At 5, my son actually preferred Knott's over
Disneyland!
The Camp Snoopy area has lots of rides for younger children to do in a cute campground/woods theme. Additionally, the Ghost Town area has lots of buildings to look in (animal stable, blacksmith, school house, graveyard, etc), the regular train, Calico Mine ride, Berry Tales ride (think Buzz), stagecoach, etc. are all fun. If you go in the summer, check if they are doing Ghost Town Alive!, where they have actors in Ghost Town who have an immersive story you can get involved in (think being sent on secret missions by the characters, like bringing a bucket of water to the fireman, riding a stick pony all over Ghost Town, etc.).
And definitely visit Sad Eyed Joe - it is a Knott's classic, but you have to be "in the know" as an adult on how to visit him.
The main cons to me over Disneyland - one, the food is much more expensive and lower quality in the park, especially in Camp Snoopy. (Get their famous fried chicken either at the table service restaurant or to go counter in the shopping area outside the park. Visit the bakery, too!) Two, for the rollercoasters in particular, the lines are very mismanaged compared to Disneyland's efficiency. This isn't as big an issue on the children/family rides, though.
