Places To Go In Southern California  Orange County, Southern California     Anaheim Disneyland 1313 Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA  92802-2398 (714) 533-6840  MAP   Disney's California Adventure 1313 Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA  92802-2398 (714) 781-4565 Although it requires its own separate admission, Disney's California adventure is immediately adjoining the original park and visitors (with a hopper pass) can walk back and forth between the two parks across the central plaza that lies between them.   The logic for adding California adventure seems to be to simply add more space for more theme rides about more Disney Movies, thus lessening the gap between Disney World Resort and Disneyland.  Brother Bear attractions dot a section about the rugged Sierra Mountains (A Golden State), A Bug's Life is wedded to a focus on California agriculture (A Bug's Land).  That said, the park does have some enjoyable and worth mentioning features.  [see map] Soarin' Over California -- This was an excellent attraction, equally enjoyable and breathtaking for preschoolers up through grandparents and every age in between.   Ride (safely) simulates the experience of soaring in a hang glider over many of California's natural wonders and signature sceneries.  Extremely educational and realistic, and just a whole lot of fun to boot.   Grab your group some "fast passes" and come back at the appointed time to miss the long line.  We took the little guy over to Bug's Land to pass the time.   Muppet Vision 3-D -- One of the best attractions simply because it is both entertaining...and a good long "sit-down".  Layered humor works for tots, older siblings and parents.  And the effects are simply marvelous, even for those weaned on Disney-Pixar DVDs.   Redwood Creek Challenge Trail -- We loved this attraction because its varied activities were short on lines and heavy on body-moving  interactive fun.  Run, climb, crawl, explore, and play with other kids.  Parents will find a variety of benches and faux rocks on which to rest their weary exteriors.  Plenty of shade opportunities too.   The "kiddie rides" in A Bug's Land -- Lines were relatively short for a profusion of typical carnival rides jazzed up by impressive Disney "Imagineers" style decor.  Giant faux plants, Images of Bug's Life characters, and general whimsy.   And the snack stand offers the chance for a drink and a bite without the ridiculously long lines of most Disney food stands.   Dining at Ariel's Grotto --  On the surface this looks like ridiculously overpriced dining.   But don't be fooled!  We cannot emphasize this enough:  food elsewhere in the park -- or anywhere else in Disneyland -- will end up costing you just as much money in the long run as your family meal at Ariel's Grotto.   Your food order at Ariel's grotto includes drinks (and refills), appetizers, soup/salad, a generously sized entree, and desert plus a complementary souvenir (that on its own runs $5 or more elsewhere in the park).  All this without the horrendous lines and slow food prep times that come with those darn food stands.   (Where do they hire these food stand people from?) Plus at Ariel's Grotto... a bevy of Disney princesses will glide to your table while you dine to chat with your children, sign autograph books, and pose for photos with your children.  What's more everyone, servers and princesses alike, will address your child as "my Prince" or "Princess", accordingly, and treat mom and dad like honored dignitaries.   All while you sit and enjoy a well-prepared meal and a well deserved rest.  As if this were not enough, the view is fabulous.  Dine in the evening and you'll ooh and ahh over the colorful lights of Paradise Pier and it's many rides.  Time it just right and you can watch the Main Street Electric Parade pass by, right from your table or the surrounding balcony.   But be warned, most dining is outside!  So be sure to dress in layers, with sweaters or coats for evening.  There are outdoor heaters overhead, but they are not always enough if the wind picks up.  And bring your camera and autograph books!      Buena Park Knotts Berry Farm 8039 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA  90620-3200 (714) 220-5200   What was once an actual berry farm is now 160 acres of world class rides, unique family shows and one of a kind attractions. At America's favorite theme park, experience GhostRider the world's best wooden roller coaster, Supreme Scream, 30-stories up, 3 seconds down and the high-octane thrill of Xcelerator, rated the world's best launch coaster, sending riders 0-80 in 2.3 seconds. For a different type of thrill, stroll on over to Camp Snoopy, home to the beloved PEANUTS gang.   Irvine Boomer's Irvine Palace Park 3405 Michelson Dr. Irvine, CA  92612-1605 (949) 559-8341   Wild Rivers Waterpark 8770 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618   New Port Harbor & Shoreline 18712 University Drive Irvine, CA 92612-2601 (949)923-2250 or (949)923-2248   City of Orange Orange County Zoo 1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92862 Phone: (714)633-2022 The Orange County Zoo is located inside beautiful Irvine Park in the city of Orange. The Zoo is nestled among the majestic 477 acre wilderness park.  The Zoo's focus is on animals and plants native to the southwestern United States.   William Harding Nature Center 1 Irvine Park Road Orange, CA 92869 (714) 633-8074 Call for Hours Located inside Irvine Park, the William Harding Nature Center contains a self-guided trail and interpretive center with nature films and exhibits of fossils, plants, and mounted animals.   San Juan Capistrano   Mission San Juan Capistrano Ortega Hwy and El Camino Real (949) 248-2049 www.missionsjc.com   Zoomars Petting Zoo & Bird Park 31791 Los Rios Street San Juan Capistrano, CA 949/831-6550     Santa Ana   Discovery Science Center   2500 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 542-2823   www.discoverycube.org.   Santa Ana Zoo 1801 East Chestnut Avenue Santa Ana, CA  92701 (714) 835-7484   www.santaanazoo.org     To Learn More About Santa Ana: City Guide, Santa Ana, California             Send us some email!

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