The Life of a VIP - Adventures By Disney Backstage Magic - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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The Life of a VIP - Adventures By Disney Backstage Magic
The Life of a VIP – Adventures By Disney Backstage Magic April 10-18, 2010
When I first heard about the ABD Backstage Magic Tour, it sounded like something I would enjoy. After taking an ABD trip last year (and hearing from one of my tour mates how terrific the Backstage Magic trip was), the trip became a must do!
I didn’t know when I would go but knew it would be some time in 2010. I figured I’d wait until the 2010 dates were posted and then decide. One day, while listening to the DIS Unplugged podcast, I learned that they managed to secure special rates for two of the BSM Adventures. That helped me decide when I wanted to go. I chose the second date, because I had plans of attending a baseball game at Angels Stadium on April 25 (<-- the perfect date!!). I booked my trip and began planning.
I decided to fly Southwest even though it wasn’t a direct flight for a few reasons. Southwest is a great airline and I want to show my loyalty, they fly out of an airport that's very convenient, and I had a credit for a free ticket! That’s the best reason, right? I decided to fly into LAX since the tour begins in Hollywood, and I’d fly home from John Wayne Airport.
With that out of the way, there wasn’t much more pre planning that needed to be done. Just before it was time to make my final payment, I got the awful news that the tour was cancelled due to lack of participants. Oh noes!!! The same thing had happened to me the year before with ABD. Since I’d booked through Dreams Unlimited Travel to get the special rate, my agent Kevin (yes, Kevin from the DIS Unplugged podcast, and I only geeked out a little about that) let me know that they would work with me to get me booked on another adventure and to look at the website to see what other dates would work for me.
After a few agonizing days of me thinking I’d need to push my trip back to October (an eternity away), Kevin called me at work (and ok, I geeked out a lot about that ) with the fantastic news that they’d been able to get Disney to agree to add me to the tour the week before mine (the one that the podcast crew would be taking). Well, I was thrilled! Not only would I get to go, but my trip was a week earlier. It meant that I wouldn’t be able to see the Yankees play at Angels Stadium, but I figured I could live with that! And I’d get to meet some of the members of the podcast team, which is really cool!
Because I changed my dates, I now had extra time to play in California before the trip. I decided to spend the pre-days in Santa Monica, staying at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. I’d stayed there before and loved it. Because I’d be returning home on Sunday instead of Monday now, I changed my return flight to out of LAX because the departure time worked out better (though interestingly enough, both flights connect with the same one out of LAS, so I’d get home the same time either way).
I wanted to be able to get around, so I rented a car. I considered upgrading to a convertible, but then decided against it. But I could still get to the counter and change my mind. Anyway, I rented a car from Hertz for the pre-adventure dates, returning it back to LAX on the morning the BSM Adventure begins. ABD will bring me to the hotel.
I had a few things I wanted to do while in Hollywood separate from the tour. I wanted to definitely see the sights, and don’t roll your eyes at me, but I wanted to see some star homes. I considered a bus tour until I was talking* with my BFF Samantha Brown and she was telling* me all about this really cool helicopter tour she took in L.A. that flies over a bunch of places, including stars’ homes. Well, I knew this would be a better option for two reasons. Number one, I’d get to see all of the sights I wanted to in a relatively short period of time. And number two, it’s just stinkin’ cool to see L.A. from a helicopter!
I decided to do the exact same tour Sam took, the Celebrity Homes tour. And of course I had to book the VIP add on, because that’s become the theme of the trip (and Samantha said* she liked it).
Speaking of VIP, I also booked the Warner Bros. Studio VIP deluxe tour. From what I’ve read, this gives you a true behind-the-scenes look at a working movie studio. Also, there is real potential to actually see a celebrity in person. I later learned that a few of my fellow Adventurers will be on the same tour!
I needed to fill up the rest of my days, so I bought a ticket for Universal Studios (the park, not their VIP tour). I also plan to visit Griffith Park and see the carousel where Walt's idea for Disneyland was born. I will of course spend time on the Santa Monica Pier, because it’s so close to my hotel. And I’ll hit the 3rd Street Promenade for some shopping and dining too (by the way, if anyone has any dining suggestions in/near Santa Monica, I’d love to hear them!). And of course I’ll spend some time on the beach while I’m in Santa Monica! I’m also hoping to see Alice in Wonderland at the El Capitan Theatre.
So this is the life of a VIP right? And I’ve already told you all about the VIP tour at Warner Bros. and the VIP helicopter tour. But the real reason for the name is because of all of the cool stuff you get to do on the ABD Backstage Magic tour that is usually only for VIPs. Like go backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live. I must admit that that particular item is one I’m a little less excited about, but I’ve recently learned that Jimmy Kimmel is a huge fan of LOST, so I’m more excited about it now. Here are the other things we’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at.
El Capitan Theatre tour
Jim Henson Company Studio
Walt Disney Imagineering (and we get to shop at Mickey’s of Glendale )
Walt Disney Studios and the Walt Disney Archives
VIP tour of Disneyland including a visit to Walt’s apartment above the firehouse and the Lilly Belle parlour car
We also get a behind the scenes look at Turtle Talk with Crush. The folks at ABD really know how to put together an itinerary. We’ve also got character breakfasts each morning – the Plaza Inn with Minnie Mouse, Goofy’s Kitchen (I’m indifferent about that ) and Storytellers’ Café on our final morning.
A few months ago, it was announced that the Dreams Unlimited team were cooking up a big surprise for us that was, and I quote, “head exploding” for us. They didn’t want to say anything before the contracts were signed. I was hoping it would be Club 33, but really it could’ve been anything. We were all invited to a special chat where they announced to us that it would indeed be Club 33. Because of the size of our group, we’re getting the whole place to ourselves. It will replace our breakfast at the Plaza Inn on our Disneyland day. I actually had been looking forward to that one because it’s the only character meal I haven’t done, but Club 33 is Way. Better. Waaaaay better.
I also got an email from Kevin saying that Disney wanted our suggestions for something special they could arrange for us. I suggested a test screening of World of Color. They did promise us a surprise, but they haven’t even told Kevin about it, so we’ll all be surprised together. I can't wait!
This is what my itinerary looks like:
Saturday, April 10 My flight lands at LAX in the early afternoon. After picking up my rental car, I’ll check in at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. I’m planning to visit Griffith Park and end the day at the Santa Monica Pier. Dinner will be on the pier somewhere.
Sunday, April 11 I’ll probably start the day at Universal Studios. I don’t need to see everything, but I definitely want to do the studio tram tour, the Simpsons ride, and the Mummy ride. I’ll eat lunch at City Walk. That afternoon, I’ll do my helicopter tour. I’ve been checking the weather forecast for days now, and this day was supposed to be rainy but that’s changed now. Pixies for clear weather for me, please! After my helicopter tour, I’ll return to Santa Monica and check out the 3rd Street Promenade, where I’ll grab something for dinner.
Monday, April 12 This is the day for the Warner Bros. Studios deluxe tour. Lunch is at the studio commissary (where there’s a pretty high probability of seeing a celebrity). After that, I’ll probably do the La Brea Tar Pits and then visit the LA Farmer’s Market.
Tuesday, April 13 This is the official Day 1 of the BSM tour. I’m going to eat breakfast at Jinky’s Café and then drive to the airport and return my rental car. I’ll meet my ABD driver for my airport transfer to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. I’ll spend that afternoon checking out stuff around Hollywood & Highland. The Hollywood Museum looks interesting. Our welcome reception is that night at Trastavere Ristorante. We’ll also be playing a game-show style trivia game, which I’ve heard is lots of fun.
Wednesday, April 14 After breakfast (which I think is at Disney’s Soda Fountain) we take a behind the scenes tour at the El Capitan Theatre. Then we go backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live. We’ll visit the Jim Henson Company Studio and have lunch there. We’ll get a bus tour of Hollywood on the way back to our hotel. The evening is on our own in Hollywood. This is when I might see Alice in Wonderland at the El Capitan.
Thursday, April 15 After breakfast, we’ll head to Walt Disney Imagineering. Then we’ll head to the Walt Disney Studios and Archives. Lunch is at the Walt Disney Studio commissary. We get to shop at Mickey’s of Glendale, which has exclusive merchandise. Then we drive to Disneyland and check in at the Grand Californian Hotel. After a welcome reception and dinner at Hook’s Pointe, we’ll spend time on our own in Disneyland.
Friday, April 16 The day starts with breakfast at Club 33. We’ll have access to the mask room and we’ll be able to buy some exclusive Club 33 merchandise. Then we’ll have our VIP tour of Disneyland, with visits to Walt’s apartment and the Lilly Belle. Lunch is at Café Orleans (and I must get Mickey-shaped beignets ). Once the tour activities are over, I’ll probably spend the rest of the evening at Disneyland, or perhaps head over to DCA to enjoy the Food & Wine Festival (which is on a much smaller scale than the one at Epcot).
Saturday, April 17 Breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen. We’ll spend the day at DCA. There’s not a whole lot of planned activity on this day. I will find something at DCA for lunch. Our farewell dinner is this night. I’ll cap off the evening watching the Electrical Parade.
Sunday, April 18 Breakfast at Storytellers. Then I have to head home.
Up Next: Last minute ramblings
*Conversation did not actually happen. Poster was actually watching Great Weekends on the Travel Channel.
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Mickey's so happy to see me back, he can barely contain himself!
I had no idea you were taking the Backstage Magic trip. I was lucky enough to do it in October '09, and it was incredible! Seriously, one of the coolest weeks of my life! They will indeed treat you like a VIP! Nothing was too much trouble, surprises galore! If Michael or Jamie are your Adventure Guides give them a big ole hug from me (trust me, you'll want to hug them). Can't wait to hear all about your trip, and your add-on days sound fun too! And Club 33 to boot! You are a Rock Star! Have fun!
By the way, I didn't even know who Jimmy Kimmel was prior to the tour and we had so much fun that day/evening. Being behind the scenes is so cool!
Yeah - a TR and a PTR all in one day. Guess you are just padding us with reading so we will not have withdrawals when you are gone...LOL
You plans sound fabulous and worthy of our very own VIP
As for eating....my boss travels to Santa Monica very often (no he does not stay at the Loews even though I have tried to get him to give it a try - it looks so beautiful), but he is partial to the DoubleTree in Santa Monica so what can we do.
Anyway, some of his favorites and repeats, there is a Italian Place on 3rd street, Trastevere (1360 3rd Street promenade), simple but good and pretty good pricewise. He eats there at least once per trip.
For something quick he enjoys Monsieur Marcal, they are a fine food store and cafe, there is one on the promonade but the original is in the LA Farmer Market area and they have a pretty nice menu. He has always had an enjoyable meal there.
II Fornaio is another Italian place more upscale but very enjoyable, that is on Ocean Street. He has also raved about a meeting that I set up at the Whist Restuarant which is at the Viceroy Hotel. I would recommend a reservation if you wanted to try (310) 260-7511, you can also check out the website as their menu is on there.
Also if a good hamburger is in order, he says Yankee Doodles on the promonade is pretty good.
Have an amazing trip Sharon. Can't wait to hear all about it when you return.
Ooooh, of course Princess Sharon is a VIP! PRINCESS??!!!! Seriously, this sounds absolutely amazing. Stellar!!! And I can't believe it starts - what - this weekend?? Lucky, I tell ya. You are one lucky lady. (If you see Frank Sinatra's house, please take a pic of it? I didn't get a chance when I was in LA!!!!)
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Tanya
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Woo hoo! I saw in your countdown that you were going to Disneyland, and I was hoping you'd do a TR. This sounds fantastic!! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Wow!! You leave tomorrow!! What an amazing itinerary!! I so want to make it out to DL at some point, and to do it the way you are would just be amazing. Can't wait to hear all about it!
About This Page: 
I decided to fly into LAX since the tour begins in Hollywood, and I’d fly home from John Wayne Airport.
Oh noes!!! The same thing had happened to me the year before with ABD. Since I’d booked through Dreams Unlimited Travel to get the special rate, my agent Kevin (yes, Kevin from the DIS Unplugged podcast, and I only geeked out a little about that) let me know that they would work with me to get me booked on another adventure and to look at the website to see what other dates would work for me. 
) with the fantastic news that they’d been able to get Disney to agree to add me to the tour the week before mine (the one that the podcast crew would be taking). Well, I was thrilled! Not only would I get to go, but my trip was a week earlier. It meant that I wouldn’t be able to see the Yankees play at Angels Stadium, but I figured I could live with that! And I’d get to meet some of the members of the podcast team, which is really cool! 
We’ve also got character breakfasts each morning – the Plaza Inn with Minnie Mouse, Goofy’s Kitchen (I’m indifferent about that 
) and Storytellers’ Café on our final morning.
). Once the tour activities are over, I’ll probably spend the rest of the evening at Disneyland, or perhaps head over to DCA to enjoy the Food & Wine Festival (which is on a much smaller scale than the one at Epcot).
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Pixie Dust
. Have lots of fun and here's a few nice weather pixies...
PRINCESS??!!!! Seriously, this sounds absolutely amazing. Stellar!!! And I can't believe it starts - what - this weekend?? Lucky, I tell ya. You are one lucky lady. (If you see Frank Sinatra's house, please take a pic of it? I didn't get a chance when I was in LA!!!!)
PassPorter Guide Author
I cannot wait to read all about this one. 
Dreams, Wishes, Hopes... these are the parts of childhood we should never lose.
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