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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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