Paul

Will be spending a week in Los Angeles in June with 2 kids, ages 10 and 13. We've been to DisneyWorld several times in Florida and was wondering if it is worth the trip down to Anaheim to visit DisneyLand. I'm leaning against it, but my kids want to do a theme park or two. I suggested Universal Studios and Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Any suggestions on whether DL is worth it?
How about Six Flags and Universal?

Any other must see and do places in LA area with 10 and 13 yr olds?

x

Six Flags could be a great choice for kids who like roller coasters. It's one giant roller coaster park. Not storybook like Disneyland. Different crowd too.

ryan

The Universal visit could be interesting. It is probably a good combination of rides and the tour lets you go to some of the backlots where familiar tv shows are filmed. Citywalk, also has a nice selection of restaurants.

If you've been to WDW, Disneyland may seem small by comparison. Although, I understand they are offering good deals on Disney's California Adventure park.

However, if your kids like coasters, Magic Mountain has a good reputation.

Sandy

I think after WDW, DL may be too similar to be very interesting for them. Magic Mountain is north of LA, in Valencia/Santa Clarita, so depending on where you are staying in LA, may be quite a long drive, but if your kids adore rollercoasters, it's the place to be. If you are based primarily in the Anaheim area, I suggest looking at the Website for Knotts Berry Farm (also in Anaheim), they are making changes/improvements all the time and I think they offer a water park now too, something that may appeal to a 10 and 13 year old. Universal is definately worth a trip (if you haven't been to the one in Florida). Another suggestion for something unique: depending on their maturity/attention spans, you may want to consider sending away for tickets to watch a taping of a TV show filmed at one of the studios in the Burbank area, but check to make sure about age limits for entry.

joesorce

Another vote for Knott's Berry Farm since you've already been to Disney World. We also LOVE the Wild Animal Park in Escondido and Sea World in San Diego. Definitely worth the drive and an overnighter if the kids are into animals.

Universal is for movie lovers, interesting and much classier than Six Flags in my opinion. Six Flags is definitely teen-oriented and full of "thrill" rides - not for the squeamish.

janis

if your family has already been to WDW then I would recommend in this order:

1) Universal
2) Knotts Berry Farm (it is in Buena Park - not Anaheim)
3) DL
4) Magic Mountain. (the main draw here are the roller coasters and other rides - not much more than an overgrown State fair carnival. But if you are big into rollercoasters then move Magic Mountain up to #2)

Barbara

Magic Mountain has to be the most popular place for teens to go in Southern California. My kids and their friends, and the entire population of their schools, all love it. DL doesn't even come close.

Sea World, the Zoo and/or the Wild Animal Park, all in San Diego (or San Diego County) are great and might require an overnight in San Diego. As you're not in LA for long, I wouldn't recommend it this trip.

jerry

We are getting ready to go to Universal/Magic Mountain. The 15 year old refuses to go to Universal (too boring), so will drop him and friend off for the day while we take 11 year old to Universal. I would definitely NOT go to Disneyland--it is exactly like being in Florida--same layout, etc. A good compromise would be Knott's Berry Farm, as mentioned above.

steve

If you like roller coasters, then Magic Mtn is the place. Get there at the opening and you can get on all the rides in a day. If you don't like the type of coaster where you go upside down, then I wouldn't go. Check for discount coupons - they usually have a deal somewhere.

I haven't been to Knott's in a couple of years. It was bought a couple of years ago by Cedar Fair and they were upgrading the coasters. I really liked it because we could do all the rides at least once and do some of them twice and be ready to drive home at 3. They also usually have some sort of coupons out there (Last time we went, kids from Arizona were free - saved us $50.00). It has been several years since I ate at their restaurant and ate the fried chicken. Didn't like it much. Too bad, because when I was a kid we would drive there just for the dinner and the few little rides they offered.

xx

Jerry -

How about making the 15 year old do something "boring" for the sake of his younger sibling?!!!

xxx

Hello Paul. I just went to Universal Studios. It was alot of fun and not boring at all. City Walk is alot of fun. I heard Magic Mountain is great for older kids. Have a safe trip.

nora

I have been to all of them, and most highly recommend Magic Mountain because I love rollercoasters. If you go to Universal Studios also go to Universal Studio Walk which is fun and free, but if you go here skip Downtown Disney and go only to Disneyland. I hope everyone has fun.