Laughing Lindsay

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The Time I Met Bob Gurr

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Back in September, I traveled to California and I met Bob Gurr! So, I thought I would relive that experience by sharing it with my readers.

I Met Bob Gurr

I Met Bob Gurr

Unless you are a theme park nerd, then you are probably wondering who Bob Gurr is and why I would write an entire post about meeting him. Bob Gurr is a former Disney Imagineer! In fact, he was hired by and worked alongside Walt Disney himself! Mr. Gurr is responsible for many popular Disney parks ride vehicles, including the Haunted Mansion Doombuggies! He also helped work on the T-Rex animatronic for the 1993 Jurassic Park movie! So, if you’ve visited a Disney park or seen Jurassic Park (or 1998’s Godzilla), then you have Bob Gurr to thank!

How I Met Bob Gurr

Back in my The Garland Hotel review, I mentioned that I had plans on Sunday in the Burbank area. Those plans were to meet Bob Gurr! I initially booked his Waltland tour to see places that were relevant to both Mr. Gurr’s life and Walt Disney’s life. Unfortunately, Mr. Gurr has been having back issues so the bus tour was cancelled. In fact, they don’t expect him to resume those tours due to his back. In place of the tour, they invited everyone who had purchased a ticket to Bob’s house! I excitedly rsvp’ed yes to the alternate plans and eagerly awaited the day to meet Bob Gurr.

His House

While we didn’t get to ride around LA on a bus seeing the historic sites, we did get to see a pre-recorded video of Bob giving the tour a few years back while seated in his garage! Next, we went out to his backyard for lunch! Sidenote: Bob has an amazing backyard with magnficient views of mountains and a valley!

I had purchased upgraded seats on the bus to be near Mr. Gurr. Since the bus tour didn’t happen, they allowed those of us who had paid extra to sit with Bob for lunch! It was so neat to have a small group conversation with this legend. I will never forget hearing stories over a turkey sandwich with the beautiful mountain backdrop.

Following lunch, we got to have self-guided tours of his home. It was so neat to see various artifacts from Bob’s life and work up close! After that, there was a larger group Q & A session that we listened in on. Lastly, the day ended with a personal meet and greet with Bob himself. We were allowed to purchased some items for him to sign as well.

A Day to Remember

For a Disney parks fan, this was an amazing day that I won’t forget. I’m forever grateful that I was able to meet Bob Gurr, get his autograph, and see his home. It was a true bucket list item for me.

Have you ever met Bob Gurr?

El Capitan Theatre Tour Review

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Back in September, while visiting California I went down to Hollywood for a guided El Capitan Theatre Tour! I couldn’t find many reviews prior to my trip, so I wanted to be sure to write one myself.

El Capitan Theatre Tour

El Capitan Theatre Tour

Just a primer for anyone reading this who doesn’t know, the El Capitan Theatre has a storied history. It’s perhaps most-known for being the theater willing to premiere Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane film. However, there’s so much more to its history. Additionally, for any Disney fans reading, the building is currently owned by Disney. In fact, Disney Hollywood premieres (and lots of press events) are held here. Jimmy Kimmel’s show is currently filmed next door. So, the building has lots of history and would be of interest to many different types of people.

Scheduling a Tour

Similar to scheduling a tour at the other famous Hollywood theatres, it’s a matter of luck of the draw if it fits your schedule or not. They do not publish the tour schedule online. In fact, you have to call to actually book a tour. I was able to get a schedule of tours via email a few weeks out. Once again, the other historical theatres don’t know their tour schedules more than a few weeks out either. Since they are historical and located in Hollywood, they are often used for premieres, award shows, and press events. So, they can’t schedule tours too far out.

Currently, the tour costs $25/person and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Tours are typically available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I had a tour on a Saturday afternoon.

The Tour

I was shocked to discover that I was the only person to book my tour time slot. So, I was lucky enough to get a solo tour of the theatre! It was so neat to learn more about the history of this building and to be able to ask questions freely. I enjoyed learning about the restoration efforts that took place when Disney came in, especially the detail about having to remove years of smoke from the ornate celing.

It was surreal to go backstage and be able to step on the stage itself! It was so cool to be reminded of the various events that took place right on that very stage! I also got to go into the Richard & Robert Sherman Star Dressing Room! If you know anything about the Disney Parks history, then you who they are! Well, they named the dressing room here after them!

I also got to see the organ up close. It’s a beautiful piece! I also got to see some unique equipment that is used to put people on stage and there’s one even used in Fantasmic! So, that’s a was another nice park reference!

I also got to go behind the theatre and see the back entrance to Jimmy Kimmel! It was neat to realize just how many famous people have been right where I was standing!

Souvenirs

The tour ends with some small gifts. They provide you with a free bag of popcorn and a El Capitan Theatre postcard featuring Mickey & Minnie Mouse! I thought both of those were a nice touch. I was hoping for a little more theatre specific merch in the ice cream shop next door, but only saw one shirt. So, a postcard is a nice way to remember this tour.

Is the El Capitan Theatre Tour worth it?

At only $25/person and 45 minutes, I think this tour is very much worth it. It would be the perfect Hollywood activity for any movie buffs or Disney fans. I enjoyed being somewhere historic and hearing stories about the place. It was a nice addition to my Disney history evening in LA since I had dinner at Tam O’Shanter after my tour.

The Garland Hotel Review

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Back in September, I spent a night at The Garland Hotel while visiting Hollywood. So, I thought I would do a review of my stay.

The Garland Hotel

The Garland Hotel

Prior to my stay in Anaheim back in September, I spent the night in north Hollywood. I selected The Garland Hotel for my one night stay due to its location, history, and calm vibes. Plus, I appreciated the on-site restaurant.

The History

For those who don’t know, The Garland Hotel was initially built by actress Beverly Garland and her husband, along with a Las Vegas hotelier back in the 1970s. It was built to be an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Today, the hotel is run by Beverly’s son James. So, it’s still a family run business.

The Location

One of the reasons I chose this hotel is for its location. I flew into Burbank airport so that I would be closer to my plans for Sunday, which included going to Bob Gurr’s home and meeting him! So, I wanted something in between Burbank and Anahiem. This hotel stuck out as something in between the two locations, but with a relaxing vibe.

Let the Good Times Roll

The Garland is truly a relaxing oasis outside the hustle and bustle of LA. I instantly felt more relaxed when I got out of the car and entered the property. If you are someone like me who isn’t accustomed to the city life or someone who wants a break from the traffic, then this may be a great option for you.

Garland Hotel Premium King Bed

Since this was a solo trip, I indulged with a king bed. It felt wonderful to have a huge bed all to myself. The room was more than adequate for my one night stay. Although, I did have some issues getting the sliding glass door to the patio to close securely. Also, the shower was interesting without a door to close. I also heard some loud people in the hallways since I went to bed earlier than some folks (I’m from the East Coast and this was during Halloween Horror Nights season). Overall though, I’d say it was a comfortable place to stay.

Front Yard Restaurant

A quick note on the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Eat there! The hotel special that I booked came with a dining credit that I was able to use at the restaurant. I got a grilled chicken sandwich (the Socal Chicken Sandwich) and a Wildberry Pop Tart at brunch when I arrived. I was starving and it filled me up. In fact, I saved the majority of the tasty Pop Tart for breakfast the next day and it was still good. I highly recommend trying this restaurant if you are staying here. It’s definitely worth it.

Pros

  • Relaxing vibes – This was a nice change of pace from the crowds and chaos of Hollywood.
  • Location – It’s excellent for a visit to Burbank and/or Hollywood.
  • Cool history – There’s even a documentary on the hotel tv about Beverly Garland. I recommend checking it out during your stay.
  • Great food – The Front Yard is a great restaurant. It’s super convenient too.
  • Friendly staff – Everyone I encountered here was really friendly and helpful.
  • Luggage storage – Since I had plans in the area on Sunday, luggage storage was very important to me. I was pleased that they were able to store my luggage securely.

Cons

  • Balcony door – I had housekeeping look at my door and they had to get maintenance to come close it securely. I was afraid to pull too hard on it to check to see if was closed securely afterwards. However, I consider that door a con as it’s difficult to know it’s closed for sure.
  • Shower doesn’t have a door – The shower set up is interesting, but I have since had another shower without a closing door on it at another hotel. So, I assume this is fashionable now.
  • Some noise – While this was definitely quieter than staying in Hollywood, I still heard some loud people in the hallways. However, that’s almost par for the course at hotels these days. Also, it didn’t go on for too long.
  • Tad pricey – Then again, all hotels in this area are expensive. I paid $315 for the daily rate, which came to $377.80 after taxes. However, that also includes a dining credit that I used for two meals.

Is The Garland Hotel worth it?

I found The Garland Hotel to be a relaxing experience with good food. I’d stay here again. I think it’s worth it if you are doing things in the area and want a break from Hollywood.

Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour Review

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I recently had the chance to take the Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour with my mom. So, I thought I would share what that entailed.

Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour

Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour

Back in June, my mom and I took the Summer Tour. During that tour, our tour guide recommended that we come back to do the Christmas tour specifically. He said that it was the best seasonal tour they offer. So, when we planned a return trip during the holidays, we knew we wanted to try it out as well.

This tour typically costs $79, but Gold and Diamond passholders receive a $5/$10 discount. When I renewed my pass for 2026, I upgraded to the Diamond. I was able to receive my Diamond discount of $10 when I booked this tour online a week out.

The Tour

The tour technically begins at 6:30. However, you are instructed to check in prior to 5 PM. That’s because similar to the I Will Always Love You Tour, you start the tour with reserved seating for a show! We had reserved seats for the 5:30 showing of the Christmas in the Smokies show. Following the show, we got to take a picture with some of the actors from the show. Then, we moved outside for a quick restroom break. Then, we made our way over to the train where we had reserved seats for a ride.

Following the train ride, we moved to the in park chapel for the carolers. Unfortunately, the tour didn’t include reserved seating for this show. Rather, everyone just had to stand and watch. After the show, we were able to take another picture with the group of carolers.

After that, it was snack time! Everyone was given a mini loaf of cinnamon bread and a hot chocolate to enjoy. Then, the tour ended in Wildwood Grove where we were able to see the Snow in the Grove show.

Is the Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour worth it?

As with anything, value is subjective. However, this tour is probably only worth it for a select group of people. For starters, it’s a fast paced tour. My mom struggled to keep up with the group. I don’t think this tour is great for people with mobility issues or children. While it was great to have guaranteed seating for the show and for the train ride, the rest of the tour you can do on your own. Additionally, this eats up a lot of time. The show was at 5:30 and the tour ended around 8 PM. We didn’t get to see all of the park’s decor and didn’t have time to stop for pictures of the park. So, I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for first time goers with only one park day.

This tour is ideal for repeat park goers who want to experience the park in a new way. I also encourage everyone to consider if they and their loved ones are in good enough shape to be walking briskly around the park prior to booking this one. While I enjoyed the tour, it wore my mom out. So, just keep in mind each person’s needs and wants before booking this tour.

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg Guide

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Last year, I was able to experience Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg! So, I thought I would help anyone else planning a trip with a guide!

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg actually begins around Thanksgiving and goes until the first Saturday of January. The special fireworks, Grand Illumination, takes place on the first three Saturdays of December. With lots of add-on experiences taking place during this time of the year, I highly recommend looking at the holiday planner to see what events are taking place when you visit.

Holiday Decor

While the holiday decor is more muted/basic than contemporary times, it is still beautiful. I loved spotting the various themed wreaths on the different buildings. There’s a holiday decor tour that I wish we had taken that goes into more detail about the decor. There’s also classes to make your own wreaths and centerpieces. So, I think that makes it a unique holiday travel destination. Plus, it’s neat to learn about the early traditions.

I also would encourage everyone to walk over to the resort’s hotels to see their holiday decor. It’s more modern and looks pretty!

Grand Illuminations

I think the peak holiday entertainment at CW is Grand Illuminations. That’s the special fireworks they do on the first three Saturdays in December. Since they do the fireworks so infrequently, it gets really crowded. I highly recommend staying on property if you are visiting on a day with fireworks just to avoid the mess of parking and driving.

Also, don’t miss all of the free entertainment happening prior to the fireworks. It was really cold, but we enjoyed gathering around the fire and listening to the various groups caroling.

Add-on Experiences

While the fireworks and the like are included with regular admission, there are lots of add-on experiences available during the holidays. From decor tours to wreath making classes. There’s probably something for everyone. The only add-on my mom and I did was Christmastide at the Courthouse. Held on Friday nights and costing $19/adult, it was a lovely way to begin our Christmas trip to CW. The musicians played some historical tunes and told us about Colonial holidays. It was a really interesting program that I enjoyed lots. I think it was well worth the price paid and would do it again if I go back.

Markets

If you are visiting on a Saturday, then there are lots of markets you can check out. Williamsburg has one in walking distance. My mom purchased some Christmas gifts at that one. We also watched some folks ice skate. Yorktown also hosts a holiday market. Basically, you can find lots of local vendors with very little work.

Bonus: Celebration in Lights

If you are hankering for some modern Christmas lights, then head up the road to Newport News. We enjoyed the drive thru Celebration in Lights show. It features two miles of holiday scenes and over one million lights! If you are in the area and like Christmas lights, I think it’s worth checking out!

Tips

  • Book accommodations early – We booked our Colonial House lodging in February for December as things were already booking up! So, book your accommodations as soon as you know you are going!
  • Book dining early – Staying on property allowed us to book things early. We booked our Williamsburg Inn Holiday Tea in early/mid September and it was booked up pretty quickly. We also booked a dinner at one of the Taverns in advance. Basically, keep an eye out for reservations to open up in the Fall and book them as soon as you can.
  • Check out the events calendar – CW puts out an updated holiday planner around early September. I highly recommend consulting it to see what special events are taking place during your trip.
  • Do some add-on experiences – My mom didn’t feel like doing much on this trip. However, I hope I get to go back someday and do some of the add-on tours/classes.
  • Be prepared for crowds – Saturday (the day of the fireworks) was the most crowded I’ve ever seen Williamsburg. Visiting the shops reminded me of visiting a theme park. There were people everywhere I turned. Also, I suspect 2026 will be even more crowded since the US is celebrating its 250th Anniversary.
  • Lodging is expensive – The holidays are definitely the busiest time of the year for CW. As such, they charge a premium for lodging. Just know that you are going to pay more to stay there during this time of the year.
  • Pack warm clothes – It was really cold when we visited. I wore multiple layers and my heaviest coat. You will want a scarf, hat, and gloves too! Bundle up!

Should you visit Colonial Williamsburg at Christmas?

While Williamsburg is more subdued at the holidays than some other locations, it’s still a gorgeous location to visit. It’s perfect for history buffs to learn about the history of the country/state and its early holiday celebrations. It’s also a good location for a more leisurely trip than somewhere like Orlando.