Plaza Inn or Mrs Knotts fried chicken?

[viaggiamo]

I know, I know...posting this Q on a Disney forum!!

But we are Aussies in Anaheim for 7 nights and I have heard rave reviews about Mrs Knotts as an American institution.

But we do not want to visit Knottsberry Farm, we would be going there on a Saturday for lunch on our final full day in Anaheim as we pick up the hire car.
Is it worth the trip for a meal?

Any opinions?

C

 

[ArchOwl]

I know, I know...posting this Q on a Disney forum!!

But we are Aussies in Anaheim for 7 nights and I have heard rave reviews about Mrs Knotts as an American institution.

But we do not want to visit Knottsberry Farm, we would be going there on a Saturday for lunch on our final full day in Anaheim as we pick up the hire car.
Is it worth the trip for a meal?

Any opinions?

C

I would not drive to Knott's just to eat the fried chicken. It is decent, but nothing mind blowing. The Plaza Inn fried chicken at DL is better in my opinion.

Now, if we were talking Roscoe's, I have been known to drive out of my way for that!

 

[revwog1974]

I think a long time ago Mrs. Knotts' chicken was good, but not so much anymore. I too my mother a few years ago. She used to live in the area and had very fond memories. She was very unhappy with how much it had gone downhill. When we were back last year she did not want to go again. She said it would spoil her memories of long ago.

 

[sonnyjane]

I would not drive to Knott's just to eat the fried chicken. It is decent, but nothing mind blowing. The Plaza Inn fried chicken at DL is better in my opinion.

I agree! I have eaten at both and I actually MUCH prefer Plaza Inn!!!!

 

[viaggiamo]

Cool thanks guys!
I think we will just stay put and eat at DL.

C

 

[Rhonna]

I can't imagine making the extra effort for a chicken meal - considering it isn't fun or easy to get around SoCal.

One time we were on a trip to Texas and made a special point to drive WAY out of our planned route to try Krispy Kreme donuts since we had heard so much about them. So sweet it made our teeth hurt. Definitely a waste of our time.

 

[Started With a Mouse]

Knott's chicken dinner used to be outstanding. Now, not so much. They do have the best Boysenberry pie though. IMO, the chicken at the Plaza Inn is every bit as good. If you are visiting Knott's, go, but don't make a special trip.

 

[perlster]

 

[CurlyGirlyGirl]

I don't usually eat inside of Disneyland (we like going to Mimi's to get away from the noise for a while!), but we love going to Knott's. In addition to great chicken, the biscuits and boysenberry pie are fantastic!

 

[cyclenut]

Yes, you asked a bunch of Disney folks if they prefer Knotts or Disney.

Unlike the other posters, I do like the Mrs Knott's fried chicken dinner. I think is is worth the trip for the following reasons:

1 - it is really only 15 minutes from Disneyland to Knott's. Not much of a drive.
2 - the chicken is good but it isn't about just the chicken. It is about the meal. The chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy ... And the pie. Plus, it is very good.
3 - the history. You may not realize this but Knott's is actually America's first theme park and it all started with the chicken dinner.
4 - the boysenberry ... Get a pie, get a punch, get some jam on those biscuits ... But get the boysenberry something.
5 - ghost rider. OK ... You can't ride it, but you walk under it and it is amazing to just stand there and watch this all wooden roller coaster in action.
6 - Independance hall ... It depends on the time of day but you should look into a bit of American history and pay it a visit. It is right across the parking area from the restaurant. You just need to be sure to check the hours.
7 - shopping ... You have a chance to do some shopping in the Knott's area outside the park. There are some cool souvenirs you can't find anywhere else.
8 - Snoopy and the gang are the characters of Knott's. You will only see them roaming around inside the park, but outside you can pick up some great peanuts and the gang gear.

So yes, I like this place. I LOVE Disney and would clearly spend time in the Disney parks first, but seriously give a second thought to the Knott's experience too. You don't need to go into the park to come away with a little bit of that part of Americana.

 

[Rhonna]

I think is is worth the trip for the following reasons:

1 - it is really only 15 minutes from Disneyland to Knott's. Not much of a drive.

So yes, I like this place.

I didn't realize it was that close to DL. It's been decades since I went to Knott's.

So I checked out their website and there is a video. In it was included pictures of their water park. First, I didn't know Knott's had a water park. Second, I can't find ANY info. on Knott's website about the water park. Does the water park have it's own website? Is the water park included in theme park admission or is it a separate park? And what is the water park like? We would consider going if it's nice.

 

[ArchOwl]

I didn't realize it was that close to DL. It's been decades since I went to Knott's.

So I checked out their website and there is a video. In it was included pictures of their water park. First, I didn't know Knott's had a water park. Second, I can't find ANY info. on Knott's website about the water park. Does the water park have it's own website? Is the water park included in theme park admission or is it a separate park? And what is the water park like? We would consider going if it's nice.

I have never been, but I think it is called Soak City. Try googling Soak City Knott's, or something along those lines. I know it is affiliated with Knott's, but I think you pay separate admission.

 

[Rhonna]

I have never been, but I think it is called Soak City. Try googling Soak City Knott's, or something along those lines. I know it is affiliated with Knott's, but I think you pay separate admission.

Thanks. I did tripadvisor. Very strong negatives and positives. Sounds like any water park in CA has issues.

 

[cyclenut]

I didn't realize it was that close to DL. It's been decades since I went to Knott's.

So I checked out their website and there is a video. In it was included pictures of their water park. First, I didn't know Knott's had a water park. Second, I can't find ANY info. on Knott's website about the water park. Does the water park have it's own website? Is the water park included in theme park admission or is it a separate park? And what is the water park like? We would consider going if it's nice.

As you discovered, it is called Soak City and it is a separate park, although I think you can purchase a dual ticket for both parks. I have not been to that park, but I have also heard mixed reviews. Most who don't like it are comparing it to the much larger water parks in the area, but many who have gone also love it for what it is. It is a small but fun water park.

 

[hjgaus]

I was just talking to my teenage son about the knott's chicken and pies - so WHY are they not as good as before? Have not been since 2002.

 

[kylie71]

I always enjoyed, taking a afternoon, early evening break, and driving to Buena Park, and Mrs.Knotts fried chicken... the worst thing is find a place to park....
THe shops we're fun to walk through too...

I'd still do it, if I'm staying a week, in the area.

Lori