Southern California

Recently returned from a vacation with 12 people to Southern California and have some tips. First, if you can purchase the CityPass that is a great value to be able to see several parks. Second, go early in June for the best weather and the shortest lines... just remember during the first week of June the schools in California are not out but they are doing their senior or class trips. We made this mistake and on Tuesday we barely rode any rides before finally deciding to leave for the day essentially losing out on one day of our hopper pass.

Also, the next day they were having a senior thing and the park closed at 9 pm when normal is midnight. They also canceled the fireworks on one night but had them the next night with no notice that they were so missed them altogether.

If you are not staying at a hotel in the park, I highly recommend walking if you are not a long distance away this makes it very convenient for you to get in and out of the park in a hurry. AND use FASTPASS where ever you can. It beats the heck out of waiting.

We also went to Universal and this was optimal, there were no lines whatsoever, and it was a very pleasant day. HINT: Go during the week days to avoid crowds. Get the tram out of the way then the rides and if time the shows. If you hate rides, go see the shows.

We went to Sea World in San Diego also, and they have some really neat new rides but guess what you have to pay for them!!!! aaargh in addition to the fee to get into the park they charge you to pet the animals (if you want a private tour and have 15 people the 3 hr is the best way but book early because if they do not have someone there they can not do a same day tour). Otherwise expect to pay between 35-90 per person to interact with the critters.

I highly recommend the dining with Shamu it was 39.00 per adult and 19.00 for the kids 3-9 but it was well worth it. (they charge 42.00 pp to interact with the dolphins etc for 15 minutes, not worth it). The dinner is excellent an all you can eat terrific buffet right by the pool where one of the killer whales will put on a show for you right by your tables. We went to the Shamu show right after and it was disappointing after being so close at dinner to the action. Did I mention the food was excellent... wide variety of choices and great desserts. Drinks included including 2 beers if you happen to drink. Even the tightest tightwad will enjoy this one.

Now on to the San Diego Wild Animal Park... wow I did not know what to expect, but I definitely did not expect that the price of admission only gets you in the gate. They too are on the pay per do system, if you want to take the tram out to where the animals are it was 10 dollars for adults and 7 for the kids (this in addition to entrance fee). They have a balloon ride, premier seating on trams, and every thing else at a cost. By the time you add in all the fees it is more expensive than going to Sea World which is a much better value. The best bargain found at the Wild Animal Park was that if you bought a souvenir cup you got free refills the whole day on soda. Lets just say we saw a few Gorillas, and some birds but that was about the extent of it. The walk is too far to go see the animals and it was just plain too hot. I could not see paying another 10 dollars for a tram ride.

We decided if we had it to do over we would skip the zoo and animal park and go to the pier in Long Beach and go out on the boat for 45 minutes to see whales, seals and dolphins (cost 10.00 adults and 6.00 for children).

Every park allowed us to take bottle water and small snacks. No one allowed full fledged lunches into their parks so dont try it, they check each bag thoroughly. No flavored waters either just plain old H2O.

If there is a choice for preferred parking or non preferred take the preferred you will be glad you did for the few dollars additonal you are right up close to your destination.

If anyone has feedback or has a question let me know. We traveled with a 3 month old, 2-4yr olds, 10 yr old and 8 adults.


aquatiqs@hotmail.com

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