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Magic Mountain is perhaps one of the most well known theme parks in the United States. The park is located in Valencia California, which is North of Los Angeles. The park opened in the summer of 1971 just in time to attract the summer crowds of families that were off of work and school and looking to have some fun. In 1979 Six Flags purchased Magic Mountain, and so the park adopted the Six Flags Magic Mountain name that it has carried ever since. Even with a big chain like Six Flags, Magic Mountain remains one of its most well-known and visited theme parks.

Magic Mountain is not only visited often, it has been the backdrop for many movies. Magic Mountain was the fictional “Wally World” in the movie National Lampoon’s Vacation, the theme park was also shown in the show Step by Step, and was a fictional theme park shown in the movie Encino Man. Being in so many movies and on television is a testament to the fact that the park is not only a great place to have a good time, but is such an ideal setting that it is good enough for television! The great thing is, it isn’t just a set and all those excited people that you see aren’t acting, the park provides a great experience for the whole family.

In April of 2006 Six Flags Magic Mountain will officially break the record for the most roller coasters in one park! For several years now, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Cedar point have been tied for the prestigious title, but when the new Tatsu roller coaster is completed Magic Mountain will have the title to itself, for now at least. If roller coasters are what bring you to Magic Mountain, it is worth noting that all of the roller coasters are not operating at all times. On the weekends and over holiday weekends you’ll see the majority of the coasters operational, but if you are coming to the park for a particular ride, it’s a good idea to call ahead and see if the ride you have been looking forward to will be operational on the day you plan to come. If you are just looking for a good time full of great roller coasters and rides for the whole family and you don’t have any favorites or specifics, then you can come any time the park is open and expect to have a marvelous time. Some of the rides that have made Six Flags Magic Mountain a entertainment destination are Batman the Ride, Colossus, D

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Planning a wedding is stressful enough. Planning a honeymoon should be a pleasure. As long as both the bride and groom agree on the locale and the activities, this part of the new life adventure should be a snap to plan. Creating plans for the perfect romantic honeymoon should include things that appeal to both, however. If one likes the water and the other hates it, a beach trip might want to be avoided.

Typically, a good honeymoon that’s nice and romantic can take place anywhere the honeymooners can get some quality time together with a lot of privacy. Very few people want a lot of others around during their special once-in-a-lifetime trip together. The vacation, whether it’s for a weekend or an entire month, is meant to help you both ease in to married life and create lasting memories. It should be fun, relaxing and romantic.

Before planning a trip, it’s a good idea for both the bride and groom to sit down and discuss options. Be certain to pick a place together - one that really appeals to both. Although it’s likely a lot of time will be spent in the room, venturing out should be a fun option that offers lots of romantic possibilities, too.

Here are some tips on places to go:

* Beach destinations. For many, there are few things more romantic than watching a sunset on a pristine beach while sipping on drinks with little paper straws and watching palm trees sway in a warm breeze. If this appeals, places such as Florida, South Carolina, California, Hawaii and even some European destinations and the islands of the Caribbean and so on are all good ideas. They all offer their own special appeal and other possibilities for romance and adventure.

* Europe. If staying in a historic city, perhaps within the walls of a romantic, medieval castle, sounds like a dream come true, countries such as Germany, England, Scotland and Ireland might be considered. Sightseeing possibilities are incredible in any of the destinations and accommodations can really be as upscale or as basic as a couple’s budget demands.

* Mountains. There are few places more romantic than secluded mountain cabins. Getting back to nature offers some incredible views, which happen to be very romantic and the privacy can’t be beat. Places to consider for this type of trip include anywhere in the Smokey Mountains, the Rockies, Pennsylvania, New York, Canada and Europe. Again accommodations can include upscale lodges or more rustic cabins or even tent camping. Whatever both the bride and groom deem goes.

* Ocean cruises. When it comes to beautiful views and upscale treatment, cruises are unstoppable. With lots to see and do, there’s plenty to appeal outside of the stateroom.

No matter where you go or what you do on your honeymoon, remember the trip is for both the bride and groom. It’s a time to kick back, relax and get to know each other even better before the day-to-day routine of married life sets in. Just make certain the trip appeals to you both, make it fun and relax; it’s the stuff lifelong memories are made of.

A romantic honeymoon can be cheap, affordable or extravagant. As long as the two most important people are having fun, that’s all that matters. Leave the stress of planning behind at the wedding and just enjoy the honeymoon.

http://www.honeymoonvacationmall.com

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You may be traveling as a couple or as a family. You may be teen-age or middle-age. You may enjoy a peppy, “let’s do everything!” type of trip…or prefer to relax while you’re on vacation. No matter what your touring situation, you’ll undoubtedly find something to suit your interest at San Francisco’s delightful Pier 39.

Pier 39 is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex that has dozens of options from which you can choose. However, even if you did nothing but sit on a park bench at Pier 39, you’d have an enjoyable day. Pier 39 sits on the waterfront’s edge with a stunning view of both the city and the San Francisco Bay. You’ll smell the salt air, hear the squeal of sea gulls, watch ferries and tour boats coming and going, and enjoy viewing a resident colony of sea lions that calls the water around Pier 39 “home.”

In fact, spending some time admiring the view from a bayside bench would make a great way to start off your day. You’ll be facing so many options ahead for you, that you might need some time to decide! Several restaurants at Pier 39 are open for breakfast…and, of course, you’ll dine with a view of the bay from your table. After your morning meal, there may still be a chill in the air; if so, why not start by touring the “can’t miss” Aquarium of the Bay.

At San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay, you’ll enjoy attractive exhibits showcasing marine life from a variety of the ocean’s zones. You’ll be able to walk through TWO clear viewing tunnels, where specimens will swim and slither to your left, right, and above you. You’ll see large tanks, small tanks and touch tanks. You may attend informational programs, or simply ask as many questions as you like of the aquarium’s staff. You’re certain to leave with a renewed awe of our swimming friends…and knowing more than when you entered!

As the day warms up, you may wish to take a tour of the San Francisco Bay, which is easily arranged from the piers adjacent to Pier 39. Budget travelers may enjoy riding the ferry boats across the bay. There’s no narration aboard a ferry; but the “price is right,” and the ferries start running much earlier (and quit running much later) than the boats of nearby tour companies.

To enjoy a narrated tour, you may choose a voyage on either the “Red and White Fleet” or the “Blue and Gold Fleet” boats. Both bay touring companies are located near Pier 39, and both offer a variety of tours, starting with a simple one-hour “overview” tour of the bay and its islands. Other specialty tours are available, such as sunset tours, multi-island tours, Golden Gate Bridge tours, etc.

One very popular tour is the Alcatraz Prison Tour, which is offered only by the Blue and Gold Fleet. You’ll actually take a boat out to “The Rock,” debark, then walk among the same cell blocks which once housed maximum-security prisoners! This tour much in demand, and spots are limited. If you’d like to go, make your reservations as soon as possible—maybe even from home, before leaving on your vacation!

After your San Francisco Bay tour, you’ll surely be hungry for lunch. Head back to Pier 39 itself for a delicious seafood luncheon…which you’ll find is the specialty of not one, but a NUMBER of Pier 39’s restaurants! If you’re not in the mood for seafood, don’t worry. You’ll find both American and Italian cuisine served at Pier 39. One budget idea is to head to North Shore Pizza, where one of their tasty extra-large pizza pies will fill your entire family!

After lunch, you can spend time exploring the shops and activities of Pier 39. You’ll find over 100 specialty stores which make for great browsing…and souvenir hunting! Younger kids will love riding on the stunning double-decker carousel at the end of the pier. Older kids can get lost for hours at the pier’s game arcade. For a bit wilder fun, your family can jump on the “bungee trampoline,” or sit in the motion-movie ride…where your chairs will move in synchronized timing with events in the film. You’ll feel like you’re really IN the situations that the movie portrays!

By the time evening comes, your group will leave tired, but happy. Getting home will be easy, too. To come and go from Pier 39, you can hop a ferry, board a bus, or catch the MUNI. Many folks simply walk to their cars…parked conveniently at the Pier 39 parking garage, just across the street from all the action!

Author Vicki Funes is a California native and travel enthusiast. For further details about the San Francisco attractions discussed in this article–and to see dozens more ideas for planning a fun California vacation–check out the “San Francisco Road Trip” page of her website, “Family Vacation Getaways at Los Angeles Theme Parks.” URL: http://www.family-vacation-getaways-at-los-angeles-theme-parks.com/San-Francisco-Road-Trip.html

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