California, Here I Come!

[Californian Elitist]

Okay. If I could fit it in my schedule and budget, I'll go but a I will prioritize it under Six Flags.

Is there such a thing as a Silicone Valley museum? If not, they should make one, showcasing the history and product prototypes from companies like Apple and Atari. That would be something I would love to see!

If you don't want to or can't make it to those parks, don't feel obligated. That wasn't my point.

I've never heard of such.

 

[PeterAlt]

If you don't want to or can't make it to those parks, don't feel obligated. That wasn't my point.

I've never heard of such.

It's just that I feel more obligated than ever to visit USO now. Maybe I'll go during Halloween Horror Nights this year...

EDIT - It's just a local loyalty thing.

 

[Californian Elitist]

It's just that I feel more obligated than ever to visit USO now. Maybe I'll go during Halloween Horror Nights this year...

EDIT - It's just a local loyalty thing.

I was specifically talking about USH and SW San Diego, but okay.

 

[PeterAlt]

I was specifically talking about USH and SW San Diego, but okay.

Yeah, I know. But you made me realize how much I am in need for going back to USO.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I'll just do Disneyland. It doesn't make sense doing Uni and Sea World in Cali when I'm a two hour drive from the superior Florida versions.

Uni in Florida may or may not be superior to USH, but, I'll tell you right now you will not see a more unique place then USH. Plus the backlot tour is worth the trip alone. I also don't recall it being a 2 hour drive from DL to USH. It seems like I remember it being about 45 minutes if that much. Seaworld, well, I have to agree with your assessment on that.

 

[PeterAlt]

Uni in Florida may or may not be superior to USH, but, I'll tell you right now you will not see a more unique place then USH. Plus the backlot tour is worth the trip alone. I also don't recall it being a 2 hour drive from DL to USH. It seems like I remember it being about 45 minutes if that much. Seaworld, well, I have to agree with your assessment on that.

Hm... That will mean I would need to stay a night in the LA area. My base of stay will be in San Fran. After a 5-hour drive to LA, it would be prudent to stay there for a night or two any way...

 

[seahawk7]

Uni in Florida may or may not be superior to USH, but, I'll tell you right now you will not see a more unique place then USH. Plus the backlot tour is worth the trip alone. I also don't recall it being a 2 hour drive from DL to USH. It seems like I remember it being about 45 minutes if that much. Seaworld, well, I have to agree with your assessment on that.

I agree with the Backlot tour. That's why I'm going back.

 

[prberk]

First, please share pics with us from the Disney Family Museum.

Second, when you go to Southern California, consider taking in a REAL studio tour (not just the one at Universal, which I do recommend, but one for a studio that does not also double as a theme park). I took the tour of Paramount Studios one day and it was amazing. Paramount Studios is on Melrose, and has several notable things -- not the least of which are its famous gates and several familar backdrops (used in everything from Happy Days to The Brady Bunch to The Sopranos). Half of it was originally Desilu studios (run by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz) and the other half RKO studios -- and it has some amazing history. It is also an active, working studio; and your tour, which is limited to about 30 people per group, will likely run into a production. If you are lucky, like we were, we got to walk through the set (of Everybody Hates Chris) if they are out on lunch break or something. I just found it authentic Hollywood.

Of course, take some time at the real Chinese Theater (formerly Grauman's) on Hollywood Boulevard, which is across from Disney's complex that houses Jimmy Kimmel as well as their soda fountain (now with Ghirardelli) and Disney's El Capitan theater. Most Hollywood tours depart from there, too. And I have to say that they are fun. The one I took included Walt Disney's former home on Carolwood, as well as Bob Barker's home and Lucille Ball's former home. You can see the Hollywood sign from here, and other landmarks (like the Capital Records building and Hollywood and Vine intersection) are not too far way.

Speaking of Bob Barker, don't forget The Price is Right, which is still filmed in real Hollywood, at CBS Television City. Of course it is now hosted by Drew Carey, but it is a tourist institution in itself. They give out return times for the actual taping that day (sounds like BOG restaurant!), but you would want to be in line around 5 a.m.

Finally, you may take in a live TV taping, which is always free, but may require a ticket. Jimmy Kimmel tapes daily at his studio there on Hollywood Boulevard; but other studios, including the Disney Studios, have regular tapings. It is also a fun way to get onto those historic studios which might not offer a public tour. You can find information on current shows with audience availabilty at www.audiencesunlimted.com.

 

[jakeman]

No, but why if Orlando has everything and then some? The last time I've been to USO was before the first HP phase and it's been even longer for Sea World Orlando. So, I think I should do the Orlando ones before I even think about doing the California ones, unless you give me a good reason otherwise...

EDIT - I might do Six Flags on this trip.

I had a feeling you had never been. Disneyland has more rides than Magic Kingdom. Would you suggest to a Disneyland vet visiting WDW for the first time to skip Magic Kingdom all together because of fewer attractions?

I'm not saying you should visit USH and SW San Diego. I'm saying don't knock something you haven't even experienced.

Skip USH. It gets crazy in the afternoon and there isn't much more there than USO.

Uni in Florida may or may not be superior to USH, but, I'll tell you right now you will not see a more unique place then USH. Plus the backlot tour is worth the trip alone. I also don't recall it being a 2 hour drive from DL to USH. It seems like I remember it being about 45 minutes if that much. Seaworld, well, I have to agree with your assessment on that.

Backlot tour is becoming outdated (most recent thing is Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives). Some good historical stuff, but we weren't that impressed.

I would recommend the Warner Brothers studio tour. It was fantastic.

First, please share pics with us from the Disney Family Museum.

Second, when you go to Southern California, consider taking in a REAL studio tour (not just the one at Universal, which I do recommend, but one for a studio that does not also double as a theme park). I took the tour of Paramount Studios one day and it was amazing. Paramount Studios is on Melrose, and has several notable things -- not the least of which are its famous gates and several familar backdrops (used in everything from Happy Days to The Brady Bunch to The Sopranos). Half of it was originally Desilu studios (run by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz) and the other half RKO studios -- and it has some amazing history. It is also an active, working studio; and your tour, which is limited to about 30 people per group, will likely run into a production. If you are lucky, like we were, we got to walk through the set (of Everybody Hates Chris) if they are out on lunch break or something. I just found it authentic Hollywood.

Of course, take some time at the real Chinese Theater (formerly Grauman's) on Hollywood Boulevard, which is across from Disney's complex that houses Jimmy Kimmel as well as their soda fountain (now with Ghirardelli) and Disney's El Capitan theater. Most Hollywood tours depart from there, too. And I have to say that they are fun. The one I took included Walt Disney's former home on Carolwood, as well as Bob Barker's home and Lucille Ball's former home. You can see the Hollywood sign from here, and other landmarks (like the Capital Records building and Hollywood and Vine intersection) are not too far way.

Speaking of Bob Barker, don't forget The Price is Right, which is still filmed in real Hollywood, at CBS Television City. Of course it is now hosted by Drew Carey, but it is a tourist institution in itself. They give out return times for the actual taping that day (sounds like BOG restaurant!), but you would want to be in line around 5 a.m.

Finally, you may take in a live TV taping, which is always free, but may require a ticket. Jimmy Kimmel tapes daily at his studio there on Hollywood Boulevard; but other studios, including the Disney Studios, have regular tapings. It is also a fun way to get onto those historic studios which might not offer a public tour. You can find information on current shows with audience availabilty at www.audiencesunlimted.com.

I agree with all of this.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Skip USH. It gets crazy in the afternoon and there isn't much more there than USO.

Backlot tour is becoming outdated (most recent thing is Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives). Some good historical stuff, but we weren't that impressed.

I would recommend the Warner Brothers studio tour. It was fantastic.

I agree with all of this.

I don't understand why you quoted me, but okay.

 

[PeterAlt]

Skip USH. It gets crazy in the afternoon and there isn't much more there than USO.

Backlot tour is becoming outdated (most recent thing is Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives). Some good historical stuff, but we weren't that impressed.

I would recommend the Warner Brothers studio tour. It was fantastic.

I agree with all of this.

Thanks!

 

[PeterAlt]

First, please share pics with us from the Disney Family Museum.

Second, when you go to Southern California, consider taking in a REAL studio tour (not just the one at Universal, which I do recommend, but one for a studio that does not also double as a theme park). I took the tour of Paramount Studios one day and it was amazing. Paramount Studios is on Melrose, and has several notable things -- not the least of which are its famous gates and several familar backdrops (used in everything from Happy Days to The Brady Bunch to The Sopranos). Half of it was originally Desilu studios (run by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz) and the other half RKO studios -- and it has some amazing history. It is also an active, working studio; and your tour, which is limited to about 30 people per group, will likely run into a production. If you are lucky, like we were, we got to walk through the set (of Everybody Hates Chris) if they are out on lunch break or something. I just found it authentic Hollywood.

Of course, take some time at the real Chinese Theater (formerly Grauman's) on Hollywood Boulevard, which is across from Disney's complex that houses Jimmy Kimmel as well as their soda fountain (now with Ghirardelli) and Disney's El Capitan theater. Most Hollywood tours depart from there, too. And I have to say that they are fun. The one I took included Walt Disney's former home on Carolwood, as well as Bob Barker's home and Lucille Ball's former home. You can see the Hollywood sign from here, and other landmarks (like the Capital Records building and Hollywood and Vine intersection) are not too far way.

Speaking of Bob Barker, don't forget The Price is Right, which is still filmed in real Hollywood, at CBS Television City. Of course it is now hosted by Drew Carey, but it is a tourist institution in itself. They give out return times for the actual taping that day (sounds like BOG restaurant!), but you would want to be in line around 5 a.m.

Finally, you may take in a live TV taping, which is always free, but may require a ticket. Jimmy Kimmel tapes daily at his studio there on Hollywood Boulevard; but other studios, including the Disney Studios, have regular tapings. It is also a fun way to get onto those historic studios which might not offer a public tour. You can find information on current shows with audience availabilty at www.audiencesunlimted.com.

Thank you too!

 

[marni1971]

USH backlot tour. A must do.

Skip the excuse for a theme park around it and just go to do the tram tour. Seriously. I would again.

(That and the superior Jurassic Park)