Anyone know anything about Catalina Island or 6 flags?

[ebutte]

Does any one whos been to Catalina Island think its worth a day trip over? Other than what AAA lists in there book did you find enough to keep you busy from 10am -9pm? Also in 1995 when we were down we went to 6 flags it was so backed we left in 2 hours and got our $ back does anyone know if say a Wednesday like may 8th would be bad we are rollar coaster nuts but man between the crowds and the type of crowds-pushy rude teens, i dont know if its worth another attempt, whats your view?Thanks in advance for info. Oh like i saidwe will be dowm mid may will your kids still be in school? Lisa

 

[Michelle]

Hi Lisa! I LOVE Catalina Island, but I'm not sure if a day trip is worth it or not. The main city of Avalon is a tiny little place, and there is a little beach area and water activities, plus the usual restaurants and shops. We like to stay there for at least a long weekend and up to a week at some condo rentals they have on the island. That's when you can really enjoy the beauty and seclusion of Catalina...it's not really a place that's going to keep you busy for a full day. It's great when you want to de-stress and relax.

If you want more info about what's available on Catalina, try:

www.catalina.com



Michelle
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[Tink33]

Catalina Island is beautiful. We spent 3 days there last June. I think if you take a couple of tours then you could fill a day. There are bus tours, casino tours, snorkeling tours, boat tours... You can rent a boat, kayak or snorkeling equipment. For a very secluded day, take the boat to Two Harbors. You will have the beach to yourself.

 

[swinginevilmike]

In my opinion Six Flags is the greatest coaster park in the world. I have been to Cedar Point, Alton Towers and most other Coaster parks and they don't measure up at all. Six Flags is definetly worth the trip. The crowds can get a little rough but since you are planning to go on a Wednesday the crowds should not be that bad and May 8th schools will still be in session so the teen factor won't be there. The teens that will be there have chaperones so no need to worry there. If you need any more info let me know.

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[mettlerca]

I've gone Catalina for a day trip and it's great! I'd recommend renting a golf cart for a few hours to tool around the island and see some of the sites or take a tour. If you plan on going make sure that you book the boat or helicopter in advance (especially if you're planning on going on a weekend). It's definitely a great trip! Have fun

 

[GracieB]

You must see Catalina--the beauty is almost impossible to describe--it looks like a mediterranean isle and is so lovely and uncommercial. You can take a guided tour to the top of the mountain or go snorkeling or just relax on the beach....very picturesque and "real." Please don't pass up this chance to see one of the loveliest places on earth.

Have a *magical* trip!

 

[Euphscott]

I will be taking a cruise in April. We stop at Catalina one day. Being a cruise person yourself Michelle, could you suggest something that woudl be good for a cruise visit?

And to keep my post on topic - we are booked for the Grand Californian in October to get our Disney fix!

Scott in TX

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=navy>I've been to Catalina a couple of times. Although Avalon is the only town on the island, they offer a lot of tours. We took a tour of the island-that was fun. I also like the glass-bottomed boat. You can rent golf carts, but can only drive them in town.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is a lot of fun. If you're going to be there in May you shouldn't have a problem. We were there on 7/3/96 and the crowds were minimal to moderate. We also went twice last October, and had a blast with moderate crowds.

<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=#FF0066>Mary Jo

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[ebutte]

Man thank you guys so very much for the helpful info,and quick responces. Pixy dust is being sent to you all!! Ok so now i've reserved the catalina express for Sunday may 6th. I really didnt want to be in a park on the weekend anyhow. We love to snorkel so i'll be sure to back bathing suits and our gear along with us this day. I'll also try booking the glass bottom boat tour my mom will love that! This kinda now looks like our schedual any commments or sugestions? Also how do i find out when fireworks and parades are at DL and DCA i know these tricks for WDW but not for DL.
Sat 5\5 fly in arrive at 10:45 am {emerald isle and off to hotel}Beach or
Tar pits and that night Midevil times dinner theatre
Sunday 5\6 Catalina Island
Mon. 5\7 Disneyland from e-entry till park closing then downtown disney if still open
Tue 5\8 Disneyland CA. Adv. park opening till closing
Wed. 5\9 6 flags magic mountain
Thurs. 5\10 Universals
Fri off to stay in San Diego for 2 nights at Catamaran Resort 5\11 quick trip to Mexico and then night cruise on mission bay
Sat balboa park and trolley tours
Sunday 5\13 early morning sail boat rental from hotel then cheack out and finish doing some things in San Diego dont know what mothers day lunch at rusty pelician then late that night head back up to Anaheim to first hotel
Mon. 5\14 Disneyland E-entry
Tues 5\15 DCA for 1\2 day rainforest cafe late lunch leave for airport at 3:00
So how's this sound
I know i want to eat one day at Blue Bayue in DL but other than that and one meal at rainforest for rosta pasta we are open for meal sugestions. Thanks again for all your wonderful help you guys are awsome!! Lisa

 

[swinginevilmike]

Avalon Cove is a good restaurant in DCA and I highly suggest going there when your at DCA. For Universal don't eat inside the park. After working there for three years I haven't found a consistently good place. Camacho's is a good Mexican restaurant,Daily grill is a average priced restaurant that severs American cuisine. There is also a Tony Roma's and California Pizza Kitchen if your interested in those. They also have a Food court by the movie theatre with Panda Express, Tommy's (hamburgers), Gaucho grill (south american)There is also a Sit down Italian restaurant called Beppo. I haven't tried it personal but I've heard good things. Hope this helps a little.

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[minniemse]

We went over for the day and wished we knew then
what we know now, the trip over and back is neat
but the amount of time it leaves you on the island is short. We tried to pack in everything and came up very short. But if you go make sure you do the glass bottom boat if you have kids and
if you have the time do the weekend, I know that we will next time.

 

[jesdmill1]

We went to Catalina on our last trip - it's really beautiful - coming up on it I was so excited - it's so natural and unspoiled! We went in the water, played mini golf, shopped and ate - didn't really stay too long, but it was really fun. One thing though - we took the Catalina Express and that boat really bothered me - it goes really fast and skips up and down in the water. My friend who was with us got sick! But then, she also got sick on star tours at dl the next day so... but if you get seasick at all you might be better with the slower boat.

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[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=navy>I recommend drammamine or something like that if you get seasick... A cool thing for us on the glass-bottomed boat tour is that the kids & I had just seen a 3-d Imax film on California coast life, and here we were seeing the same things we saw in the film - awesome!!

On the day you get in... The La Brea Tarpits are great, but note that they are across town. I would think that two hours there would be good to see the actual tarpits and then check out the museum (they have the items excavated in there) - but give yourself time to get back to get in line for Medieval Times (located down the street from Knotts Berry Farm.

I also recommend on the DCA day to maybe not stay until it closes because you'll be so exhausted by the time you hit Magic Mountain, & you'll need all your energy for those fun coasters.

I also agree with Mike - eat at Avalon Cove at DCA - food is delish & atmosphere is wonderful.

In San Diego you can check out Old Town or the Boardwalk - both nice places. You'll like Balboa Park - I was very impressed and want to go spend more time there.

Sounds like a fun trip.

<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=#FF0066>Mary Jo

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[mettlerca]

Snorkeling at Catalina is really nice but cold. If you snorkel just off the casino area there's a protected cove for scuba diving and snorkeling. On the weekends you should be able to rent a wet suit to help you keep warm. If you're lucky you might see some seals playing in the kelp forest

 

[ebutte]

You guys are so wonderful!! :] :] Thank you so much for all the great tips. I'll for sure let you all know what it all was like when we get back. Or actually maybe 2 days or so after we return. We are commando type vacationers so we need to rest from our vacations. Hey another ? has anyone eaten at Disneys MothersDay Special buffet? Its listeed in Birnbaum's 2001 guide as a real special thing. Thanks again Lisa