Southern California Theme Parks
What's New at Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Diego Zoo and More
Apr 24, 2007
If your summer vacation plans call for a trip to Southern California, chances are you'll hit at least one of the area's mega theme parks. Always wanting to keep repeat visitors entertained, each has rolled out new attractions or activities in the last year.
SeaWorld San Diego Shamu, the world-famous whale, dolphins, sharks and many more marine creatures make their home at SeaWorld, which features rides, shows and interactive attractions. The 320-foot Skytower ride just got a major face lift, and visitors can now enjoy the March of Flamingos, a parade of the two-footed birds down park pathways.
San Diego Zoo This world-renowned zoo in downtown San Diego celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. The latest additions are snow leopards, transferred from other U.S. zoos, as well as a recently born red river hog piglets, a bear cub and a siamang baby (that’s a monkey type of mammal found in Malaysia). Read more about the San Diego Zoo here.
San Diego Wild Animal Park This animal park is affiliated with, but not adjacent to, the San Diego Zoo. It’s actually 35 miles north of San Diego, east of Escondido. New this year is the Journey into Africa tour where visitors board an open-sided vehicle for a 2.5-mile ride through Africa’s desert, mountain and forest habitats. View giraffes, rhinos, gazelles and more. Read more about the Wild Animal Park here.
Legoland The interactive rides a this theme park are hit especially with kids between ages 4 and 8. But there's something for everyone here--from toddler play areas and water rides to roller coasters and fun live shows. New this year is Miniland Las Vegas, a replica of the famous Strip made entirely out of Legos. Other nifty sculptures include the New York City skyline, NASA Space Center. dinosaurs, fire trucks, pirates and many more found throughout the park. Also new this year is Captain Cranky's Challenge--a ride in the Pirate Shores water-park area.
Six Flags Magic Mountain & Hurricane Harbor Get your thrills on wild coasters, tamer toddler rides or on humongous water slides and rides at these theme parks just outside Los Angeles in Valencia. The newest ride to debut at Magic Mountain is Tatsu, dubbed the “tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster on Earth."
Universal Studios Hollywood At this working movie studio and theme park, meet Shrek, Spiderman and Sponge Bob, take a studio tour and visit attractions based on blockbuster movies, in Universal City, just north of downtown L.A. At the new Hollywood House of Horrors, make your way through a freaky maze and try to avoid Dracula, Frankenstein, Chucky and other horrifying characters.
Disneyland & California Adventure Park Satisfy all ages with a visit to Anaheim: Disneyland for a princess-loving preschooler and adjacent California Adventure for older kids who like more exciting rides. New Disneyland attractions include Nemo’s Submarine and Jedi Training Academy; new at California Adventure is the High School Musical Pep Rally.
If you plan to visit many of the above parks during one West Coast vacation, check out the Southern California City Pass. The ticket booklet gives you discounted entry to the famous attractions for $235/adut and $189/child.
