Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hey folks, We are finalising some of our plans now. We are sorted for Nor Cal, and DL is coming together nicely - booked in at Goofy's Kitchen, TJs, Steakhouse 55, Blue Bayou (last full day lunch) and Storytellers Breakfast for our departure morning. When staying at Newport Coast, we are planning on a day shopping with lunch at Mrs Knotts (no KBF farm though since they seem to have ruined it), Sea World, San Diego Zoo, and Legoland. we want time to enjoy the pools and the resort. However, we are considering other options - Magic Mountain and USH are out because of the kids' ages (2 and 4 - though we are still tempted by USH as my kids love Shrek and I love the Tram Tour - we all enjoy WDS/DHS version, but USH is real!!!!). But we are considering other options. Hollywood for the Disney Soda Fountain maybe (and the El Cap, dependent what's on), the Getty is probably out as it is mainly European art, but we were considering the Gene Autrey Museum. We all love museums and it seems very unique for us. I love western history, and my wife likes westerns/romances set on the frontier. And also I understand the imagineers were involved in this project. Any views? We have been to LA numerous times, and will have our fill of beaches. The other consideration is the Air Craft Carrier museum in San Diego. I welcome people's comments and views please. BTw - other parts of our trip will include Santa Barbara inc. Court House and Mission; Monterrey - Mission Carmel, Cannery row and 17m drive (we are thinking of skipping the aquarium as I understand from my mom's recent trip we have bigger in Europe); A fair few days in SF - planning on getting on the water, the cable cars, Golden Gate Park, and the tourist traps.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Hey Dave -- we visited a bunch of museums back when we were working on our website 5-6 years ago. The Getty is a wonderful place, although getting there is a bit of a hassle. Parking in one location, taking a tram to the actual musuem -- and it seems like reservations for parking are required too. That said, it is a beautiful place, and offers views of Los Angeles that are absolutely spectacular. <a href="http://www.2adults1child.com/Museum_Madness_Home/Getty/Getty_page1.htm" target="_blank">http://www.2adults1child.com/M useum_Madness_Home/Getty/Getty_page1.htm</a> The Gene Autry Museum was just okay for us. It was redesigned 12-15 years ago by Walt Disney Imagineering, but when we visited a few years ago, it was looking a bit run down. In fact, one of the exhibits was broken. <a href="http://www.2adults1child.com/Autry_Museum/Autry_Page_One.htm" target="_blank">http://www.2adults1child.com/A utry_Museum/Autry_Page_One.htm</a> If you're into Western artifacts, and Gene Autry, it might be fun for you. Have a good time.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks Jim, given your write up, I think we may try it. I collect Native American Indian and Western Art, and our living room is done in a western Style. Also we love the British Museum and other places, and the fact this has a world Showcase vibe sounds even more entriguing. we happily spent 5 hours at a Hourse Museum in France last year, so maybe we're really boring. But this sounds worth a shot. Afterall we spent 2 hours in the Western Museum in Knott's back in 2002, and all day at Virginia city in 2000, this sounds like a good enhancement? what do you think. I used to love the De Young Museum as a boy.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>In all, I was left with a huge barrage of images, but none of it told a very cohesive story.<<< Sounds like all the Museums in London. Lol
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan I've been to the Autry Museum of Western Heritage a couple of time, though it's been at least 5 years since my last visit. Both times, the museum had an interesting "visiting" exhibit. The first one was Walt Disney's Wild West many years ago, and there was some very cool stuff in that. The other was a display of artwork by Latino artists from SoCal, and it was very good, too. The name of the place almost makes it sound like a roadside attraction. But the "movie cowboy" part of the museum is relatively small. I think it's worth a visit if you are into western stuff.
Originally Posted By jonvn I've been to the Gene Autry Museum. It was OK, if you are really into movie cowboys. If not, it's kind of a snooze. You might instead like to go to the California Science Center in Exposition Park. I used to go there when it was called the Museum of Science and Industry, and it's very enjoyable. Here's the website: <a href="http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/" target="_blank">http://www.californiasciencece nter.org/</a>
Originally Posted By jonvn The aquarium in Monterey is one of the best in the world, but if you've seen some in Europe you think are better, eh. Cannery Row is good for a couple of hours. Since you are coming from the south, you might wish to spend some time in Carmel and enter the 17 mile drive from there. If you want info on SF itself, let me know. I can give you a ton of information.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>The aquarium in Monterey is one of the best in the world, but if you've seen some in Europe you think are better, eh.<< well I keep hearing it's one of the best (went in 1986 - has it grown much since then?). However, mom just went again and was disappointed. There are some awesome ones here in Europe that are huge: <a href="http://www.nausicaa.fr/Anglais/accueil.htm" target="_blank">http://www.nausicaa.fr/Anglais /accueil.htm</a> <a href="http://www.thedeep.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.thedeep.co.uk/</a> <a href="http://www.sealifeeurope.com/" target="_blank">http://www.sealifeeurope.com/</a> <a href="http://www.blueplanetaquarium.com/" target="_blank">http://www.blueplanetaquarium. com/</a> These are all within a few hours drive of us, and unless the Monterey aquarium has grown since 1986 (has it?), these are larger. The only different exibits I am aware of are the Kelp Forest and the baby Gt White. I am open minded, but we are only going to Monterey for 1 night enroute from San Francisco to Santa Barbara (I transposed activities, we are going north to South).
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains San Jose has a very nice children's museum - I know there is also one near Disneyland, although I have never been to the one in S.Ca San Jose's is a very hands on museum for kids - Haven't been to there is a few years (my kids are 9-19now) but loved all the hands on stuff... <a href="http://www.cdm.org/index.asp?f=1" target="_blank">http://www.cdm.org/index.asp?f =1</a> There is also the Tech Museum in San Jose <a href="http://www.thetech.org/" target="_blank">http://www.thetech.org/</a> The Exporitorim in San Francisco <a href="http://www.exploratorium.edu/" target="_blank">http://www.exploratorium.edu/</a> I am not sure the site for the childrens museum near Anaheim - I just know I saw it from highway 5 past DL...Maybe someone else knows the site. The El Capitan if you haven't been is nice as it is an older theater with the organ player playing as you wait (always Disney Tunes-while I was there) - the Soda Shop is connected to the theater... There is also the Mel's Diner around the corner on Highland - it in itself is like a museum with all the old hollywood pictures - and if you park at hollywood and highland parking - from that mall they have veiwing of the Hollywood sign.
Originally Posted By jonvn "went in 1986 - has it grown much since then?)." It has grown a lot, actually. They added a new section a few years ago, it's got a section on jellyfish and a deep sea tank. If you liked it before, it might be worth seeing again. I was there recently, and it is very nice, much better than the one in SF. I think the baby great white shark is gone. I'm not sure. If you want a science museum, go to the one in LA. They are building a massive new science museum in SF, but unfortunately it will not be completed by the time you are here. "I am open minded, but we are only going to Monterey for 1 night enroute from San Francisco to Santa Barbara (I transposed activities, we are going north to South)." Oh! I thought you were going the other way. The aquarium is a 2 to 3 hour (4 hour max) thing. Cannery Row itself is good for a quick look, maybe a spot to eat. From there, though, you go to the 17 mile drive, and do stop off at Pebble Beach to look at the prices of houses in the are at the local real estate shop and get some Pebble Beach golf things. Don't do the whole 17 mile drive. Just from where you get into it near pacific Grove to Carmel. that's the part along the ocean. Carmel, depending on how much you like to shop can be a couple or three hours. You can get another bite to eat there, if you want. From SF to Monterey is about a 2.5 hour drive or so. Unless you are planning on visiting me in San Mateo (and I'll be out), you would probably want to take route 1 from SF to Monterey. Then from Carmel to Santa Barbara, continue on Route 1. Are you doing any wineries? You might want to do that. If you can't do any in the Napa area, there are also many wineries in the Santa Barbara area. In fact, the movie Sideways was filmed in the Santa Barabara area, and the large touristy winery in the film is actually owned by Fess Parker, to tie it into Disney slightly. Here is the website for his winery: <a href="http://www.fessparker.com/" target="_blank">http://www.fessparker.com/</a> They sell coonskin caps there still, which I think is funny. The restaurants you have picked for Disney, I think there are better choices. I would eat in one of the places in Downtown Disney over Blue Bayou. Blue Bayou is very very very pricey for what it is, and the food isn't so great. Still, make sure you have reservations for it. I ate at Steakhouse 55. It is not fabulous, but not bad, either. I was a bit disappointed in it.
Originally Posted By x Pirate_Princess x hey, baloo, what about Palm Springs? Lots of touristy stuff here, plus the Smoke Tree Ranch. <a href="http://www.smoketreeranch.com/" target="_blank">http://www.smoketreeranch.com/</a> What are your dates for Sea World? Let me know, and we'll meet you there and we can catch a show or lunch!
Originally Posted By pecos bill I am a little surprised at the lukewarm reviews of the Autry Museum, considering what it has to offer. For starters, there is a priceless collection of western art, including original Remingtons, Russels, Bierstadts and Nahls, just to name a few. There is an incredible display of original firearms and mementos, including some owned by the likes of Wyatt Earp, Billy The Kid, John Wesley Hardin, Doc Holliday, Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill And Wild Bill Hickok. Also, the museum is filled with fascinating antiques and memorabilia from the western chapters of American History. It is also really easy to find, being a quick exit off the I-5 freeway into Griffith Park and your there. If you are in the area, and you like seeing original and priceless treasures from the old west and Hollywood, you would be doing yourself a great favor by visiting this wonderful museum.
Originally Posted By pecos bill Oh, and when you are in Monterey-Carmel, skip 17 mile drive and go to Point Lobos park instead. Why look at million dollar houses when you can have million dollar views. Skip the Aquarium if you see a bunch of school buses parked outside. If you like snobby little exclusive shops selling very expensive stuff you dont need, then you will adore Carmel!
Originally Posted By jonvn I'm just not thrilled with the subject matter. If you like that sort of stuff, it's worth a visit, certainly. Don't skip the 17 mile drive, just stay on the part between Pacific Grove and Carmel. The drive to there from Cannery Row along the ocean is also pretty spectacular. Carmel is a very nice little village. It's fun for shopping and grabbing a bite to eat. You might want to look into staying at the Ventanna Inn. <a href="http://www.ventanainn.com/resort_press_innfacts.asp" target="_blank">http://www.ventanainn.com/reso rt_press_innfacts.asp</a>
Originally Posted By jnemo We went to the Gene Autrey Museum in October before we went to Walt's Barn. We enjoyed it.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks for all the tips. We may do the Monterey aquarium, I do like fish, we just need to prioritise, and if it wasn't as grand, then we thought about alternatives. We might pop by a winery, the kids really enjoy going to wineries in france. the down side is I suppose they will not be allowed to taste the wine in California. It may be more trouble than it's worth. As for dining, thanks for the input jon. BB is a family tradition and is still much better than the awful version at DLP. Steakhouse55 was a consilation for not doing the Napa Rose, but I think the menu at 55 will appeal to the kids better. Plus we haven't been in there since it was Granvilles, and that was decades ago we went.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Of the Children's Museums, are there any that are really special? We have 8 within an hour's radius of us here in the UK, and Jess (2) is a little young to really appreciate them. I don't want to travel 6000 miles for something we can do here.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains I haven't been to the San Jose one in the past 3 years or so - but in the past they had a whole section upstairs for toddlers...
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hi PP Unlikely we will go to Palm Springs as there is probably little to appeal to us as a family? We have all our accommodations taken care of, given we are using points, the only room we are paying for is at DL. We are staying at the following: SF - Stanford Court Hotel by Renaissance Monterey - Marriott SB - Holiday Inn Express in old town Newport Beach - Marriott Vacation Club Newport Coast 2 bedroom villa DL - the Grand Californian I can't wait!
