I'm going to speak at the ICONE 2012 conference at Disneyland
in the first week of August, and the family is coming along (two reasons: a) I want them there, b) I'd never be forgiven by my daughter otherwise).
Because of the conference I won't spend as much time in the parks as the girls in the first few days, but we'll stay at Disney another day or two after that so I can see the parks in the actual daytime instead of in the evening.
After Disneyland, we're tagging on another week purely for vacation. Darling wife wants my help - that spells doom, but she posted a list on her blog, and here is my response:
San Diego's world famous zoo - heck, yes.
Seaworld - meh. If DD gets to swim with dolphins, sure, but otherwise, just meh.
Legoland - what nerd could say no? I spent most of my waking childhood building LEGO (precisely to the instructions, and never, NEVER taking it apart ever again - obsessive from the beginning to the end, I'm afraid) - but Legoland is a go for me, although there is some doubt whether it will appeal to DD - thoughts?
Santa Monica pier - the Pacific Ocean is a must - I've been in it once before (darling wife never has). I'm not a beach person, but maybe half a day just to hit the water.
The Aquarium of the Pacific - never heard of it - just another aquarium to me. Hence "meh".
Venice Beach - muscle bound morons? Maybe, but only if we have time for a laugh without taking away from anything else.
Malibu and Long Beach. - I think I prefer either of these to Venice Beach, actually.
Los Angeles and Hollywood - I think my wife needs to be more specific on this - these are big places, but I do want to get to see the sign.
Universal Studios, Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm - yes to all, pretty much in the order they appear.
Movie Star Home tours (B O R I N G) - Wife called it right - "cheesy".
Grauman's Chinese Theatre or the Walk of Fame - Wife called these cheesy too! I consider these to be among THE most vital parts of the experience if we are headed Hollywood way! These are a must do!
SO, she asked for my help, this is the best I can do, unless there is someone out there who can offer the benefit of their own experiences...
