[debijeanm]

Originally Posted by debijeanm

I love Sea World but it's too much money to spend for just a few hours. I would second Horton Plaza, especially if you're into architecture. They've incorporated a lot of the architectural elements of the city's old buildings into the plaza here and there. (It's just a shopping mall, though).

In LA I'd skip the star homes but I have it on good authority (I'm teaching a class of Italian teenagers for a couple of weeks; they were there earlier this week) that the walk of stars is still a thrill (Johnny Depp AND Orlando Bloom). I haven't been to the El Capitan Theater since its renovation but how about taking in the latest Disney movie? Disney owns the theater - complete restored, organ music and Disney's latest. Old fashioned Mickey-themed soda fountain next door. I'm going sometime before summer is over to see Pirates. Google the theater to find the particulars and to see what's going to be playing when you are here.

Have a fun trip!

Well, I can speak from experience. I went to see Pirates at the El Capitan and it was fantastic! The entire theater is a Pirate experience. Workers in costume, costumes and props from the movie on display. A special pre-movie pirate experience that is short but still something you won't get anywhere else. And one of the country's best organists will play a spectacular organ for about a half hour before the movie (all Disney songs, of course.) Parking is easy off Highland (use the big lot next to the Kodak Theater at $10 for the day.) All in the same block is the Chinese, the stars and the El Capitan with the Disney Soda Fountain next door. It's a little pricey (my VIP tickets were $23 each which included a bottled drink and souvenir popcorn holder with popcorn) but well worth it. Plan on about four hours just for that experience. Oh yeah, and if you stand outside the El Capitan and look toward the walkway with the Egyptian figures, the Hollywood sign shows through a space. makes a great picture.