Okay everyone... If you Are coming to Los Angeles for the Excelsior Ball III, then please let me know - if you plan on staying after or coming before the Ball - which theme park you'd like to visit. This will also have to contend with HF Filming which will be scheduled either before or after the Ball as well. So, we might have to play things by 'ear'... ;D

Oh, and I can get good discount tickets for all the parks, with the exception of Magic Mountain. Depending on the majority vote(s), we'll discuss actual ticket prices and carpools closer to the event.

I'm going to have the poll end around May 23rd {since I cannot modify the end date, and since I'm requesting that payment for both Universal & Disneyland tickets be sent to me, by May 20th, I'm going to CLOSE THIS POLL ON MAY 1st NOW} or so, so when we get to the point of ordering tickets, you can mail me your payments and I can either mail you your tickets or hold them until the event; another thing we can discuss as the time gets closer.

And if you have questions related to the theme parks, please feel free to ask here. I'm not quite an expert on them all, but, I'll do my best. :)

Thanks, and I'm looking forward to seeing you all in June!

Jenn

Edited to change Poll Closing Date.

Would definitely like to go on a group outing to Disney or Universal.... lead by the Grand Ma'Jenn  (in full costume and makeup??)

Rick

Here, here.  But we should leave the goo in the cooler in the car. :)

Why I am imagining the Grand Ma'Jenn leading a processing with her in full costume and makeup, followed by several fans with their stuffed animals in tow.

...with their stuffed animals in tow?

I believe when Stephen arrives to sample some of the new rides (see below) he will be riding a float down Galactic Main Street, lead by a band!



[size=12pt]

"Just the facts, ma'am."  Have fun, but please keep it on-topic.

Since we'll be closer to Hollywood, I wonder how many people might be interested in other studio tours.  I'll see if there is anything we can do about walking the historic pavements at Paramount.

I'm going to vote for Universal or some other Hollywood studio tour if it comes up.  Mostly due to proximity to the ball itself (wherever that location is). When I think about taking a trip to Disneyland, etc., it seems like a semi-large group would get fractioned off and separated due to the many rides, shopping and various eating choices.  It would be nice to try and stick together as a group and make it more like a group activity that all can share at the same time.  Just a suggestion...

Bryan

The happiest place on earth!!! I agree that large groups are hard to keep together, but the best way to handle it is to meet up together for specific events, like the light parade for example. Then groups can ramble around as desired. plus with the Disney fast-passes or whatever they are called (Jenn you know about these things), everyone can plan to meet at a certain ride in two hours and have time in between to follow other interests until that time.

Universal is easy because people can agree to meet up at a certain bar after a specific time. I am certain that NBC does a cheap if not free studio tour, and we could arrange tickets to the tonight show as a group as well, which could be really cool (they tape in the afternoon in Burbank). As for Paramount, I don't remember seeing tours, but they have info at the follwing website: http://www.paramount.com/paramount.php

I am in, let me know the details.

Sharon

I'd also be interested in other, additional tours or Hollywood type group activities, as Andrew mentions.

And sure, if more than 10 decide to go, we just break up into two manageable groups and rendezvous at various points throughout the day.  Still lots of fun, and still "special."

Rick

We'd both like to do Universal Studios, and I'm sure Lucy would also like Disneyland.

I'd like Universal and if there is a Paramount tour, I'd be interested in that one.

I've been to Disneyland (years ago, but I've been to D-World a few times since) so I'm not really crazy about that one. Magic Mountain sounds good, it's now owned by Cedar Fair which own the nearby Cedar Point (and King's Island) here in Ohio. If anyone's interested in that option, I could talk to Cedar Fair here and find out about a Group Discount for Magic Mountain.
 

I've placed my vote, but I will perform the sheep vote and go with the herd when it comes down to actually heading out.  I'd rather go anywhere with my rarely-met good friends than go alone to my chosen venue.

What no love for Knotts?  Don't make me vote for that one so it's not left out...  It's crying...

Rob

Just so people know, it is NOT a Don Knotts theme park.

Perhaps we should add a trip to Rodney Dangerfield's star on Hollywood Boulevard to the list?

For me, the only reason I'd go to Knott's " Merry " Farm is the Rio Grand Locomotive and Passenger train, I've worked at Universal Studios and the tour is okay, (cough), and citywalk is cool, besides If I cannot get a ride there and home I can take the redline there from LAUPT and Goldline and foothill Transit, besides, Being in full Klingon Persona there and back is a good way to advertise HF, Odyessy,& Helena Chronicles.

I have three good reasons why it should be Universal.

One.


Two.


And, of course, three.

Rob -

Knott's Berry Farm isn't really a bad choice.  It's not as big and hectic as Disneyland or Magic Mountain and there are more opportunities for groups in that venue.  I grew up living a stone's throw from KBF and saw it grow from a nice little local tourist park into a full blown theme park over the years.  I haven't been there since the early 90's.  I'm sure that it's changed quite a bit.

I could be swayed to change my vote....

Bryan

One thing you need to take into account is, based upon where you end up having the ball, the distance involved to get to these venues.  If you're doing it in Santa Ana, the closest place is Disneyland, followed by Knotts.  From there, Universal is about an hour or so (if traffic is with you) from there, and Magic Mountain is another 30 minutes or so (again, if traffic is with you).

I think we are assuming that EB3 will take place in the LAX Airport area this year.

That's right, Rick.  The closest park to LAX I think is Universal, however it may not be that much farther to Knott's.  Either way we're talking major carpooling.  Definitely not easy on public transportation or Taxi.

Rob

It's about 22 miles to Disneyland and a few miles more to Knott's.  It's over 30 to Universal and over 40 to Magic Mountain.

Well, this little group adventure will be held before or after the main EB3 event, and there will be visitors with rental cars, plus locals with cars, so I am sure we will manage. 

-- Rick

:D Perhaps Wozniak (Sam Bacsa) can borrow the Odyssey shuttlecraft for the day and fly us there.

According to Google Maps it's 28 miles from LAX to Knott's, (Disneyland is farther than Knott's), and 26 miles to Universal Studios.  So the distance is marginal, but Universal is closer.

Rob

Okay, just for you Rob, I voted for Knott's and Universal.  Though I much prefer Disney, I am more than willing to go with the grand majority...  With or without goo...

And Sharon?  It's Disney's FastPass, so you got it right!  :)

Again, looking forward to going wherever with all of you in June!  Wheeeeee!

Jenn

P.S. For those who'd like more info on the different Theme Parks I mentioned in the first post, check them out...

Disneyland Resort - here
Knott's Berry Farm - here
Universal Studio's Hollywood - here
Six Flags Magic Mountain Los Angeles - here

Disneyland.  Hands down.  :-)

In all seriousness, though - I'm with Solak on this one.  No matter the ultimate choice we make, I'll be joining the away team. :-)

-Jonathan

Universal is my preference with Disney as my second choice. Like Capel and Solak, I'll follow the herd.

I've been to Disney a couple of times and even if not one thing has changed, I'll still stand in a preposterously long line up and pay waaaayyy too much money for the Haunted House and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Especially if now the Pirates' car runs over whichever twit greenlit the second and third movies.

HD

Try something that has something of Star Trek past history.

I did vote, but I'd likely go with the group.  I suspect that we'd have fun no matter where we go.  :)

okay so we know that only should Knott's berry be chosen will everyone flee...

Disney- only because it is the first theme park for the corp and Universal cause lets face it... it is a pilgrimage...

How close is the walk of fame from the site?

Walk of Fame (the Stars on Hollywood Blvd) are about a 30 minute drive to Hollywood (or a really long 1 hour+ Metro voyage) from LAX area.  depends on time of day, traffic, etc.  Distance is perhaps 15 miles to Hollywood from LAX  (??)  I am sure some folks with rental cars can be persuaded to make a short side trip sometime during EB3.

Rick

Y'know, we could all just skip off to Vegas for the day? ;)

Vegas is a long 4-5 hour drive from LAX. 

Or, a short cheap flight.   Something to consider for folks flying in.  You can probably get the same price on airfare on an "open-jaw" trip flying into LAX and returning home from LAS.   Then, you'd just have to make it from LAX area to LAS  (frequent flights, buses, or a one-way rental car).  I see a US$59 airfare LAX-LAS (1 hour flight) on Southwest and others.  They leave almost hourly.

Wouldn't a nice ride on the Spinning Teacups be much more fun??

Rick

I was just kidding y'know.  :lol:

That said, it is just an hours flight from LAX. ;)

[quote author=AlphaJenn link=topic=10874.msg202086#msg202086 date=1199234820]
Okay everyone...  If you Are coming to Los Angeles for the Excelsior Ball III, then please let me know - if you plan on staying after or coming before the Ball - which theme park you'd like to visit.  This will also have to contend with HF Filming which will be scheduled either before or after the Ball as well.  So, we might have to play things by 'ear'...   ;D

Oh, and I can get good discount tickets for all the parks, with the exception of Magic Mountain.  Depending on the majority vote(s), we'll discuss actual ticket prices and carpools closer to the event.

I'm going to have the poll end around May 23rd or so, so when we get to the point of ordering tickets, you can mail me your payments and I can either mail you your tickets or hold them until the event; another thing we can discuss as the time gets closer.

And if you have questions related to the theme parks, please feel free to ask here.  I'm not quite an expert on them all, but, I'll do my best.   :)

Thanks, and I'm looking forward to seeing you all in June!

Jenn

Baring no Pneumonia this year I will be at the ball !!

It will also mark 40 years since I have been to Disneyland and would love to go there while I am there-- I am flying in renting a car and staying at a friend’s apartment--and can not think of better companions than the HF gang

Floxy

Jenn, can you take us to see Walt's frozen head in the jar?

I'm easy, I'll go with the majority on this one. As long as there is some ride that will scare the sh**e out of me and leave me feeling like I've just run a mile, then I'll be happy out. :D

Looks like we may have to rent a locker or two to keep changes of undies for SPT.  :)

Back to topic...

I think that either Thunder Mountain at Disneyland would probably do the trick...

Does Disneyland have  "Mission Space" type ride like at DisneyWorld?  Holy cow, the "extreme version" of that certainly does pack a wallop as you are blasted off, subjected to lots of real Gs, and then accelerated on to Mars (after floating in "zero g" for a bit). Definitely NOT for anyone afraid of acceleration or motion sickness!!  At DisneyWorld (and Disneyland?) I love the Soaring ride, to, it's not wild, just cool as you hang glide over California.  The only other ride down at DisneyWorld that packs a wallop is the new Expedition Everest coaster... which is like Thunder Mountain.. except it's Mt. Everest... and you're being pursued by a crazed Yeti... and he rips the tracks up right in front of you... and the thing goes backwards... but I digress.  And the Teacups makes me nauseous.  So does It's a Small World, but for a different reason.  Be interesting to see what DisneyLand has in store, especially when lead by Disney-holic Jenn Cole.

At Universal, the Jurassic Park ride is awesome, as I've heard the new Revenge of the Mummy ride is.  The House of Horrors is scary fun, too.  And the Studio Tour has some unexpected surprises.  And the coolest site of all at Universal Studios-Hollywood, to me, is the gi-normous escalator down the side of the mountain to the lower part of the park. (Several years ago, I attended a corporate function at Universal Studios-Hollywood.. they closed the entire theme park down for just 20,000 attendees of a large conference... everything was walk right on... and all the food booths were free.. just walked up and ask for something (they rang it up but it was all free to the attendees).  We had the place from 6pm - midnight.  Totally awesome.) 

Looking forward to wherever we go and whatever we do.  And puking with friends.  :sick:

-- Rick

Rick -

It's been a long, long time since I've been to Disneyland.  In an attempt to answer your question, here's a list of the attractions at the park:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland...ionsListingPage

And for the California Adventure Park (which I've never been to) as well:

http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland...ionsListingPage

You know something, I was trying to be practical when making my choice for our theme park adventure, but I'm starting to like the idea of either Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm more by the minute...

I might have to change my vote!

Bryan

Ice Cream also required! Vanilla, plain, milk, sugar, butter, eggs. YUM!

Sorry SPT, but I see that Mickey's Ice Cream Adventure Ride will be closed for renovation during our visit.  That's the ride where you sit in an ice-cream cone shaped car, and it goes through various rooms of multiflavored ice cream, which you just grab handfuls of the kind you like as you pass by... all to a very catchy tune.

Instead, you can buy those ice cream bars with the chocolate dipped ears on them from carts everywhere (or, even better, Dippin' Dots --- the ice cream of the future!).  And isn't there a giant old-fashioned ice cream restaurant on Main Street (really, it makes all kinds of ice cream concoctions).

Rick

Im go for Universal Studios but i will go with the herd.

I'll go along with everyone else as well. Earlier in the thread, I said I thought Magic Mountain was a Cedar Fair park, its actually Knott's Berry Farms. So if everyone wants I can check on a Group Discount there (from Cedar Fair here in Ohio) if that park is ultimately chosen.

It sounds a bit neck and neck with Disneyland and Universal.......

Now all we need is someone who can get free passes from one or the other and that's that decision made!

Damn SP, I was so not going to comment on this one, but, now I gotta...  If you want the poop scared outta ya re: rides, then Magic Mountain would be for you.  A good, oh, maybe 70% of the rides are roller coasters or very similar.  Me, I'm not to fond of that park, mainly because of all those rolley coasters (am not a huge coaster enthusiast) and too, many moons ago they had gang problems, but, I think in recent years they've 'cleaned' things up.  that and as you enter you go through a metal detector.  Yeah, that makes me feel safe.

No thanks, on second thought, I'll stay away from MM...  It's Mickey Mouse for me!  :D

Great to see such a great respond to this thread too!

Jenn

Thanks Jenn, based on your advice, I'll make sure I get to Magic Mountain at some stage anyhow.  :D

Quick update -

    Looks like we'll be filming Operation Beta Shield the week of the Ball, so we'll have to make our Theme Park trip the Monday after the Ball.  So, for those coming and wanting to go on the extended away mission, please be sure to plan accordingly.

    Looking at the Poll, Universal is out in the lead, with Disneyland a close second...

    I'm more than willing to lead two away missions on Monday & Tuesday, so if you want to, just make sure to let me know.  As we get closer to the end of May, I'll post costs for discount tickets for both Universal & Disneyland.  Of course, you don't have to purchase your tickets through me, especially if you have your own discount ticket method.

    If you have any further questions, don't forgot to ask here or me via PM.

Thanks all,

Jenn

P.S. Disneyland RULEZ!!!  :P

I would love to do both -- perhaps Universal Monday (to hit the most popular vote choice first), Disneyland Tuesday??

Just seeing Jenn in Mouse Ears will be worth it!

Rick