Southland amusement and water parks gear up for Memorial Day Weekend

With big crowds expected, Wet n Wild Water Park in Palm Springs is using Memorial Day Weekend to introduce its latest attraction.

Beginning Saturday with the price of admission, you can test your surfing skills without having to drive two hours to the beach.

Just step on a Flowrider board. It’s a surfing simulator that gives you an idea of what it takes to handle the ocean surf.

“I just think it’s so different and people have never tried it, that’s what got me, I was hooked right away,” said Flowboard professional, Sean Silveira.

If you’re looking for water entertainment outside the Valley, the Drop Zone Water Park in Perris is using the holiday weekend to mark its grand opening.

As part of the festivities, if you go to the park’s website, you can sign up for a free two and half hour water session on Saturday.

At Disneyland in Anaheim, Rock Your Disney Side began at 6 a.m. Friday in which park goers were given 24-hour access to both Disneyland and California Adventure.

If you missed out and are planning to visit the Disney parks this weekend, both parks will resume regular hours at 9 a.m. Saturday.

If animals are your fancy, Saturday the public will get its first look at the new Tiger Trail exhibit at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The $20 million renovation brings the six 200-pound Sumatran tigers that live in the enclosure out of hiding and almost too close for comfort.

“They follow you, walk along the fence line and follow you. They stare right at you, it’s a little intimidating, but it’s so exciting,” said Anna Prigge who works at the park.

Wherever you might head for the holiday weekend, one thing is certain — you will not be alone. In fact that should hold true all summer long.

AAA estimates 36 million people will hit the road this summer for family vacations, the highest figure in 14 years.

“You know Americans have a serious case of the travel bug and many of them are preparing to head off to bright, sunny, fun destinations,” said AAA spokeswoman Yolanda Cade.