Recently I've had the chance to visit some of the great theme parks in Southern California. If you would like to see some of the beloved animated movie and TV characters "live" these parks are the place for you.

Of course Disneyland is the first park that comes to mind, with Dumbo, Mickey, Goofy and the others. Your trip to Disneyland will be better if you do a little research at one of several great websites. Who doesn't love the wonderful job Disney has done in creating a fictional universe of lovable characters?

Knott's Berry Farm is not far from Disneyland, and you can continue your movie star hunt by visiting Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts clan. Charlie Brown, Linus and the others fit nicely into the personality of Knott's Berry Farm.

Universal Studios up in Hollywood would be a good next stop in your vacation, where you can chill with the likes of Homer Simpson, the Flintstones and Rubbles, Betty Boop and Spiderman. Here is a site that offers what the locals know about visiting the characters who live at Universal Studios.

Lastly, we drive up north a ways and stop at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The first thing you see when you get close to the park are the Six Flags roller coasters. It does not take long to figure out that the Looney Tunes people are in charge of public relations.

You will find Yosemite Sam, Daffy Duck, Sylvester and the Roadrunner, some of whom hang out with the guests. To provide additional fun for small children, there is an area set aside for them, with a strong emphasis on the characters (not everybody wants to just hit the roller coasters). It is fun for kids and adults alike to meet these well-behaved celebrities, and you can find them at various spots on the Mountain.