Help on trip to California?

Jokercoaster · #1 05-26-2002, 06:50 PM

I'm going to California in July with a friend and I need help on a few things. Ok we're going to SFMM and either DCA or Disneyland, which is should I chose? We're also doin a third park, but I'm not sure which one we should go to, is KBF worth it, or would another park be better? We also get to go to one waterpark, which one should we chose, Hurricane Harbor, Soak City USA or Raging Waters? And any other tips about places to stay eat inside the parks and where to stay for the best value or coasters to hit cause I'm really looking forward to riding X? Any help is good, cause I've never been to the west coast before.

VomitComet · #2 06-06-2002, 04:36 PM

i am you, i am in a very similar predicament. i have never been on any parks in Cali and am taking a trip this year. My question is merely DCA or disneyland cuase we are positive we are going to KBF, SFMM, and PGA. PLease answer me!

Sir Willow · #3 06-06-2002, 04:55 PM

Deciding which parks to go to and what to do depends a lot on what you like to do at parks as well as where you are staying.

In regards to water parks, if you're staying near Magic Mountain, than Hurricane Harbor is the place to go. Closer to Anaheim? Then Knott's Soak City. Raging Waters in San Dimas is a pretty good drive from either one.

but you run into the same problem when deciding whether or not to go to DL or DCA. What do you want to see adn experience in the park? And how long are you going to be there? One day is not enough to see and experience everything in Disneyland. Shoot, we weren't able to do it in 2 1/2 on a very slow week last September. DCA is a good one day park. DCA has more "thrill" rides, but Disneyland is far more immersive. Ideally I would plan a stay of 3 days total between the 2 parks and get a park hopper pass so you can go back and forth between them. Otherwise check out what attractions are in each and then go with the park that sounds more interesting.

Oh, and Knott's is a great park and well worth the day you'll spend there. In all honesty, of the 4 major parks in the area, all 4 are winners and I wouldn't want to pick one over the others.

Sir Willow · #4 06-06-2002, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by VomitComet
i am you, i am in a very similar predicament. i have never been on any parks in Cali and am taking a trip this year. My question is merely DCA or disneyland cuase we are positive we are going to KBF, SFMM, and PGA. PLease answer me!

Almost missed this. Be well aware that PGA is a 6-8 hour drive away from the other parks, being up near the other end of the state. If you're vacationing in So. Cal, forget PGA. It's not anywhere close. (same goes for SFMW, which is up in the Bay Area like PGA is)

Aaron · #5 06-06-2002, 08:39 PM

The big SoCal thrill park, Magic Mountain, is obviously a must-see. Easily one of the best collections of roller coasters anywhere in the world. X alone is worth the trip. Be prepared for the heat and the crowds, though. July isn't MM's hottest time, but expect it to be at least 90 degrees, and pretty crowded. I would highly recommend visiting KBF. Ghostrider is one the best and most intense wooden roller coasters around. Also, Xcelerator should be open by then, although I make no guarentees that it will be running the particular day that you go. As for the Disneyland/DCA delimia, I would take Disneyland over DCA. Although DCA has more in the way of thrill rides, Disneyland has a better atmosphere, and it's one of those parks that you can spend a few days visiting and still keep seeing new parts of it. If you have the time, you might want to explore beyond Los Angeles. If you take Highway 1 to Highway 101, you pass right along the coast. It's a great senic drive. In the other direction, San Diego is a nice place to visit, if you have the time. And as Sir Willow said, PGA is several hours away, so it may not be worth the drive.