Love Rollercoasters And Booze? Your California Adventure Awaits

Amusement parks can be like parades. They’re either something you love, or something you live with – because someone else has dragged you along. Photographer Edwin Santiago looks at fun from both sides now.

I won’t lie- I am not a big fan of amusement parks, not that many gay Los Angelenos are. But for me they’re a special kind of torture, because I will do almost anything in my power to avoid being in a crowd.

But I try to be reasonable, too. So when a client invited me to go to California Adventure at Disneyland mid week, I couldn’t find it in my heart to say no (I am nice that way). So I went, and against my better judgment gave it another try. Surprisingly, California Adventure is really nice. I think it is much better than Disneyland because guess what: it’s not as crowded.

I was only on the grounds for a few hours, but I was still able to enjoy several rides and I didn’t have to wait longer than ten minutes for a single one of them. And for those of you who’ve stood in line under a broiling sun while kids screamed and sneezed Fudgsicle juice all over you, you know what a real blessing it is to go from one ride to another relatively unhindered.

I shared that sentiment with my companion, and he agreed that for adults, California Adventure creates a much more welcoming environment, but he also enjoys another aspect of the experience: “They serve alcohol here,” he said with a wry smile.
Sure enough, they do, and that took a bit more of the edge off for me. If I was creating the kind of park I would actually want to attend, these would be two of the more inviting components.

If you’re ever in the LA area, California Adventure is right next to Disneyland in Anaheim. And for a mere $108, you can have some fun in the sun and be a kid again – only with all the privileges of being an adult. The best time to go is when kids are in school, so you can avoid the holidays, weekends, spring breaks or when classes are out of session.

Enjoy new highlights of travel photographer Edwin Santiago’s journeys each week.