Irresistible attractions: what's new at Southern California's major theme parks

Sunset, June, 1997 by Kim Ratcliff

The sun isn't the only thing that's sizzling. Here are the summer's hottest new attractions at theme parks in Southern California.

Disneyland. There's no better place to make a wish than Disneyland's new Light Magic, surrounded by enchanting "pixie dust" that magically appears and disappears. This "streetacular" journey through the enchanted world of dreams combines elements of a street show, the parade of lights, special effects, music, Disneyland characters, and playful pixies.

The rolling stages make several stops along the parade route, filling the area with dazzling star strobes, confetti blasts, and, for the first time in a Disneyland street show, computerized moving lights. (Also watch for the Hercules Victory Parade, which comes to Disneyland in late June.)

* Where: Disneyland is in Anaheim, about 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.

* Cost: One-day passport $36, $32 ages 60 and over, $26 ages 3-11; two-day passport $63, $47 ages 3-11; three-day passport $86, $65 ages 3-11. Be sure to ask about vacation packages. * Contact: (714) 781-4565.

Knott's Berry Farm. Floods and earthquakes are nothing after you've braved Windjammer, a roller coaster that packs the punch of Southern California surf. Sleek trains depart simultaneously on side-by-side tracks. There's nonstop action from start to finish as racing riders encounter 60-foot plunges and soaring vertical loops, twisting and careening high above the Windjammer Lagoon. Just when passengers begin to relax, without warning, Windjammer trains lunge into a menacing steel spiral to challenge the force of a howling Pacific storm. Windjammer is the centerpiece of Snoopy's Joe Cool Beach Blast, a summer-long surfside party.

* Where: Knott's Berry Farm is located on Beach Blvd. in Buena Park, 5 miles north of Disneyland and about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.

* Cost: $31.95, $23.95 ages 3-11 and 60 and over. After 4 P.M.: $15.95, $11.95 ages 3-11 and 60 and over.

* Contact: (714) 220-5200.

Sea World. The park's new Wild Arctic exhibit provides a great introduction to the arctic wildernesses by bringing together theme park razzle-dazzle and state-of-the-art aquarium displays.

And for a real up-close-and-personal wildlife experience, do lunch with Shamu. Dine with Shamu is a full buffet meal on tables set up right next to the pool just behind the orcas' performance area.

* Where: Sea World is on Mission Bay in San Diego. From I-5, exit on Sea World Dr. and follow the signs.

* Cost: Dine with Shamu $18.95 (plus park admission), $9.95 ages 3-11. Park admission (which includes Wild Arctic) $32.95, $24.95 ages 3-11.

* Contact: Dine with Shamu, (619) 226-3601; park information, 226-3901.

Six Flags Magic Mountain. Towering 41 stories (415 feet) into the sky, Six Flags Magic Mountain's Superman the Escape - the first ride to shatter the 100-mph speed barrier - isn't quite as fast as a speeding bullet, but it sure feels like it. Twice as tall as Niagara Falls, with a track spanning three football fields, this is a ride of true superhero proportions.

The adventure begins deep within the Fortress of Solitude, a dark, crystalline ice cavern where guests board aerodynamic 15-passenger vehicles. A high-tech acceleration system blasts riders out of the fortress and up to 100 mph in just seven seconds.

* Where: Six Flags Magic Mountain is off I-5 in Valencia, about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.

* Cost: $34, $20 ages 55 and over, $17 under 48 inches.

* Contact: (805) 255-4111.

Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios Hollywood introduces Totally Nickelodeon, a permanent live presentation of interactive games and stunts from Nickelodeon's most popular television shows.

The Backlot Tram Tour unveils the standing sets of The Lost World, Steven Spielberg's much-awaited sequel to Jurassic Park. Guests can get an up-close look at the props, sets, and locations of Spielberg's latest blockbuster.

* Where: Universal Studios Hollywood is in Universal City, just off the Hollywood Freeway between Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.

* Cost: $34, $29 ages 60 and over, $26 ages 3-11; two-day tickets $48, $37 ages 3-11.

* Contact: (818) 508-9600.