Theme parks provide great hang out for teens

Screams, twists, turns. The three minutes of pure exhilaration makes the anxiety filled 40 minute line seem like a faded, distant memory.

“They [roller coasters] are just so thrilling!” freshman Brent Nelson said.

Even though almost every amusement park has its signature roller coasters, some Sundevils have a defined favorite amusement park.

Disneyland

Although most would agree that Disneyland’s signature rides such as Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Matterhorn make it worth going to, English teacher Bob Pacilio argues that there is just an indescribable “vibe” about this park.

“It’s like being a kid again,” Pacilio said.

It seems like everywhere you look there is something to do and something to see.

However, some Sundevils contend that the rides aren’t exciting enough.

“They’re just so sissy,” freshman Nathan Glassman-Hughes said.

Overall, freshman Briana Pompa-Hogen approves of Disneyland as a park.

“If you’re looking for a fun-filled day and don’t mind rides that aren’t as scary, Disneyland, being about an hour and thirty minutes away, is definitely worth the drive,” she said.

California Adventure

Conveniently located just steps away from Disneyland, California Adventure is another popular amusement park among MC students.

Although there are substantially fewer rides, the rides that they do have are “enough to quench your rollercoaster thirst,” Pompa-Hogen said.

When one gets tired of the rides, there are a lot of activities to do, such as the boardwalk games.

Along with winning prizes, it is also a nice escape from the huge lines.

With everything that California Adventure offers, from California Screamin’ to the kid-friendly playground, this park has something the whole family can enjoy.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Although Knott’s does have some mild rides, it is known for its big thrillers, such as Ghost Rider, Silver Bullet, and the Accelerator.

Pompa-Hogen remembers her first ride on the Silver Bullet.

“My stomach was turning inside-out; I was so scared!” she said.

One disadvantage of Knott’s is the long lines. More often than not, the park is extremely crowded, leading to 40-70 minute waits to go on a five minute ride.

“The lines can be ridiculous sometimes,” Nelson said.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Despite the long drive of over two and a half hours, is the longest, if you are a roller coaster junkie, this is the park for you.

“Goliath is the best roller coaster ever,” Nelson said. “The 250 foot drop is worth everything; the drive, the line, everything.”

Overall, Six Flags Magic Mountain is the best place for the thrillers, but if you’re not a big roller coaster person, the long drive will probably not be worth it, as you have to be addicted to spinning, dropping, and flipping to get much from Six Flags.

Soak City

This theme park in Chula Vista certainly lives up to its name, making it the ideal park for a hot summer day.

“It’s nice to stay cool when at other parks you can get super hot,” Pompa-Hogen said.

From relaxing Lazy River to exhilarating Pacific Spin, this park has nearly every water ride imaginable.

This park is also the closest, being only 40 minutes away.

However, caution to park-goers: be sure to bring a towel, especially on windy days, as it is extremely unpleasant to wait in a line while soaking wet in the wind.

Popularity: 1% [?]