Walk right by entry fees with season passes to theme parks

Whether you prefer the magical atmosphere of Disneyland or the exciting roller coasters of Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags, an annual pass to any amusement park can be a fun escape from the stress of school.

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Disneyland

By far the most expensive amusement park of the three, Disneyland attracts over 16 million people a year, and many of them are annual passholders. Recently the park raised the prices of many of their passes, the highest price being $1,049, due to a number of reasons including demand, overcrowding, parking and the upcoming Star Wars Land. Disneyland’s less expensive passes also have a large amount of blackout dates, but all their passes provide admission to Disneyland and California Adventure. Some people, like Senior Kat Michael, enjoy the magical atmosphere that Disney manages to create.

“I like Disneyland the most because it just has such a good vibe and it never fails to make me smile,” Michael said. “My favorite rides are Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.”

Disneyland may not have the scariest rides, but if you aren’t really into roller coasters, then this place is for you.

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Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm’s annual passes give pass holders many benefits, including guest passes and discounts on food and merchandise. Knott’s three available passes are all very affordable when compared to other amusement parks.

“I got a Knott’s pass because it was cheaper than a Disneyland one,” Junior Amanda Esparza said. “Knott’s also has rides that are more for older people than Disney’s, which are aimed at younger people.”

For those who crave more exciting rides than the park’s neighbor Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm offers exciting rides like Esparza’s favorites, Silver Bullet and Xcelerator. However, one downfall to this park’s passes is that they are excluded from Knott’s Scary Farm events.

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Six Flags Magic Mountain

This park is a long drive away, but this park’s low prices and exhilarating roller coasters make it worthwhile. The passes all come with benefits like special days to bring friends free, discounts on tickets, food and merchandise, and admission to Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. Senior Maddy Martinez appreciates the intense rides and fair prices at Six Flags.

“I chose Six Flags over any other amusement park because I love crazy rides,” Martinez said. “Also, Six Flags passes are the same price as a one day admission.”

Six Flags is full of extreme roller coasters such as Martinez’s favorite ride, X2, or other fan favorites like Goliath and Green Lantern. Unless you don’t enjoy roller coasters, there is really no downside.