I used to come here all the time when I was younger. Literally once a week (we had a season pass, lol). It’s definitely been a while…but I was shocked at how much the vibe of this place has changed! This place used to be packed! Not as bad as Disneyland, or anything, but there was always a pretty long line for the Giant Dipper, at least! This time, though, the boardwalk felt so ghostly. There was barely anyone there, and it didn’t help that most of the rides were closed. Maybe it was just an off day, but I was so sad! I had so many good childhood memories from here; sad to see it’s completely changed.
On the bright side, at least the weather was cooperating. We lucked out–it was like the only non-rainy day of the week. There’s been so much rain in California this year, and we definitely need it! But it was nice to finally see some sunshine 🙂
This is sort of random, but I just remembered this, haha. The Haunted Castle ride that you see in the second picture is a very..interesting ride. It reminds me a little bit of the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland, especially at the beginning, but after you go through the first few rooms, I felt like the props/scenery were starting to become totally random. It starts off with a ghost theme–creepy music, sudden movements here and there, but then all of a sudden you’re in a room filled with dinosaurs. Super confusing, but hey, at least the ride is relatively long. Oh, the other bright side about this visit–no lines for the rides (the few that were actually open…). And they still have Dippin’ Dots!!
Pricing for rides and stuff is pretty flexible here. You can either buy admission to each ride individually, or you could get an unlimited ride wristband. If you’re planning on going more than 5-6 rides, I recommend just buying the wristband. But make sure you check what rides are open first!
XOXO,
It’s still ‘offseason’. Full park isn’t totally opened until March so you always end up with limited rides and such….even if it happens to be a really warm sunny day. :/. I’ve definitely been there many times in the past 5 years when it has been so packed you could barely move! Things always seem less amazing and cool when we go back as adults. I remember going to chuck e cheese the first time as an adult…(which was show-biz pizza when I was a kid) and thinking..what? This is not how I remember it. Lame!! Lol.
Phew that’s good to hear! I thought this place was a goner, haha. But yeah that’s very true! Even the rides at theme parks aren’t the same when you’re an adult 🙁
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I used to love the Haunted castle ride at any show I went to even though I found it a bit scary. Really enjoyed reading your post Ashley and loved looking at your very vibrant photos.
Same! I find all haunted castle rides scary too, haha, but it’s fun when you’re going with friends 🙂 Thanks, Sue!
Ahhh!!! Dippin Dots!!! I came in for the Dippin Dots but I stayed for the post. It always sucks going back to places of your childhood and finding that they’re totally different from what you remember. But I’m glad you were able to have a good time reminiscing.
Hehe looks like I picked the right picture 😉 but yeah I hope it’s more lively during peak season!