Real Family Itinerary: Hollywood and Disneyland with Kids (7 Days)
From Hollywood and Warner Bros. to Disneyland: Explore the iconic landmarks that make Los Angeles the ultimate destination for TV, movie, and Disney lovers.
When a Trip Is About More Than Just Where You Go
Not every trip is about crossing sights off a list. Some are about timing, meaning, and creating joy when it matters most.
For Maria and her family, this trip to California wasn’t just about visiting someplace new. It was about turning the page — and filling that space with moments they would never forget.
After painful years marked by loss, including the passing of both of her parents and the sale of her childhood home, she wanted to mark this new chapter with something happy.
Something for her family. Something filled with light.
Hollywood and Disneyland weren’t random picks. They were places they had talked about, imagined, and hoped to experience together — each tied to stories and memories that had long been part of their lives.
A visit to the Warner Bros. Lot & Friends experience.
A Disneyland trip her mom had always dreamed of — one she had hoped to take for her own 60th birthday, but sadly never had the chance.
And a grand finale wrapped in fireworks and Pixar Fest magic — the kind of joyful ending every great trip deserves.
She came to us with the idea. We built the rest — thoughtfully, personally, and with the kind of care that makes a trip feel like it was made just for them.
How We Planned It: Thoughtful, Personal, and Built Around Them
When Maria reached out, her must-do list was refreshingly simple.
→ Visit the Warner Bros. Lot and take the Friends tour.
→ Celebrate their family love of Luca & Cars at Pixar Fest.
Everything else? She left in our hands.
And that’s where this trip started to become something more. This wasn’t about booking a standard package or following a pre-set route. It was about building every day — and every decision — around them. Not just where to go, but how to make it feel right for their family.
Thoughtfully planned from the start — every Real Family Itinerary begins with a vision crafted just for you.
Before the itinerary was even finalized, we brought the vision to life in a way that felt completely personal — presenting her proposal in true Friends style, crafted just for her. The moment she opened it, she was swept away. This wasn’t a standard plan. It felt special, tailored, and exactly what she hoped this trip could be.
We started with the foundation: pacing.
Jumping right into Disney felt rushed. By beginning in Hollywood, they could ease into the trip after a long cross-country flight, take in the sights, and settle into vacation mode before heading into the magic of Disneyland. (And ending with Disney? Always the best way to wrap up a family adventure.)
From there, we focused on logistics.
Los Angeles can be overwhelming for first-timers, and proximity matters — a lot. With young kids, first-time visitors, and major sights on the wishlist, we carefully curated hotel options that balanced location, comfort, and family-friendly convenience.
We considered them all. Charming spots like The Garland, retro gems like Safari Inn and The Tangerine, and easy, well-known names near the action.
From start to finish, every Real Family Itinerary is thoughtfully mapped — from Hollywood highlights to Disneyland dreams.
In the end, The Hollywood Roosevelt was the right fit. Yes, it’s right in the heart of Hollywood — steps from the Walk of Fame and Chinese Theatre — but that was part of the appeal. It gave them front-row access to everything they wanted to see, while offering something more the moment they stepped inside.
Classic glamour, timeless energy, and that unmistakable old Hollywood charm created the perfect backdrop for their first big California adventure.
Each day was mapped with care: priority access for must-see experiences, smart pacing to avoid burnout, and built-in downtime for pool breaks, spontaneous stops (like the perfect photo spot for the Hollywood Sign), and time to simply be together.
From the very start, Maria knew this trip would be different.
For a family who had been through so much — and for someone who gives so much to others — the trip was already delivering what mattered most before they ever boarded the plane.
And once they arrived, the vision we had thoughtfully built began to come to life, with Hollywood setting the stage for everything to come.
Hollywood with Kids: A Family-Friendly Itinerary Full of Big Moments and Movie Magic
Visiting Hollywood with kids feels instantly familiar and exciting — and for Maria, sharing it with her family made it even more meaningful than she expected.
Movies, shows, and pop culture had always been part of her life. Now, experiencing it all in person — and sharing it with her kids — added a whole new layer of magic.
This part of the trip was crafted to be both iconic and easy to enjoy. Every day was designed to offer the big moments they dreamed of, while giving them plenty of space to relax and take it all in.
🎬 The Friends Tour — A Full Circle Moment
At the top of their list was the Warner Bros. Studio Tour — and for good reason. Friends had always been part of Maria’s family story. It was comfort, connection, and countless hours spent laughing together through the years.
Walking onto the lot and stepping onto the set made it all feel real. Sitting on the iconic Central Perk couch alongside her daughter became more than just a fun photo stop — it was a shared moment they knew they would never forget.
It was personal, special, and one of the standout highlights of their Hollywood adventure.
⭐ Exploring Hollywood — Famous Sights and Family Fun
First-time favorites — iconic sights and family fun exploring Hollywood.
Outside of the studio tour, they soaked in everything that makes Hollywood such a classic family destination.
They wandered the Hollywood Walk of Fame, searching for favorite stars and capturing photos along the way.
They stopped at the TCL Chinese Theatre, comparing handprints and marveling at the history right beneath their feet. And of course, they couldn’t miss the drive up into the hills for the best view of the Hollywood Sign — the kind of "we’re really here" moment that every first-timer dreams about.
For the kids, it was pure fun. For Maria, it felt meaningful — standing in the places tied to stories she had loved growing up, now made even better by experiencing them together as a family.
🏨 The Hollywood Roosevelt — More Than Just a Place to Stay
Little moments in a legendary place — from wandering the historic hallways to discovering hidden gems at The Hollywood Roosevelt.
Each night, they returned to The Hollywood Roosevelt — which quickly became more than just a hotel.
With its central location and timeless old Hollywood charm, it felt like part of the experience itself. Maria called it “phenomenal,” and shared how much she loved the energy of being in the middle of it all — stepping outside to spot stars along the sidewalk or walking across the street to legendary theaters.
It was the perfect balance of location, comfort, and a little bit of movie magic — exactly right for this stage of the trip.
By the time they wrapped up their time in Hollywood, they had experienced everything they hoped for — and so much more.
It was the perfect start to their California adventure: iconic, personal, and full of family-first moments that would set the tone for what came next.
Disneyland with Kids: Pixar Fest, Family Magic, and the Perfect Grand Finale
Arriving in style — ready for the most magical part of the journey.
After an unforgettable start in Hollywood, it was time for the next chapter of the trip — and the part Maria’s family had been counting down to from the start.
Visiting Disneyland with kids is always magical, but arriving during Pixar Fest added an extra layer of color, energy, and joy. And for this family, it wasn’t just about the rides or the parks — it was about sharing moments that felt personal and unforgettable.
🎉 Pixar Fest and Meeting Luca and Alberto — A Dream Come True
Meeting Luca and Alberto — a special Pixar Fest moment they’ll never forget.
At the top of their Disneyland wish list was seeing Luca and Alberto in person. This wasn’t just another meet-and-greet — it was special. A connection to their Italian roots and a personal highlight Maria’s son couldn’t wait for.
Meeting the characters delivered exactly what they had hoped. Not only did Luca and Alberto make them feel welcome during their visit, but later that day, they spotted them again during the parade — and were greeted with waves and recognition that made the kids feel like true VIPs.
For Maria, it was one of those signature Disney moments you can’t plan for, but that stay with you forever. A story they’d tell — and smile about — for years to come.
🎢 Classic Disneyland Days — Easy, Flexible, and Full of Fun
Pixar playtime — from spinning with Bing Bong to meeting Lightning McQueen, these moments brought big smiles and even bigger family fun at Disney California Adventure.
Pixar Fest brought plenty of extra magic, but they also built in time to simply enjoy the parks.
Thanks to smart planning and a thoughtful pace, each day felt relaxed and easy. They used early entry, had reservations secured in advance, and moved through the parks without pressure — giving them the freedom to hop between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, revisit favorite attractions, and embrace spontaneous moments throughout the day.
For families visiting Disneyland with kids, this is where the magic really happens. It wasn’t about rushing. It was about enjoying — and creating memories without the stress.
🌟 It’s a Small World, Fireworks, and the Perfect Ending
A practically perfect day — meeting Mary Poppins at It’s a Small World, and celebrating something even bigger: life, joy, and the chance to make these magical memories together.
As the trip drew to a close, one of the most emotional moments came in the most classic Disney way: Sitting outside It’s a Small World, surrounded by popcorn, bubble wands, and laughter, watching the fireworks light up the sky.
For Maria, this simple moment — the kids twirling and giggling, the magic unfolding right in front of them — was what Disney does best.
Not just big thrills, but real family magic.
It was the perfect way to end the trip. Unhurried, joyful, and filled with gratitude for every memory they had made together.
By the time they said goodbye to Disneyland, this trip had become so much more than a vacation.
It was personal, thoughtful, and full of moments they hadn’t just hoped for — but truly lived. The grand finale delivered everything they wanted and more… and left them already dreaming about what’s next.
Why It Worked: Thoughtful Planning, Seamless Moments, and a Trip They’ll Never Forget
For Maria, this wasn’t just about checking destinations off a list. It was about closing one chapter and creating a new one — filled with joy, adventure, and the kind of memories that bring a family even closer together.
And from start to finish, that’s exactly what this trip delivered.
Every day was thoughtfully built around what mattered most to them. From the Friends set to Pixar Fest, Luca and Alberto to the quiet magic of fireworks at It’s a Small World, every moment felt purposeful and personal — never rushed or packaged.
For Maria, one memory stood out above all: watching her kids, bubble wands in hand, sitting outside It’s a Small World at night, completely immersed in the magic. It was simple, unscripted, and everything she hoped this trip would be.
“One of my favorite parts of the trip, which seems so silly, was sitting in front of It’s a Small World, watching the fireworks with popcorn and bubble wands. Seeing my kids so happy — twirling, laughing, and just being in that moment — is something I will never forget.”
The impact didn’t end when the trip did. In fact, it’s still unfolding. Lucy, her 7-year-old, made a decision shortly after they returned home — no birthday party this year or big celebration for her First Communion. She just wanted to go back to Disneyland.
And they are!
Next chapter already in motion — Maria and her family will return to Disneyland this spring to celebrate Walt Disney’s 70th, continuing a story that’s far from over.
Later this spring, Maria and her family will head back to Disneyland to celebrate Walt Disney’s 70th birthday — a new trip, a new itinerary, and another chance to make more memories together.
That’s what a trip like this does. It doesn’t end when the bags are unpacked. It becomes part of your family’s story — and inspires the next adventure.
Ready to Plan Your Own Real Family Itinerary?
The best family trips aren’t about doing it all. They’re about doing what matters — in a way that feels personal, thoughtful, and just right for your family.
For Maria and her family, that meant a trip that wove together iconic sights, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and time to simply be together. A trip that felt seamless and special from the moment they saw their custom itinerary — and one they were already ready to relive before they even got home.
That’s exactly what we do at Magic Journeys.
Every Real Family Itinerary is crafted with care and designed around your family’s style, pace, and dreams. Whether it’s Disneyland, Europe, or destinations still on your list, we’re here to make it happen — thoughtfully, personally, and with plenty of magic.
📩 Ready to start planning? Contact us at hello@wearemagicjourneys.com or send us a DM on Instagram @wearemagicjourneys.
➡️ More Real Family Itineraries: See how another family explored London, Paris & Disneyland Paris →
About the Author
Lindsey Rinaudo is a family travel expert, Disney specialist, and co-owner of Magic Journeys. After years of planning magical vacations for families — including her own — she’s passionate about creating itineraries that blend bucket list destinations with comfort and ease. From Hollywood to Disneyland, Lindsey shares real-world tips and firsthand experience to help families plan trips that are as fun and memorable as they are stress-free.
