A Skeptic’s Look at the Southern California Discount Attraction Card

If you’ve seen advertisements for the Southern California CityPASS, you may wonder if their claims are too good: Can you really save 30 percent? Does the Southern California CityPASS genuinely deliver?

To find the answer, it takes a calculator (well, actually a spreadsheet). You need to look up all the prices for every attraction and add up every combination you can think of. That’s a lot of trouble, but you don’t have to go through it. This skeptical evaluation does it for you.

1. Southern California CityPASS: What Is It?

The Southern California CityPASS is a so-called multi-attraction discount card. You buy one pass for several attractions at a discounted price, saving money in the process – at least in theory. Whether it will save money for your trip depends on your itinerary. All of the options are below, following an explanation of how it works.

2. How the Southern California CityPASS Works

You purchase a Southern California CityPASS and use it to gain entry at each attraction. Moreover, you can have them ship a card directly to you.

After using it at your first attraction, you’ll have up to 14 days to enjoy the others before it expires. You can bypass lines at the attractions if you buy it online or get it at any included attraction’s box office.

3. Inside Look at the Included Attractions

The list of attractions included with the Southern California CityPASS is relatively short. You get:

• Disneyland: Three-Day Park Hopper ticket with Magic Morning entry privileges to Disneyland on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday.
• Universal Studios: One and two-day general admission ticket.
• LEGOLAND: One-day admission to the main park, excluding the aquarium and water park.
• Sea World San Diego: One-day general admission ticket.

San Diego Zoo tickets: You can upgrade your ticket to include the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park, saving about 20% on that upgrade.

4. Will the Southern California CityPASS Save You Money?

We tested various combinations and here are the results:

• If your child is aged 3 to 9 years, the percentage savings on their CityPASS are somewhat higher compared to adults.
• Purchasing the Southern California CityPASS with the mentioned add-on will yield maximum savings as advertised on their website.
• For the Disneyland/LEGOLAND/Sea World combination, you will pay less than if you purchased all those tickets separately.
• The CityPASS is the only multi-attraction pass that offers significant discounts on Disneyland tickets; however, evaluate other attractions you plan to visit. If you skip any main attraction, your potential savings may diminish.
• If you are planning to visit Universal Studios and other Los Angeles area attractions, but won’t be going to Disneyland or Sea World, alternative passes such as the Go Los Angeles Card may be more beneficial.
• For Sea World and other San Diego attractions, it might be worthwhile to check the Go San Diego Card as well.

The only way to know for sure: Add up the full-price costs of each attraction or activity you are considering and compare that total to the cost of the CityPASS. Consider that Disneyland and Sea World charge adult admission for all aged 10 years or older; at LEGOLAND, adult admission is applicable from age 13 and up.

5. How to Get a Southern California CityPASS

Purchase your pass online to save time and avoid long lines.

Additionally, you can buy the Southern California CityPASS at the box office of any included attractions as described above.

6. Alternatives to the CityPASS

The CityPASS is just one of many options for saving money on popular attractions in San Diego. It’s advisable to explore all available options in the San Diego discount card guide.

7. More Ways to Save Money in Southern California

If you want to save money during your Southern California trip, explore strategies for securing the best deals for your LA visit. Use various tips to uncover more San Diego vacation bargains. Additionally, consider utilizing platforms that may offer discounts and deals during your trips.