I got an idea tell me what you think?

[Tink-n-Pink]

My boys 12, 9 and DH to ride roller coasters. I'm not much of a ride person and my DD who is 3 obviously isn't either. So I'm thinking of sending them to Magic Mountain one day without DD and myself. I was thinking of getting extra 3rd day passes for DD and I to DL. We could take in all the extra shows we missed and stand in line for things they weren't so keen on doing!

 

[DL4my2kids]

Dd.

 

[tinkcollector]

Hi I think this sounds like a fine idea. Just remember Magic Mountain is not around the corner, it is a long drive from DLR. Also, Magic Mountain is not open everyday, so do your homework. I'm definitely a coaster rider, and there is one at Magic Mountain I won't ride. I wish I could remember the name, it beat the heck out of my head!

 

[BillyFan]

This sounds like a great idea! If Magic Mountain isn't open, then I'd suggest Universal Studios. They have some really fun rides for older kids and adults, but I would not take a 3 year old there. BTW, I always suggest at least 3 days to see most of what you'd like to, so a third day with just the two of you could do the trick!

 

[Tink-n-Pink]

Hi I think this sounds like a fine idea. Just remember Magic Mountain is not around the corner, it is a long drive from DLR. Also, Magic Mountain is not open everyday, so do your homework. I'm definitely a coaster rider, and there is one at Magic Mountain I won't ride. I wish I could remember the name, it beat the heck out of my head!

How far away is Magic mountain from DLR? We have rental car and family close by DLR. The more I think about doing it the more excited I get! Hope the DH agrees!

 

[bouncy54]

How far away is Magic mountain from DLR? We have rental car and family close by DLR. The more I think about doing it the more excited I get! Hope the DH agrees!

Magic Mountain is about 60 miles north of DL, just off of I5.

 

[TripHHH]

Depending what time of day you do it, 60 miles on I-5 could take 2 hours or more. On a good day, it would be about 75-90 minutes. That's 3 hours roundtrip. Knott's Berry Farm is really close to Disneyland...about 5 miles or less is my guess. They have a few really good coasters there. Not as good as Magic Mountain, but much more convenient.

If you're planning on driving the older kids to Magic Mountain and picking them up later, you're looking at 5-6 hours on the road (for a 2 roundtrips) I would think.

 

[ctamama]

As I recall from our last trip, there are bus lines that run to Universal and Knotts...maybe even MM. If they were willing to bus it....

I think it's a great ida. we have split our group before too, so everyone could do what they wanted.

 

[audrabolster]

I would totally recommend Universal Studios- they are much more popular with the older kid group!

 

[mystic_path]

I think that is a fantastic idea. Everyone gets to do something they enjoy. You can always meet up later on in the evening to do something as a whole family and that will make the day seem really great.

 

[kellysa]

We did this last year. My DH took our DS (10) to Magic Mountain for the day while I took my DD (6) to California Adventure for the day. My DD and I went to the Ariel's Grotto for the princess lunch. It worked out great. The only problem was my husband got stuck in horrible rush hour traffic on the way back from Magic Mountain.
Kelly

 

[InLoveWithTheBeast]

I've never done Magic Mountain, but I think I would probably recommend it over Universal. Universal may be closer, but it doesn't have the same type of rides that most amusement parks have. No real roller coasters. Like others have said Knott's is closer. Overall, I think it's a great idea for you to spend an extra day in Disneyland while your S and H do something else.

 

[Disneyenthusiast]

When we were at MM last years ago, it was in BAD repair, there was some gang activity (the security guards followed them out), we got stuck on a water ride, the lights went out and the tram drivers all huddled together leaving us tourists in the dark in the parking lot to fend for ourselves! This was all in a single day!

Knotts has coasters and it would be much easier and faster for them to get there and back. Universal is nice if you haven't been there before.

As for MM, NEVER AGAIN!!!

 

[Illuminations_Rocks]

MM is basically only coasters - and it's awesome for that! DF and I went and did almost all of them - didn't do Superman because it looked too scary for me, haha, and didn't do Revolution because it wasn't operational. X is the most amazing coaster and it scared the heck out of my DF. He was done with the coasters after that one - said he's too old now. HAHA.

Anyway I've been on a lot of coasters - including Kingda Ka at Great Adventure and all of them (except Maverick because I didn't go this year) at Cedar Point... plus a gazillion others. It was definitely a good coaster park.

But, all that being said, I cannot stand the traffic getting from Disneyland to MM. I live north so I usually drive from MM to Disneyland and then pass MM on the way home. On a decent day it takes about 1 1/2 hours to get from DL to MM. If you don't mind the drive, it's worth it. But if you get stuck in traffic, it could ruin your day. I personally would go to Knott's, because they are more "coasters" than those you'd find at DL, but you don't have to deal with LA traffic to get to it. Heck, though, MM is cool for coasters, and if they're coaster fiends, go for it!

ETA: Oh, and most definitely, split from them and stay with your DD at DL!!!!!

 

[Tink-n-Pink]

Thanks for the advice everyone we are in the discussion stage. It really depends on whether my hubby wants to drive that far. They are all roller coaster freaks. I think they could drop us at DL and pick us up when they get back. We can always call family to pick us up! Thanks for all the advice you guys are the greatest!

 

[jlima]

Someone said it earlier in this thread, but CALL BEFORE YOU GO TO MAGIC MOUNTAIN AND BE SURE THEY ARE OPEN ON THE DAY YOU WANT TO GO!!! They are not open on weekdays in the off season . . . check and be sure they are open on the day you want to go.

 

[got2travel]

I agree with everyone else. MM is a GREAT coaster park but it is showing it's age, and it's no DL. Daytime, especially during the week, is not bad, but the crowd definitely changes at night. The guys will definitely love it, but they need to understand the drawbacks, long drive, long lines, possibility of some not so nice guests.

We've done Knotts, but got bored with it and left early. We'd much rather brave the elements at MM.


Side note - the latest coaster at MM, Tatsu, was so scary that my son and I turned it into a sort of curse word. When we get frustrated at something we'll yell out "Tatsu!"

 

[Rapunsel]

MM is usually only open on the weekends this time of year... So make sure you have that in mind.

Also people that are in the military can get into Knotts for Free and family members can get in for $13. Don't know if this applies to you or not.

Personally Knotts is an ok place and not that far. They have some pretty cool coasters that are close to MM.

MM is cool, but a long drive and you will be very dissapinted ther after visiting DL.