Traditionally, and in films like Adventureland, theme park jobs have been the province of squinty-eyed high school and college students or failed actors getting a last bit of glory in a Disney princess costume, but times are changing. With California's unemployment rate at 12.4%, workers with years of experience are lining up for jobs at Southern California theme parks.

Last weekened, a job fair at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia drew 1,600 people, despite the rain, while one at Universal Studios Hollywood drew 1,100 last month. Meanwhile, both Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park have put their jobs fairs on hold because they've received so many applications. In Ohio last year, the Cedar Point Amusement Park received 30,000 applications for 4,500 positions. Those applying for the jobs range from unemployed mortgage agents to former forklift drivers to construction workers who can't find work in their industry. "I'm looking for something to get me in the door," says Claire Colby, 50, a floral designer who's been unemployed since June and is applying for a job at Knott's Berry Farm. "I have skills they could really use here." While theme park jobs typically pay little more than minimum wage, they do often come with the perk of free admission to the park and discounts for family and friends. We hope they come with under-the-table cutting-the-lines-for-the-big-coaster privileges too.