Stay away from California theme parks on the Fourth of July
Personally, I would never go near a theme park on the Fourth of July. Unless you like wall-to-wall crowds, endless lines and unforgiving heat, I think it’s best to make other plans.
But if you insist, here’s the details on Independence Day festivities on July 4, 2008 at California amusement parks:
Disneyland (Anaheim): Replaces normal fireworks show with an all-new, 20-minute “Celebrate America” at 9:25 p.m. (More details at Mouse Planet.)
Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park): Tour guides in colonial dress lead visitors through the Independence Hall replica building. “All-You-Can-Eat Backyard BBQ” included with $39.99 admission. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Legoland California (Carlsbad): “Red, White and Boom!” fireworks show choreographed to an American musical tribute at 8:30 p.m. Plus, help build a Lego American flag.
SeaWorld San Diego: Extended fireworks display with a patriotic music at 9:30 p.m. Also: The park switches on the red, white and blue Skytower “Tree of Lights.”
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo): Season passholders can purchase $10.99 tickets online for a Fourth of July picnic from 5-7 p.m. that includes VIP seating for the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia): All-you-can-eat BBQ buffet from 4-7 p.m. included with $44.99 admission. Must order online 24 hours in advance. No fireworks.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Find the latest amusement and theme park news at the
Los Angeles Times Funland blog: www.latimes.com/funland
— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times staff writer
[Photo: Glenn Koenig, Los Angeles Times staff photographer]
9 Comments on “Stay away from California theme parks on the Fourth of July”
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July 3rd, 2008 at 10:27 am
Great wrap up, Brady! I wouldn’t go near a theme park on the Fourth, either.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
A follower of twitter.com/latimestravel notes:
here’s another good reason to stay away from theme parks :) http://tinyurl.com/53rels
Video: 17-year-old decapitated by Six Flags ride
http://www.latimes.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=2640168
July 4th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Plenty of other places to go. Disneyland is SO crowded on the 4th, it’s the only day of the entire year they won’t honor their premium annual passes.
July 4th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Are there any beaches or parks that should be avoided for this weekend?
What about local free non-driving events?
July 4th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
nice grammar: “here’s the details”
July 4th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Um, it’s here ARE the details, not here’s (here is) the details, good grief, doesn’t the L.A. Times employ proofreaders?
July 5th, 2008 at 8:35 am
David, you don’t know what you’re talking about. Disneyland’s “Premium” annual passes are allowed entry into Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure 365-days-a-year and that includes the 4th of July.
Second, the accident at Six Flags has to do with stupidity and lack of common sense and has nothing to do with thrill rides posing a danger to the public. If you can read signs and don’t jump over six-foot fences you’re going to be okay.
Finally, I tend to find that theme parks are not as busy as one may expect on the 4th of July. In fact, the day is often less crowded than many Saturdays in July. The reason why is simple. Many people stay home to BBQ, many go to the special fireworks displays, parades, fairs, music events that are held all over. On the 4th of July theme parks have to compete with a lot of other events that they don’t normally occur.
Clearly, Brady hasn’t been to a theme park on the 4th of July, so I kind of find it funny that he is offering his expert opinion when he hasn’t experienced it first hand like I have.
July 5th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
>> David in Los Angeles Says:
Plenty of other places to go. Disneyland is SO crowded on the 4th, it’s the only day of the entire year they won’t honor their premium annual passes. <<
This is incorrect. Disneyland Resort Premium Annual Passports are valid every day of the year. The only time you wouldn’t be able to enter the park is if Disneyland becomes too full and they must restrict entry to guests.
July 6th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I just got back from Disneyland and was there to celebrate the 4th of July!! We got there opening time at 8 a.m. it was not bad at all! Went straight to see the disney characters first, hardly any line and enjoyed the rides with hardly any waiting lines. It did start getting really busy and crowded from 6 p.m. on. At 6:00 p.m. the crowd was already finding and holding there spots for the show. The park stayed open until midnight. We went to mainstreet to hold our spots which was packed too, but that way if you’re leaving right away after the fire works you are close to the exit and not fighting the crowds as bad. The fireworks were awesome!!! Until after about 15 minutes, when they stopped the show because it was too windy. The show was then over. But the first 15 minutes was great!!! Hope this helps!!