Best and Worst SoCal Parks?

[cal1br3tto]

This is meant more as my personal opinions rather than formal recommendations for others.

 

Here's about how I'd rank them:

1. Disneyland

2/3. Knott's

2/3. SFMM

4. DCA

 

I've never felt the need to go to USH, even though I ADORE USO, so I might as well wait until Potterland opens.

 

Disneyland: still a top 5 park for me. Can be beloved by all ages, though I'll admit last year it was harder at times to feel the "magic" than during my previous visit as an adult. Not sure what changed since I was simply awed in 2008.

 

Knott's: after suffering a damaged reputation among enthusiasts for quite some time, this seems to be on a major upswing and once again much-loved. I may not fully buy into the hype but there's certainly a lot to be impressed with here. There are plenty of well-themed areas and fun little details. Depending on your tastes, you may only find 1-3 coasters to be stand-out, but the collection could be worse.

 

SFMM: despite the heated criticism, it is possible to have a perfectly enjoyable day here. I no longer consider myself a fan, but the experience seems to fluctuate a lot day-to-day and during different times of year, and your opinion of the park will also depend on what you're looking out for. While the coaster collection isn't quite as astounding to me as it was earlier in my enthusiast career, I still think it's a solid line-up with some quality and diversity. The aesthetic pleasantness of the park in parts is often overlooked--SFMM may neglect it, but you can't deny it's in a nice setting.

 

DCA: I'm no longer so quick to call it disappointing or underwhelming, but my second visit didn't massively raise my opinion of it, either. There are some can't-miss rides here, and even if the remaining "old California" theming isn't all it was cracked up to be, it's still highly appealing to look upon. The newer areas are top-notch as well. Obviously, unless you're exceedingly pressed for time, you should go to both parks if you're planning to visit Disney at all.

[KnottsBerryMountain]

This is my personal rank

1. Disneyland

2. Knott's Berry Farm

3. DCA

4. SFMM

5. Legoland

6. USH

 

Disneyland-The place is just great! No need for thrills where you can get a great themed experience.

Knott's- The place has gone downhill in the past couple of years but its finally on the right track. Great themed experience with some mediocre coastes!

DCA- Great place, nice staff, not as good as other Disney parks but okay.

SFMM- Great variety of coasters but poor operations and lack of cleanliness can ruin your experience.

Legoland- Cool family park, good operations and nothing but fun.

USH- Too expensive and not that much too do. Rides are not that great but well themed.

[cfc]

 

California Sleepin' is a huge disappointment. If you don't want airtime and positive G's, go for B&M!!!

 

 

I take it that you're unaware that California Screamin' is an Intamin ride. (I rather like it, myself, but that's a matter of opinion).

[cal1br3tto]

^I used to consider it a top-10 coaster, but now I feel it's a lot closer to average. Definitely not one I'd call a Maverick Lite as some do (Cheetah Hunt best fits that honor for me), but to each their own.

[cfc]

^I've always felt that the lift hill halfway through hurts Screamin's momentum, but it does help increase the capacity. For me, it's never been "top-ten" material, but it's a fun coaster.

[urzishra]

I haven't gone in many years, but plan to again soon, so this list is completely outdated.

 

1. California Adventure - I think this is the best part of Disneyland.

 

2. Knott's

 

3. Magic Mountain. - it really has the best coasters of these parks.

 

4. Universal Studios - Jurrassic Park is one of my favorite rides ever.

 

5. Disneyland

[coasterbill]

^ "which brings me to my next point. Don't smoke crack."

[gerstlaueringvar]

 

California Sleepin' is a huge disappointment. If you don't want airtime and positive G's, go for B&M!!!

 

 

I take it that you're unaware that California Screamin' is an Intamin ride. (I rather like it, myself, but that's a matter of opinion).

I know it's an Intamin ride. I mean that if Disney don't want "Intaminish" Intamin, they better go for B&M because B&M is better at building forceless coasters(at least now).

[WFChris]

It's funny that you were so disappointed by Screamin. See, I think it's one of the best coasters in Southern California. It's kinda like this thread...I don't think it has helped the OP at all in chosing his two parks because we all have our own set opinions! Although, parkhopper at DLR on a long operating day and SFMM is really the answer he's looking for.