The Life of a VIP - Adventures By Disney Backstage Magic About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

Great pictures of the GCH! I agree with you on McCarren. Not looking forward to seeing that airport next month! Oh well! Great report Sharon! Looking forward to your final thoughts!

[BeckiO5]

Great last day Sharon, except for leaving. Great pictres. Soery to hear thr Vegas Airport stinks. Looking foward to your final thoughts.

[ilovedisney247]

You didn't sit down and play the slots at Mccaran? Thats my fav part of the Las Vegas Airport! You can go through security and then play the slot machines The ones at the Vegas air[ort have a fairly high pay out rate!

[dsteiny23]

I'm "tho thad" as Jason would say. But, I'm thinkin' maybe 15th anniversary trip hmmmmm.

Love the GC hotel. What cool mission style design. And okay, it was quite late when we landed in Vegas for a girls' weekend, but they had Starbuck's and that was all I needed to see. And I could barely see on the way home after the weekend we had, so yup...headed right for Starbuck's again...then had time to lose MORE money on the slots! Yeah!

[DrDolphin]

Wonderful report Sharon!!

[MosyBliss]

Sharon, I have loved, loved, loved this trip report! It has been a joy to read and I adore your attention to detail...it seems like every time I thought "I wish there was a picture of that" there was!! Your trip looked fabulous and I am so glad you shared it with all of us...I might just have to read it again I enjoyed it so much...but for now I have to get started on your next one...I am very thankful that you travel so much and like to write it all down. Sweet!

[PrincessSharon]

Originally Posted by MayraLR

Great update! Sorry about the condition of the Las Vegas airport. Something similar happened to me at the Chicago-Ohare. It was my 1st time there and I was dissapointed. The carpet was so dirty it had me sanitizing my kids hands every 5 minutes. You would think that big cities would pay a little more attention to their airports. Sorry, I had to get that out of my system.
Looking foward to your final thoughts.

My only experience in Chicago is through Midway, but I'll take note - avoid Ohare if possible.

Originally Posted by Caldercup

A "welcome home" postcard. Zowie -- Disney really knows how to do things properly, don't they?!

We'll be getting Final Thoughts, right?

It's such a little thing, you know, but it's one of those little things that mean a lot!

Originally Posted by doccoc2002

Hotel looks amazing. When we go to Cali next year I am going to keep this TR as a refrence of what I want to see/do. I am definately going to stay at the GC for a few nights when we go to DL. I hate layovers...I don't mind them by myself but they are horrible with kids. We are going to try Virgin America they have $99/one way sometimes and it is nonstop Thank goodnes because with a 1 almost 2yr old we will need it! Can't wait to read your final thoughts and ramblins'.

Oh yes, I would definitely avoid layovers with kids! And if you've got questions, just ask!

Originally Posted by Tink and co.

I love all the photos of the Grand Californian without people. They were just beautiful. Sigh. Makes me want to go there right now!

Having once been stuck overnight in the Las Vegas airport, I feel your pain!

Stuck overnight! That's the stuff of nightmares (but honestly, I'd feel that way about any airport)!

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Glad you were able to enjoy just a few more moments of Disney Magic before you had to say goodbye What an amazing trip this has been. Sorry you had quite a layover in LV.

I can see how Michael could have talked you into the Costa Rica tour, I actually have looked at that one, it looks so amazing and I have always wanted to zip line through the jungle

The layover in LV wasn't too bad, it was mostly the flight delay. And me being a whiny baby.

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

How sad it was departure day- and what a LONG day it was!! Up and at 'em before 6am and not home until 10:30pm!! Makes me sleepy just typing it out.

That's what stinks about traveling west to east. The long trip was bad enough, but then I lost 3 hours with the time zone change.

Originally Posted by HeatherD

Hey! Well, OK...you're sorta right. For some reason, even though SWA has enough planes to warrent a LOT of gates, they have a crappy concourse. You have to go searching for the new food areas (the ones that are available without leaving secured areas) and the outlet areas are not convenient to the gates.

But, I remember going to LAX and being appalled at the lax security (no pun intended) and the lack of food choices. Maybe I was just tired and cranky, since we'd just driven 4+ hours from Vegas and had a 7 hour flight to HI ahead of us?

So sad your trip is at an end - but I'll be hopping over to WDW to see what else you and FLN got up to on that trip!

I love Las Vegas, really! And I wouldn't complain as much if I were actually visiting the city, cuz then it's worth it. It's just layovers that stink. Southwest has spent a lot of money sprucing up their terminals at other airports (the one at BWI is gorgeous). With all their flights into/out of LAS, you'd think they'd get on it! And now that I think about it, their terminal at LAX is kinda dumpy too, if I remember.

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

You didn't sit down and play the slots at Mccaran? Thats my fav part of the Las Vegas Airport! You can go through security and then play the slot machines The ones at the Vegas air[ort have a fairly high pay out rate!

Now you tell me! I used to avoid them thinking it was the opposite, you know, that whole captive audience thing. Now I'll know for next time!

Originally Posted by dsteiny23

I'm "tho thad" as Jason would say. But, I'm thinkin' maybe 15th anniversary trip hmmmmm.

Love the GC hotel. What cool mission style design. And okay, it was quite late when we landed in Vegas for a girls' weekend, but they had Starbuck's and that was all I needed to see. And I could barely see on the way home after the weekend we had, so yup...headed right for Starbuck's again...then had time to lose MORE money on the slots! Yeah!

So maybe the slots don't pay out after all. Glad you could get your Starbucks fix, but I don't drink coffee, so that's not a selling point for me.

Originally Posted by MosyBliss

Sharon, I have loved, loved, loved this trip report! It has been a joy to read and I adore your attention to detail...it seems like every time I thought "I wish there was a picture of that" there was!! Your trip looked fabulous and I am so glad you shared it with all of us...I might just have to read it again I enjoyed it so much...but for now I have to get started on your next one...I am very thankful that you travel so much and like to write it all down. Sweet!

Glad you're enjoying it so much. And I always like to hear that you like the pictures, because sometimes I feel a little guilty for including so many.

[PrincessSharon]

Final Thoughts and Ramblings

I’ve been to L.A. before, but years and years ago, when I had very little input on what the itinerary was (I was just a teenager). I felt like I really got to do Hollywood up, and it gave me a new appreciation for the city.

This was my second Adventures By Disney vacation, and absolutely will not be my last. The itineraries are always interesting (and jam-packed), but the little surprises they add in really make it that much better, and the fantastic guides put the experience over the top. I can highly, highly recommend ABD. If you are considering one, go ahead and book it. You won’t be sorry. I’m so confident, I can even recommend the trips I haven’t taken.

I’d heard from other Disney fans that this was a wonderful trip, but I didn’t know until I actually went how wonderful it was. It really was a trip of a lifetime. Except I enjoyed it so much that I would do it again if the opportunity arose.

Transportation:

Southwest Airlines – I made a conscious decision to choose Southwest, even though there were no direct flights available. I am always pleased with my experience, and sometimes I don’t mind being able to get off the plane and stretch for a longer flight. I also have to admit my main motivation for choosing SWA this time was that I’d earned a reward, so I could fly for free. I used Early Bird Check-In, which costs $10 each way. Traveling solo, it’s not so important for me to get a low-numbered A boarding pass, but I do enjoy the freedom of checking in for my flight at the last minute, often right as I’m checking my luggage. That’s worth the $10 to me.

Hertz – I had a good experience using Hertz. I didn’t encounter long lines at the rental counter, and my vehicle was clean and well maintained (and I was given a free GPS upgrade, but since I’d brought my own GPS, I never used it). Returning my vehicle was a painless process. I had to wait about 5 minutes for the next available agent, and when she got to me, she apologized for the delay! I’d use Hertz at LAX again.

The Resorts:

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel – OK, so I work for Loews Corp., but I can give an honest review. It’s easy, since my experience was fantastic. The LSMBH is a gorgeous property, steps from the beach and the Santa Monica Pier. It was within easy walking distance of nearby attractions. My room was well appointed and clean, and the staff I encountered were pleasant. The food was very good as well. The only complaint I had was the outrageous parking charge! ($31 a day ).

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel – It wasn’t my choice to stay at the Renaissance, but it certainly was a lovely hotel. The room was clean and nicely furnished and the location simply cannot be beat. It was literally steps away from several Hollywood landmarks. I do have to say that the front desk staff was less than helpful, and they only located the package I’d left for another guest the morning that we checked out. Since it’s unlikely I’ll return to Hollywood on my own, I doubt I’ll stay here again.

Grand Californian – The Grand Californian is a fantastic property. It’s beautiful, and I had a large room with a view of the monorail passing, which I really enjoyed. I love that it’s so close to the parks and Downtown Disney as well, and the lobby is a wonderful place to sit and relax. I’m sure I’ll stay here again, though it’ll likely be in the Villas.

The Food:

I had quite a variety of dining experiences on this trip. From the exclusive (Club 33) to the super casual (In N Out Burger). I dined at an elegant signature steakhouse (Steakhouse 55) and rubbed elbows with studio employees at a couple of commissaries. The food was somewhat varied as well. Although nothing I had was truly bad, some things were much better than others.

The best dessert by far was from my hotel’s lounge! That split banana at the LSMBH was to die for. And I finally got to see what all the fuss was about, and I’m now an In N Out Burger convert. I thought my breakfast at Disney’s Soda Fountain was good, though others disagreed. The breakfast buffet, Twist, at the Renaissance was excellent, and our picnic at Big Thunder Ranch was as well (I still think about the baked beans there, they were totally scrummy ).

Ocean and Vine – While I only tried breakfast, I can say that O&V is a very good restaurant. The setting is lovely, and while I wasn’t wild about the stuffed French toast, the breakfast buffet had a lot to offer, and everything was delicious.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co – The food was good, but noting worth going out of your way for. I enjoyed Forrest Gump so it was fun to see the memorabilia from the movie, but I’ve been there, done that, and don’t feel the need to ever return to a Bubba Gumps again.

Jinky’s Café – I really loved Jinky’s and think about those pumpkin pancakes way more than I should. It was a cute place in a great location in Santa Monica. I’ve since learned there are other locations in L.A., which I’ll seek out on subsequent trips out west. I can highly recommend Jinky’s and look forward to dining there again.

Trastavere – Italian food is my favorite, but I have to admit, I didn’t love my entrée. Hearing from others who were also disappointed. I don’t think I’d want to try it again with so many other great options.

Steakhouse 55 – My steak was overcooked, but still edible. I think having to prepare so many steaks for our large group caused a bit of confusion in the kitchen. I enjoyed my side dishes, and the atmosphere was delightful. I look forward to giving Steakhouse 55 another try.

Club 33 – This was my most memorable meal of the trip. Not only because it was an honor to get to dine in such a special place, but because it truly was a delicious meal. I doubt I’ll ever get the chance to dine at Club 33 again, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed!

Goofy’s Kitchen – This is my traditional Disneyland character meal, so I was pleased to be able to do it on the ABD. The character interaction is always good, and the food is fresh and tasty.

Storytellers Café – I didn’t have much time to spend with the characters this time, but I did have time to enjoy a very tasty breakfast. The characters did come around to visit me, so I didn’t feel neglected. I’d eat here again.

The Parks and other attractions:

I did a lot of things outside of theme parks this trip. I had many wonderful experiences and can recommend everything on my agenda to others. The wonderful thing about a stay in Santa Monica is there are so many things to do that require no admission fee. It was a lot of fun to wander around the Santa Monica Pier. I enjoyed window shopping at the Third Street Promenade.

I can’t talk about Santa Monica without mentioning the beach. It’s beautiful and clean, with a lot of fantastic people watching opportunities. Bike and skate rentals are easily obtained, and there’s a path that leads all the way to Venice Beach. I honestly believe Santa Monica is my favorite town in California, so I enjoyed just strolling through town. I have to admit that there are a lot of homeless people there. I work in Manhattan, so I’m used to homeless people begging for spare change. I didn’t experience that at all in Santa Monica. Only one homeless person said anything at all to me, and she just commented on the beautiful weather.

Griffith Park – This is an amazing park with so much to offer. And to me, the most amazing thing is most of it is free. Even parking is free. It’s a true gem and I think if you visit it on your trip to L.A., you will not be disappointed. I started this magical trip with a visit to the carousel, and I think that was especially fitting for this particular trip, as Walt Disney “started” Disneyland sitting in front of that very same carousel. Later in the week, we got to visit the Carolwood Barn and ride Walt’s train. This is also free for anyone every third Sunday of the month. I can highly recommend that as well. Griffith Observatory was really interesting and free as well (though the Planetarium show cost $7). There’s lots more to Griffith Park than what I did, so I hope to return there on a future visit out west.

Universal Studios Hollywood – I enjoyed Universal Hollywood far more than I did the Orlando parks. It was very cool to see a real working studio and get a glimpse of the movie making process. I’d like to visit again, and I’ll probably do the VIP tour on my next visit.

Celebrity Helicopter – This was one of the highlights of a truly amazing trip. I’d never been in a helicopter before, but after flying in one, I say it’s no tougher than flying in an airplane. I enjoyed getting my own private tour and I really felt like a VIP. This is something that most people wouldn’t consider in L.A., but I urge you to do it if it’s in your budget.

Warner Bros. Studios Deluxe Tour – I loved this tour. It was an in-depth look at the tv/movie making process. My guide, Thom, was fantastic and tailored his tour to the interests of the group. Lunch was really superb, held in the restaurant instead of the commissary where I expected. It was a three-course meal, and it was all delicious. I can’t see myself taking this tour again, but I can recommend it to others without hesitation.

Adventures By Disney experiences – Since most of the things we did on the trip cannot be arranged outside of this tour, I won’t go into each one in detail. I will say that I enjoyed each and every item on the itinerary. The El Capitan Theatre is amazing, and it was great to get a behind the scenes look. I don’t watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! on a regular basis, but I found it fascinating visiting the set of a live-format talk show.

I grew up a fan of The Muppet Show, so visiting Jim Henson Studios was definitely a highlight. As was visiting the Carolwood Pacific, which was an unexpected surprise. Imagineering was just as amazing as I thought, perhaps more so. And walking around the Disney Studios was something I’ll never forget. My biggest geek moments occurred here, in the Archives and Legends Plaza.

The ABD experiences at Disneyland were amazing as well. While it wasn’t officially part of the ABD, Club 33 was a dream come true for me. And getting inside both Walt Disney’s apartment and the Disneyland Dream Suite, on the same day, just… words can’t say how moving, exciting, amazing, awesome it was. The backstage looks were memorable as well, with behind the screen at Soarin’ top of that list. It was awesome from beginning to end.

Disneyland Park – There wasn’t a lot of time to experience the park as a regular guest, but from what I saw, it wasn’t too busy. I was mildly disappointed that a few of the major attractions had frequent breakdowns, but that’s to be expected from a park that’s open every day of the year.

Disney’s California Adventure – This is a park in transition and I feared that it would look like a construction zone, but honestly, it wasn’t bad. Even Paradise Pier, where there is construction seemingly everywhere you look, was still scenic and I was able to get some lovely photos. I will say that I may be a little more tolerant than others may be, because I am excited to see the changes and expect to be able to return soon (possibly early summer 2011).

The Food & Wine Festival – While it is no where near the level of the F&WF at Epcot, there’s still plenty to do. There were quite a lot of seminars and wine tastings, and dinners or talks with celebrity chefs, which I suppose is easier to arrange in L.A. Along with the goodies at the Festival Center, many of the counter service restaurants had a special item on the menu. I didn’t get to taste much, mostly because I decided to go back for more of the stuff I tried first. I’d like to visit DL again during the F&WF and really try everything out.

Whew! My final thoughts were awfully long, but I suppose that’s par for the course with this TR! I really appreciate so many of you reading along and making so many wonderful comments. It’s a lot of working writing such a detailed, photo-laden TR, but it’s all worth it knowing that others enjoy and appreciate my efforts. Thank you!

I simply cannot choose which was my favorite experience, the entire thing was completely magical. But just out of curiosity, I’d love to hear what you enjoyed reading about the most. Post your favorite thing I did. And I’m sure you’ll have a hard time choosing, too.

[chezp]

Wonderful wrap-up to another great trip report Sharon!

[MayraLR]

Thanks for sharing this awesome trip with us! I always enjoy your TRs.

[BeckiO5]

Thank you so much for your final thoughts Sharon. I honestly am going to have to go back and re-read your TR to truely figure out my favorite part of your trip. Although I do want to say the Carousel in Griffith Park or Walt's Barn and the train (maybe because it brought too many fond memories back of my little brother and his love of trains). The Dream Suite, Walt's Apartment, and Studio 33 are defanitely at the top of that list too. Your trip was full of so
much magic to put in words. I thought of you and this TR especially your day on the Santa Monica Pier as I was watching Hannah Montana the movie an the Pier Scene. I hope you get to go again and defanitely next trip foe you Mickey Beignets and The Plaza Breakfast with Minnie and Friends!

[Tink and co.]

I'm not sure I can pick a favorite. Outside of the ABD, though, I'd have to go with the helicopter tour.
Having dined in Club 33 myself, I know how amazing that is, and Walt's Apartment and Imagineering and Disney Studios and Jim Henson Studios. I really can't choose just one! Thank you so much for writing a "detailed, picture laden" report. I've loved every single one of them!

[Colexis Mom]

Great finish Sharon! I think the ABD was my favorite, followed by the Warner Bros. tour! Great job!

[sc507]

Great wrap up Sharon! I've told my mom about your helicopter tour and they are marking it down for their trip next year - thanks for the tip!

[MeRSiamese]

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

...And as I looked at the lamp in the window above the firehouse, I said a special thanks to Walt Disney for creating the Happiest Place on Earth and so much more. I felt a special bond now, after such a magical trip. It was a fitting end to my Adventure...

Believe it or not, this actually brought tears to my eyes!

During our trip to DL next month, as we leave the park each night, I, too, will look up at the window and say a special thanks - along with remembering your description and pics of the room up there. You made it ever so much more real and close to my heart.

And I can honestly say you are one of the most gifted writers EVER!!! To read about your adventures is almost like being there with you - THANK YOU so much for the wonderful experiences we all have enjoyed through your eyes!! I'm SO glad I discovered your report!!

Again, sincere thanks!!!
... and I am running right over to your next writeup - I don't want to miss a word! :-)