what theme park to do

[petrymom]

We are going to Disneyland in March and have rented a car for 1 day on 3-15-10 with the intention of going to a different theme park or something.

We have 2 kids - 15 and 10. Where would you suggest to go? I see that Magic Mountain will be closed that day. Is Universal okay? Other suggestions?

Thanks!!!

 

[LavenderPeach]

I've always liked Universal Studios but I haven't been in quite awhile so not sure what it's like now. The first time i went was when i was 5 and there really weren't a lot of rides back then. It was more like a studio tour with the tram ride and then there were presentations (shows?) about how they added sound effects to movies, etc. So I guess i've never looked at it as being all about the rides. I've always had fun there but I know some people have said they were diappointed with it.

Have you looked at Knott's Berry Farm? Again, some people have been disappointed but i've heard others say it's great if you're looking to do a lot of roller coasters. I haven't been there in a long time either so can't really comment on what it's like now.

Or there's Sea World down in San Diego. We went there a couple of years ago and had a great time. Not many rides there though.

I guess it depends on what your kids like. If they only want roller coasters then maybe knott's. If they are interested in movie stuff and also some rides, then US would be good. If they want to see whales, etc then go to SW.

Other ideas of non-theme park things would be catalina island, USS Midway (aircraft carrier) in San Diego, Queen Mary, Pasadena area (Gamble house, huntington library, etc), Hollywood stuff (although personally, i wouldn't recommend this since there's not much to see), Skiing/Snowboarding up at Big Bear, Aerial Tram ride in Palm Springs (probably snow up there too).

Hope that helps a little. Good luck planning and have fun on your trip!

 

[LavenderPeach]

One more comment, it's probably just as well that Magic Mountain is closed. I've heard it's kind of icky these days with scary looking people hanging out there.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

IMO stay away from Knotts. Icky and gross!
How about Sea World?
Universal is ok if you are into shows and not as many rides, and enjoy the whole moviemaking process. I work in the film industry for a living, so get pretty bored there pretty quickly. At Universal there is City Walk (free) and we LOVE it there. Great restaurants and it has a really fun vibe and is full of energy and great smells!

Are you into the Hollywood thing? You could go to Hollywood & Highland during the day (park there) and that area is a lot of fun. Manns chinese theater, take a bus tour, disney soda fountain is right there....also a VERY cool restaurant called U-Wink. Its a computerized restaurant - go look it up. My daughter is 13 and LOVES it.
You could do the hollywood thing, drive around beverly hills and then go up to City Walk in the evening for dinner.
Personally, I find that way more fun than another theme park!

 

[lcasa]

Universal is ok - there is 1 great ride there - the Simpsons Ride - and a couple of fun ones besides. It is more about shows and the movie set tram - but you can spend a day there. Citywalk just outside the park is pretty cool too - speciality shops and restaurants in a nice open setting.

Knotts does have some good wild coasters, but lost it's charm when the family sold it.

Sea World sort of similar to Universal in that it has just a few rides and is all about rushing to try to see all the shows. Takes some scheduling to do it.

The 'or something' opens things up a lot more. In March the beaches will still be cool (most likely, hard to tell these days) but might be worth a trip to Huntington or Newport to explore. The Long Beach acquarium is very good as well - and Long Beach (in that area) has some other cool stuff to see - Seaport Village, Harbor Cruises ( sometimes whale watching ), the Queen Mary.

 

[DreaminDisney529]

Honestly, I would recommend you just do Disney, skip the other theme parks all together, and do more CA-related things like visit the beaches, drive down the PCH, drive through hollywood, and other things people have mentioned.

With Knotts and MM you get what you pay for (i.e. $25 ticket=$25 experience). And IMO Universal and Sea World are way overpriced for what you get. Save yourself the $100 or more on admissions for those places and do something else