The Disneyland, San Diego, and Vegas, oh my! Trip Report - COMPLETED!! 2/18/11 - Page 15 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Holy cow has Vegas changed! We were last there on 9-11-01 (and everything was shut down and the mood was really somber) so it's changed alot! We made that LA-Vegas drive too, only in reverse. I remember that street sign for xxyzx (or whatever) road!! Your kids were such troopers to do so much in one day. At least they got a little pool time in!
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Thursday July 29, 2010 – How much farther? A great meal, and a last day on the strip!
I’m not sure what time we got up this morning, nor where we ate breakfast again. We decided to take the monorail down to Circus Circus so the kids could go to Adventuredome down there. I guess this is the “old” area of the strip, as there was quite a lot of construction going on (or at least partially built buildings – not much was going on when we walked the area). We found Circus Circus and played in their Midway area for a bit, and then went to Adventuredome. Matt and Alexa did the coaster. Colin and I played mini golf. I think the kids did another ride or two.
We ate some sandwiches at a place right outside Adventuredome. Then we started walking back on the strip, planning to catch a monorail station further down. It seems we were stopping every block or so to get water or something cold as it was over 100+ again.
We did wander a bit around the Venetian, but we were all hot and cranky by that point and just wanted to get back to the hotel. I think we took the monorail at the Harrah’s station back to MGM Grand. Then it was pool/nap time.
We decided to go to New York New York for dinner, and ate at an Italian place, Il Fornaio. Boy, it was good. I know we had fried calamari, I think the kids split a pizza again. I don’t remember what type of pasta dish I had. I know there was a glass of wine for me. Great food! After that, we just walked around outside a bit, trying to suck in the last 100 degree temperatures we could!
Then it was back to the room to pack, as we were leaving for home in the morning. That’s really about it. Friday morning, we took a taxi to the airport for our flight, which was uneventful. Finally made it back home about 6 PM east coast time. Took the kids a few days to get back to time, but again, went much easier than I had expected.
I’ll come back with my final thoughts and Photopass pictures in a bit!
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Well, the weather couldn’t have cooperated more for us in Southern California. Vegas, not so much! While it was cooler than normal, it made it much more comfortable to tour with it being 65-70, versus 85-90. Of course, 105+ in Vegas was not conducive to touring!
Disneyland:
This was the kids and my first trip to DL. Matt had been back in the 70s, I think, so that really doesn’t count. I know I’ll probably get flamed for this, but while DL was nice, it was just okay for us. I think since we’ve experienced WDW so many times (and are used to much more open spaces) that we just had a different feeling toward it. However, there were many things that we did enjoy! Highlights: Space Mountain is so much better at DL. So is Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room, Autopia, IASW. Haunted Mansion was great as well. Indiana Jones was much more scary that I would have thought! The Nemo subs were great as well. The kids loved Roger Rabbit, although I didn’t see why. And they rode Gadget’s Go Coaster over and over again one morning. It was strange to see aspects of 3 different parks inside one (Star Tours from DHS and Innoventions from Epcot). But it didn’t detract. We had a great meal at Blue Bayou. I chalk this up to CRT at WDW. It needs to be done once. I’m glad we did.
As for the negatives, first would be the crowds. We avoided the weekends, but the crowds were still heavy. Most rides had 45+ minute waits. Yes it was mid-July so I guess it was to be expected. The queues need some serious work. There’s just no theming in a lot of them. I found it strange to be waiting outside, as we’re used to WDW where you are usually inside or at least under cover. And line jumpers! I’ve never seen anything to this extent at WDW, so not sure why it is such a problem here. Maybe because of all the outside queues? It became very annoying. We didn’t stop for any characters, except in Toon Town when no one else was around. I think that would have really eaten up more touring time, and there were still many things that we didn’t get to see (Sleeping Beauty Castle, Buzz was down for refurb, Colin wouldn’t do Splash). And Fantastmic. There has got to be a better way!
All in all, I’m glad we came, but I wish the crowds had been lower so that we could have done a few more things.
California Adventure:
We really enjoyed our time at CA. I think because it was more spread out, it didn’t feel as crowded (other than WoC). We loved the Aladdin show (the kids still tell Genie jokes today), the Monsters ride, California Screamin’, and the Redwood Creek area. TSMM was a great ride, but the queue is a complete letdown after having been to DHS (other than Mr. Potato Head). The kids also loved A Bug’s Land, and while Alexa was probably a bit old for the area, she had a great time on the Drive ‘em Buggies. We loved the music they piped into the Sunshine Plaza area, and I actually found the track list and made a CD for Matt for his birthday!
I don’t have any real complaints about CA, other than the WoC setup (we did the picnic dinner). Plus, being there a few weeks after it started, I think they were probably still working out kinks. It didn’t wow us though, and seemed very similar to Fantasmic without the Mickey plot. We didn’t do any TS meals here, only counter service. All of which was very good, except maybe the Lucky Fortune Cookery (loved the Boudin Bakery).
DTD:
We didn’t spend a whole lot of time here, mainly as it was the other direction from our hotel. The one afternoon we did spend was nice. It seemed deserted. Nice blend of shops and restaurants!
LEGOland:
I think from all the pictures I took, you can see that we loved LEGOland. We opened the park, and closed it down. If you have LEGO lovers in your house, this is a don’t miss park!
Wild Animal Park:
This was another favorite for us. While the terrain can be a bit challenging (very hilly), it was amazing to see the animals in a more natural habitat, and the wild open areas that they have are just amazing. I’d highly recommend this park.
San Diego Zoo:
We were a bit disappointed in the zoo. We couldn’t figure out the map for one, and had horrible food. The animals were good (the panda bears and polar bears especially) but we thought it very similar to the National Zoo in Washington DC, which we go to every year.
LA/Hollywood/Santa Monica:
Loved our time here. It was so cool to see Grumman’s Chinese Theater, all the stars on the walkway. Just driving thru Beverly Hills and West Hollywood was great. I just wish I had left time to do the Warner Brothers tour, as that was on my list. I guess something to do for next time. Loved the Griffith Observatory and seeing the Hollywood sign. The pier at Santa Monica was great as well! Vegas:
We weren’t big fans of Vegas. First, it was HOT. Second, we were tired after all the touring we had been doing. Loved the KA show, but that was about it. Found it to be dirty. Our feet were black every night as I’m assuming since there is no rain, there is nothing to wash all the dirt away. And all the smoke didn’t help. Next time I won’t be a miser and will spend more money to have better accommodations. And the pool closing at 7 PM? When it’s still 95 degrees out? Crazy. I wish we had kept the rental car here, instead of turning it in the first night. I think it would have been easier to get down the strip and see more things, especially in the heat. The strip is very deceiving. It’s HUGE and quite a walk, no matter what the temperature (especially with two kids).
Hotels:
Howard Johnson at DL – I found this hotel to be quite reasonable. We had a first floor room, in the back building, so it was very convenient to walk to the parks (about 10 minutes). The room was clean and good size. I’d stay here again without issue.
Best Western Island Palms in San Diego (Shelter Island) – Beautiful resort. Reminded me of the Polynesian. Room was good size, pools were great. A tad pricey. Not sure if that was due to Comic Con weekend (everything in downtown San Diego was pretty much sold out). Away from the hustle and bustle. I’d definitely stay here again.
Excalibur at Vegas – Won’t be staying here again. I really can’t complain, as I think I only paid $35 or $40 a night, but I got what I paid for. Location was good, since we were doing KA at MGM Grand. Now we know, but I don’t thing we’ll be heading back to Vegas anytime soon (other than as a hub for a Southwest flight).
It was a great trip, and I’m glad we did it. It was a lot of on the go, which made it a bit tiring. Eating restaurant food after two weeks gets very old. As does moving from hotel to hotel. I’m glad Matt’s Aunt was so gracious to us, letting us stay there for a few days, as well as giving us the use of a car in California. I’m looking forward to getting back to LA one day, and seeing the things we missed. We keep talking about going out for the Rose Parade. I guess we’ll have to see if that comes to fruition or not! Thanks for reading along! I have a few more pictures to scan in will try to do that later today or this weekend. Stay tuned to hear about our planning and adventures to Alaska this June!
What a great wrap up Marnie. Just got to catch up on your last few days, sounds like a great day at CA before heading out towards Vegas. I have to admit, I have friends that all love Vegas but it really has never appealed to me so it has never gotten to the top of the trip list. I assume one day I will just go for a weekend or so to see what all the hype is about but then I think....I would much rather save my money and take a cruise or head to LA instead.
It definitely was a very filling trip, you were always on the go and I can only imagine how exhausted you all were when you returned but what a great variety of things to do. You got to visit with family, take in Southern California, DL and Vegas - you did a great planning job.
Love all the pictures and thanks for sharing this wonderful trip.
You guys sure accomplished a lot! I enjoyed re-living your TR, especially the Legoland part. I'm glad they're building one in Florida! Thanks so much for sharing!
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Tanya
Every click helps feed .6 bowls of food to rescued animals. Give a quick click every day and help animals in shelters! www.theanimalrescuesite.com
I went to Vegas for my 21st - in August! So I know what you mean about the heat. And they say it's a dry heat - whatever. I'm from the Midwest where in summer you walk outside and can't breathe because of humidity, but after going to Vegas I'd take that over feeling like you might burst into flames from the heat.
Great trip overall though! I think in about 6 years or so we'll do something similar (minus Vegas).
Great TR, Marnie! We did DLR for the first time last September (Labor Day weekend), and the crowds were surprisingly low, which made for a very pleasant experience. We also like Space Mountain much better at DL!
We also went to Vegas (on a separate trip) last September for a friend's 40th birthday. What you wrote in your conclusion about how spread out things are on the Strip is absolutely right. We were staying at the Bellagio and had dinner reservations one night at Il Mulino in Caesar's Palace -- right next door. But it STILL took us more than 30 minutes to walk there and we were late for our reservation! The hostess said that happens a lot! Everything looks so close, but it's really just not!
Legoland looks like a blast. We're going to have to get the kids there soon. Everything I've heard from folks who have done it is the same as what you said -- it's really best for kids under 12.
Wonderful wrap up to a wonderful trip! You brought back so many great memories from all the places you visited - thank you so much for sharing this with us.
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I enjoyed your trip report of California, it brought back memories of taking the Nephews in 2007. We did Disney and San diego. Glad we did not do Vegas ( it holds no appeal for me), though I would love to do the Hovver Dam and GC some day.
I loved the Themeing at Bugs life and though the boys were in their Teens , I made them ride Heimlicjs Chew Chew train with me because I loved the theming of it
Thanks for writing this report and I look forward to the Alaska trip.
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Thanks for sharing! I love seeing West Coast trips through the eyes of East Coasters since this is all stuff that I sometimes take for granted!
You sure were brave to walk so much of the Strip! Come to think of it, you were brave to visit during the summer! That heat is brutal!
I understand how you feel about DL vs. WDW. It must be very strange to see such a "small" park compared to WDW...I felt the same way when I went to WDW for the first time...there's so much space!!!
Looking forward to reading about Alaska!
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The Nemo subs were great as well. The kids loved Roger Rabbit, although I didn’t see why. And they rode Gadget’s Go Coaster over and over again one morning. It was strange to see aspects of 3 different parks inside one (Star Tours from DHS and Innoventions from Epcot). But it didn’t detract. We had a great meal at Blue Bayou. I chalk this up to CRT at WDW. It needs to be done once. I’m glad we did.
I’ve never seen anything to this extent at WDW, so not sure why it is such a problem here. Maybe because of all the outside queues? It became very annoying. We didn’t stop for any characters, except in Toon Town when no one else was around. I think that would have really eaten up more touring time, and there were still many things that we didn’t get to see (Sleeping Beauty Castle, Buzz was down for refurb, Colin wouldn’t do Splash). And Fantastmic. There has got to be a better way! 
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You brought back so many great memories from all the places you visited - thank you so much for sharing this with us. 
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