Travel from AUS with older teens. Disneyland vs Six Flags

Question

We are travelling from Australia to LA in December this year. Our kids will be aged 16 and 14. We are deciding on either 2 kids Disneyland and 1 day Six Flags or just Disneyland on its own.

Also is the Lighting Pass / Flash passes needed?

Just seeing what others have done.

Thanks

Adrian

Answer

Visiting Los Angeles in December with older teens gives you the flexibility to choose between Disneyland and Six Flags Magic Mountain based on your family’s preferences for rides, atmosphere, and overall experience. Here’s a detailed comparison to help with your decision.

Disneyland is ideal for a full-day immersive experience with both classic and modern rides, themed lands, and entertainment. While it can be crowded in December, especially around the holiday season, the park offers festive decorations and seasonal shows which can be very enjoyable for teens and adults alike.

Disneyland Park has a mix of thrill rides, like Space Mountain and Indiana Jones Adventure, and immersive attractions suitable for teens.
California Adventure Park (if you consider the two-park option) includes thrill rides like Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! and Incredicoaster.
Disneyland’s holiday decorations in December are extensive, adding extra entertainment value.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is better suited for thrill-seekers who love roller coasters and high-adrenaline rides. It can be done as a one-day visit, and it offers a different pace compared to Disneyland. Note that in December, some rides may have reduced hours or maintenance closures.

Six Flags offers some of the most extreme coasters in the U.S., including Twisted Colossus and X2.
The park has fewer immersive shows or themed lands compared to Disneyland, so the focus is almost entirely on rides.
It’s a good choice if your teens are primarily interested in thrill rides and less in Disney storytelling.

Park Planning Tips

For Disneyland, consider purchasing a Genie+ Lightning Lane pass (formerly FastPass) to minimize wait times for popular rides. It can be particularly helpful during the busy holiday season.
Six Flags offers a Flash Pass to skip lines, which is optional but can save a lot of time during weekends or peak periods. December crowds may be lower than summer, so it’s not strictly necessary, but useful if you want to maximize rides.
Splitting your visit: One approach is to spend two days at Disneyland for a full experience and one day at Six Flags if your teens are thrill ride enthusiasts. If time is limited, sticking to Disneyland alone is a safe bet, as it offers a more varied experience including rides, shows, and immersive environments.

Recommendation

If your teens enjoy a mix of thrill rides and immersive experiences, two days at Disneyland may be more fulfilling and less rushed.
If your teens are roller coaster fanatics, adding a single day at Six Flags can satisfy that craving for adrenaline.
Purchasing Lightning Lane or Flash Passes can enhance the experience, especially at Disneyland during December’s busier days.

Ultimately, it depends on whether your teens prefer a broader Disney experience with festive holiday atmosphere or a concentrated thrill ride experience at Six Flags. Both options are doable from LA, but Disneyland provides more flexibility and entertainment variety for the full family experience.

Travel from AUS with older teens. Disneyland vs Six Flags

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