By Laura Hoot
The Southern California CityPass gives tourists admission to 5 top local attractions for an impressive $106 discount. A 3-day park hopper ticket to Disneyland, and admission to Disney's California Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld, and the
San Diego Zoo (or San Diego Wild Animal Park) are included. Kids get an even better $146 discount, while those under 3 get one for free.
Wows and Woes
Wows:
*Great savings for a family vacation.
*Simplifies things--keep track of one booklet instead of several tickets.
Woes:
*Most travelers don't have the energy to attend all these theme parks.
*CityPass puts pressure on you to do a lot, when you may feel like relaxing instead.
Insider Tips
At Disneyland, make sure to take advantage of the FASTPASS, a completely free service that allows you to cut in line. Grab a FASTPASS ticket at the ride of your choice, and then come back later and go to the front of the line. No reason to waist time waiting in line.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
Whether you live in California or you're visiting for the first time, you've never seen California like you've seen it on "Soarin' Over California," a spectacular simulated ride at Disneyland. Made all the money seem worth it.
Still, I could've spent less than I did on the CityPass to enjoy the ride. Cramming this much theme park into so little time was a bit more exhausting than memorable.
Bottom Line
If you've got kids you're determined to keep up with, the CityPass is a smart idea. That's not the case if you're planning a balanced Golden State getaway.
About the Author:
Laura Hoot has been writing professionally since 2004. She is a full-time writer and editor for HomeAway's VacationRentals.com. Her work has appeared in various online publications, including TheBudgetFashionista and SeeJackShop. Hoot holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Texas, Austin.
