The general rule when it comes to theme parks is that you want to zag when everyone else is zigging. It might be a small world after all, but you don't want to spend your vacation standing in line with half the world. If possible, try to plan your trip away from holidays, school vacations and the summer. Good bets include January to mid-February and the end of August through mid-December. You'll find smaller crowds and better deals. The downside is that the parks close earlier, schedule fewer shows and events and sometimes close attractions to perform routine maintenance.
Keep in mind that while most of the major California parks are open year-round, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Legoland close some mid-week days during the off-season and Gilroy Gardens, Great America and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom close altogether in the colder months. Check with the parks for operating days and hours.
Also keep in mind that unlike Orlando, most of the major California parks are located within major metropolitan areas. Weekend day trips by locals boost attendance significantly. Your best bet is to plan mid-week visits whenever possible.
Where to stay?
Since Disneyland Resort expanded, you now have more options to stay on-property. In general, comparable accommodations away from Disney will cost less -- often much less. Keep in mind, however, that you need to factor in transportation and parking costs when comparing prices as well as the sweat equity of having to battle traffic, rent a car and other hassles. On-property guests also get a 24/7 immersion into the fantasy theme park environment and receive special perks. If money is not an object, staying at one of the Disney hotels is usually the way to go.
- Southern California Hotel Deals
Compare rates for Anaheim-area hotels at Aboout.com's booking partner, Kayak. - Bay Area California Hotel Deals
Compare rates for San Francisco-area hotels at Aboout.com's booking partner, Kayak
How long to stay?
Unlike Central Florida's theme park corridor, California's parks are more scattered throughout the state. They generally fall into two regions: Southern California around L.A. and Northern California around San Francisco. Roughly 400 miles separate the two areas, so it is not as if you could hop in a car and easily shuttle back and forth. Unless you have a lot of vacation time, it probably makes more sense to divide your theme park visits into at least two trips. There are a lot of parks in Southern California alone and besides, there's more to life than theme parks (I can't believe I really wrote that!) and California has some compelling sights worth seeing beyond roller coasters.
To experience everything at the two Disney parks, you'll need three days. Most of the other parks will take a full day. Remember, it's quality, not quantity. Take your time and enjoy the parks, whether it's for one day or ten days. Don't try to experience everything; you can always come back, right? Even if you have an extended trip, don't plan to spend every waking moment in a park. Your time on the attractions will be the better for it.
Resources
There are many California deals, offers, packages and promotions. Some places to start looking are listed below.
Latest California Deals
Your About Guide's list of great hotel packages and other deals in Southern California. Updated regularly.
Money-saving ideas
Your About Guide has some suggestions to make your hard-earned dollars go farther when you visit theme parks.
California Tourism
The state's official tourism Web site includes info about discounts, hotels, dining and a free printed visitor's guide.
Anaheim / Orange County Visitors Bureau
Disneyland's host city offers an online lodging reservation service, info about dining, attractions and more.
San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hotel discounts, dining info and other travel planning resources.
Northern California Attractions Association
Includes maps and links to area attractions. Offers online coupons for Paramount's Great America, Bonfante Gardens and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
AAA
If you're a member of AAA, don't forget to use your card for special offers, including discounts for park admissions, dining and shopping.
