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Show New Utah! - Wednesday, January 6, 1999 - Page 10 Travel Fall a good time to visit California 3 if In October, we took a group of family members ranging from an infant to a grandfather on a week's vacation to southern California. We decided to try to fall this time for better weather and smaller crowds. We were not disappointed, though the folks at Disneyland told us there is for never really an them anymore. A light day means 20,000 visitors. We also went to some places we had never been before, and were surprised by much of what we found even though we thought we had done our homework. That this area remains one of Utahns' favorite destinations is backed up by research, but we also met fellow travelers from here, every day that week. In an effort to be helpful to others who may be planning a similar trip, this page presents a few personal impressions of some of the more popular spots we went to. A few other hints: a sturdy pair of walking shoes is a must; having two in case one gets wet IS better. Dont try to dnve down there without getting the best and most recent map you can, and plan your routes well in advance. My advice if you plan to be on the expressways during rush hour: make a different plan. It's not worth it. Finally, we got loads of coupons and information from the various chambers of commerce; get it before you go. - off-seas- ?H' )J'WlWmf ... f . .. i wf TTt ' jw -- v.y - ,. Shamu catapults his trainer into the air from under the water during the "Whale Encounter" show at Sea World. The performance includes four orcas. Sea World educates as The Sea World Adventure Park in San Diego gets attention by advertising their "killer whale" show, but there is a whole lot more to the place than that. There are other shows, featuring dolphins, sea lions and otters, birds of the world and a video about an orphaned California gray whale rescued and then raised at the Park, then later successfully released. The shows are all highly entertaining, but they also include sound scientific education, most of which was understandable even to our elementarchildren y-age it The display areas simulate habitats for animals most of us would otherwise never, be able to see in person, such as manatees, walruses, sharks and penguins. There are also exhibits of reef life, tide pools, wetlands and gardens. The setting is spectacular and native birds of the area blend right in with those on display. The Park has the usual array of restaurants and gift shops, as well as an imaginative playground for children and two skyrides offering views not only of the Park but also the surrounding area. We had been misinformed The San Diego Wild Animal known more about it before we went, because we would have allowed much more time to see it. As it was. we extended our planned visit by several hours, and it was well worth it. If you are interested in animals, birds or conservation, this place is a must on your list Although it is technically within the limits of San Diego, the city's boundaries have been extended way out to encompass it. Plan on at least an hour and a half from Los Angeles and 45 The Park's collection includes native birds like this egret as well as many exotic species. about this place also, and extended our planned stay by many hours. You will certainly want to plan for an entire day, and you could easily spend two there. There is convenient freeway access to the location, but be sure to follow the signs carefully. It is just a short ride from downtown San Diego and only minutes from public beaches. Allow hours to get there 2-- 3 from Los Angeles. The Park has several numbers for various kinds of information, all of which can be accessed by calling (619)226-390or through their website at www.seaworld.com. 1 Photos and text by Beky Beaton Visiting this place really is like dropping in on Hollywood. I'm not sure who came up with the idea of opening the studio to tours, but they've been doing it a long time and they're very good at it. Universal Studios now is part entertainment venue, part amusement park, part shop- ping mall and, still, very much a working studio. There are shows for every minutes from downtown San Diego during optimal driving conditions. Much of the Park can be viewed on foot, easily accessed by a series of interconnecting trails which weave around the various enclosures and the cen- tral lagoon. ... "i 'v.. . .... 1 This section of the Park is with supplied liberally restrooms, gift shops and a range of eating establishments from snack bars to sit-dow- . l' Mickey's Kingdom Disneyland was the only one of these stops that I had personally made before, and this was my fourth visit, but there is always something new going on and I haven't gotten bored yet. I was sad that the submae rine ride, one of my favorites, has been permanently closed, and they were redoing It's a Small World while we were there, but only our youngsters would have really enjoyed those anyway. Our teens and young adults found most of the rides tame in comparison to other amusement parks, but the new Indiana Jones adventure is a notable exception. It's pretty intense. If you have younger children with you, I'd suggest you try this ride yourself first in order to decide who else might enjoy it. We actually split up most of the time here, so the younger children wouldn't miss out on the fantasy stuff that's fun for all-tim- . still iHfc-- restaurants. them, which sometimes bores the older ones, and they got to go on all the thrill rides that appeal to their more developed sense of adventure. The younger children reacted as I remember doing at my first visit to seeing the live "characters" around the Park. I don't ever remember autograph books from previous visits, but my little girl wanted to get hers signed by every one we could ' find. We usually bring food in our backpacks when we go there,: but we did eat in the Park a couple of times this visit. The prices are high, but we discov-ere- d that the portions were; very ample and made the meal a better value than we it was. There were fewer people in the Park Tuesday and Wednesday than on the other days; go then if you can. For further information, call '' (714)781-456or check it out at www.disneyland.com. . have-suspecte- ; ' ; 5, taste scattered throughout the day and held in various locations. There are also theme rides tied to some of the studio's blockbuster hits, biggest like favorites including "Jurassic Park" and "E.T." Our teens loved the scary rides, and guides were able to tell us which ones were suitable for our younger children. The backlot tram tour requires a wait, but it is like stepping through a cinematic time machine. You'll see familiar sets and experience some of the secrets of special effects. The Studios can be reached " '" f 1. u 4l presents the animals in settings as close as possible to their real habitat in the wild. The grounds themselves include an amazing range of habitats naturally, one of the reasons for the The Park choice of location in the first place. It is also a factor in the success of their species preservation breeding programs. duced into the wild, You can contact the Park for more information at (760)747-nea- r 8702. The special events line is (760)796-562hot-allow- 1. On the job, or currently experience pain from an accident that has occurred in the last 30 days, keep reading to discover how to get your totally FREE SPECIAL REPORT entitled: "How Simple Accidents Can Turn Into Lifelong Pain!" Dr. Kenneth Hansen of the Pacific Accident Information Network wants to send you a copy of his new report based on successfully treating hundreds of accident victims. Did you know that a serious injury often stays "hidden" from sight like a thief in the night.. .until weeks or even year later it shows up as excruciating pain, debilitating problems, or dangerous injuries. If you ex someone you know has been invoivea in an acciaent in me last ju days, getting your hands on this free report might be the most important thing you do all year. To get your free copy today is simple: 24 hours, tor a free recorded Call toll free rush We'll out your copy of the important report today! message. wmm wumEm ,Z 24,995 QUALITY WHOLESALE HOMES ? l J II ,tjl ZIONS INSURANCE AGENCY An Hat of Ztons First SERVINS YOU NATIONWIDE V - 768-163- 5 1.1 at Guaranteed Lowest Price. 1 - 888 - 720 - 0060 D For ii free, no oblation insuranc e c viiliiiiiion, t iill BkiiiK- Thomas ill M.l ' START A HOME-BASEBUSINESS. WORK FLEXIBLE HOURS. ENJOY UNLIMITED EARNINGS. - l2(1 Top Quality Homes 2x6 Walls 5 Year Warranty Blaine Thomas o' "V - "r 'ii f NiKnal Bank CALL TOLL I -J ..,S..r frjj j, 71 The set of "The Flintstones" is along the backlot tram tour. at (818)622-380They also maintain a website at www.universalstudios.com. Tape & Texture 30 Roof Load Certified independent personalized service and expert advice in all areas of insurance coverage including: Commercial Property & Liability Workers Compensation Insurance Group Health & Lite Coverage Auto & Homeowners Policies magic Have You Been In An Auto Accident, Had A Bad Fall, Or Other Injury In The Last 30 Days? , about the Park's very success- ful captive breeding programs, which have preserved animals and even extinction some to be reintro- - Disney- FREE REPORT: n There are bird and elephant shows, as well as a "rare and wild America" presentation sprinkled throughout the day. There are also three "Close Encounters" where visitors can see and touch some of the Park's inhabitants. Even if you don't have time for all the walking trails, the monorail tour of the outer grounds is not to be missed. It takes about an hour and showcases animals primarily from Asia and Africa in expansive, naturalistic enclosures. Included are some of the world's rarest animals. The guide is very informative about the animals and also talks at land, and very popular with younger visitors. Universal Studios provides fun for movie lovers a treat for whole family Wild Animal Park Park was the biggest surprise of the trip for us. I wish we had entertains Mickey's Toontown is one of the newer attractions FREE (800) 735-886- 7. |