How to go to a non Disney theme park?

[PinkBudgie]

DH and I were saying that we should get away somewhere just for the day once a month. Sort of a day trip to somewhere different. He suggested Marine World (now Six Flags Discovery Kingdom). I went to the site and found out parking is $20! That's more than Disneyland! Then I read that they do not allow you to bring outside food in. I know DLR says that too, but this sounds much more strict. Special diets must be declared and stamped so they know they are approved. Ticket prices depend on the day. I look at some other online info about them and found out they do a full metal detector but are not careful about watching your belongings while it is in their custody. Then I read some more about not being able to bring your backpack on some rides but must rent lockers while you ride. And they charge you for their version of FPs. This is why I have such a hard time going to non Disney theme parks. I think it might fun to try but when I research it, it seems so much more stressful. Up here we also have Great America. And it is definitely cheaper than Discovery Kingdom, although I might not mind just seeing the animals there and skipping the wild rides.

Any thoughts or opinions about going to non Disney parks? Did you keep comparing it to Disney? Were you disappointed? Anyone been to any up here in Northern California?

 

[WTFetus]

I just went to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and it's alright for a place to go once every few years, but nothing more. Decent shows, some rides are alright, but other rides are too intense for me. And yeah, the intense roller coasters do not allow you to bring backpacks onto the rides. You either have to pay for their lockers, or have someone stay behind to hold your stuff.
Great America is pretty much all intense roller-coasters. Not my type of park.
I'm heading to Santa Cruz this weekend. Haven't been there in over a decade so I wonder how that'll be.
I'd recommend heading to Water World or Raging Waters, but with summer ending, that is probably not a good idea anymore.

Nothing compares to DLR. It's not just the rides (I like how nothing is too intense), but the atmosphere. The Disney magic is just irreplaceable.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Yeah, I feel like it will lack that special something. Oh well, not sure if we will end up going or not. Maybe we'll be on the look out for other excursions. I'd be interested to know how you like Santa Cruz. My boys have been recently, but I haven't.

 

[lana772]

We did season passes to Discovery Kingdom several years in a row. It is nothing magical like Disneyland, but made for an easy day trip for us during school breaks. It is fun, but not the same feeling as DL. We did do the Dolphin Discovery that was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend that.
Here are a few pictures of why we like it.

 

[lana772]

You can get a season pass with parking. It was cheaper than one day at DL.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Great pics! It is the animals that would interest me most there, just like the "old days". Not the crazy coasters. I like coasters but I'm not interested in going upside down standing up. Do you think it is worth a day there if you don't go on the big rides?

 

[lana772]

Great pics! It is the animals that would interest me most there, just like the "old days". Not the crazy coasters. I like coasters but I'm not interested in going upside down standing up. Do you think it is worth a day there if you don't go on the big rides?

Yes. DD12 and DH have ridden all the rides, but DD10 and I have ridden very few. The shows are great. There are several "extras"that you can do. -trainer for a day- animal feedings- dolphin Discovery and others that are worth every penny.

The food is very typical "fair style" food. We usually eat a big breakfast at the Carl's Jr across the street from the park. Then have a corn dog or Panda Express in the park late in the afternoon. As an evening snack the funnel cake sundaes at Cold Stone in the park easily feeds a family of 4. Then we have a late dinner at Applebees in Pleasanton on the way home. Very different than how we do DL, but it really is a totally different experience and you have to approach it as such.

Adding- you do get an AP discount on food and "extras".

 

[lana772]

Oh yeah! Ride the elephants! Makes for a great family portrait.

 

[Pinup Mommy]

I have recently discovered this is a issue for my daughter (3 yo) we are DL locals and visit the park about once a week. We spent a lot time there in the last month since my daughter is on her summer break. last Friday I thought it would be nice to change it up and visit the LA Zoo , especially since the SoCal APs are once again active and wanted to avoid the crowds.

First off it was hot, super hot up in the hills, DD became a bit cranky since there was no IASW to cool off in. She asked where the roller coaster was. We did find the carrousel , which is beautiful. Every animal on the carrousel is unique and carved out of solid wood. It was fun to see all the zoo animal, took plenty of pictures, pressed some pennies and enjoyed lunch by the lions for a total of 98.00 dollars for 3.5 hours. The price break out per visit to DL is actually more cost effective.

Over all we had a good time, but as we were leaving DD asked when the parade was going to run. LMAO

 

[PinkBudgie]

Yes. DD12 and DH have ridden all the rides, but DD10 and I have ridden very few. The shows are great. There are several "extras"that you can do. -trainer for a day- animal feedings- dolphin Discovery and others that are worth every penny.

The food is very typical "fair style" food. We usually eat a big breakfast at the Carl's Jr across the street from the park. Then have a corn dog or Panda Express in the park late in the afternoon. As an evening snack the funnel cake sundaes at Cold Stone in the park easily feeds a family of 4. Then we have a late dinner at Applebees in Pleasanton on the way home. Very different than how we do DL, but it really is a totally different experience and you have to approach it as such.

Adding- you do get an AP discount on food and "extras".

Oh yeah! Ride the elephants! Makes for a great family portrait.

Well, the boys are living at home, but in college so this is just for DH and I!

That sounds like a good way to do it. Do they really check for snacks very carefully? I guess if I had to, I'd bring my protein bars and tell them I need them for hypoglycemia, which I do. I carry one with me everywhere. Can you bring a bottle of water in? Or an empty water bottle?

I have recently discovered this is a issue for my daughter (3 yo) we are DL locals and visit the park about once a week. We spent a lot time there in the last month since my daughter is on her summer break. last Friday I thought it would be nice to change it up and visit the LA Zoo , especially since the SoCal APs are once again active and wanted to avoid the crowds.

First off it was hot, super hot up in the hills, DD became a bit cranky since there was no IASW to cool off in. She asked where the roller coaster was. We did find the carrousel , which is beautiful. Every animal on the carrousel is unique and carved out of solid wood. It was fun to see all the zoo animal, took plenty of pictures, pressed some pennies and enjoyed lunch by the lions for a total of 98.00 dollars for 3.5 hours. The price break out per visit to DL is actually more cost effective.

Over all we had a good time, but as we were leaving DD asked when the parade was going to run. LMAO

She knows what's important in a theme park! I think I'm just so spoiled on Disney. In spite of the recent price increases, I still have to say it is a good value for all you get. We should go back to SF zoo too. Haven't been there in years. Always wanted to see the San Diego zoo and Monterey Bay Aquarium but those are not day trips. Have to stick to Northern California for now.

I'm also open to any other ideas of places to visit for the day.

 

[WTFetus]

I have recently discovered this is a issue for my daughter (3 yo) we are DL locals and visit the park about once a week. We spent a lot time there in the last month since my daughter is on her summer break. last Friday I thought it would be nice to change it up and visit the LA Zoo , especially since the SoCal APs are once again active and wanted to avoid the crowds.

First off it was hot, super hot up in the hills, DD became a bit cranky since there was no IASW to cool off in. She asked where the roller coaster was. We did find the carrousel , which is beautiful. Every animal on the carrousel is unique and carved out of solid wood. It was fun to see all the zoo animal, took plenty of pictures, pressed some pennies and enjoyed lunch by the lions for a total of 98.00 dollars for 3.5 hours. The price break out per visit to DL is actually more cost effective.

Over all we had a good time, but as we were leaving DD asked when the parade was going to run. LMAO

Haha, that's awesome. It's easier for you SoCal people though. If you're sick of DLR (can't see how that's possible), you still have Universal Studios Hollywood, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, etc. Plus you could just walk around DTD. You get the Disney magic atmosphere without having to pay admission!

She knows what's important in a theme park! I think I'm just so spoiled on Disney. In spite of the recent price increases, I still have to say it is a good value for all you get. We should go back to SF zoo too. Haven't been there in years. Always wanted to see the San Diego zoo and Monterey Bay Aquarium but those are not day trips. Have to stick to Northern California for now.

I'm also open to any other ideas of places to visit for the day.

They aren't exactly theme parks, but have you visited the renovated Academy of Sciences and Exploratorium lately? I thought both of those places were awesome. No rides or anything, but good exhibits and scenery (kinda like the other half of Epcot).


For Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, you could bring water bottles in no problem. They don't check your bags too thoroughly so you could probably sneak some snacks in too. You could probably tell them about your condition and they'll let it fly.

 

[BirdsSingWords]

How to visit a non Disney theme park? With low expectations.

My sister and her kids just visited that same Six Flags a few weeks ago. She can't stop talking about how it was pretty dirty, poorly maintained, and how a corn dog lunch for the 4 of them cost $50 (and that you had to buy the combo, with fries and drink, even for kids, no a la carte ordering).

Her verdict? "We're sticking with Disneyland from now on, even though that means going less often!"

I didn't go with them -- captive marine mammals just upset me too much.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Haha, that's awesome. It's easier for you SoCal people though. If you're sick of DLR (can't see how that's possible), you still have Universal Studios Hollywood, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, etc. Plus you could just walk around DTD. You get the Disney magic atmosphere without having to pay admission!



They aren't exactly theme parks, but have you visited the renovated Academy of Sciences and Exploratorium lately? I thought both of those places were awesome. No rides or anything, but good exhibits and scenery (kinda like the other half of Epcot).

We went to the Academy of Sciences and the Walt Disney Family museum all in one day last year. Sort of whirl wind but we liked them both. I haven't been to the Exploratorium in a long time. I love that science-y stuff. I used to go when I was a child and then we took our boys. But it seemed a little run down like things worn and broken. The San Jose Tech Museum was really nice when we went about 5 years ago.


For Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, you could bring water bottles in no problem. They don't check your bags too thoroughly so you could probably sneak some snacks in too. You could probably tell them about your condition and they'll let it fly.

How to visit a non Disney theme park? With low expectations.

My sister and her kids just visited that same Six Flags a few weeks ago. She can't stop talking about how it was pretty dirty, poorly maintained, and how a corn dog lunch for the 4 of them cost $50 (and that you had to buy the combo, with fries and drink, even for kids, no a la carte ordering).

Her verdict? "We're sticking with Disneyland from now on, even though that means going less often!"

I didn't go with them -- captive marine mammals just upset me too much.

What your sister describes sounds like what I imagine.
DH had been wanting to go to Knott's Berry Farm for years (because he loved it as a child) while we were down at DLR and I kept putting him off. Finally we had planned to stay an extra day just to go and then we get an invitation to Club 33 for that day. So guess which won out!

 

[WTFetus]

You should definitely head back to the Exploratorium. They renovated and moved to the Pier now (just opened a few months ago). The place is huge now and has new exhibits.

 

[lana772]

What your sister describes sounds like what I imagine.
DH had been wanting to go to Knott's Berry Farm for years (because he loved it as a child) while we were down at DLR and I kept putting him off. Finally we had planned to stay an extra day just to go and then we get an invitation to Club 33 for that day. So guess which won out!

I will agree about the lack of cleanliness. I was a bit shocked when I went in the bathroom. As far as food prices go, I don't think they are that much different. We do eat MUCH better at DL. Also our DL APs cost $649. Our Six Flags APs cost $59 and a $55 for year parking pass.
....dollar per dollar it is still a great value.

Adding- Keep in mind that Six Flags APs are a calendar year (so right now they are only good for 4 months)... but right now they are offering some fantastic deals. -Free parking- Free Fright Fest- and a dining deal where for $84 you get 2 meals a day every day you go (if you process APs in the park at same time as food deal it is for the rest of the year).

If you are just looking for an easy day trip Six Flags is a good option, but it is NOT the vacation destination that DL is.

 

[PinkBudgie]

You should definitely head back to the Exploratorium. They renovated and moved to the Pier now (just opened a few months ago). The place is huge now and has new exhibits.

I didn't realize that. Have to go see it now.

I will agree about the lack of cleanliness. I was a bit shocked when I went in the bathroom. As far as food prices go, I don't think they are that much different. We do eat MUCH better at DL. Also our DL APs cost $649. Our Six Flags APs cost $59 and a $55 for year parking pass.
....dollar per dollar it is still a great value.

Adding- Keep in mind that Six Flags APs are a calendar year (so right now they are only good for 4 months)... but right now they are offering some fantastic deals. -Free parking- Free Fright Fest- and a dining deal where for $84 you get 2 meals a day every day you go.

If you are just looking for an easy day trip Six Flags is a good option, but it is NOT the vacation destination that DL is.

Yep, just looking for a day trip that will be an interesting break from the work week.

 

[WTFetus]

Just got back from Santa Cruz. Pretty much spent the whole day there!

It's still no Disneyland, but I'd say it's the best possible alternative in NorCal. Great place to just spend the day. Weather is good, beach is great, rides are awesome.
I recommend heading to Costco to get your Boardwalk passes. It's a great deal (2 unlimited ride wristbands + 2 of laser tag/bowling/laser maze/mini golf for a little over $50).

 

[lana772]

Be careful with Santa Cruz. We went twice this year (once over Spring Break and once in June) and both times some of the beaches were closed because of sewage contamination. I will now only go to the beaches south of there.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Be careful with Santa Cruz. We went twice this year (once over Spring Break and once in June) and both times some of the beaches were closed because of sewage contamination. I will now only go to the beaches south of there.

Eww! Didn't hear that. We were just in Half Moon Bay last weekend for DH's high school reunion and those beaches were fine.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

How to do to a non-Disney theme park...with a completely different attitude and set of expectations.

It's been a few years since we've done Discovery Kingdom, but we have gone many times. It was good for what you described, a day trip to change things up a bit during dull times. It's no Disneyland in terms of atmosphere, cleanliness, or much else. I'm not a thrill ride junkie, so that part doesn't appeal. We liked the sea life and other animal shows. We would also walk through the butterfly habitat. The boys would ride some of the rides (we actually haven't been back since they've been tall enough for the real intense rides). We would occasionally take friends with us. Water was fine for getting in, and I know I managed to get some snacks and peanut butter sandwiches in for the kids in the past. The idea was to not be too obvious about it. Also, you could keep a cooler in the car and go back and eat at the car then head back to the park if you want a really extended day. We had a tendency to stay only 5-6 hours and go home, but some of those times we had season passes and could always go back.

Our family goes to Santa Cruz once per year, and that experience has grown on me. We don't go down to the beach to play anymore, for one thing I'm not a beach person, and for another it's often cold, and then there are certain issues about sanitariness and safety and so forth, but I do like the pretty views available from the beaches and cliffs. We also like to explore the little museums, the downtown area, and some of the restaurants. We go to the Boardwalk each year, and I feel that environment has improved over the last couple of years in terms of cleanliness and just the general feel of the place. It's open and pay as you go or you can buy ride wrist bands. I agree with the previous poster who mentioned that CostCo has the best deal for the wristbands. You can carry your own food and drink or buy any of a huge variety of fried foods, plus there's ice cream, candy, and a few other types of foods. Prices aren't really that bad if you're used to Disney food pricing. There are arcades, mini golf, and a bowling alley to add to the fun.

So - for some non-amusement park day trip suggestions...
Museums in general. We like the Walt Disney Museum and have been a couple times. I bought a family membership last year, so we have also been having a good time visiting other museums using the reciprocal benefit without feeling rushed or feeling we have to stay for hours and hours each visit to make it worth it. Sometimes we all go as a family, sometimes DH and I go just the two of us. We've most recently been to the Crocker in Sacramento and the de Young in San Francisco. We're going to try the Exploratorium with the boys sometime in the next few months since we haven't been before the move.

Even if you don't want to go to the museums, visiting Golden Gate Park or the Presidio on a nice day can be fun. DH and I went and just walked all around Golden Gate Park for a few hours one Saturday when the boys were gone on a scouting trip.

Tours. Have you been to the Jelly Belly tour in Fairfield lately? Granted it's not as interesting on the weekends since the workers are relaxing at home, but you get a video tour and can look down onto the candy making and sorting floors and see the different stations and machinery. Then there are free samples afterwards and, of course, the opportunity to buy too much candy. I heard there's a Tcho Chocolate Factory tour in San Francisco, located fairly close to the Exploratorium, and I would like to try that sometime.

I always feel like all we ever do is Disney, but I see now that we do manage to get around a bit in northern California too. Disney is still my favorite by far, but there are obviously plenty of closer-to-home possibilities to explore.