In recent months I’ve had the chance to go to most of the seven major theme parks in So Cal. One thing I found is that you can enter into the world of many favorite animated cartoon characters if you enjoy that sort of thing.

The first place we think of is Disneyland, the hangout for Mickey, Donald and all their buddies. Check out the SoCal Vacation Guru for useful information and tips from locals about a vacation at Disneyland. Nobody has done a better job of breathing life into fictional characters than the Disney folks.

Nearby Knott’s Berry Farm has its own crew of lovable characters with Lucy, Snoopy and the Peanuts team at Camp Snoopy. Knott’s has done a nice job of absorbing Charlie Brown, his faithful pet and their friends into their culture.

Universal Studios up in Hollywood would be a good next stop in your vacation, where you can chill with the likes of Homer Simpson, the Flintstones and Rubbles, Betty Boop and Spiderman. Your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood will go a little smoother if you pick up some tips and advice first.

Lastly, we drive up north a ways and stop at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The features that set this park apart from many others are the Six Flags roller coasters and thrill rides. But skulking around the place are the nutty characters of Warner Brothers cartoons, notably the Looney Tunes guys.

You will find Yosemite Sam, Daffy Duck, Sylvester and the Roadrunner, some of whom hang out with the guests. The childrens’ area has attractions centered around these whacky celebrities, which is a nice break from the thrill rides that dominate the place. You won’t have to go too far to find a couple of the Looney Tunes folks here and there in the park.

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