Make the convention part of a vacation!

alsplacebartender · 01-20-2008, 01:34 AM

If you have never been to California before (I haven't) then why not do as I am and make the convention part of a great vacation? See Disneyland, Universal Studios, etc.

Visit any number of movie studios, see Beverly Hills, meet stars out on the streets!

And while there, take in the convention!

Al The Observer · 01-20-2008, 05:20 AM

I plan to take a two-week journey across the United States and back, stopping at points of interest along the way. I also plan to see the sights in LA, as I haven't been there yet. I'd really like to make the trip on my motorcycle, but I think I won't.

Ouch.

tina_als_girl · 01-20-2008, 01:43 PM

I'm planning (hoping) to make it a huge vacation for me. I still have family living in Bakersfield and Fresno, so I'm hoping to go visit them while I'm out there. And since I'd already be heading four hours north of LA for Fresno, I might as well go a couple more hours and visit my all-time favorite place in California--Happy Valley Conference Center, a beautiful campground not far from Santa Cruz (it was the setting for my VS story, "Valley of Death").

I'm also hoping to go to Disneyland, too. I just realized that as of August this year, it'll have been 20 years since the first time I went to Disneyland; in May this year, it'll have been 17 years since the last time I went to Disneyland.

So, I think it's high time that I visit again. I've recently been getting sucked into the whole Disney Princess thing and also becoming a fan of Alice in Wonderland, so I'm eager to check out the park; plus, I want to go on the revamped Pirates ride, and see Jack Sparrow in person.

So... yeah, I'm planning/hoping to make it a huge vacation. Now all I need is money. LOL

Joy

Josh · 01-24-2008, 03:05 AM

If I do end up making it to the convention, I'll be paying a visit to the Magic Castle in Hollywood, I have an invitation from the Vice President, so why not?

EmmaCMF · 01-24-2008, 05:24 PM

The Magic Castle is a FANTASTIC place to spend an evening! The shows are absolutely incredible, as is the food. I recommend the garlic chicken!

Josh · 01-25-2008, 12:16 AM

I've heard that the food is horrendously expensive, though I won't be going for that. I just hope Dana Daniels is performing then.

EmmaCMF · 01-25-2008, 03:32 PM

Actually, the food isn't too bad - $16 for chicken.

Maybe you have to live in England to think that's cheap ...

Josh · 01-26-2008, 01:08 AM

I lived in Germany for six years and visited London twice. I'm thinking more along the terms of "I'm a college student and an entertainer" so the money is doubly scarce

McDuck · 01-28-2008, 06:08 PM

Just wanted to throw out there if anyone has any questions about Disneyland, or Disney park touring in general, feel free to shoot them my way.

Josh · 01-29-2008, 02:16 PM

The Roger Rabbit ride. How was Disney able to do that when the rights are split between them and Ablim entertainment? It's the reason why the Disney MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) no longer has their Roger Rabbit attraction, and why he's not a costume character. Hmm?

Lea-Per · 01-30-2008, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alsplacebartender

If you have never been to California before (I haven't) then why not do as I am and make the convention part of a great vacation? See Disneyland, Universal Studios, etc.

Visit any number of movie studios, see Beverly Hills, meet stars out on the streets!

And while there, take in the convention!

I think this is a great idea: in fact, Hubby and I are planning to make this the trip of a lifetime! (Three weeks: Honolulu, LA, a train trip across country visiting the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, a couple of days in NYC, fly back to Vegas, [STAR TREK THE EXPERIENCE!! YEAH BABY!!] and then back to LA for a week including the Con.)

McDuck · 02-01-2008, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh

The Roger Rabbit ride. How was Disney able to do that when the rights are split between them and Ablim entertainment? It's the reason why the Disney MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) no longer has their Roger Rabbit attraction, and why he's not a costume character. Hmm?

What Roger Rabbit attraction is this? Are you sure you're not confusing the former MGM (now Disney's Hollywood Studios) with Toontown in Disneyland, which, to my knowledge, is the only park to have a Roger Rabbit ride in it. (namely, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin)

Or, are you talking about the steamroller at the gift shop near the Backlot Tour, which was removed as part of the construction back by Mickey Avenue for Toy Story Mania, due to open this summer (at the Studios AND Disneyland)?

Josh · 02-01-2008, 01:03 AM

The ToonTown Spin. News of the steam roller going away upsets me. I'm going to cry in a corner with my limited edition Roger pins now.

Either way, I'll probably only have time to make it to the Castle.

McDuck · 02-01-2008, 11:43 AM

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disn...AttractionPage It's still there.

And I believe the steamroller was moved to the backlot tour at the Studios.

Al The Observer · 02-02-2008, 04:00 AM

How much does it cost to go to Disneyland, and how many days are needed? What exactly is Disneyland? Is it a themed amusement park with only rides, or are there other things there?

EmmaCMF · 02-02-2008, 07:37 AM

When I was at Disneyland in November, it was around $80 for a day pass, though if you've never been before, you'll probably need to spend at least two days there as there is so much to do.

The park website is here: http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disn...omePage&bhcp=1

McDuck · 02-02-2008, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al The Observer

How much does it cost to go to Disneyland, and how many days are needed? What exactly is Disneyland? Is it a themed amusement park with only rides, or are there other things there?

Disneyland is the first ever true theme park, built by Walt Disney himself. It's got a historical ambience none of the other Disney parks have. It opened in 1955, but has changed much through the years, with some attractions being replaced by new ones, or refurbished (i.e, the addition of a few Jack Sparrow animatronics to the classic Pirates of the Caribbean ride). You'll find many rides, from slow to thrill-seeking, as well as quite a few shows. Theming and incredible attention to detail, even in the queue lines down to the trash cans themed to whatever "land" you are in. A few years back they opened Disney's California Adventure next door to Disneyland, which offers a whole new slew of attractions and shows. As far as cost, the link Emma provided should help you figure it out.

I used two-plus days just for Disneyland alone in 1999 (DCA wasn't open yet), but I'm a Disney aficionado and so part of our time was a 4- or 5-hour tour called "Walk in Walt's Footsteps"

Josh · 02-02-2008, 11:13 PM

Hmm, never been to Disneyland, depending on what my schedule is in 2009, I may have to check it out. Worked at DAK for 8 months, so this will be a nice change.

Al The Observer · 02-03-2008, 11:24 AM

Thanks for the information, Emma and Jennie!

mand · 03-24-2008, 10:36 PM

i'm planing to come to the convention just found out that i have to pay £65 for a visa as i have a old style passport without the eletronic chip so i might just pay £72 and get a new passport with a chip even tho i still have 4 years left on my current passport , dont need a visa if i have a passport with a chip, will only be coming over for the convention days but will spend the last day before going back home around la sight seeing as my flight would leave at 8.50pm that night

Classical Theories · 04-05-2008, 10:29 AM

If enough people (preferably single unattached women) plan to come into LA early, I can rent a van and show you around some sites. I hate acting like a tourist but love to show off what I know about LA.

Snish · 04-05-2008, 10:52 AM

I think that's a cool idea as I'd rather not drive around LA myself and it's nice to have someone who knows where he's going. However, my hubby wouldn't like it if I pretend that I'm single.

Classical Theories · 04-05-2008, 10:55 AM

Snish · 04-05-2008, 01:07 PM

Aw, take it easy, Marc. Just imagine all the women who will be dressed up like Tina, and you'll feel better.

Bexter · 04-05-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Classical Theories

If enough people (preferably single unattached women) plan to come into LA early, I can rent a van and show you around some sites. I hate acting like a tourist but love to show off what I know about LA.

Marc if you are serious, I'd so love to be in on that, The idea of trying to see the sites by myself is a bit daunting. And wouldn't it be loads of fun a whole bunch of us doing the touristy thing together, I can just see it, loud music, loads of laughing, lots of pictures taken (of each other being stupid.... not the sites) I thought about renting something myself, but i'd probably drive on wrong side of road. We can all share the cost too!! I was hoping to be in LA for prior 2 weeks!!