Only time for one other park besides Disney- Universal or Knotts?

[msim]

Travelling with a group of varying ages, from 7 to 70. We've tried Universal Orlando, how does it compare to Universal Hollywood? How far is Universal Hollywood from Anaheim, anyway? Or, would you recommend Knott's- as we've never been there anyway....... Any advice would be greatly appreciated...... Thanks!

 

[Dakota_Lynn]

I love Universal Studios. The new Shrek attraction is wonderful and I love the Jurassic Park water ride. Universal is about a 45 minute drive from DL and well worth it!

I did NOT like Knott's Berry Farm. When we were there the lines were long, the employees were not nearly as friendly as they are at the other two placess, and there was a bizarre tendency for parents to let their children run around like animals cutting in front of other people. That was the first day I had ever left a theme park early, and it was a full five hours before closing. I may try the place again...perhaps it was just an off day for them, but compared to Universal and Disneyland...and even Magic Mountain, Knotts Berry really sucked! But everyplace and everything has its bad days, and just because I had a bad experience there certainly doesn't mean that you will as well.

 

[cuterlt]

Another vote here for Universal. Been to both, really like Universal more. Knotts is more of a roller coaster park, not terribly clean and just not themed well - although I do like Snoopy. I really prefer Universal - Jurassic Park ride, the studio tour, lots of fun stuff. You might check out the Universal Studios site. I can't compare to Universal Orlando, as we have never been there.

 

[Firefly777]

I have been to both USF and USH and I think you should try it out. It is quite a bit smaller than USF and is split between two levels. Back to the Future and Jurassic Park are the major rides. They also have Terminator, Shrek 4D, and Backdraft(similar to Twister), and some other shows scattered throughout the park. The main attraction here, though, is the Studio Tour. Which I think is worth the admission to the park in itself. It takes you through real studio sets and soundstages.

 

[Alison Wonderland]

I also vote for Universal Studios. I have not heard many good things about Knotts, and have not been there myself. But Universal Studios was great. WHen you go to Universal, plan to avoid "rush hour" traffic as you will be heading right into LA. THere is always some traffic but i'd hate to be heading that way during rush hour.

 

[lucky1]

Knott is very close to DL. My only suggestion if you choose Knotts is making it your first stop before going to DL. We have always have a let down feeling when visiting Knott after a few days at DL.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Don't go to Knotts unless you have older children. Most of the roller coasters have min. height requirements that most elementary school aged children wouldn't meet. Camp Snoopy is fun for the little ones but it would only take a couple of hours. Would you have time/transportation to drive to San Diego? Seaworld and the San Diego Zoo are both fantastic. There's also Legoland closeby. If you are going soon, you might want to consider the following pass available thru Disneyland:


Southern California Attractions CityPass (valid from 01/06/2003 thru 03/31/2004)

Maximize your Southern California vacation with a 3-Day Disneyland Resort® Park Hopper® Ticket, valid for admission to both Disneyland® park and Disney's California Adventure™ park, along with 1-Day admission tickets to Knott's® Theme Park, Sea World Adventure Park®, San Diego, and the World-Famous San Diego Zoo®.

Adults: $166.00
Children: $127.00

 

[AnNaNiCoLe]

Universal is Fantastic and I would suggest it, but has anybody every been to Universal Studios Island of Adventure is Florida, it was PHENOMENAL

 

[DW mouser]

Thanks guys! We had tickets with oiur disney package for KBF and I called and cancelled them. This is a special trip with my son and family and I do not want to be disappointed! We decided to just stay at DL for the 6 days, actually 5 and a half after we arrive, and just take things slow. We've never been before. Do you think this will be too much time? We at staying at DLH, Aug1-6 and I know the park will be busy then. We have 5 day hoppers and thought we'd just relax and swim the first day and eat at Goffy's Kitchen and get started early the next day. Want to do Medival or some such thing one night too.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

5-1/2 days won't be too long in August. The parks are crowded and you'll probably want to go in first thing, stay a few hours, and then head back to the pool at the hotel. Everyone will be refreshed and ready to head back to the parks later in the day. Even with FastPass, you'll be standing in some long lines so make sure you hit the popular rides as early as possible (especially anything in Fantasyland). It's also nice to be able to take the time and explore all the little side streets and "cubby holes" that get overlooked when everyone is in a hurry. Also, if time allows, make sure the "gentlemen" in your group stop by the Barbershop for a haircut...there's lots of Disney magic there too (and usually a little Pixie Dust as well!).

 

[vfb2girls]

What kinf of transportation can we use since we are not renting a car for our trip to DL? We are looking at staying at HoJo and thought a trip to Universal would be nice but can we catch a tour bus from somewhere close to the hotel ? I am so clueless on DL and the surrounding are. I need help..thanks