Five Terrific Reasons to Visit Southern California’s Top Theme Parks in 2013

LOS ANGELES & SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thanks to the addition of new rides, shows and attractions, the Golden State’s top theme parks are a bigger, better-than-ever draw this year. From the nostalgic fun of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park to an adrenalin-pumping, immersive Transformers experience at Universal Studios Hollywood, Southern California is the place to be in 2013. Here are five great reasons you shouldn’t wait another minute to plan your visit.

1. It’s Less Expensive Than You Think — The 2013 Southern California CityPASS® admission card makes planning the ultimate theme-park getaway more affordable. The card shaves 26 percent off the cost of visiting Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park (each CityPASS admission card includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket), Universal Studios Hollywood and SeaWorld San Diego. For a family of four, that 26 percent discount is like taking one person for free. A 2013 adult Southern California CityPASS card currently sells for $306* (a value of $411); children’s passes (ages 3-9) retail for $269.

*Through an exclusive offer on CityPASS.com, travelers can opt to add a discounted ticket to the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park to their Southern California CityPASS admission card. (Southern California CityPASS admissions card cost with optional zoo ticket: $339, adults; $294, children ages 3-9. Save 25 percent.)

2. The Universe Needs Your Help — An intergalactic power struggle between two groups of alien robots — the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, both of which have the power to physically convert from such common mechanical devices as cars, trucks and planes into robotic warriors — is underway at Universal Studios Hollywood^SM. Transformers^TM: The Ride 3-D, which Universal unveiled last May, is a thrilling adaptation of the Transformers film franchise. This ambitious mega-attraction tells an original story and features seamless integration of CGI and robotics, as well as one of the most elaborate roaming flight simulator ride systems ever designed.

3. It’s Time for Some High-octane Fun — The “Happiest Place on Earth” got a whole lot happier last summer, thanks to the opening of Cars Land, the largest piece in a five-year expansion of Disney California Adventure Park. Based on the Disney*Pixar movie Cars, this 12-acre addition to the park brings to life the stunning desert vistas of Ornament Valley and the sleepy town of Radiator Springs, both of which had previously existed only as animated film locations. Chock-full of themed shopping and dining spots, as well as terrific photo ops, the land features three major attractions: Luigi’s Flying Tires, a floating, spinning, bumper car-style ride; Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, where pint-sized tractors treat their riders to an energetic square dance; and thrilling Radiator Springs Racers, a ride that includes fun encounters with many of the Cars’ characters and ends with an electrifying race to the finish line.

4. You Can Soar Like a Manta Ray — SeaWorld San Diego’s latest, greatest attraction is Manta. Opened last May, this double-launch coaster gracefully transitions riders from the awe of watching manta rays in underwater flight to the sensation of actually being one. Shaped like a giant manta ray, this exhilarating coaster includes a 54-foot drop and multiple high-banking twists and turns. Pre-flight, a multimedia launch station — the first of its kind in the United States — envelops riders inside a 270-degree projection screen that makes them feel as though they’re underwater. A 100,000-gallon aquarium where visitors can see bat rays and a shallow pool that lets them touch and feed the rays is also part of this interactive experience.

5. More Magic and Fantasy Await — Come May 2013, guests at Disneyland Park can immerse themselves in the stories of their favorite Disney princesses at Fantasy Faire, an enchanting village square in Fantasyland. Along with this addition, a spectacular live entertainment experience, Mickey and the Magical Map, will premiere in the Fantasyland Theatre (summer 2013). And throughout the year, guests will experience imaginative and unexpected events and entertainment through Limited Time Magic, 52 weeks of magical experiences — both big and small — that appear and then disappear as the next special surprise debuts!

Southern California CityPASS admission cards can be purchased online at CityPASS.com or at any CityPASS attraction. They are valid for 14 consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use.

For more than 15 years, CityPASS ticket booklets and admission cards have been premier products for travelers who want to visit a destination’s top attractions while enjoying significant savings. CityPASS booklets/cards are available for New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California and Toronto. For more information, visit CityPASS.com.

CityPASS® is a registered trademark of City Pass, Inc., and the exclusive property of City Pass, Inc.