Disneyland for rides, I think Straydog meant Sea World in San Diego, I also reccommend. Have Fun!

Just_learning · 12-17-2007, 11:51 AM

I go on business and like the Embassy Suites in Anaheim. Its not too expensive and you have a medium bedroom with a large suite for the kids to sleep in. Great deal if you ask me.

plus the food there is great. The only thing I dont like is that the last two times I went there was some sort of high school cheer leading convention. Imagine trying to relax by the pool after a hellish day of meetings and having 200+ high school girls chattering on the cell phone.

Ryan Pultz · 12-17-2007, 01:33 PM

Seeing as you are in the Orange area go to Knott's Berry Farm it is a great place for rides to scare you but they have a lot of rides for people that dont want to be scared also. it can be seen in one day easy. Plus go to the fried chicken place you will not be sorry. Universal is fun also if you want to take the time to drive up there. I would just stick to the south LA area and go to Disneyland and Knott's. Have fun take pics and just take it easy rp

Just_learning · 12-17-2007, 01:44 PM

Check out Zankou(sp.?) chicken, you wont be sorry.

Also be sure to do the whole In N Out thing....but definitely check out Zankou.

Irish Pennant · 12-17-2007, 02:30 PM

It's been a lot of years but up the street from Knotts Berry Farm is a Wax Museum and also near there is/was an eatery called Medieval Times. They have an indoor arena where you can watch them joust and sword fight while having your meal.

Geemo · 12-17-2007, 03:04 PM

I've booked our week on So. California. Now I need to buy a GOOD pair of walking shoes!!

Disneyland Hotel, four day hopper pass, breakfast with Goofy and a Princess lunch.

Knott's Berry farm has a special event from 1-6-08 to 2-22-08, bring a canned food item and adults get in for the kid's price of $19.99. So we will stop by the grocery store before going to Knott's.

Thanks for your info on Universal Studio's. We will drive there for a day. My grandkids are 13 and almost 10, I'm sure they will have a great time. If I go online and buy our tickets, I can get two days for the price of one. That way if we want to go a second day, it only cost a little gas in the rental car.

We did Sea World and the SanDiego area 5 years ago when we went to Disneyland. That was ONE FANTASTIC trip!!!

So this trip will be Disneyland, Knott's and Universal. That should keep us busy for the week.

With the winter hours and non-peak time, at least we should get to bed at a decent hour. Disneyland closes at 8PM while California Adventure, Knott's and Universal close at 6PM.

Again, THANKS for your info. If you have any tips on Knott's Berry Farm or Universal Studio's, please let me know!

Geemo

Stowaway · 12-17-2007, 03:26 PM

6 Flags Magic Mountian, Legoland, Venus beach or a ferry to Catalina Island.

dampainter · 12-18-2007, 05:10 AM

how bout a stop at san dimas "raging waters" awesome place! if i remember right it was about 45 minutes (if that)from disneyland. great place for the whole family.

update: just looked at the web site ....says they are closed for 07 season

Straydog · 12-18-2007, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retaliate

...... I think Straydog meant Sea World in San Diego, I also reccommend. Have Fun!

OOpppsssssss............. yup. :blush: Thanks for the correction!

Straydog · 12-18-2007, 08:15 AM

One piece of advice I would give is, if you plan on driving around down there, take a GPS Navigational Device or, if you rent a car, get a car with one.

I am a small town guy that gets stressed driving in the Portland area, had I not had the navigator in So. Cal I would likely be divorced.......... or dead................... or both!!!!!!

Seriously, it came in very handy. There are freaking 8 lane freeways down there in places, and those people seem to all be in a big hurry!!!