Itinerary Review/Suggestions

Question

I'm finalising out itinerary for our family trip (2A 2C (14&9)) for early November. The main aim is to do the Theme Parks, so there is a lot of time spent at Disney & Universal, which we're happy with. My eldest daughter is also interested in shopping, celebrities etc. (seeing Taylor Swift's house would make her year!), my 9y.o. son is keen for the Theme Parks but will also enjoy USS Midway & Joshua Tree and I'd like to fit in a bit of scenery, culture, good food & wine for my husband & I. We're limited on time so we can't extend the trip. We will pick up a hire car in Anaheim and return it in Palm Springs as we prefer not to have the stress of LA driving. Chat GPT tells me I've got a good balance, but I would appreciate some local knowledge and suggestions on any changes/improvements.

Day-Place Overnight-Activity

1 Sunday-Anaheim-Arr. 10am. Transfer/Uber to Anaheim, Check in, explore Downtown Disney/hotel pool & rest

2 Monday-Anaheim-Disneyland

3 Tuesday-Anaheim-Disney California Adventure

4 Wednesday-Anaheim-Disneyland

5 Thursday-Anaheim-DCA/Disneyland Park Hopper Day / Shopping etc.

6 Friday-San Diego-Pick up hire car & depart for San Diego. Stop at San Juan Capistrano (Mission), Carlsbad/other coastal town (Beach walk & lunch). Arr San Diego early arvo. Explore Old Town or Seaport Village for dinner

7 Saturday-San Diego-USS Midway Museum in morning, Balboa Park in afternoon

8 Sunday-Palm Springs-Depart for Palm Springs -Temecula Old Town, relax in Palm Springs, dinner at Air BNB

9 Monday-Palm Springs-Joshua Tree (Morning Hike), Pioneer Town, Dinner at Pappy & Harriets. Stargazing after dinner

10 Tuesday-Palm Springs-Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Morning). Explore Palm Springs/lunch, shopping, Mid-Century homes tour/self-drive.

11 Wednesday-LA (Universal)-Private Transfer to LA. Shopping in afternoon (The Grove/ Beverly Centre) & Griffiths Observatory & dinner out (via Uber)

12 Thursday-LA-(Universal)-Universal Studios, Dinner at Universal

13 Friday-LA (Universal)-Warner Bros Studio Tour in morning (9am - 12pm), Hollywood Homes Tour in afternoon (1:30 - 3:30pm)

14 Saturday-Depart LAX 8pm-Relax, shopping, check out (Request late checkout) & depart

Answer

Your itinerary is ambitious but well-structured, balancing theme parks, sightseeing, and family interests. Given your goals, here are some detailed thoughts and suggestions to help optimize your trip and reduce stress while keeping it fun for everyone.

Disneyland / Anaheim (Days 1-5)

Your first day with a relaxed arrival and exploration of Downtown Disney/hotel pool is perfect. The four days at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure give good coverage, and the park hopper day allows flexibility for revisiting favorite rides or splitting up if some family members prefer shopping or lighter attractions.

Consider using Genie+ or Lightning Lane to minimize wait times, especially for popular rides.
Downtown Disney on arrival day is excellent for food and souvenir shopping without the crowds of the parks.
If your kids are tired, prioritize your must-see rides on subsequent days and allow mid-afternoon breaks back at the hotel.

San Diego (Days 6-7)

Driving from Anaheim to San Diego is manageable (~1.5-2 hrs) and your stop at San Juan Capistrano Mission and a coastal town adds a scenic, relaxed start. Old Town and Seaport Village are both great for evening strolls and casual dining.

USS Midway in the morning is ideal; it opens at 10am. Arrive early to avoid lines.
Balboa Park has many attractions; consider selecting a few highlights rather than trying to see everything. Museums like the Fleet Science Center or Natural History Museum are family-friendly.

Palm Springs / Joshua Tree (Days 8-10)

Your plan to visit Temecula Old Town en route is good for lunch and wine tasting. Joshua Tree in the morning works, but keep in mind that November temperatures are cooler, making hikes more comfortable than in summer. Pioneertown and Pappy & Harriet's for dinner and stargazing is a great choice for a unique experience.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is best early to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler morning air. The self-drive mid-century home tour is very manageable in the afternoon.
Consider packing light snacks and water for Joshua Tree as facilities are limited.

Los Angeles (Days 11-13)

Private transfer to LA is smart; it removes the stress of driving in traffic. Shopping at The Grove/Beverly Centre is convenient for your daughter’s interests. Griffith Observatory is excellent for views of the Hollywood Sign; late afternoon into early evening offers great sunset photos and city lights.

Universal Studios is best tackled early, using Express Pass if possible to maximize ride access.
Warner Bros Studio Tour and Hollywood Homes Tour are well-timed; consider flexibility in the afternoon in case of fatigue.
If your family enjoys quirky experiences, you could add LACMA’s Urban Light installation on the LA day, as it’s outdoors and free to visit in the evening.

General Tips

Rush hour in LA is roughly 7-10am and 3-7pm; plan your driving outside these windows when possible.
Parking in Anaheim, San Diego, and LA can be expensive and limited; your strategy of using Uber/Transfers in LA is wise.
Food recommendations: For burgers, In-N-Out is classic (you already included). Mexican options: explore local taquerias in San Diego or LA’s La Cienega/West Hollywood area. For splurge dinners, Craigs or The Ivy are popular but book ahead.
Keep an eye on energy levels; with theme parks and travel, mid-day breaks at hotels or casual stops can help avoid burnout.

Overall, your itinerary balances theme parks, sightseeing, shopping, and unique experiences well. The key will be flexibility and allowing time for breaks and traffic, especially in LA. You’re set up for a memorable family trip!

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