Ticket to ride

Marisa O’Neil

It was a risky proposition: Taking Liam, who turns 2 years old in

September and has moods ranging from bold daredevil to clingy

toddler, to test out the Kiddie Carnival rides at the Orange County

Fair. He also stood about four inches below the magic 36-inch mark

needed to ride most of the attractions alone.

I stuck to rides that required three tickets and riders at least

36 inches tall, unless accompanied by an adult. Each is rated on a

scale of one star, the worst, to four stars, the best.

PINK ELEPHANTS

This is like a smaller version of Disneyland’s Dumbo ride. But the

spinning pink elephants reminded me of the old myth that folks start

seeing pastel pachyderms after drinking too much champagne.

This was a good first choice because Liam, who looked a little

spooked, could sit on my lap. Once we started turning and lifting

into the air, he perked up and even gave out some nervous laughter.

MOM RATING: ****

TODDLER RATING: ***

SWINGS

He watched the two-person swings with fascination as they twirled

around and lifted off the ground. The fascination diminished

significantly when we got strapped into one of the swings.

As we swung around, faster than I’d expected, he clung to me for

dear life, nervously chanting: “Mamamamama.” I gave out some

convincing “whees,” but he just wasn’t having it.

He did finally give out a big smile -- when the ride stopped.

MOM RATING: ****

TODDLER RATING: *

BERRY-GO-ROUND

Undaunted, we headed over to the spinning strawberries. We’d given

up an earlier attempt because the molasses-slow line wasn’t helped by

the fact that one of the four berries was not in use.

But the berries redeemed themselves by putting a smile on Liam’s

face. He liked this one the best, if for no other reason than its

big, padded wheel made a nice drum.

This one’s a good bet for little ones, because it doesn’t go too

high, it’s enclosed, and it lets the riders control the amount of

spin.

MOM RATING: ****

TODDLER RATING: ****

BUMBLE BEE RIDE

Another variation on the Dumbo theme, this one features bee-themed

cars. They have the added benefit of a joystick and two buttons to

play with, though none seem to have any function.

Liam seemed a little worn down by his experience and not happy

with the bees until we started waving at the people below. He even

gave out a smile and decided to play with the buttons -- once we

landed.

MOM RATING: ****

TODDLER RATING: ***

GHOST PIRATE

I decided to give this one a shot, even though the ride got only

one star in a Daily Pilot review three years ago. Perhaps, I thought,

they had improved it. Besides, it was getting close to Liam’s naptime

and he needed a ride that stayed grounded lest a tantrum rear its

ugly head.

Unfortunately, the ride is still lame. It’s insufferably hot

inside; the breaker box is still featured as if it’s part of pirate

lore; and inane, incomprehensible pirate jargon blares from the

speakers. Inside, it’s nearly pitch black, not inviting to really

little ones.

The good news is that the little train ride through the not-so-fun

house lasts only about 30 seconds.

MOM RATING: *

TODDLER RATING: *

After all the trauma of spinning and flying, we got a buttery ear

of roasted corn, sat in the shade and munched away. That got the best

reviews of all.

* MARISA O’NEIL covers education. She may be reached at (949)

574-4268 or by e-mail at marisa.oneil@latimes.com.