Is Knotts looking better...?

[dizneefan13]

With so many attractions down and the huge crowds most days (even Plaza Inn is closed right now!) is Knott's a good alternative? They even have Billy Hill and the Hillbillies now, a huge plus for us.

And the cost is just a fraction of the prices skyrocketing at Disney.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

I think it just might be worth checking out.

They do have Billy Hill, like you said, and I read an article the other day, about their Boysenberry Festival, which sounded fantastic!

It's been quite a few years since we've been---long enough that I'm a bit curious!

 

[sonnyjane]

With so many attractions down and the huge crowds most days (even Plaza Inn is closed right now!) is Knott's a good alternative? They even have Billy Hill and the Hillbillies now, a huge plus for us.

And the cost is just a fraction of the prices skyrocketing at Disney.

Is it something you might want to check out? Sure. Is it "an alternative" to Disneyland? Only in the same way that the aquarium or a zoo would be the same. It's something else to do, but even with things closed, it won't be apples to apples.

 

[dizneefan13]

I know Knotts doesn't come close to the whole environment of Disneyland but considering the cost and how overcrowded the parks are anymore (since Carsland opened?) I think we are going to finish off our current AP's and then find other ways to entertain ourselves.

Knotts seems to be working on improving things and I will want to check out the refurbished mine train that's been talked about lately.

 

[disneyhopeful4]

I really enjoyed Knotts. The environment and themeing is obviously not on-par with Disney, but what is. Knotts has some pretty thrilling rides and is just a different experience. If you need a Disney break, then I think Knotts is a great alternative.

 

[nannyz]

We always take a day to do Knotts when we go to DLR.
It is fun, but nothing like DLR.
Right now, Waveswinger, Ghost Rider, and Calico Mine Ride are closed for refurbishment. Waveswinger and Ghost Rider will reopen the 2nd week of June, and the mine ride will reopen the 3rd week.
Camp Snoopy is adding 3 new rides and the whole area is being spruced up but all the rides are open.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

On this week's podcast, I talked with Jeff Gahagan, VP of Maintenance at Knott's, about the updates that are opening this summer and about the change in attitude at Knott's overall.


DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition 05/01/14

 

[Shelleybeans]

We had a fantastic time in Knotts in Oct '13. We're planning to go back to DLR this coming Oct, and I toyed with the idea of leaving it out and doing Mickey's Halloween Party instead.... The kids all convinced me otherwise. They like the big coasters. I like the nostalgia.

 

[Laz]

Knott's is now owned by Cedar Fair. This is the same company that owns Cedar Point in Ohio. That is an incredible roller coaster park.

http://www.cedarfair.com/

 

[llump41]

I go to Knott's once a year since as a veteran they offer free admission +1 in Nov. But it is a very different park. I had a conversation with my son once and we thought that Disney themes their park/rides, Magic Mtn doesn't and could care less and Knott's tries but fails miserably.

 

[KJMAX1]

Knotts of course is different from Disney, but it is a lot of fun. Its been around a lot longer than Disneyland has, and it holds a lot of nostalgia for our family. My mom went there as a kid in the 40s, and the place will still open a very old attraction when she visits and asks upon request. I love how they have an old timey old west town. Make sure you talk to the guy in jail. He will listen for your name, and talk to you! They also have the robbery on the train, etc. Havent been to the water park but I heard its fun. Of course its a different kind of fun, but it is a part of old Hollywood, and I love it for that.

 

[sheetz]

Knott's is now owned by Cedar Fair. This is the same company that owns Cedar Point in Ohio. That is an incredible roller coaster park.

http://www.cedarfair.com/

IMO, Knott's really lost its direction when it was purchased by Cedar Fair, which is better known for its unthemed coasters than themed attractions. Trying to remake KBF into "Cedar Point West" makes no sense. However, Cedar Fair's new CEO Matt Ouimet is the former President of DLR and generally credited with reinvigorating the resort after a period of decline. He understands the local market and what makes KBF unique, and there are signs that the park may be on the upswing again.