Spring Break 2013 in SoCal

[ImmelMatt]

Me and my boyfriend have decided our next vacation will be Spring Break (3/17/13-3/24/13) in Los Angeles. This is the first time either of us have been to LA and we plan to do all the normal touristy stuff. Now, because of all we are planning (attending a taping of a TV show, wandering around Hollywood, the beach, etc.) I do not want to clog up all the time surrounded by all the lovely, lovely theme parks that side of the country has. We talked about it, and he's good with spending a day at any LA theme park I choose, and this is where I have a problem.

 

I've looked at the big three; SFMM, Knotts, and Disneyland, and am having a really hard time choosing. On one end of things is SFMM; thrill ride capital of the West Coast, home to 17 credits, the worlds tallest drop tower (my beau loves drop towers like I love coasters), and also reports of horrendous service and mediocre-to-horrendous everything else (flats, shows, food, etc.).

 

On another end of things is Disneyland. I've been to WDW and that was the gold standard for park theming, atmosphere, and overall experience, which I'm sure this would match. I think we'd have a blast there, but most credits outside Screamin' aren't entirely new to me because of WDW, and the tickets are astronomical in price just to get in the gate, and with it being spring break, I'm worried about the number of families.

 

On the last end of things is Knotts, which seems to have a good balance of credits, rides, a good drop tower, theming, food, and service. It looks to be the balance between SFMM and Disneyland, and the cheapest option to boot.

 

On top of this, I'm not sure what park operations are like in March for SFMM and Knotts. Are they open during the week, because that will come into play in my decision. I can't decide as they all look so great to me, but I only have time to spend a full day at one. Please help me make the best choice... oh, and if you know of any must-do things in LA while we're there that I'm not thinking of, please let me know that too. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[LaMapa]

I know that SFMM is open weekdays during the last week of March, but even Sundays during that time are ok.

[dylanreich]

SFMM's food is now OK for me since they added What The Fried, which has Dole Whips and some other stuff. I tend to find myself leaving the park to go 5 minutes down the road to a full-service Johnny Rockets.

Knott's is really in-between SFMM and Disneyland, but you may just find yourself going back and forth in-between Xcelerator and Silver Bullet.

Disneyland is of course fantastic as always. I think that you'll just have to set your priorities, and go from there. Rides, experience, or something in-between?

[robbalvey]

I think it sounds like it's a choice between Disney and SFMM. And then I ask you - are you more of a "roller coaster" person or a "theme park" person. Once you answer that question, your decision is made.

 

--Robb

[prozach626]

The only thing worse than spring break would probably be spring break in LA... I'm sure the whole area will be swimming with people, even more than usual.

[Wes]

^ Not really. So Cal schools tend to have spring break later than other places...so crowds aren't as horrendous as you'd think. Still busy, not mobbed.

[Angle O. Descent]

I was considering a trip to SFMM and Knott's sometime in February. Are they at all busy during that time of the year? Are all rides operating?

[Jew]

I think it sounds like it's a choice between Disney and SFMM. And then I ask you - are you more of a "roller coaster" person or a "theme park" person. Once you answer that question, your decision is made.

 

--Robb

 

Agreed. It's a no brainer depending on what your answer to this question is.

[VTown661]

For that time period 3/17 - 3/24 SFMM is not open during that week . Assume your arriving on the 17th which is also St Patricks Day (a Sunday) might be a good day for SFMM as long as its not a Bring A Friend Free Day. Otherwise your only available date might be Saturday the 23rd and park is open until 9pm.

 

But might not want to wait until end of your trip and all your eggs in one basket aiming for the 23rd and unknown hours for Disney & DCA as they only work out hours 6 weeks prior. Aside Disneyland & DCA cant all be done in one day.

 

Good luck in your choice

[thrillseeker4552]

If you really want thrilling coasters, then SFMM.

If you want a great experience with good park service and cleanliness, then Disneyland.

If you want a small mix of both, then KBF.