17 - 24 September 2008 View Image Gallery | View Itinerary Map | Read Feedback

Southern California

Day 1Arrived on British Airways into Los Angeles International Airport. Transferred direct to the Sheraton Universal Hotel to freshen up before walking over to Universal Studios Hollywood to experience the New Simpson’s Ride which was awesome! We then explored the rest of the theme park with Front of the Line Passes giving us priority access to ALL rides, shows, and attractions which was cool. After dinner at the Hard Rock Café we took a short drive to the Standard Hotel for late night cocktails and beautiful night time views of downtown Los Angeles. What a way to welcome us to California!

Day 2After breakfast at our host hotel took the Metro to Hollywood where we explored the Hollywood & Highland, the Walk of Fame, and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre with the famous celebrity hand and foot prints. This was Tinsletown at its best.
Then off to West Hollywood for lunch. We ate at Saddle Ranch Chop House on Sunset Blvd where the portions were big enough to feed an army! Thank goodness we had time to walk and explore the area to lose a few pounds. This area is where a lot of the stars stay prior to the award ceremonies. It was then off to Beverly Hills for a Trolley Tour leaving time to shop on Rodeo Drive of course! After spending most of our money at the shops it was off to The Getty Center. We had a tour of the facilities which was really interesting, seeing this oil magnate’s collection of antiquities and artwork as well as having beautiful views of Los Angeles and the surrounding area. In the evening, more food at the Hotel Palomar where we had dinner before coming back to our hotel.

Day 3Breakfast at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel where the Oscars used to be held and where Marylyn Monroe ,used to often frequent. It was at one of the rooms from here where we could the famous Hollywood sign. Nearly broke the window trying to take photos!
Then it was off to Anaheim and the Hyatt Regency Orange County before going onto Huntington Beach (Surf City) for lunch at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort overlooking the beach and the ocean. What’s more the weather was perfect! After lunch, we then drove along part of the famous Pacific Coast Highway to Newport Beach for a harbour cruise where we saw seals sunbathing!
In the evening we had dinner at the Resort at Pelican Hill where we had a hat tour of the property. The property is now completed, open for business and is truly magnificent.
We then returned back to Anaheim for the nightly activities which included bowling, the Garden Walk and having a few nightcaps at the latest club to open.

Day 4No visit to Anaheim is complete without a character breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel followed by tour of Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure. We were all kids again and why not? Sadly, afterwards, we had to leave Anaheim, albeit with wonderful memories of theme parks, beaches, good food and wonderful scenery plus of course the weather. Then it was off to Palm Springs which only took a couple of hours.
On the way we had to part with some more money (of course) at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets located just outside Palm Springs where all the named brands of fashion are to be found.
Afterwards we checked into our host hotel the La Quinta Resort known for its Spanish architecture and numerous swimming pools. After a lovely welcoming reception, we went out for dinner before returning back to our hotel for stargazing by the pool and a few drinks. The perfect end to another wonderful day.

Day 5This morning we had a few site inspections highlighting the variation of product that Palm Springs has to offer as well as understanding the layout of the city. After lunch at a Casino Resort we visited the Living Desert Zoo which was really interesting seeing endangered species, botanical gardens, and a natural history museum as well as a wilderness park with all kinds of animals.
In the evening, cocktails at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa before having dinner at a Brazilian restaurant, which was different.

Day 6Morning, had an industry trade show – poolside! Afterwards visited one of the newest golf courses before departing Palms Springs for the short drive to San Diego. Everyone was pleasantly surprised with Palm Springs most of all loving the desert environment.
On the way visited San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park. Saw Pandas! Afterwards, checked into our host hotel the Bahia. No evening is complete without visiting Old Town San Diego and having a Mexican meal which of course we experienced with a few margaritas.

Day 7After breakfast boarded the Old Town Trolley Tour visiting downtown and Coronado then there was the option of visiting the USS Midway to explore a real aircraft carrier and stunning views of the San Diego Bay or shopping.
Then it was on board a yacht to see what it’s like to work on one of these magnificent boats as they do with the America’s Cup Experience. This was truly wonderful and a privilege to be part of.
Then it was back to the hotel to freshen up in time to meet the other groups for the Super Fam finale.

Day 8Quick tour of Sea World, before returning back to the UK on British Airways.
Great trip, great memories, great people, great food, great weather.

What did you think?

Mandy Cully, Ten UK, speaks about her Superfam experiences... I didn’t realise that California would be such an all-round destination. Each city is able to offer something unique yet all are within close proximity of each other so you aren’t limited to one type of holiday.

What we did: Who would have thought that our first stop would make 16 adults scream like babies? But that’s what happened on the Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. After shaking off our jetlag in style, we also checked out the sights of Hollywood, including the Walk of Fame and Graumans Chinese Theatre. From LA, we headed to Orange County to soak up the sights of Huntington & Newport Beach, and took a harbour cruise to meet the local seals. Then it was on to Disneyland to meet the characters, and from there to La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, which isn’t so much a resort as a way of life. Finally, it was on to San Diego, where we had a chance to get out on the ocean wave as we helped to sail Dennis Conner's Americas Cup yacht.

What I discovered: I didn’t realise that California would be such an all-round destination. Each city is able to offer something unique yet all are within close proximity of each other so you aren’t limited to one type of holiday.

Top tips:

• Pay extra for VIP passes at Universal Studios – it really does save you time.
• An alternative to staying in Hollywood is the Sheraton Universal – it’s just one subway stop away from Hollywood so a little quieter and great for families.
• Head to the Getty Centre for great views of Hollywood and some amazing art displays.