Six Flags Magic Mountain

For yet another amusement park adventure, hit Six Flags Magic Mountain (Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, www.sixflags.com/magicmountain [1]). It’s not technically in Hollywood, but this park provides good fun for the whole family — even the snarky teenagers who hate almost everything.

Magic Mountain has long been the extreme alternative to The Mouse, offering a wide array of thrill rides. You’ll need a strong stomach to deal with the G-forces of the major-league roller coasters, the death-defying drops, and the whirling spinners.

For the younger set, plenty of “family” style rides offer a less intense but equally fun amusement park experience. Both littler and bigger kids enjoy interacting with the classic Warner Brothers characters, especially in Bugs Bunny World, and a kids’ show features Bugs, Donald, and others.

Other than that, Magic Mountain has little in the way of staged entertainment — this park is all about the rides. The park is divided into areas, just like most other major theme parks — get a map at the entrance to help maneuver around and pick your favorite rides.

You’ll find services, souvenirs, and snacks galore throughout the park. The food offerings run to burgers, pizza, and ethnic fast food. The highest concentration of snack shacks sits in the Colossus County Fair area—others are evenly distributed throughout the other areas. You can also by tchochkes in any area, but most of the shopping centers around Cyclone Bay.

All major services can be found at the park, including many ATM machines, a First Aid station, ample restrooms, and disability assistance. The Guest Relations office at Six Flags Plaza can help you with just about anything you need.