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Anaheim Attractions
Disney's
California Adventure
1313 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802; 714.781.4565
Disney's newest edition, a theme park based around California
smack dab next to Disneyland, hasn't really caught on with
natives or tourists. The good news is that this means few
lines and a swift trip through this Kingdom. The attractions
worth visiting are: Paradise Pier, a recreation of a beachside
boardwalk with a screaming coaster, Ferris wheel, and arcade
games; Grizzly River Run, a water romp down a bear-shaped
mountain; and an "Aladdin" stage show that's a hoot
(except for a required parking-lot wait that's almost as long
as the show's 45-minute running time). The acclaimed Electric
Parade, which for years turned on visitors at Disneyland, has
re-ignited here every evening.
Disneyland
1313 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802; Tel:
714.781.4565
The Granddaddy of all amusement parks still packs them in--and
that's the problem. But despite the crowds, the great
rides--Pirates of the Caribbean, The Matterhorn, Splash
Mountain, The Haunted House, It's a Small World--still make it
worth an annual trip. Even Space Mountain, built in the late
1950s to imagine 2050, has gotten an update.
Downtown
Disney District
1313 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802; Tel:
714.781.4565
The Downtown Disney District is like a hipper version of
Disneyland's Main Street, catering to young urbanites and
jaded 30-something professionals that still want some of that
Disney magic. Party hearty at the House of Blues, dine on
spicy food Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, catch a first-run
movie at the AMC, or step into the ultimate sports bar, done
as only Disney could do it, with over 200 television sets.
Knott's
Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620; Tel:
714.220.5200
This aging theme park draws a smattering of people, but it has
a bit of charm. Long overshadowed by its behemoth neighbor
Disneyland, it's like a County Fair set in a Ghost Town. The
"Snoopy On Ice" show is a big draw here, and there
is also an attempt to update things with an Extreme Sports
demonstration. If you want a low-impact theme park, head to
the Farm.
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