The big theme parks in Los Angeles are Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and its water park Hurricane Harbor.

Universal Studios Hollywood

A film-themed park, Universal offers a studio tour and a variety of shows and rides based on its movies. See Chapter 19 for more information about this park.

Ticket and Pass Options at Universal Studios Hollywood

Passes include all-day admission and re-entry with a hand stamp. Unlike other parks, Universal Studios Hollywood defines a “child” (for purposes of regular ticket pricing) by height not age.

The song may say it never rains in Southern California, but don't believe it. If you visit on a day when the park receives more than one-eighth inch of rainfall by 2 P.M., you'll get a rain check good for a return visit any time in the next thirty days.

• One-Day Pass: This pass offers admission to the theme park for one day (all rides and attractions).

• Southern California Residents: This ticket is available online for people who live in Zip Codes 90000 to 93599. ID will be checked at the park.

• Front of the Line Pass: As the name implies, with this pass you can go straight to the front of the line at any ride or attraction. The number of these passes issued each day is limited, and they may not be available on very busy days. Order online in advance to be sure they don't sell out.

• VIP Tour: This tour package includes general admission, a special guided tour of the Studio Backlot, and a Front of the Line Pass.

• Regular Annual Pass: The pass includes twelve months of admission, 15 percent off admission for up to six guests, and discounts for merchandise and food. After the first visit, admission is subject to blackout dates.

• Deluxe Annual Pass: This pass offers all the features of the Regular Annual Pass but with no blackout dates.

• Premium Annual Pass: With this pass, a guest receives all the features of the Deluxe Annual Pass, plus free parking (after the first visit) and Front of the Line access to the Studio Tour.

These ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

TICKET AND PASS PRICES AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

Buy your tickets online at http://themeparks.universalstudios.com and get discount coupons for food and other purchases.

OTHER COSTS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

Fed Ex ticket delivery: $15 in the United States, $20 to addresses outside the United States

Learn more about the Universal Studios VIP Experience in Chapter 19.

Discounts and Specials at Universal Studios Hollywood

Discounts to this park abound everywhere from their Web site to the local tourist publications, but if you buy a full-price ticket, you can get a free shuttle ride from Anaheim to Universal Studios. Children under two years old get in free.

Members of the U.S. military, including retirees, Department of Defense personnel, members of the National Guard/Reserves, dependents, and other base personnel can get special admission prices but must buy tickets in advance. Visit your local base MWR ITT/ITR ticket office or call the commander, Navy Region, Southwest at (619) 767-6000. Get started a couple of weeks ahead of time to allow for delivery.

Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor

See Chapter 18 for more information. Six Flags does not offer rain checks. The water park is open seasonally, from mid-May through September only. Check their Web site at www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain.

Ticket and Pass Options at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor offer plenty of different tickets and passes. Choose the one that best meets your needs.

• General Admission: This ticket is good for admission for one day to the named park.

• Two-Park Combo: This ticket is good for one-day admission to both parks.

• Flash Pass: This front-of-the-line pass allows four priority boarding opportunities; for example, by four people on one ride, by one person for four rides, or by any other combination. Quantities are limited each day.

• Play Pass: This annual pass can be used at all nineteen Six Flags parks, with no blackout dates. It includes free concerts as well as bonus tickets and discounts for friends and family.

• Xtreme Play Pass: This annual pass includes Flash Pass front-of-the-line privileges on four rides per visit (subject to standard restrictions) and free parking.

• Hurricane Harbor Premium Pass: This pass includes unlimited admission all season long, free raft rental on every visit, and free parking, plus food and merchandise discounts.

These ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

TICKET AND PASS PRICES AT SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN

Order your Six Flags park tickets through their Web sites at www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain and www.sixflags.com/parks/hurricaneharborla. Print them at home or call Guest Relations at (661) 255-4142 for more information.

OTHER COSTS AT SIX FLAGS

Learn more about why Flash Pass is important in Chapter 18.

Discounts and Specials at Six Flags Magic Mountain

• Children under two years old get in free.

• U. S. Military personnel can get a discount, but only if they buy in advance through their MWR or ITT recreation office.

• In the off-season, Magic Mountain often offers discounted prices, available only through their Web site.