Hey all, it’s Kimberly from Get Away Today. I know it seems like spring has just sprung, but before you know it, it will be summer! The kids will be out of school and it will be time to hit the road for the all important summer vacation. Southern California is a happenin’ vacation destination year-round and there’s always something new and exciting going on. This year is no exception, so I wanted to share what’s hot in Southern California this summer at what I call the Big Three – the Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. I hope it helps in your summer vacation planning!
Disneyland Resort: If it’s been a while since you’ve been to Disneyland, it’s time to plan your next trip. This summer will mark Cars Land’s 2nd anniversary and it is still the hottest thing going on at the Disneyland Resort. You’ll want to grab your FASTPASS to Radiator Springs Racers first thing in the morning, because they go almost as quickly as the cars around the track! World of Color shows up to three times nightly during the summer months and you won’t want to miss it. It is hands-down my favorite Disney show. One of the hottest new attractions this year, is the Frozen meet-n-greet. Anna and Elsa meet with guests in Fantasyland. It’s been so popular that it’s often the longest wait in Disneyland! And, the merchandise is so popular, Disney can hardly keep it stocked. If you’re looking for some Frozen fun to get you excited for your trip, check out all of the Frozen inspired recipes and crafts that we came up with on our blog. Oh, and the parks are kicking off summer with a 24 hour party that starts at 6am on May 23 and doesn’t end until 6am May 24. There will be special entertainment, events, merchandise, etc. for those party animals who want to stay all night!
Universal Studios Hollywood: The biggest thing at Universal Studios this summer is without a doubt Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. This new attraction has been a huge favorite at Universal Orlando and I am so excited to have it here on the West Coast! Right next to the attraction is the all-new Super Silly Fun Land, a play zone for kids themed after the carnival in the film with dry and wet areas for hours of fun. It is sure to be a hit! Also, if you haven’t been on Transformers: The Ride, you’ll definitely want to check it out. And you can’t forget the Studio Tour – it is always my first stop when I hit the park.
SeaWorld San Diego: SeaWorld is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with new exhibits and what it’s termed a “Sea of Surprises.” When you enter the park, you’ll notice a huge difference. Explorer’s Reef just opened and makes you feel like you’re under the sea as you enter the park. This interactive exhibit allows you to pet crabs, rays, and sharks, and even have feeder fish nibble your hands. One fun thing about their “Sea of Suprises,” is the extra guest interaction and random surprises like free merchandise or behind-the-scenes tours. While we were there a few weeks ago, a worker came up to us as we were enjoying the tide pools of star fish. He asked if we wanted to go behind the scenes and we had our own private tour of the animal hospital where they rehabilitate rescued animals. There was a baby dolphin with its mom and it was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I embarrassingly shrieked with delight a few too many times when the baby would leap out of the water. Can you blame me? Plus, SeaWorld offers extended summer hours, special nighttime shows, and cool rides like Shipwreck Rapids, Journey to Atlantis and Manta. It’s a blast!
If you’d like to visit all three of these spots, you’re best bet is the Southern California City Pass – truly one of the hottest deals around. For just about $70 more than a regular 3-Day Park Hopper ticket to the Disneyland Resort, you get 1-day at Universal Studios AND 1-day at SeaWorld San Diego! It’s like getting one ticket for free, plus getting a discount on your paid tickets! I recommend spending at least a week to experience all of the attractions, plus get in some good beach time. If you want help planning your summer vacation, we’d love to help. Book online at www.getawaytoday.com or call 855-GET-AWAY to talk to our Southern California vacation experts. Be sure to use promocode: OSSS10 to save an extra $10 off your Southern California vacation.
Nichole says
This all looks so fun! I need to plan a vacation.
allison l. says
You can’t go wrong with any of those destinations. We have tried Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and Transformers in Orlando and they are a lot of fun! They are unlike anything we’ve experienced at other theme parks.