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Travel & Experiences

Ten fascinating facts about Southern California theme parks

Crystal, the capuchin monkey featured in the 2011 movie “The Hangover Part II,” can be seen regularly at the Universal Studios’ “Animal Actors” stage show.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Southern California is the birthplace of modern theme parks and home to five of the nation’s 20 most popular parks. Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park calls itself the world’s oldest theme park, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia has dubbed itself the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” while Disneyland in Anaheim proclaims itself the “Happiest Place on Earth.”But the most fascinating facts about these parks rarely appear in promotional ads or television commercials. They are the tidbits that are shared by true theme park aficionados and insiders. Below are 10 fascinating facts most park visitors don’t know.

Michael Ovitz, former president of the Walt Disney Co. and co-founder of Creative Artists Agency, started his career in entertainment as a part-time tour guide at Universal Studios Hollywood in the 1960s, while attending UCLA.

Michael Ovitz, former president of the Walt Disney Co. and co-founder of Creative Artists Agency, started his career in entertainment as a part-time tour guide at Universal Studios Hollywood in the 1960s, while attending UCLA.  (Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

Walter Knott, the founder of Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, named and perfected the boysenberry before he converted his farm into a theme park.

Walter Knott, the founder of Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, named and perfected the boysenberry before he converted his farm into a theme park.  (David Karp / For The Times)

Comedian, actor and writer Steve Martin performed his first comedy and magic act at the Birdcage Theater at Knott's Berry Farm in the 1960s. He also worked at a Disneyland magic shop.

Comedian, actor and writer Steve Martin performed his first comedy and magic act at the Birdcage Theater at Knott’s Berry Farm in the 1960s. He also worked at a Disneyland magic shop.  (Larry Hulst / Getty Images)

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