While my wife Lucky was interning out in Vallejo a couple summers ago, she would pass by Six Flags Marine World Africa USA on her commute to work. Being a fan of amusement parks, she had wanted to check it out but never had the time. When we finally made some time to go, we found out that it was no longer there — sort of. After some re-organization, the addition of a few shows, and a renewed focus, it was re-born February 24 as Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (DK).
Because DK is part amusement park, part zoo, it offers something for family members of all ages. This dual identity also allows DK to educate its guests as well as entertain them. Although the park is now split into three kingdoms — Land, Sea and Sky — the kingdoms idea is somewhat cosmetic, as attractions of one kingdom can be found in different far-flung areas of the huge park. Instead, I would classify the attractions into three categories: thrill rides, animal exhibits, animal-themed shows.
No new roller coasters have been added, but DK still sports the best rides in Northern California. Kong, the ten-story suspended ride complete with multiple loops, and Medusa, billed as the longest, fastest, tallest and most technologically advanced roller coaster in Northern California, will appeal to the thrill-seekers. If you've been to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, these monsters are of the same ilk. Unfortunately Lucky couldn't experience the stomach-churning rides, but I did. Let's just say the adrenaline was rushing after those two.
Not all the rides are as wild, though. We went with a family with kids; 12-year-old Randy had a blast on the twisting mini-roller coaster Cobra and the dizzying Tazmanian Devil ride that rotates as it swings back and forth on a pendulum. 10-year old Jasmine, however, opted for the attractions that did not leave the ground. The Wii experience, which exhibits several of the games available for the Wii game platform, caught her attention. The 4-D Wilderness Adventure, a movie/motion simulator in which the audience "becomes" different animals — alternately soaring through the air, climbing trees, and roaming the grasslands — was another attraction to her liking.
Though the park's thematic presentation is not its strong suit, it does make up for it by the sheer number of attractions offered, including a number of animal shows. New to the park is The Spirit of Shouka, a show highlighting their killer whale. Its purpose is two-fold: to entertain and to educate. Unfortunately, because of a faulty microphone, we could not hear what the emcee was saying. One would have thought the equipment would be working considering it was a new show. Still, watching Shouka leap out of the water to get air was impressive when you take into account how large the animal is. But it was rather slow in comparison to the dolphin show Merlin's Island Party. The trainers and the animals seemed to be having so much fun, it was infectious. There were several other shows, one including tigers, another including birds, and yet another featuring sea lions. But because they only have two performances per day for each show, it's impossible to see them all unless you decided to forego the roller coasters and other attractions.
Throughout the park are areas where you can observe and/or have close encounters with a variety of animals. There are 15 "Discovery" areas that include walruses, cougars, lions and birds. Some of them are just holding areas, like Alligator Isle, where you view them from a safe distance. Others bring you closer to the action. Lorikeet Aviary allows you to walk through the area as birds fly around you. Shark Experience is a walk-through tunnel aquarium featuring guess what? Yup, sharks! For those willing to pony-up the extra $19.99, a Seafari Pass can be purchased, giving you an opportunity to feed dolphins, giraffes, and sea lions.
The one area where DK needs oiling is its customer service. Getting lunch at the park was an ordeal that lasted over 30 minutes, longer than a wait for any of the rides. Seeing how ill prepared the servers were, Jasmine astutely remarked that it seemed as though they just hired anyone off the streets. Randy added that it would have been faster had we made the food and served ourselves. When we finally got our food, we were sorely disappointed. For such an expensive meal, one would have expected the cheese on the pizza to at least have been melted; or for there to have been some dipping sauces that went along with the chicken nuggets.
In spite of the terrible food service, DK was enjoyable for the whole family. If you plan on going to DK, go before it gets too hot in the summer and the lines get crazy. Also, consider purchasing a season pass, which is currently priced at $69.99. Considering that a day pass is $49.99 and that it is nearly impossible to see the whole park in one day, especially since the hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on its longest day (even in the summer), this option offers the best bang for your buck.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom1001 Fairgrounds Dr.
Vallejo, CA 94589
General Admission: $49.99 (buy online for $39.99 at www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom)
Children under 48Ó: $29.99
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