Knott's Berry Farm

[Mabel67]

Hi!
We most recently visited Knott's in spring of 2006. We were underwhelmed. It wasn't that it was bad, it just seemed a little disappointing after DL. Plus the hotel we stayed at had changed hands after we booked and it was a pit...so of course that clouded our judgement a bit.

We will be returning to DL Nov 28-Dec 3. This trip will just be myself and DH. My question is whether a trip to Knott's would be worth losing a day at DL. I know that DL is much less busy that week, but we absolutely LOVE the park. We are 3300 km away, so don't get there as often as we would like, so we truly enjoy as much time in DL/CA as we can get.

Do people think that Christmas at Knott's is worth the time? What about the rest of the park? If we go, should we plan a whole day or just a partial? And we've had the chicken - didn't love it...so that doesn't need to factor in to the equation.

FWIW we will also be spending a partial day at Universal, so that will also take away some DL time...

What do all of you experts say about KBF??

TIA!

 

[macfamily88]

Personally, I'd rather spend another day at DL that waste it at KBF (Knott's is really trying to get better). I have passes to both, but would choose DL over KBF any day of the week. And if you're coming from so far away, I wouldn't bother with KBF. It doesn't have the magic like DL does.

 

[Mabel67]

Personally, I'd rather spend another day at DL that waste it at KBF (Knott's is really trying to get better). I have passes to both, but would choose DL over KBF any day of the week. And if you're coming from so far away, I wouldn't bother with KBF. It doesn't have the magic like DL does.

Thank you for your reply. This has been our thought on the matter for several visits now...just wondered if the Christmas additions made it more worthwhile than at other times.

Looks like more time in DL!!

 

[martinp13]

I'm going to be at DL the same week as Mabel (howdy!), and I'm thinking about a day at Knott's too. I'm a coaster junkie and I've done Disney and Six Flags in the area, but never Knott's, so I'd like to hit the park on maybe Wednesday and ride all the coasters I can.

Is Knott's as dead as DL/DCA is supposed to be that week?

 

[spacemermaid]

I'm going to be at DL the same week as Mabel (howdy!), and I'm thinking about a day at Knott's too. I'm a coaster junkie and I've done Disney and Six Flags in the area, but never Knott's, so I'd like to hit the park on maybe Wednesday and ride all the coasters I can.

Is Knott's as dead as DL/DCA is supposed to be that week?

Over the past couple of years, Knott's has been pretty empty during weekdays in early December. Last year most of the rides were walk-ons with no lines (Except for the Log Ride & the Mine Train...but those always, always, always have lines...at least, they have every time I've ever been there over the past 30+ years )

 

[martinp13]

Thanks for the info!

 

[GenGen22]

Hi!
We most recently visited Knott's in spring of 2006. We were underwhelmed. It wasn't that it was bad, it just seemed a little disappointing after DL. Plus the hotel we stayed at had changed hands after we booked and it was a pit...so of course that clouded our judgement a bit.

We will be returning to DL Nov 28-Dec 3. This trip will just be myself and DH. My question is whether a trip to Knott's would be worth losing a day at DL. I know that DL is much less busy that week, but we absolutely LOVE the park. We are 3300 km away, so don't get there as often as we would like, so we truly enjoy as much time in DL/CA as we can get.

Do people think that Christmas at Knott's is worth the time? What about the rest of the park? If we go, should we plan a whole day or just a partial? And we've had the chicken - didn't love it...so that doesn't need to factor in to the equation.

FWIW we will also be spending a partial day at Universal, so that will also take away some DL time...

What do all of you experts say about KBF??

TIA!

IMO if you didn't like KBF the first time not much has changed in the years so, you probably won't like it now. Personally, I like KBF but I am more of a Disney fan. Have you thought of doing an entire day at Universal Studios and a partial day at DL since, you will be spending most of your time at DL? Or getting a park hopper and going to Ca Adventure too?

 

[Mabel67]

IMO if you didn't like KBF the first time not much has changed in the years so, you probably won't like it now. Personally, I like KBF but I am more of a Disney fan. Have you thought of doing an entire day at Universal Studios and a partial day at DL since, you will be spending most of your time at DL? Or getting a park hopper and going to Ca Adventure too?

Thank you for the suggestions..
As mentioned, we have full plans to go to both DL and CA. We have been to Universal numerous times, and feel that a partial day at that time of the year will meet our needs.

My question is primarily with regards to the Christmas specific changes at KBF and whether they warrant a special visit. We didn't love KBF (didn't hate it, either) but perhaps they do Christmas so well that we wouldn't want to miss it..

Thanks!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

You should try Knott's Berry Farm again. It have not been in the park since 2008 though.

 

[llump41]

The only reason I go to Knott's is they offer military/veterans free admission in Nov. If it wasn't for that, I'd never go. The first time I went was at 48 and I'm a SoCal native.

 

[Camonkeygirl]

I'm going to be at DL the same week as Mabel (howdy!), and I'm thinking about a day at Knott's too. I'm a coaster junkie and I've done Disney and Six Flags in the area, but never Knott's, so I'd like to hit the park on maybe Wednesday and ride all the coasters I can.

Is Knott's as dead as DL/DCA is supposed to be that week?

We went last Oct. during the week. We found alot of the coasters either closed for the day or opening later in the day. I also was not crazy about KBF. We went because we had free tickets, and wanted to give it a try. I would stay with Disneyland and CA Adventure (although be prepared for lots of construction at DCA)

 

[GrumpyGoat]

The only reason I go to Knott's is they offer military/veterans free admission in Nov. If it wasn't for that, I'd never go. The first time I went was at 48 and I'm a SoCal native.

We went last Oct. during the week. We found alot of the coasters either closed for the day or opening later in the day. I also was not crazy about KBF. We went because we had free tickets, and wanted to give it a try. I would stay with Disneyland and CA Adventure (although be prepared for lots of construction at DCA)

I'm Monkeygirl's husband and the free veteran's admission (retired Navy here) in Nov is really the only reason we'd go to Knotts. We've been twice in ten years and it just isn't up to the quality of DL and DCA.

We went to Magic Mountain back in 2000 and if I never set foot in that park again it will be too soon. It is the only public venue I've been to that had metal detectors at the entrance before 9/11... The place was dirty, the employees rude and sullen and closed off areas just had chain link fence so you could see all the crap...

 

[GenGen22]

I'm Monkeygirl's husband and the free veteran's admission (retired Navy here) in Nov is really the only reason we'd go to Knotts. We've been twice in ten years and it just isn't up to the quality of DL and DCA.

We went to Magic Mountain back in 2000 and if I never set foot in that park again it will be too soon. It is the only public venue I've been to that had metal detectors at the entrance before 9/11... The place was dirty, the employees rude and sullen and closed off areas just had chain link fence so you could see all the crap...

I agree about Magic Mountain.. I haven't been there in 20 years and have no plan to go back. I no longer like Roller coasters though... & that's all they had when I went. I do Love Knotts though but I'ne nener been at Christmas time. Sorry, I can't offer any advice on that.

Here's what I saw on Mousesavers about KNB @ Christmas:
Christmas Events
"Knotts Merry Farm" is an annual event. Festivities include “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with seasonal entertainment, spectacular decorations including a 65 foot tall Christmas tree, and a colorful Christmas parade. Generally the events start on Thanksgiving day and run through about December 30.

Knott’s 1880s Ghost Town is transformed into Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, inviting guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 100 artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland of strolling carolers, musical groups, community choirs and lavish holiday decorations.

"A Peanuts Holiday Parade" offers seven elaborately themed floats featuring the Peanuts Gang and accompanied by students from Orange County Song and Dance Company. Children and adults alike will be able to get into the holiday spirit along with CHARLIE BROWN, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY, SCHROEDER and of course SNOOPY, as they ready for the holidays. Join them as they partake in all the holiday festivities, including candy making, tree trimming, and even toy building!

“Snoopy’s Cool Christmas," performed in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre, is hosted by the famous skating Beagle and features Knott’s ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises.

The show and parade are included with regular park admission and available to Christmas Crafts Village guests for a nominal additional charge.

Live performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and O’Henry’s “A Gift of the Magi” are offered from Thanksgiving day through Christmas Eve in the Bird Cage Theatre.

Stop by Santa’s Toy Barn for a little one-on-one with the big guy. Here, in Santa’s cozy hideaway, kids can share their wish lists with St. Nick, and Mom and Dad can take home a picture of the occasion (photo requires additional fee).

The world famous Timber Mountain Log Ride is transformed for the holiday season, giving guests an up-close and-personal view into the world of Santa’s Elves. Sneak a peak as Santa’s helpers get ready for Santa’s busiest day of the year.

 

[cyclenut]

I agree about Magic Mountain.. I haven't been there in 20 years and have no plan to go back. I no longer like Roller coasters though... & that's all they had when I went. I do Love Knotts though but I'ne nener been at Christmas time. Sorry, I can't offer any advice on that.

Here's what I saw on Mousesavers about KNB @ Christmas:
Christmas Events
"Knotts Merry Farm" is an annual event. Festivities include “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with seasonal entertainment, spectacular decorations including a 65 foot tall Christmas tree, and a colorful Christmas parade. Generally the events start on Thanksgiving day and run through about December 30.

Knott’s 1880s Ghost Town is transformed into Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, inviting guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 100 artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland of strolling carolers, musical groups, community choirs and lavish holiday decorations.

"A Peanuts Holiday Parade" offers seven elaborately themed floats featuring the Peanuts Gang and accompanied by students from Orange County Song and Dance Company. Children and adults alike will be able to get into the holiday spirit along with CHARLIE BROWN, LUCY, LINUS, SALLY, SCHROEDER and of course SNOOPY, as they ready for the holidays. Join them as they partake in all the holiday festivities, including candy making, tree trimming, and even toy building!

“Snoopy’s Cool Christmas," performed in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre, is hosted by the famous skating Beagle and features Knott’s ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises.

The show and parade are included with regular park admission and available to Christmas Crafts Village guests for a nominal additional charge.

Live performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and O’Henry’s “A Gift of the Magi” are offered from Thanksgiving day through Christmas Eve in the Bird Cage Theatre.

Stop by Santa’s Toy Barn for a little one-on-one with the big guy. Here, in Santa’s cozy hideaway, kids can share their wish lists with St. Nick, and Mom and Dad can take home a picture of the occasion (photo requires additional fee).

The world famous Timber Mountain Log Ride is transformed for the holiday season, giving guests an up-close and-personal view into the world of Santa’s Elves. Sneak a peak as Santa’s helpers get ready for Santa’s busiest day of the year.

I love Knott's at Christmas time. It really has that feel of a down-home Christmas. In addition to the above mentioned events, there is Snoopy's tree lighting featuring Snoopy and his gang, the Calico Carolers and kids from the Orange County Song and Dance Company. A great show with a great "Christmas Spirit" message.

The Calico Saloon also offers a special Christmas program.

The log ride and mine ride both are decked out for the Holidays. The log ride was really the inspiration for Disney to try the same with Small World. Knott's and Disney both use the same company for their roaming carolers ... in fact, they use some of the same people. The difference is that there are more of them at Disney, and they carry bells.

While the entire park is into the Christmas spirit, Camp Snoopy is especially festive.

The only problem with Knott's at Christmas is that they can get REAL CROWDED, especially on Toys for Tots weekend. That can mean some real long lines at some of the counter service locations. They just don't have many staff working behind the counter.

I'll give one small disclaimer. My kids perform at part of the Orange County Song and Dance company, so they are part of the show. That means I am there quite a bit during Christmas and while I may be a little biased about a couple of the shows, it also means that I see quite a bit of the park during that time and have seen it evolve over the years.

I do love Disney but honestly think that a day at Knott's is better than a day at DCA (right now ... maybe not after they are done with construction) and if you've got 4-5 days in the area, do three at Disney, one at Knott's and maybe your 5th day back at Disney or taking in other SoCal sites. Knott's is very close so you can still do that park and Disneyland without the need for a car rental.

 

[Huff]

If you didn't like Knotts and didn't like their chicken then why would you consider going again since you love Disney and don't want to give up a day there?

That said, we love Knotts. It isn't Disney nor do I expect or want it to be. We also love their chicken and breakfasts at the diner are great. But like any park, its not for everyone. We try to spend a day there while on our Disney trips but we have AP's to both DL and Knotts (Knotts AP's sometimes at same price as 1 day). Sounds like you'll be happier at the happiest place on earth!

 

[martinp13]

I wanted to post my Knotts trip results. I went to Knotts on Wed morning Nov 30, and showed up at 10am "rope drop". By 11am I had ridden all 7 of the available coasters (2 closed), including a few re-rides. The hardest part was finding some of the ride entrances.

After riding everything I wanted, I did a couple geocaches/munzees in the area and went for the fried chicken... must say it was really good, and I was back at Disney by 1:30pm.

Mission success! Thanks to everyone for their input and ideas.