Hi Julie,
You're correct it is hectic with some early starts but well worth it to fit everything in. Quite a bit of travel but the with plenty of stop offs on route seeing some fantastic places (Carmel, Solvang, Monterrey, Santa Barbara, 17 mile drive, Long Beach, San Jacinto cable car, Calico ghost town, etc).
Universal Studios is fantastic we had 7 hours there and only saw half what I wanted to see.
Our 18 (11 ladies 7 men) had a age range from 27 to 77 but everyone got on so well.
I'll add it was my first JY holiday and I enjoyed it that much I booked Treasures of Andalucia on my return whichI did in november. Got Discover Mallorca (april) and Parks & Canyons (june) booked so far this year.
Mick