Disneyland or Craig Ferguson?

[VGplay]

I'm heading out for West Coast Bash next month and will have an extra day in LA. It'll be the Monday following the event and I am trying to decide what to do. My first thought was to spend the day at Disneyland, which would add $150 to the trip. Then I thought about heading over to Hollywood to do some sightseeing and see Craig Ferguson's show live. A third and cheapest option would be to use my Platinum Pass and spend another day at Knott's which it just down the street from my hotel.

 

From what I've read, one day should be enough at Disney to at least touch on everything. I'll be in town during spring break season so it'll also be busier than usual, right? The one thing that makes me lean away from going to Disney is that I'm eventually going to do a "California Mega Trip" and I'll visit again in a few years. So I guess my question is: Is it worth it to visit Disneyland for just one day or should I save the money and wait until I return to California?

 

This will be my first time to California and although it'll just be for a long weekend, I'm excited. Thanks!

[Sir Clinksalot]

Are you a Disney fan? Have you ever done Disney World?

 

IMO, if you are doing WCB at Knott's, you aren't going to need another day on Monday, so I think that's probably out.

 

The Monday after WCB will be a LOT less busy than doing it during Spring Break time so you should be able to see a great deal of the park during that time. But the park hours may be less and there are some closed attractions right now.

 

As for doing Hollywood, I find that a lot of people who come to visit think of Hollywood as this glamorous place, etc. It's not. Also, The show tapes in CBS Television CIty which is in Burbank, not really close to Hollywood.

 

I would actually suggest maybe doing Universal Studios that day and then you could easily do the show as it's not too far from USH.

 

Also remember, those shows typically film in the late afternoon, so it would cut down your time with whatever else you are going to do that day. But 6 hours at USH on a Monday is PLENTY of time.

[Wes]

As for doing Hollywood, I find that a lot of people who come to visit think of Hollywood as this glamorous place, etc. It's not. Also, The show tapes in CBS Television CIty which is in Burbank, not really close to Hollywood.

 

Ferguson is taped at the CBS TV studio near The Grove/Farmer's Market area in Fairfax.

Edited February 22, 2011 by Wes

[Sir Clinksalot]

Oh, I thought it was CBS Television City (Studio City). OK, disregard what I said then.

[atem122]

It depends on your preferences. Craig and LA would probably be much cheaper, and depending on how you feel about amusement parks, better. I'm with Sir Clinksalot in saying that you should probably avoid Hollywood. I live about 10 minutes away from it, and rarely ever go there (and get bummed when I have to go there). If you go to CBS studios, you'll be right next to a pretty good mall (The Grove) with an adjoining farmers market that has some absolutely great food. You'll also not be too far from Melrose Avenue (trendy stores/hipster heaven), and the Miracle Mile (which has a couple museums like the LA County Museum of Art, Page Museum, and the Petersen Automotive Museum). Plus, if those don't suit your fancy, Los Angeles has basically everything you could ever want, so just research local places or ask around, and you're bound to find something that might interest you. Also, as a side note, Beverly Hills is a short 5-10 minute drive (unless there's bad traffic) away, and there's a bunch of interesting things to do there.

[larrygator]

Just go to Philippes and get a french dip sandwich instead.

[VGplay]

Well Ferguson's show released their March schedule and they won't be taping on the 21st, so I guess I'm not doing that!

 

I'm not necessarily a "fan" of Disney but I do appreciate the theming they put into their rides. I went to Disney World eleven years ago, so it has been a while since I've been to one of their parks. However, this summer I'm on the Japan trip and will be visiting Tokyo Disney.

 

Universal is an interesting idea. But with it not being a full-day park and without a show to see I'm not sure I want to venture out to that side of town. And if I find myself downtown I'll definitely have to stop by Phillipe's, I enjoy a good french dip sandwich.

 

So I guess that leaves Disney?

[cedarpointfangirl]

^ Actually you can kind of make it a full day park. If you have the extra cash I would take advantage of the VIP Experience. I paid 199 a few years back, now its about 249.00 pp. IMO it is fully worth it..see below for some of the things that you can get..

 

 

 

Private guided tour of Hollywood’s most famous studio backlot

Immerse yourself in a full day of movie-making magic as you discover the Universal Studios Hollywood the general public doesn't get to see.

 

•Go behind the scenes to visit closed-to-the-public sets and working soundstages, and hear inside stories about the making of famous movies and TV shows

•Tour our monumental backlot and walk through actual sets, including Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds

•Visit Wisteria Lane from ABC's hit series Desperate Housewives

•Get off the VIP trolley and take photos at the original Psycho House and Bates Motel

•Visit the Archive and Collections Department to see how Universal’s historical props, documents, photos and costumes are preserved for history

•Explore our award-winning sound department

•Roam the enormous, incredible prop warehouse. (Imagine the photo opportunities!)

... and more behind-the-scenes experiences, all led by an experienced personal guide on your own private trolley.

 

I highly recommend the VIP experience. Our tour guide was terrific. They have a great buffet style lunch. You might also make a new friend or two, since your in a group of about 20 people or so and you are with them the biggest part of the day ya never know.

 

 

http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/ticket_vip.html?__source=hp_vip_banner

 

 

 

Also another great place to visit is the Hollywood and Highland area. This is one of the best spots to see the Hollywood sign. This area they have the Kodak Theater, Graumens Chinese Theater, Hollywood Walk of fame, Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Hollywood Wax Museum. You can also catch alot of the double decker bus tours from here too.

http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/

[Sir Clinksalot]

Yeah, you CAN make USH a full-day park, but it doesn't "have" to be a full-day park if you had other plans, etc.

[ebl]

Also another great place to visit is the Hollywood and Highland area. This is one of the best spots to see the Hollywood sign. This area they have the Kodak Theater, Graumens Chinese Theater, Hollywood Walk of fame, Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Hollywood Wax Museum. You can also catch alot of the double decker bus tours from here too.

http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/

 

There really is a lot to see there. I've been going down there since I was a kid back in the early '70s. And there's even more there now. The Metro Red Line (subway) has a stop there, which makes it very convenient. (Note: if you use the Metro, get the all-day pass for $6---unlimited access to all Metro buses and rail till midnight. And it's a lot easier and cheaper than trying to find parking.)

 

Eric