scorry

Hello,
Heading to SD in mid-June, will have a car rental, staying at Estancia in La Jolla. I have twin 13 year-olds (boy-girl). We are planning on:
SD Zoo, Kayaking in La Jolla Caves, Balboa Park, La Jolla Beach and maybe Gold Mine or Desert State Park in Julian. Also considering Padres game. Kids want an Amusement Park. What would be the best for 13 yr-olds: Disneyland, Universal, Knotts Berry Farm or just to stay local at Belmont. Other suggestions of things to do would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

joeyi

Belmont park is not even in the league of the other parks that you mentioned. The plus to it you would not have to drive far and it's right along the beach, but it might not meet their expectations. Disneyland always seems to be the one that everyone likes. You didn't say where you are coming from or if you twins have been to a Disney park before. Knotts Berry Farm has a few very good roller coasters and I have not been to Universal so i can not comment on that park.
You do not have Sea World on your list, but they do have one amusement ride called Atlantis.

Dayenu

I've been to all 3, and Knott's is for younger children in my opinion. As for Disney or Universal... both have interesting rides with long lines, both are movie history... good luck to decide if you can't do both

scorry

We are coming from Houston so we have been to Sea World in San Antonio a couple of times. We have been to Disney World 2x. I was wondering if Disneyland was more for the 5-12 year olds (as far as rides). I have one that loves roller coasters and one that likes the middle of the road adventure rides. From my research I thought that Belmont was definitely not in the league of the others.

Barbara

Disneyland is for all ages. quite a few area high schools have senior nights at Disneyland.

Your twins would probably like Universal, and possible Magic Mountain. The disadvantage to both of them is that they are further from San Diego making it a VERY long day trip.

http://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/

mlgb

Disneyland has a few thrill rides and some great adventure theme rides eg Indiana Jones, Jungle Cruise. There are more thrill rides over in California Adventure (it has Tower of Terror, Soarin' over California, California Screamin' and Grizzly River Rapids). Only California Screamin' is too scary for wimps. There is a lot of construction right now over in CA but all of the "good rides" are open.

montereybob

Disneyland is about 95% exactly the same as the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. So you can ask your kids if they want to do "Magic Kingdom" again or something different. But consider that if you go to either Disneyland or Universal from San Diego, you will be driving many hours in possibly horrible traffic. So if you don't want that aggravation you might want to visit the LA parks when you happen to already be in LA and just enjoy San Diego while you are in San Diego. I know the drives look close on a map, but in reality the drives are very much not fun.

Barbara

The awfullness of drive to Los Angeles from San Diego (120 miles) is really overstated. I do it frequently, often on weekends, sometimes during the week, and it's not really bad. Yes, there is the occasional backup, but it is occasional, not constant. If you avoid the worst of the rush hour, which does go on for hours, then you'd most likely be fine.

nanabee

A lot of my middle school students have said Knotts Berry Farm isn't that great anymore. It's not as kept up and the rides are ok.
Disneyland is always fun for all ages.
Estancia should be a great place to stay - you'll have great freeway access, but you'll be tucked away in a quiet area. My sister stayed there and really enjoyed it.

MonicaRichards

The issue with Disneyland as a day trip from San Diego is really more how grueling it is for the parents. After a full day at the park, you still get to drive home! We've done it a few times, and you don't actually hit much traffic because in La Jolla you're out of the worst of SD traffic and going the opposite of traffic besides, and then when you hit LA Disney isn't very far in, plus there's a carpool lane. But that drive home is a killer.

KTtravel

Is your stay in Estancia fully booked or could you spend a night closer to Disneyland or Universal? Just a thought...

scorry

KT, I am booked but have considered paying the one night fairly close to Disneyland. At this point I'm leaning towards staying in SD area and doing LA when I have a couple of days or more. Thanks

joeyi

There is so much to see and do in San Diego and since your kids have already seen Disneyworld and Sea World I do not think you would regret not going to LA and doing that on another trip.

LSky

You mentioned Desert State Park in Julian. Julian is a lovely town outside of San Diego and Desert State Park is a little further east in Anza-Borrego.

Have you thought about Wild Animal Park in Escondido? They have a Roar and Snore sleepovers for the family. Also, caravans so you can get up close to some of the animals.

Check out the San Diego Zoo website. Something like that may be fun for your family.

OCdogmom

I like Knotts for rollercoasters. Consider Wild Animal Park instead of the Zoo. Roar and Snore is great!