Disneyland/LA - Advice please!

[Cassius2]

I'd be staying in Santa Monica when in LA. it's got some really pretty playgrounds, the pier (for Buffy the vampire fans it's a must lol), great places to eat and good, easy access to all sorts of shopping. it's an easier place to relax IMHO as it is a bit more normal and not OTT touristy. it still provides chances to spot the stars if you are into that sort of thing (i barely recognise anyone but when we were living there managed to work out a couple of stars lol). easy enough to get to the touristy stuff as well (ie universal). but after all the theme parks, i reckon i would want to just vege out when returning back to LA!

[Jaycee]

Sounds busy but awesome!!

[Amity]

I'm going to LA next week

We are flying out of Sydney on 10 December and have LIMO transfers from LAX to Beverly Garland Holiday Inn, Hollywood. Three days there (Hollywood + Universal Studios).
We then get limo transfers down to Carlsbad (Hilton, Homewood Suites) and have two days there (Legoland).
On 15 December we are heading (limo transfer again lol) back to Disney Grand Californian Hotel. It was about $100 a night more expensive (I got a super deal through my friend the travel agent) than the other hotels, and given that it's a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, I thought I'd spend the extra. We are there for five nights.

So we're doing it all in ten days. I'll let you know how it went when we get back!

[Jaycee]

If you guys don't mine me asking, what sort of budget do you think would be reasonable for a 2-3 week holiday to the locations you've mentioned?

(Minus the limo rides Divvy! lol)

[maybebaby2012]

I'm so jealous, take me with you?

[Amity]

If you guys don't mine me asking, what sort of budget do you think would be reasonable for a 2-3 week holiday to the locations you've mentioned?

(Minus the limo rides Divvy! lol)

Janine - here's the "budget"...
Flights (premium economy, return) normally $2,500 per person. I got pilot's rates because I'm traveling as part of a pilot's family. About a quarter of the price
Limos (about the same cost as a taxi!) $800.
Accommodation: Hollywood (3 nights) $1200 (2br suite). Carlsbad - Legoland (2 nights) $800 (2br suite). Disney Grand Californian (1 room - 5 nights) $3200.
Entry into Disneyland (5 day pass, 3 people) $1200. Entry into Legoland (2 day pass, 3 people) $274. Entry into Universal Studios (3 day pass, 3 people) $510.

Budgeted for spending money $8000. Not including food.

Total - $23,500.

PS - everything is top shelf. Everything. I figure this is the trip of a lifetime so why not spend the money. I think I could have got away with it for half of that cost.

[Mummy&Daddy2Be]

(Minus the limo rides Divvy! lol)

[boomba]

We are going for nearly 4 weeks LA, Orlando and NYC.
Thetrip is costing us $18,000 and then $5000 spending money roughly. It's much cheaper in feb.
in that price is all accommodation flights transfers and entry to Disneyland 3 day unversal studios in La legoland, the zoo, Disney world 5 day pass, unversal Orlando 3 day pass. Oh and car hire
thats for 2 adults and 2 kids :-)

the kids and the big kids can't wait! Like divvy said its a once in a lifetime trip so you can't scrimp lol

[Jaycee]

Thanks so much for the info guys!

We won't be going for a few years yet, most likely when the boys are 8 and 5, possibly even older. I'd like them to be able to remember it! Think I better start putting some money aside now!

[*Ang*]

Thanks for all the awesome ideas guys. Keep them coming

Divvy and Boomba both your trips sound amazing, I really hope that we will be able to do this. We are just awaiting confirmation from DH's work that he will be able to get the time off.

We are lucky cause it seems to be that prices for some things are a bit cheaper at that time of year.

Divvy - I see you are doing 2 days at Legoland -we had only allowed for 1- had you been recommended 2?

Lulu - Thanks for the tip on big Bear Lake, like you said Perth doesn't exactly have an abundance of snow. Like you I think the kids may be a bit young for Knotts Berry Farm and I figure we can't do everything.

Cassius- love the idea about staying in Santa Monica

Booma - will look at Howard Johnson Plaza, thanks for that tip.

Now to keep researching and looking and crossing my fingers!