We're thinking of taking our daughter to Knotts for her first time in March. She is a huge Disneyland fan but we thought we'd do this as a side trip. I haven't been there since I was a kid in the 60's....After I was reading the other treads I was thinking I would ask all of you for your expert advice to see if you think it's worth it and ALSO...my cousin just got married to someone who is orignally from Torrance and she said that Knotts was or is having a huge problem with gangs and the whole Buena Park area is not a good place to visit...not very safe...is this true????

Knott's went through a gang banger phase, but it seems to have faded.
The neighborhood isn't too unlike the Disneyland area's.

If your kid is into roller coasters, Knott's is the place.
For eats, Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant is what created the theme park.
Also, south of Crescent, on Stanton Ave, is Thai Nakorn, one of the top Thai eateries in the US.

And don't forget to ride Hammerhead. It's a hair raising experience. (Literally, it is hair raising, but you'll be sitting upside down when it happens! ;))

And don't forget to ride Hammerhead. It's a hair raising experience. (Literally, it is hair raising, but you'll be sitting upside down when it happens! ;))

THe hammerhead is gone now..in its place they have riptide

THe hammerhead is gone now..in its place they have riptideWell, it's fundamentally the same ride.

Well, it's fundamentally the same ride.

I much prefer RipTide, the lack of the floor, the fact it offers more inversions, and seems to be a much more smooth ride......

First off, you guys and those rides! I am getting naseaus just reading!

Second, when I've noticed any problems, it was before. The last time we went it was really nice, no knuckleheads at all.

About the area, well, yeah, it is just minutes from Disneyland so basically pretty similar. And, if you are uncomfortable, don't head out into the neighborhood.

We have when we've stayed over, going to the market or a different place to eat. We love Mexican food and those little Robertos #whatever have some pretty good greasy stuff. It does worry me going into those places as they are regular places for the people. {like us at home} Some of those people may not be too cool with strangers, ya know?

I would go, have a great time, and see everything. The Ghost Town {is that what it is called? All of the shops, the blacksmith, the graveyard, goldmining, the little museums}, the Indian items, the Science exhibit in Camp Snoopy. Everything. You will probably have time for it all. Lines are usually very short.

Thank you to all for your insight. We are planning to go on a Saturday...how are the crowds then?? Similar to Disneyland??

lines should be ok..We are going to go on saturday are well as we are AP holders

gee if I went any one can go! I thought it was great! my kids really loved it and there was lots for them to do there. ( kids being 9 and 3 when we went ) I didnot find gangs, just real nice folks and a fun day.