Hello all.

You all have been so helpful with my other questions, I hope you can help with one more.

Everyone has been twisting my arm to visit Universal Studio while on my trip to visit The Mouse the first week of June. Now, I figure it will be a cold day in hades before I step foot off the property on my Disney Adventure. However, I've thought about goint to US the day before I hit DisneyLand.

What I need to know: Any suggestions on hotels near US? I'd like a clean *cheap* place. Any tips on how to *do* US?

Thanks in advance! :)

I would ask, how many days will you be there?

Do you have a multi-day pass?

Personally, I think you can do U.S. pretty quickly. Unless you like to see the shows. I personally don't but that is me. Get there early, is my motto. Get in, get out before it gets too crowded.

They also have a little shopping area that is worth a stroll. Actually, I think you are sort of forced to walked through there from the parking garage. There is even a Buca Di Beppos there!

I can't say if it is 'worth' it but it is a fun place. I mean, if you haven't seen it, then it is possibly worth it. It is interesting to see how things are done. And where.

As for hotels, others here might have better tips.



Have fun what ever you do!!!

Mousewife: Thanks for the response!

I'm looking at arriving in CA on Friday (May 31st), spending the night in a hotel close to US. Saturday (June 1st) hitting US (yes, I know Saturday isn't the best day but it's the best I can do), leaving US Sunday morning to arrive at Disney and check in there for the rest of the trip. So, I need two nights hotel somewhere around US.

I'm pretty sure I can do better than the $43 US ticket price, and even if I can't it isn't a huge issue.

My main concern is where to stay. I've done some web searches, but *refuse* to pay more to stay around US than I am paying IN Disney! I'd *love* something around the $50 range, so if anyone has any hints, please pass them this way!

Hmm. I can't tell where it is you are coming from. But, if it isn't too far you can always drive in Saturday morning, go to U.S., and then drive to Anaheim and check into your hotel then.

If that isn't good, hmm, do try any discount you can. The coupon books {Traveler?} are at least good if not for the discount but for giving you an idea of what is available. I haven't found anything that low around there in a while. It is so close to Hollywood. But, check Hollywood. You might find something.

Always check the Best Westerns, checking for their best rate. And, always ask for the AAA discount {if you have it}. An idea, if the deals are good with AAA, it might be worth it to get it. On my next vacation I am saving quite a bit with it, haven't gotten it yet though, but I booked my places as if I do. I figure I will have it in case of an emergency, too.

Did you see on the other thread about the Best Western Park Inn {or something like that, check the one about Disney Hotels}. And, go by their advice. I keep seeing negative remarks about the Park Vue and darn straight I had a bad experience there myself!!!! Do take the time to check the travel section here. It might be a little tricky to manuver but they have all of the hotels listed there.

If there aren't any specials for U.S. tickets now, keep your eyes open. Ralphs' often has specials. Also, check the weekend paper as well as the Universal site. I also think there is a site called MouseSavers.

I hate to spend too much on tickets or lodging, I would rather enjoy the trip, buy 'stuff' and be able to chose a fun place to eat.

MouseWife: Thank you again for your informative response!

I'll be driving in from Las Cruces, NM (about 12-13 hours), so I think I'll need to crash somewhere the night before I attempt US. I'd like to stay close to US so we only have to drive through LA once (on the way to Disney).

I have tried Mousesavers (LOVE that place!!), but it seems there is no US info there.

Thanks for the tips about the other threads......I shall go a-huntin'! :)

I just happened to look at my Ralphs' ad, right now they have US tickets on sale, through June 4th. Tickets are good till some time in August. I 'think' the kids tickets were $25 and the adults were $34? Something like that. {If you know someone in the military, they might be able to help you.......}

I hear you about that drive into L.A. I don't particularly like it myself. Get out a Thomas Brothers or even if you go to the Best Western site {probably others do the same} and punch in Universal City they will list places with in a certain amount of miles nearby. You can even stay a little farther, just check out a little earlier.

Hope the tips do help. I do our trip planning and some times all of the choices can boggle the mind. And then I am supposed to clearly explain what I have planned to the family. I have taken to doing a trip plan, that way I just show them.

I lists all of the hotel information{phone numbers and confirmation numbers}, nearby restaurants and attractions and their hours. I am doing our summer trip right now. I have the hotels booked, now I have to do the rest of the planning!!! Mostly meals and what we shall need to take with us.

No, I did not just have a cup of coffee!!! ;)

Mousewife: I took your tips and think I'm finding what I need.

I did have to laugh about telling the family about the trip. I've planned many a trip for family and friends (I actually enjoy doing it, when I have the time)....the last was a week in Vegas for my folks. I've given up telling them the 'why' and 'how' and just tell them, "go here at this time, then go there at that time." They've finally gotten to where they trust me.....hehe.

I've loved planning this Disney trip and I think I've got that part 'locked down', and I've adapted the theory that we WILL have fun (even it it kills us HA!)

Thanks!

So, we seem to have the same family job?!

Yep, I, after years, finally just said 'Here we are! ' Enjoy it, or don't, but I will!!!

I do enjoy it also but I have to be very thrifty, I don't work so we have a single income to do all of the fabulous things we want to do.

What is hard now is that the two teens are considered adults and cost a fortune to take anywhere. Of course, we will fork out what it costs but dang.

Enjoy your trip and I know we would all love a report when you are done!!

MouseWife

pardon my interuption, but I have a question.

when we lived in cal. and in fact up till about 5 years ago we loved spending the occasional day at Knotts. (of course that was when the Knotts family still owned it) is it still worth seeing, or has the new managment taken on the "six flags" mentallity?

Hmm. I would say not. I am not happy they tore down the Haunted Shack. I am not impressed they had {when we went near Halloween} an Oxygen Bar???!!!

But, they still have the wonderful things you probably remember. I love that all of the workers are not young and giddy. I really enjoy the older people who just seem to fit in.

Hmm. Like Six Flaggs? I would guess they brought in that Perilous Plunge {bad history} and that thing that was like a rubber band and shot you up in the air {and had to pay separately} {closed down, too, right?}.

Ghost Rider fit right in with the theming. Actually, that Perilous Plunge fit in with that area but it was creepy to me anyways.

Did I answer your question? What in particular where you thinking of?

Efoxx: I'm afraid I can't give you a 'clear' answer on Knotts. See, when I was in high school the band went to CA. I being, how shall we say...obsessed...with The Mouse was *forced* to drive right PAST Disney Land on the way to Knotts with my poor little nose smushed to the glass of the bus that would not stop.

So, I'm a bit bitter. ;)

Mousewife: I hear ya' on the money bit.....I'm a first year teacher, which traslates to: broke beyond broke. I'm footing the bill for this trip for myself and the boyfriend, and am *trying* to do it on the cheap.....while still doing *everything*!

So, if you pass Disney one day in June and see a woman standing outside with a sign that says, "Will teach for Disney Dollars".....well, just be kind and toss me a frozen bannana or something.

Yep. That is the most difficult thing about trip planning. :(

I have sooo many ideas but I have to limit them.

Enjoy! And, if you want to eat at the hotels but don't want to pay those prices, White Water Snacks at the Grand Californian is good and across the way at the Croc's N Bits the same sort of menu. Best deals are the kids menus.

Sorry to those who don't think adults should buy kids meals, I like the portions myself.

And, if I see you, I won't throw a frozen banana at you, it would hurt!!!

ok now that I've successefully derailed this thread (and I am sorry). I have one more question. where in the park did they put ghost rider. the las time I was there the jaquar (I think that was the name) was brand new. and it seemed to me that they once again had filled every available part of the park. btw the jaquar is an exact copy of sip saw falls at mall of america.

Hmm. Let's see. How to explain this.

First, check their site, it might help. But, here goes my attempt.

You actually enter at what used to be the Pan For Gold exhibit. Do you remember when you would walk through the tunnel and end up at the line for the pan for gold? Well, that now goes a long walk way {reminds me of the walk to Splash Mtn.} into a building and up stairs.

It took over part of what used to be the little shopping center. I figure this because the bakery that used to be on the OUTSIDE is now on the INSIDE. Right across from Ghost Rider. And, that Steak House restaurant that used to be right outside the exit is now INSIDE the park. So, they extended the park to include those areas and built Ghost Rider there. It also extends into the parking lot.

If you have ever been to the Radisson {used to be the Buena Park Inn} and walked to Knott's, now you will walk under Ghost Rider. The little walk way is right next to the area with the stone table and chairs. Next to the last gift shop on the right side of the street. And it does go through the parking lot a bit.

Heck, you do have to see it. Hey, on the Travel Channel, they are or were supposed to have a special and I thought I saw Knott's on it. It was either today {:( } or the 6th. I can't remember. I will have to check because I love those shows. And it is with the cute little hostess {?} with the short hair, real perky and funny. Darn. I guess it is bed time because I am forgetting everything now!!

If you find out {you'll wake up before me, right?} please post it!!

Oh!! I think her name is Sam. Samantha.

laf: Universal and the whole San Fernando Valley is, in my opinion, notoriously bad for economy accomodations. Over the last couple of years, we've had to look for lodgings there due to my kids playing in hockey tournaments and we also ended up at something like a Clarion or Marriott Courtyard as they were the best options available at decent price.

If you're coming in from New Mexico on I-10, you could save a lot of money by staying in someplace like Anaheim or Buena Park where there are lots of competing motels or even hotels which might have weekend deals. Universal is only 45 minutes from Anaheim or BP if you leave at 9:00AM after rush hour is over and if you stay late at Universal then you will miss the evening rush as well.

And Anaheim and/or Buena Park will be closer for you when you hit the LA area - simply take the 60 Fwy in Banning to the 91 in Riverside and then go west on the 91 to Anaheim or Buena Park.

Universal is a one-day event at best so there really is no advantage to staying near there, unless you want to look around at the real Hollywood ..............

Hello All.

coronamouseman: I think I may have found what I'm looking for. I've got a line on the Sportsmen's Lodge @ $79 a night. It's been recommended to me, but it's a 'friend of a friend' type of thing, so if you have any info I'd love to hear it.

I agree about staying around Disney, but with our travel plans it does look like it will be best to stay closer to Universal.


Thanks!

I've heard of it, have you checked for a webpage?

Mousewife: Sorry for the delay in answering, don't want you to think I was ignoring you.....just had one of those little life interuptions that lands you on your back for a few days. :(

I did find a website (course, can't find it *now*, ain't that always the way).

I'm going to go tomorrow to *keeping fingers crossed*make my reservations and by the US tickets (as well as The Boyfriends Disney ticket).

Thanks to all for taking the time to answer! :)

Eh, don't worry. I know that I personally can't always make it on to the computer. For one reason or another. This MousePad is one of my vices, though. ;)

The other is Jigzone.com. I always have to do the daily puzzle. Addicting.

I hope all of your plans come together. Have a great time!