Anaheim Travel Forum

Hi all,
Have been reading the postings with interest. We plan to stay in Anaheim at the Howard Johnson Hotel for 2 nights in early June. Plan to do a half day at Disneyland on a Tuesday then do a VIP tour of Universal Studios on a Wednesday then a full day at Disneyland on Thursday before flying out of LAX late on Thursday night. My question is what's the quickest/easiest/reasonable cost way to get from Hotel to Universal Studios?
Also suggestions for itinerary for 3 adults at Disneyland would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Saddo

For three adults, the most reasonable way to get from Anaheim to Universal Studios is to rent a car at the airport and use it to get everwhere in LA/OC.

Otherwise, take Amtrak north to Union Station, then the Red Line west.

As to an itinerary for Disneyland, I'd suggest checking out their park map. It lists everything to see and do there. Each of you choose what you want and then systematically run through your list. In one and a half days you will not be able to see and experience everything, but with a list you will see and do much more than just by wandering around.

In June, the most popular rides have a long waiting line which will eat up some of your time for other things so make sure you consider that in your plans.

Familiarize yourself with how the "fast pass" system works. Most people waste half a day or so before they figure it out. It can save you hours of waiting in long lines

Suggestion: Spend the half day at California Adventure, not Disneyland (but part of Disneyland Resort) California Adventure is much smaller and you could see most of it in a half day, plus the "Soarin Over California" ride alone is worth the price of Admission--way cool! The "Aladdin" live stage show is also really great. Itinerary for Disneyland--be there when it opens, first of all-the earlier you are in line, the better. Look around a little at Main Street, then head straight to New Orleans Square and do Pirates of the Carribean and the Haunted Mansion, and Splash Mountain. Head back to the center through Adventureland and do Indiana Jones and the Jungle Cruise (very corny one-liners from the guides!) Walk through the castle and into Fantasyland--the rides are tamer here but don't forget the Matterhorn and It's a Small World. Then head for Tomorrowland--Sky Tours, Space Mountain, and the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids show--great special effects. Don't do any shopping within Disneyland--the huge Disney store opposite the Tram Stop has everything you need--all in one spot. Bring your own bottles of water also, and maybe granola bars to snack on, and only eat one meal in the park--food is very expensive.

I would second the suggestion to spend your half day at DCA. As soon as you get into DCA, make your way to Soarin over California and get fast passes for this ride as the regular line-ups will generally be in the neighbourhood of 2 hours. Then proceed to Tower of Terror. Return to Soarin at the start time for your fast pass.

I would strongly urge you to buy the book "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland". This book has descriptions of every ride in DL, DCA and Universal Studios Hollywood as well as details of all eating establishments in the parks and in Downtown Disney. It also contains excellent itineraries for all of these parks for people with only 1 full day at the park. Their suggestions are excellent, and if you follow them you will be able to see all the important stuff in DL in only one day. But be prepared for a long day. lol.

The Guide also explains the fast pass system, which you are definitely going to need to understand before you get to the park.

You can purchase this book online from Chapters or Amazon for approx $12 USD.

(Check out my Anaheim page for lots of info about DL and Universal.)

Thanks for the excellent advice. Will certanily check out that book.

Regards
Jayne

Hi there Lilydale,
From our own personal experience we wish to share with you and whoever comes across our recommendation. From LAX you are able to get on to the (shuttle bus of Disneyland)the appearance of the bus is just like the greyhound bus, however, you will not miss the photo of Disneyland Logo.."where dreams come true"...A return bus fare for adults is only $30.00, one way would be $20.00 per adult, $17.00 per child. These bus drops you off at any of the 3 Disneyland Hotel which could be California Grand Hotel, Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier Hotel these are all Disneyland Hotels. Now, if your staying at the Disney area "the Howard Johnson Hotel" located on Harbour Blvd., taking a taxi would cost you about $6 to 8.00. During weekdays at Disneyland (Monday through Thrusday) Disneyland closes the park at 10pm, whereas California Adventure closes at 8pm, however, Fridays and Saturdays Disney closes 12 midnight whereas Califonia Adventure closes at 10pm. You really do not need anything fancy such as what you call VIP tours for Universal Studios, unless it's a free tour, as a matter of fact, there is these bus that comes to California Grand Hotel that picks up guests "FREE OF CHARGE" and takes guests to Universal Studios. As for the 3 adults, best that you just purchase a one day entrance to California Adventures as majority of the rides are more for adults than for children...Disneyland Resort is really for children between the ages of 3 to 12 years of age. Have a wonderful and magical stay in Anaheim, California. Cheers!