Originally Posted By Goofyernmost >>>There are enough diversions within 50-100 miles of DLR for it to be the "hub" of a Southern California vacation. The region makes up for what DLR lacks, and California is a lot more interesting place to visit than Central Florida, that's for sure.<<< Bingo...and therein lies the reason that DCA was a dud and why Disney/MGM never would have made it either. Why see it in make believe when you can step outside and see it for real for less money.
Originally Posted By Dr Hans Reinhardt "Why see it in make believe when you can step outside and see it for real for less money." You can't visit San Francisco, the Wine Country, Cannery Row, Santa Cruz and Hollywood in the same day for less money than a day at DCA.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan The "real" Hollywood is 99 44/100% more depressing than the DCA version. What a dump.
Originally Posted By pwrof3 Hans, I agree with you about there being lots to do in So Cal, but I'm talking about just staying in one area the entire time. If I'm on vacation I don't want to have to drive from Anaheim to Buena Park (Knott's), Hollywood, San Diego, etc. I want to check into a resort and then never have to drive anywhere. Granted, I've never been to Florida, but based on the maps, the Disney and Universal resorts are not too far apart and accessible by bus or taxi.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I have often said that the biggest difference between Disneyland and Disney World is this: Drive 30 miles in any direction from Disneyland, and you're some place interesting or exciting. Drive 30 miles in any direction from Disney World and you're in a swamp.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I don't know that I agree that the D-MGM of 1989 would have been so poorly received in Anaheim. Certainly, in 1989 it would have been better received. Bear in mind that there were NO rides in USH in 1989. The D-MGM set a new standard, and Uni has been playing catch up ever since. In 2001 it would not have done as well simply because guest expectations were higher. Twelve years had passed. But, ultimately, no one can really know how D-MGM would have performed in Anaheim.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 <The D-MGM set a new standard, and Uni has been playing catch up ever since. > Well, see, I can't agree with that. Uni Hollywood had one thing MGM could never match - the incredible spacious backlot and actual HISTORY. But to each his own.
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>Uni Hollywood had one thing MGM could never match - the incredible spacious backlot and actual HISTORY.<< This is what I prefer at Uni. Sadly, though, the vast majority of the public doesn't seem to care. Hence, the continued devaluation of the Backlot Tram tour in favor of faux "experiences." Even sadder is the amount of sheer neglect by the guides. I end up pointing out significant sights to friends as everyone else is oohing and ahing at the latest addition by the folks at marketing.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan Universal Hollywood had real movie sets in addition to the various effects added for the tram tour. It was (and is) a working studio that morphed into a theme park, while Disney MGM was always a theme park first and foremost.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>This is what I prefer at Uni. Sadly, though, the vast majority of the public doesn't seem to care. << Yep. It's too bad, because some of my favorite memories of Universal were catching glimpses of sets and props from movies and TV shows I'd seen.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 That's a shame. It's been a number of years, but the last time I was there we actually got a great and enthusiastic guide. It's also why I much prefer USH to USF. But it and MGM always came off as "faux studio" to me, even when there was some actual production there. Eventually they gave up that ghost, and now it's just a muddle (something we seem to agree on).
Originally Posted By DlandDug The Guide can definitely make or break the Tram Tour at Uni Hollywood. We do get a good one from time to time. Worst tour guide EVER was at Warner Brothers. The kid assigned to us there seemed to think the history of the Warner lot began with Friends and ended with Two and a Half Men.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan LOL, if Charlie Sheen doesn't cut it out pretty soon, the history of the Warner lot MAY end with Two and a Half Men! ; )
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan (Sidebar question to Doug: is the Warner Bros. tour worth seeing, assuming you get a decent guide? I've wanted to try it for years but still haven't.)
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance You guys want me to settle this argument right here and now? I have some insiders knowledge that will shed some new light on the subject and put a whole new perspective on it.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan Well, that doesn't sound like settling. That sounds like opening a new can of worms. And really, we could use a new can of worms, so go for it, Constance!
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance I went on the Uni tram tour. It's alright, if you get excited to know things like the old Leave it to Beaver house is now the same house used on Desperate Housewives. And if you like seeing a flash flood form right before your eyes.
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance "Well, that doesn't sound like settling. That sounds like opening a new can of worms. And really, we could use a new can of worms, so go for it, Constance!" Oh, wow, I didn't actually think anyone would call me on this. Well let's see. How about it's silly to argue about something that is purely subjective? To be still arguing ten years later about which theme park is, was, or will be better is about as silly as arguing over what's hotter vampires or werewolves.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***I have some insiders knowledge that will shed some new light on the subject and put a whole new perspective on it*** Spill it already.
