Southern California is a top destination for theme park lovers. But with popular rides come long lines. Fortunately, these parks offer various options to beat the queues, making your visit smoother and more enjoyable. Here's how you can make the most of your time at Southern California's iconic theme parks.
Disneyland® Resort: Lightning Lane Passes and Disneyland® VIP Tour
Disneyland® Resort, comprising Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure Park, is packed with beloved attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and the new Avengers Campus. To help you make the most of your time, Disney has introduced new Lightning Lane options: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, as well as VIP Tours.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Benefits:
- With the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can make up to three Lightning Lane selections in a theme park before your visit. This pass allows you to choose available times for each attraction as you make your selections, giving you the flexibility to plan your day around your favorite rides.
- On the day of your visit, after you use your initial three selections, you can check the My Disney Experience app to make additional selections based on availability.
Cost:
- The cost for Lightning Lane Multi Pass varies based on demand and the specific attractions selected. Prices are typically between $10 and $25 per person per ride.
Planning Tips:
- Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel or other select hotels can plan their Lightning Lane passes up to seven days in advance for their entire stay.
- All other guests can begin planning Lightning Lane passes up to three days in advance.
- Download the My Disney Experience app from the Apple App Store or Google Play ahead of time to manage your Lightning Lane selections and stay updated on availability throughout your day.
Lightning Lane Single Pass
Benefits:
- The Lightning Lane Single Pass works similarly to its previous version, allowing guests to secure a time to ride one of the most highly demanded attractions.
Cost:
- Pricing for Lightning Lane Single Pass is determined by the specific attraction and demand, typically ranging from $10 to $25 per person per ride.
Planning Tips:
- Just like with the Multi Pass, resort guests have a seven-day booking window, while other visitors can book up to three days ahead.
For more advice on navigating the parks, including must-see attractions and strategies for maximizing your time, check out our Disneyland® tips for first timers.
Disneyland® VIP Tour
Benefits:
- A dedicated tour guide and concierge to navigate the park efficiently.
- Priority access to rides, shows, and dining reservations.
- Customized itineraries to suit your group's preferences.
Cost:
- Prices range from $500 to $800 per hour. You must book a minimum of seven hours and can only book a maximum of ten hours.
Booking:
- Reserve your VIP Tour through Disney directly. Remember, park admission is separate from the VIP Tour price.
Universal Studios Hollywood™: Express Pass and VIP Private Experience
Universal Studios Hollywood™ is renowned for attractions like “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and the new Super Nintendo World. To avoid waiting in lines, consider the Universal Express Pass or the VIP Private Experience.
Universal Express Pass
Benefits:
- One-time express access to each ride, attraction, and show.
- A dedicated express line to minimize wait times.
Cost:
- Prices start at $199 per person, varying by season and day of the week.
Upgrading Your Tickets:
- Upgrade your CityPASS® tickets to Express Pass at the Universal Box Office upon arrival. Availability is limited, so arrive early.
For a smoother experience with fewer crowds, consider planning your trip during the best time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood™, which typically includes weekdays during off-peak seasons.
VIP Experience
Benefits:
- Unlimited express access to all rides, attractions, and shows.
- A private guided tour, including a behind-the-scenes studio tour.
- Exclusive gourmet meal and valet parking.
Cost:
- Starts at $369 per person but varies based on when you visit and demand.
Booking:
- The VIP Private Experience, offering unparalleled access and personalized service, must be reserved through Universal directly to confirm your spot on the tour.
LEGOLAND® California Resort: Reserve 'N' Ride and Ultimate VIP Experience
LEGOLAND® California Resort is a haven for families with its immersive attractions like THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD and the new LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race. Beat the lines with Reserve 'N' Ride or enjoy a VIP experience.
Reserve 'N' Ride
Benefits:
- Reserve ride times and reduce wait times by up to 90%, depending on the level chosen: Express, Deluxe, or Ultimate.
- Make unlimited reservations at select rides using the LEGOLAND® Resort mobile app.
Cost:
- Prices start at $35 for Express, $55 for Deluxe, and $100 for Ultimate per person per day.
Upgrading Your Tickets:
- After entering the park, use the LEGOLAND® Resort mobile app to link your CityPASS® tickets and purchase the Reserve 'N' Ride upgrade.
Tips:
- Reserve 'N' Ride is available only on a first-come, first-served basis after you enter LEGOLAND® Resort. If you want to increase your chances of using the system, plan to arrive early.
- Download the LEGOLAND® Resort mobile app to your phone before you go.
- You must buy your admission tickets separately.
Be sure to prioritize the best rides at LEGOLAND® California, such as Emmet's Flying Adventure and Dragon Coaster, to get the most out of your visit.
Ultimate VIP Experience
Benefits:
- A personal VIP Host will guide you through the park, with priority access to all attractions.
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and reserved seating at shows.
- Complimentary valet parking and a special gift for children.
Cost:
- $695 per person and requires a minimum of two guests.
Booking:
- The Ultimate VIP Experience must be reserved through LEGOLAND® directly.
SeaWorld® San Diego: Quick Queue and Ultimate VIP Tour
SeaWorld® San Diego combines thrilling rides with marine life exhibits, featuring popular attractions like Manta and the all-new Arctic Rescue coaster opening in 2024. To avoid long lines, SeaWorld® offers Quick Queue upgrades and VIP Tours.
Quick Queue Unlimited
Benefits:
- Unlimited front-of-the-line access to major rides like Manta, Electric Eel, and Shipwreck Rapids.
Cost:
- Starting at $20 per person, with prices varying by day.
Tips:
- Quick Queue passes are limited each day. Purchase early at Guest Services to secure your access.
To make the most of your day when visiting SeaWorld® San Diego, plan ahead by arriving early and checking the park map for showtimes and attraction availability.
Private VIP Tour
Benefits:
- Tailored animal encounters and behind-the-scenes access.
- Reserved seating at shows and front-of-the-line access to rides.
- Private, seven-hour tour that includes two dining experiences.
Cost:
- Prices start at $499 per person but vary based on the date.
Booking:
- Reserve your VIP tour through SeaWorld® directly, ideally at least three weeks in advance, to secure your desired date.
For an even more immersive animal experience, don't miss the renowned San Diego Zoo® animal exhibits, including the Giant Panda exhibit and the Skyfari® Aerial Tram, which offer up-close encounters with some of the world's most fascinating species. For a wild adventure, check out our San Diego Zoo® Safari Park tips, including insights on the best safari experiences and ways to maximize your visit.
Make the Most of Your Southern California Theme Park Adventure
Experience the thrill of Southern California's top theme parks with fewer lines and more fun. From Disneyland® Resort's Lightning Passes to Universal Studios Hollywood's™ VIP tours and LEGOLAND® California's Reserve 'N' Ride, these tips and tools will help you navigate the parks efficiently. Use Southern California CityPASS® tickets to experience the best attractions without the hassle!