West coast USA

[Headache2010]

My last week's experience in Europe.


Singapore price S$59.90
Munich airport euro 27.99
Paris city area Lego shop euro 35.xx
Galaries Lafayette euro 22.99

For the same model

Can someone advise me where to buy Lego in the East Coast? Thanks

[tankee]

which part of East Coast?


If Florida, Lego Store is located at Downtown Disney

[Dnls_mum]

Actually you can get Lego is any Toys R Us store. Legoland is also in Florida.

[Headache2010]

Thanks for the replies.


I have found 2 shops online and will try to get it from there.

[Headache2010]

Toys R Us is expensive.....checked their prices and compared it with lego.com


Finally bought my Lego in Walmart

[MMM]

Hi,


Need help on the following :
* Recommendations on accomodations in LA/ LV/ San francisco/ San Diego. We’ve 5 pax. Looking for somewhere convenient (we intend to drive so need not be next door), safe environment and reasonably priced. If possible, big enough to accomodate all in a room. Pls share.
* For rental car - anyone has experience with the insurance options or watchouts? My observation is that insurance can be almost the same price as rental. Can we buy in Singapore for coverage in US, etc…?
* What are the must go places in west coast. We have around 15 days and the last we went was during our honeymoon.

Kindly share all the tips.

[schweppes]

MMM:

Hi,


Need help on the following :
* Recommendations on accomodations in LA/ LV/ San francisco/ San Diego. We've 5 pax. Looking for somewhere convenient (we intend to drive so need not be next door), safe environment and reasonably priced. If possible, big enough to accomodate all in a room. Pls share.
* For rental car - anyone has experience with the insurance options or watchouts? My observation is that insurance can be almost the same price as rental. Can we buy in Singapore for coverage in US, etc...?
* What are the must go places in west coast. We have around 15 days and the last we went was during our honeymoon.

Kindly share all the tips.

LA
Magic Castle Hotel
http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Hotel_Rev ... ornia.html

Great service and rooms are clean
Good for families and the apartment size is big enough to stay comfortably for a few days.
Free unlimited snacks and drinks (best!!)

Worth checking out.

[schweppes]

Places worth visiting/doing:


SF
Alcatraz
http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attractio ... ornia.html

After Alcatraz, then must definitely eat at Fisherman's Wharf

Ice skating @Union Square
http://unionsquareicerink.com/

Muir Woods - if you family enjoys flora & fauna
http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attractio ... ornia.html


LV
Grand Canyon
Drive from LV to GC is a good distance. If ur dh wishes to chillax (and take a break from driving), might want to consider going with this tour company, Grand Adventures Tours to GC, http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Attractio ... evada.html

It's pricey but was really money well spent, in my opinion. It's a whole day activity (I think almost 15hrs in total - pickup 6.30am, arrive hotel about 9.30pm). They only take a small group (max is 9 pax) in a 15-seater van. Rates include driver-cum-guide, GC, Hoover Dam and Route 66 plus lunch (sandwiches and snacks). The rate also includes a 2-3 hr trek along one of the GC tracking trail. It was freezing cold but the spectacular view and once-in-a-lifetime experience made up for it. The guide accompanies and treks with you all the way.

Recommended to a friend who was on honeymoon this year and the couple was very happy with the tour too.

Factory Outlets (but of course... :evil: :moneyflies: )

HTH

[MMM]

Thanks schweppes for the info!


We went to most of those places for our honeymoon but now with kiddos, it’s a different experience. I recalled visiting the Yosemite park and did 17 mile scenic drive where we saw seals (we were with insight tour). But with self-drive, it’s definitely diff.

Yes the outlets!!! Haha just told dh this am oh btw, i saw 2 outlets that is frequently mentioned by tour co. Both of us still have lots of loots from our recent biz trip in US but yes, definitely going to outlets again. But after looking at the $ spent on airfare/ hotel/ car rental, I wonder if he will stop me.

Just feel so excited about the planning. But yes, thanks for magic castle. Keep the accomodation tips coming pls.

[thebusybee]

MMM:

Hi,


Need help on the following :
* Recommendations on accomodations in LA/ LV/ San francisco/ San Diego. We've 5 pax. Looking for somewhere convenient (we intend to drive so need not be next door), safe environment and reasonably priced. If possible, big enough to accomodate all in a room. Pls share.
* For rental car - anyone has experience with the insurance options or watchouts? My observation is that insurance can be almost the same price as rental. Can we buy in Singapore for coverage in US, etc...?
* What are the must go places in west coast. We have around 15 days and the last we went was during our honeymoon.

Kindly share all the tips.

Accommodations-

I suggest motels as they are available in most places, which usually have big family room to accommodate 5 pax. You don't have to pre-book and be restricted by the itineraries. Some can even negotiate price. It's convenient that you just park your car outside the room, imagine lugging your luggage from the carpark to hotel room, especially when you forget something.

Rental Car

We rent from Alamo 2 years ago, with coupons from the web (google it) which give good discount. After discount, our 3 weeks big Chrsyler MPV only US$500. You can find coupon codes online for other rental companies (Avis, Enterprise, Hertz). Join as member before booking to enjoy some discounts too.

Hubby always think not worth to take the insurance (CDW or access) from any rental company. The cars there are very new and reliable, with experienced good drivers and you will be extra careful driving with family.
Any small knocks, just go workshop, leave for half day, and get it repair for $50-$200, no worries.
Dents smaller than golf ball size and scratchlines less than 5 inches, they won't ask you pay, very relaxed on customers.

Must go places

LA - Disneyland and Universal Studio should be must for kids? Venice Beach to watch people. Beverly Hills to spot stars?

LV- Casinos and shows.

SF- Seafood, shopping, Chinese Restaurants,Golden Gate bridge, Coit Tower at Telegraph Hill. Drive around the scenic tourist drive following the brown sign.

If you are flying in/out same place- LAX. You might want to take the round-trip route :-
LA - LV - Grand Canyon - Death Valley - Yosemite - SF - LA via the beautiful coastal drive. But that's about 3000km of driving! Or add few more days (best a week) for slower pace!

*If $ not an issue, to save time, fly in/out LV, take local tour / rent a car to Grand Canyon, return to LA then pick up another vehicle.

Enjoy your planning.