Page 23 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

JURASSIC WORLD RIDE, at Universal Studios
Hollywood theme park in Los Angeles, opposite;
entrance to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter,
opposite, right; Children’s Fairyland at Lake
Merritt in downtown Oakland was the first
themed amusement park in the USA — it opened
in 1950 and is still a popular destination, below.
Disneyland
Since its 1955 debut, Disneyland has grown
exponentially, adding Disney California
Adventure, Downtown Disney, and new
attractions.
There's even a reimagining of Mickey’s
Toontown, including CenTOONial Park and
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
The newest themed area or “land” is Star
Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Be part of a six-person
crew on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
where you walk through a full-sized replica
of the Millennium Falcon and then climb into
the cockpit where Hondo Ohnaka leads a
secret mission to steal coaxium for the
Resistance. Each person has a role assign-
ment—a pilot, gunner or engineer. Star Wars:
Rise of the Resistance is a massive, multi-plat-
form attraction, unlike anything else at
Disneyland. Captured guests are in an epic
battle between the First Order and the Resist-
ance, boarding an Imperial Star Destroyer
with animatronic storm-troopers and Kylo
Ren. A team of Resistance fighters with Rey
and BB-8 are there to help you escape.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a reimagined
attraction replacing Splash Mountain,
opened in late 2024 and will continue to
draw crowds in 2025.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm began in the 1920s
as a family-run roadside berry stand. Today
this 160-acre amusement park has thrilling
rides, shows, restaurants and attractions in
four themed areas: Ghost Town, Fiesta Vil-
lage, The Boardwalk and Camp Snoopy.
Other Bay Area Parks
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to two
popular parks: California’s Great America
(in Santa Clara) and Six Flags Discovery
Kingdom (in Vallejo).
California’s Great America is a top desti-
nation for thrill-seekers and families alike
and the only amusement park in Northern
California that includes a water park
with park admission. Visitors can expect a
fully restored Carousel Columbia and Cel-
ebration Swings as well as a new open air
look for American Café, complete with
mobile ordering. The park is also known for
its rides, which range from scream-
inducing like Flight Deck, a roller coaster
with one 360-degree loop and a zero-gravity
roll to other family-friendly rides.
The vibe at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
is more eclectic. In addition to rides such
as the thrilling Medusa roller coaster,
BATMAN: The Ride is a world-class 4D Free
Fly Coaster that thrusts you into a totally
immersive, high-speed Gotham City adven-
ture. Riders flip head-over-heels at least six
times along a weightless, tumbling journey
with unexpected drops and vertical free-
falls. The park also is home to a number of
animals, such as giraffes, lions, penguins
and Siberian and Bengal tigers.
San Diego Area Parks
San Diego shines with SeaWorld, where
exhibits educate about marine life rescue and
rehab. The Emperor coaster delivers high-
speed thrills, while nearby Sesame Place San
Diego charms families with 18 rides, including
a roller coaster, in a Certified Autism Center.
In Carlsbad, LEGOLAND celebrates creativity
with LEGO-themed attractions like LEGO
Ferrari Build and Race.
2025-26 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA 21