Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Theme-Park Passes
Visiting a lot of SoCal theme parks? The
Southern California CityPass
covers three-day
'Park Hopper' admission to Disneyland Resort, plus one-day admission to SeaWorld San
Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass price is at least $100 less than the
combined regular ticket prices. Otherwise, look online for specials (eg five-day Park Hop-
per passes for the three-day price) or seasonal discounts on annual passports for Southern
California residents and their guests.
FEELING THE HEAT AT DISNEYLAND
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland on July 17, 1955, he declared it the 'Happiest Place
on Earth.' However, its opening day was a disaster. Temperatures over 100°F (38°C)
melted asphalt underfoot, leaving women's high heels stuck in the tar. There were plumb-
ing problems: all of the drinking fountains quit working. Hollywood stars didn't show up
on time, and more than twice the number of expected guests - some 28,000 by day's
end - crowded through the gates, some holding counterfeit tickets. None of this kept
eager Disney fans away for long; more than 50 million tourists visited in its first decade
alone. Nowadays, more than 14 million kids, grandparents, honeymooners and interna-
tional tourists come to Walt's playground every year.
Disneyland To-Do List
A Month or More in Advance
Make area hotel reservations or book a Disneyland vacation package.
Sign up online for Disney Fans Insider e-newsletters and resort updates.
A Week or Two Ahead
Check the parks' opening hours and live show and entertainment schedules
online.
Make dining reservations for sit-down restaurants or special meals with Disney
characters.
