Tours from Howard Johnson

[momy9805]

Gray Line is really good, they run a tight ship, have always been on time and the drivers are really friendly and know their "stuff". We were actually booked to go to Tijuana on May 26. Before we got on the bus she asked us if we had our passports (we're Canadian) and our green cards. We looked at each other and went "Green cards?"

Apparently the airport was supposed to give us green cards to put into our passport. We had no idea. She said she'd double check on that and sure enough. We carried onto the bus depot and when we got there she came back and told us that without the green cards our passports weren't going to be enough to bring us back trouble free. She said dh and I wouldn't have trouble coming back into the US because we both have another picture id. (driver's licence). However we'd have trouble bringing our 3 boys (10, 7 and 2) back because we don't have another picture id for them. Needless to say we didn't chance it. So, we just went back to Disneyland again which they gave us a free ride back to.

Remember though in your budget that they are charging an additional $2 per paying person for your tours. This is to help with the raise in fuel costs. So for example, there are 5 of us in our family but our littlest one is 2 so we didn't have to pay the bus cost for him. So for us to go to Legoland, Universal Studios and Medieval Times, we paid an additional $8 each time. Adds up. $24 extra!

[iris64]

I'm from Australia and was told by so many people that never forget to tip when in America. Is this true. One of our friends forgot to and was stop and question about the service that was provided. "Isn't the service not good enough for you" was the question. We don't tip in Australia and I would like to know more about it. Don't want to be told off by anyone.
Can we add in the tips with the bill through cerdit cards.

[HoJo Helper]

I'm from Australia and was told by so many people that never forget to tip when in America. Is this true. One of our friends forgot to and was stop and question about the service that was provided. "Isn't the service not good enough for you" was the question. We don't tip in Australia and I would like to know more about it. Don't want to be told off by anyone.
Can we add in the tips with the bill through cerdit cards.

Tipping for services [waitstaff, taxi drivers, etc.] is pretty standard here in the US, and there is usually a separate line just under the initial charge on your credit receipt designated for the adding in of gratuity.

Tipping is a way to let your servers know that you appreciate their service, and it also works as kind of a grading scale; a larger tip generally indicates that you were very pleased with the level of service they provided, a smaller tip that you were displeased, and no tip that you felt as though you were not served at all.

That being said though, I think that if someone snapped at you for forgetting/choosing not to tip- well, they probably don't deserve one!

I hope this helps!
Lorealle

[iris64]

Thanks Lorealle for the info on tipping.
What would an average tip be recommended.
Yeah I agree with you that if someone is rude and demands for one then they should not deserve one. But if tipping is part of the service I will gladly give one. No worries.
It's less then 3 weeks before we check in the H.J hotel. Can't wait ! Hope our room is in a good location for the views.
See Ya
Iris Ellison

[Disneyelf]

My sister & I with our neice will be out there mid-august - before we cruise back to Florida

I was looking into the half day Hollywood tour since we won't have much time -- does anyone know where they go and do they let you get off the bus for pictures ? Any reviews ? Thanks for your help

[waltandmickey]

This is so awesome, I just called greyline myself and found out something incredibly great. They have a package I guess you would call it, that is not on the website for those with a citypass, called citypass transportation I think. It is only $95 per person. That will save me having to drive down to San diego and stay somewhere else for 2 days and saves me the gas both down and back. I love HOJO and if I can swing a couple extra days here I will do it. I just wanted to pass on the awesomeness of citypass transportation. That is so cool.

Richard

p.s. I tend to ramble I hope that all made sense

[waltandmickey]

but wait there's more. In the citypass if it is included there is a coupon to get the same transportation for $72. I was also assured it will run though at least the end of the year.

Awesomeness to the next level
well sorta
(can you tell I am excited??)

[vinceamy]

Thanks for all this info question if i buy a ticket for grey bus thing what time will bus depart from Hojo eg we want to go to Universal studios park opens at 9am or 10am want to be there bout 10 min before. Is there any time where the bus leaves at like 7 or 8am? Thanks

[Fran]

Hi Lorealle! My daughter and I will be staying with you in June, and we are wondering if there is any way to do a day trip to Hollywood from HoJo. We will not be renting a car, so we'd need to use public transportation there and back. We'd like to do some sort of tour there, but yet be able to return to HoJo at a reasonable hour. Thanks so much! Fran

[Darkbeer]

OK, you have a few choices. One is to use a Tour Package. I know that HoJo's works with Gray Line. Here is a list of tours from Anaheim, including a few options that include Hollywood. (One does include the popular Homes of the Movie stars Tour).

http://www.coachamerica.com/graylineana ... rs_ana.cfm

The front desk at HoJo's can help you get tickets, if you don't want to book online.

Or you can do it yourself using public transportation.

Your best option is a combination of Bus, Train and Subway.

You can start the trip by either catching the OCTA Route 43 going northbound to the Fullerton Station (which is about 3 miles north of HoJo's on Harbor Blvd), or getting a taxi. (The bus runs about every 15 minute most of the day, nearest stop is near the Disneyland Pedestrian Entrance Crosswalk).

Then catch one of two types of trains.

The cheaper option is the Metrolink, a commuter service during the week, with a few trains on the weekend. One big benefit, your LA Metro Subway trips and the return trip on the OCTA bus would be free with your Metrolink ticket. The main drawback, limited service, especially in the evening.

www.Metrolinktrains.com

Or you can catch the Amtrak, more trains throughout the day, including in the evening, but more expensive. One nice benefit, Amtrak does offer a Bar Car, where you can get Food and/or Drink while on the train.

www.amtrak.com

Take the Train to Union Station, and then transfer to the Metro Red Line (the stop is located at Union Station) to Hollywood. I recommend getting off at Hollywood and Highland. Plenty to see, and you have a lot of short tours being offered from the area. (Or just walk around).

www.metro.net

Hope that helps.

www.octa.net