Knotts Berry Farm with 2 under 5

[adykate]

I haven't been to Knotts in over 15 years. We always do Disney, sometimes Legoland, and call it good. This trip (early August) we will be in the area for a few days, and don't want to do Disneyland due to summer crowds. We already have trips planned for later in the year. I was thinking maybe we would try Knotts Berry Farm this trip to have a "quieter" experience than Disneyland would be right now. I know it doesn't come close to Disneyland in terms of theming, cleanliness and "magic", but is it worth it for the price? We have two girls under 5, and both love Snoopy and the Peanuts gang- which is really the only reason I am thinking about going. I read some reports that mention gang issues and a dirty park with unfriendly staff. Others say it isn't Disneyland but for the price it is great. I know everyone has different standards, but just curious what the current take on things are at the park. Thanks!

 

[dotfurio]

I don't think you're going to find less crowds. DL is popular, but Knott's is much less expensive, which draws a lot of people,too. We've generally experienced longer wait times for rides there than at DL. That said, for the price and to try something different it's ok. In the past we've gotten discount tickets through our credit union, so that makes it more worth the cost as well.

 

[ADLFAN]

We went to Knot's last year and meet Snoopy right as we walked in! What a surprise! But I must say, the first thing I noticed was the gum all over the ground... The rides for younger kids did look cool, and we 2 adults even wanted to try a few! There were a lot more teens than families in general, but they were all very well behaved. The food and merchandise were pleasantly different, too. The boysenberry funnel cake? Oh man! It is making me want to add Knot's to our next trip!

 

[LisaT91403]

I haven't been to Knott's in the summer, but I went on a weekend in the winter and the lines were BRUTAL. There is a Ferris Wheel in the Camp Snoopy area...just a kiddie ride, and we waited over an hour for it! Oh, what I would give to get that hour of my life back.

One major problem is that they do not post any wait times at Knott's. You have no idea what you are getting into when you get in line. The Ferris Wheel line didn't look too bad, but talk about slow-loading rides. Argh! We found the Camp Snoopy area to have extremely long lines with slow-loading rides, and the rides hold very few riders.

Another problem is that the only rides in the park for your little ones are in the Camp Snoopy area. Just about everything else is for older/taller kids. At Disney, you have tons of different options for things to do, so you can go do the things that don't have long wait times. You can't avoid the lines at Knott's.

That's just my two cents

 

[22Tink]

We went to Knotts last year at the end of August. The lines for the big rides were long, but the kids stuff was practically walk on. Honestly, I wouldn't do Knotts if I only had little kids. There just isn't enough for them to do. My DD was just 6 when we went and she had fun for awhile but got bored quickly. We probably won't go back to Knotts for a long time. Your little ones might enjoy it if they love Snoopy though!

 

[LisaT91403]

We went to Knotts last year at the end of August. The lines for the big rides were long, but the kids stuff was practically walk on. Honestly, I wouldn't do Knotts if I only had little kids. There just isn't enough for them to do. My DD was just 6 when we went and she had fun for awhile but got bored quickly. We probably won't go back to Knotts for a long time. Your little ones might enjoy it if they love Snoopy though!

School was already back in session the end of August...that doesn't really count as summer around here

 

[22Tink]

School was already back in session the end of August...that doesn't really count as summer around here

I understand that. I was just offering my 2 cents. My opinion on how much there is to do and whether I think it's worth going would be the same no matter what time of year it is!

 

[LisaT91403]

I understand that. I was just offering my 2 cents. My opinion on how much there is to do and whether I think it's worth going would be the same no matter what time of year it is!

I totally agree about lack of things to do. There are no good "family" rides. It is either the (uninspired) kiddie rides, or big roller coasters.