California Official Visitor's Guide 2009 - (Page 52) play » joy » theme parks Giant Dipper, Santa Cruz The Simpsons ride, Universal Studios Hollywood Magic Kingdom, Disneyland® Monterey Bay Aquarium LEGOLAND® California, where tiny, plastic bricks become fantastic scenes, including ancient Egypt and the Arctic. Nearby, be sure to visit the fascinating (and new) SEA LIFE® Aquarium. At the safari-like San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, the Journey Into Africa tram tour lets you observe giraffes, rhinos, and other spectacular wildlife. In San Diego, animals rule. At SeaWorld, Shamu the killer whale and other ocean animals are the stars of the show. Learn about pandas, koalas, gorillas, and hundreds of other endangered animals—and efforts to save them—at the incomparable San Diego Zoo. Northern California For screaming thrill rides, aim for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, in Vallejo, northeast of San Francisco. Tony Hawk’s Big Spin zooms riders through a “half-pipe” track. Also enjoy animal performances and character shows. In Santa Clara, California’s Great America offers thrill rides, shows, and concerts—some with fireworks. South along the coast, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk evokes a time when waterfront playlands reigned along the West Coast—there are still concerts at the bandstand. Ride the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, a designated National Historic Landmark, sending riders swooping and screaming since 1924. For a fish-eye view of the spectacular marine life native to the Pacific, head down to the Central Coast and Monterey Bay Aquarium, where floor-toceiling glass tanks are home to leopard sharks, wolf eels, giant octopi, and more. F rom the land of Mickey Mouse to underwater adventures, California’s theme parks let you lose yourself in fun-filled worlds. Take a look at what you’ll find. Southern California Say “hi” to Mickey and friends, and feel the magic of Anaheim’s Disneyland® Park, especially at night when it lights up with parades and fireworks. Next door at Disney’s California Adventure®, take a simulated hang glider tour in Soarin’ Over California, or ride the adrenalin-pumping The Twilight Zone 52 Tower of Terror. In Buena Park’s Knott’s Berry Farm, enjoy 160 acres of rides and attractions for all ages, including Camp Snoopy, where the Peanuts characters come to life. At Universal Studios Hollywood, you can tour movie and TV back lots, and enjoy fun rides and shows. The brand-new The Simpsons ride lets you feel like you’re part of the popular TV show. Farther north in Valencia, Six Flags Magic Mountain is known for thrill rides, including the X2 coaster that hurtles riders at up to 76 miles per hour. South on the coast in Carlsbad, discover visitcalifornia.com CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: PAUL HIFFMEYER/DISNEYLAND®; ALEXA MILLER; COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD; ALEXA MILLER surprises New rides and classic fun all over California theme park http://www.visitcalifornia.com
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