We moved to Universal Studio area after the concert, closer to Hollywood and Universal studio. Yet, we decided not to go to Universal studio after contemplating our 4 days in disney, the price tag of Universal Studio, and most important of all, we wanted to slowly explore this part of the town.
First we went to walk of fame which is rather short and quick visit.
then we went to do more shopping and had panda express for lunch. Girls were thrilled to try american chinese food. It reminds me how different our travel style compared to Sarah. We almost never plan where to eat before hand, while Sarah makes reservation before the trip. Fortunately I am glad that’s one less things to plan for me and the family is content with simple meals.
girls had fun trying things at sephora
we also went to apple store at a mall trying to fix my earplug but it was deemed not worth fixing. We got back to the hotel around 6pm, girls watched some netflix while I decompressed.
Yesterday we started with a visit to Griffin Observatory. The highlight was the hollywood sign and the view of the city
the observatory by itself looks nice but was not allowed to enter when we visited.
then we went to the hollywood lake park, without knowing what’s the highlight there until we arrived, which is getting closer to the hollywood sign. The drive there through the narrow hills was “fun”
then we went to watch Batman movie, but first burger king for the girls
the movie theater turned out to be great. we paid 21 for the 3 of us, as it was a discount day, and the seat is reclinable. We all enjoyed the movie.
back to the hotel by 5pm. Girls played board game while I relaxed a bit.
We chose to drive through the neighborhood than highway, mostly because it stressed me out the speedy cars on highways. The plus side of this is that we got to explore different neighborhoods. LA is really big and it looks so different just few minutes away.
Today we move to disney area, about 2 hrs driving time, we will make few stops as we have the full day to get there, stock up with food as we will return the car today. Then 4 days of not having to think about what to do, just enjoy the vibe at the happiest place in the world.
Our New Journey 
I love how you gave yourselves space to slow down and explore LA on your own terms. Skipping Universal was probably the best call after that amazing concert and ahead of four big Disney days! Enjoy!
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It’s too bad you couldn’t go into Griffith! We really liked it when we went years ago. LA driving is so stressful and there always seems to be traffic!!
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Sometimes skipping the big attractions makes space for those chill, unexpected moments that end up being the best part of the trip. Hope Disney is magical for all of you! 😊
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I admire you for driving in LA! I remember it as being very stressful!
It sounds like you are having a great trip!
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All looks so fun! And you’re right, Lizzy always the ham with big smiles, and Sofia so serious… haha. Looks like great weather, too! I’ve never been to LA. I’d definitely want to see the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign too, of course. Glad driving went well for you! I have to say, I am impressed! I feel like even I would be nervous driving in all the traffic in LA and I have been driving for… let’s see.. 25 years! lol.
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Did the girls enjoy their Chinese American food? I’ve only had Chinese food in the US and in Paris, and was surprised at how different it was there. I guess that’s the French sensibility vs. the US one, in Paris it was lighter and fresher, not so heavy and overly sweet. I wonder how it compares to authentic Chinese food also.
I hope you all have a fabulous time at Disneyland! Moving hotels is smart, otherwise you would spend all of your time driving. LA is big and crowded, and the traffic is no joke.
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It’s more American food than Chinese, heheh, but girls like it. They prefer chipotle though, fresher and simpler taste.
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Like Julie, I’m also wondering how the American Chinese food compares to what you’re used to! Sounds like a really nice time, and yes- Disney is expensive. Good call to skip Universal, I think. There’s plenty of other things to do.
Can’t wait to hear more!
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