Some of the parks have extra added attractions for nightfall, such as Disneyland's Electrical Parade and Sea World's ice show and a sea lion show that spoofs daytime offerings. Most also feature aerial or water fireworks, some with lasers, which are choreographed to music and can be several months in the planning. This year, Knott's Berry Farm replaced its Reflection Lake fireworks with the $1-million "Incredible Waterworks Show," a sound, water and light show whose fountain has 1,200 nozzles that can direct streams of water up to 100 feet high. (The show plays during the day as well, but without benefit of colored lights.)
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All the Park's a Stage : Amusement meccas are greeting the summer throngs with strolling entertainers and new shows
The price tag for all of this daytime and nighttime fun is not cheap. Company policy at most parks forbids discussion of spending. Only Knott's is not shy about revealing its summer expansion program cost: $4 million.
"We use our ability to bring entertainment to our guests," says Knott's Meck. "Whether it's Mom and Dad from Iowa doing our country hoedown or two 10-year-olds watching a street show with cameras rolling. So in a way, the whole park becomes the stage."
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