With the recent price increase of Disneyland annual passes, many current pass holders, such as myself, have had to make the decision to not renew their passes when the clock strikes 12 this year. But fear, not my future ex-pass holders, because not having a Disneyland pass doesn't mean you have to turn into a pumpkin at midnight because I am taking you on a magic carpet ride of a few great SoCal amusement parks that you can get season passes to when it's time to let Disneyland go.
1. Knott’s Berry Farm
With three times as many roller coasters and less than half the crowd, Knott’s is a great alternative for future ex-passholders. As America's first theme park, Knott's not only has great rides, but they have great food too. From funnel cakes to fudge and now even turkey legs, this food is totally worth risking some spillage on a ride. And for the same price as ONE Disneyland Signature Passport monthly payment, you can get a season pass to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout days and tons of discounts!
2. Six Flag Magic Mountain
You may not be able to do meet and greets with Mickey and the gang anymore, but if you have the option to meet Batman... ALWAYS CHOOSE BATMAN! Not only can you meet your favorite DC and Looney Tunes characters throughout the park, Six Flags has some of the best roller coasters in SoCal! And the icing on the cake is that they have great season pass prices and even specials that allow you to bring friends for free on certain days, and get discounted guest tickets on others. Also, did I mention Batman’s there?
3. Universal Studios Hollywood
If Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, I think it’s safe to say that Universal Studios is the most theatrical place on earth. This theme park takes the cake in transforming your favorite movies and shows into amazing rides, and though one day tickets can fall into the Disney-price range, season passes here are three times cheaper than the Disney Deluxe Passport. But you have to get your pass soon if you want to beat the rush of muggles that will be snatching them up spring of next year when The Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens. That’s right, my fellow wizards: we’re finally getting the Hogwart’s acceptance letter that clearly missed our houses a decade ago!
4. Pacific Park
Santa Monica pier, up where they walk, up where they run, up where they stay all day in the sun. This beachfront beauty is a great option for anyone who has gotten tired of the huge amusement park atmosphere or anyone who simply wants to re-enact the carnival scene from "Grease." For the price of ONE DAY at Disneyland, you can get a season pass at Pacific Park and enjoy the sun, beach, rides, and games of a pleasure pier that has been around for over 100 years.
Can't decide which theme park you want to get a pass to? Well, the ironic thing is that the combined price of all four of these season passes is still less expensive than the price of a Disneyland Deluxe Pass. So in reality, you can get all four! Whichever you decide, I think those of us struggling with Disney's recent price increases can agree that it is time to face the fact that though their park may be filled with childhood nostalgia for some of us, their constant price hikes are too hard on our adult budgets and it's time to explore some new options.
