My family and I are taking a trip to the Disneyland Resort in just a few weeks and the day after we get there, we do not have passes for the park so we are thinking of going to another nearby theme park for the day. We are trying to decide whether to go to Universal Studios Hollywood or Knott's Berry Farms. Even though Knott's is closer, we've heard that it has just turned into sort of a "teen hangout" and we are also extremely sad about the loss of Mott's Miniatures. Please give me your opinions on the two parks! ALL help will be greatly appreciated.

I personally like both parks, however, if I had to just choose one it would be Universal Studios. I agree that Knotts has become a teen hangout type atmosphere but they do have a decent amount of fun rides and some really nice places to eat. I just really prefer that atmosphere at Universal and the Citywalk is always fun.

There is a rather large area in Knotts designed specifically for kids. It seems that most of Universal would be appropriate for kids as well though.

My vote, USH

Universal....For more fun and things to do!
Knott's.......For food and more of a laid back feeling....The Chicken Dinner is great!!!!
But, you can still have the dinner without entering the park.
TTFN

Someone mentioned a food plan/bracelet that is available at Universal Studios...can anyone tell me how that works? Thanks!

My family and I are taking a trip to the Disneyland Resort in just a few weeks and the day after we get there, we do not have passes for the park so we are thinking of going to another nearby theme park for the day. We are trying to decide whether to go to Universal Studios Hollywood or Knott's Berry Farms. Even though Knott's is closer, we've heard that it has just turned into sort of a "teen hangout" and we are also extremely sad about the loss of Mott's Miniatures. Please give me your opinions on the two parks! ALL help will be greatly appreciated.

First of all, I have good news. Mott's.....is still open!! They are located in Anaheim near St College on Orangethorpe. Go to http://members.aol.com/mottsminis/museum.htm for more details. Also see http://www.minishop.com/ I found this out by doing a search on yahoo. :D

Second, Knotts is closer due to traffic. But if you want to hassle the traffic, then go to Universal Studios. Knott's does have better rides though such as Ghostrider and the new Silver Bullet. Also there is their water park, Soak City. Knotts has kinda become a teen hangout, because its close and cheaper than Disneyland. But its also because its Summer right now and has better rides compared to Disney. And it usually happens during the day. They both have their ups and downs. Knotts is closer and has better rides. Universal is farther and fighting traffic to get to it, but they have a lot of good shows. And you just can't compare the log ride or Periless Plunge at Knotts to the Jurrasic Park ride at Universal. But it's your choice. If you don't want to be worn out from a long day or drive at Universal and want the energy for Dland, then I suggest Knotts. But then, if you don't go to Universal, you might regret it later. Your choice though. Hope I could help.

Oh, and if you want directions to Motts, do a directions search on Yahoo Maps using the address of your hotel to the address of Mott's. Have fun.

First of all, I have good news. Mott's.....is still open!! They are located in Anaheim near St College on Orangethorpe. Go to http://members.aol.com/mottsminis/museum.htm for more details. Also see http://www.minishop.com/ I found this out by doing a search on yahoo. :D

Second, Knotts is closer due to traffic. But if you want to hassle the traffic, then go to Universal Studios. Knott's does have better rides though such as Ghostrider and the new Silver Bullet. Also there is their water park, Soak City. Knotts has kinda become a teen hangout, because its close and cheaper than Disneyland. But its also because its Summer right now and has better rides compared to Disney. And it usually happens during the day. They both have their ups and downs. Knotts is closer and has better rides. Universal is farther and fighting traffic to get to it, but they have a lot of good shows. And you just can't compare the log ride or Periless Plunge at Knotts to the Jurrasic Park ride at Universal. But it's your choice. If you don't want to be worn out from a long day or drive at Universal and want the energy for Dland, then I suggest Knotts. But then, if you don't go to Universal, you might regret it later. Your choice though. Hope I could help.

Oh, and if you want directions to Motts, do a directions search on Yahoo Maps using the address of your hotel to the address of Mott's. Have fun.

Thanks so much for the information about Motts! I haven't seen it but alot of my family has and my love of miniatures gives me the feeling that I will enjoy it!

Thanks so much for the information about Motts! I haven't seen it but alot of my family has and my love of miniatures gives me the feeling that I will enjoy it!

You're very welcome.

One thing to always remember: Can't find it, search the internet. :D

When Knotts closed down their in-the-park store, they moved to a location just down the street on Beach & Ball near Hobby City. Then the moved to a small location just 3 minutes walking distance from Knotts on La Palma. That was the last location I knew of them before I searched for it. So they have been moving many times. I didn't see if there was or not, but maybe there is a newsletter you can sign up for that will keep you updated.

I would pick Universal Studios for sure. I have never really been a fan of Knotts and I hear it is getting worse so I can't imagine what I would think of it know.

Depends. Do you have small children? If so, then I'd say Knotts because there is more for small children to do than at USH.

Depends. Do you have small children? If so, then I'd say Knotts because there is more for small children to do than at USH.

ummm...I'm 13, my brother's 15 and my parents will be with us. Also, my aunt and uncle who have kids ages 2, 4, 7, 10, and 12 will be with us. Another aunt and uncle will also be with us who have a 7 year old son but I know he would love USH. And finally my grandparents will be there.

IMO I think Universal is very boring. Besides that fact that I can get in front of any of the lines at any time doesnt help the fact that there is not really that much to do there. Im a native Californian and I was a paying customer about 3x to get into the park, I felt the price vs. entertainment vaule was just not that great. I grew up by Knotts/Disneyland and I would choose Knott's any day over USH.

Citywalk takes about 20min to walk thru, It used to be a lil better.

I hear universal has rides that would scare a kid. not to many for the little ones and when I went to knotts last August I loved it!! I thought the rides were awsome, and the food was great and I really liked the atmosphere. I would do knotts!!!

ummm...I'm 13, my brother's 15 and my parents will be with us. Also, my aunt and uncle who have kids ages 2, 4, 7, 10, and 12 will be with us. Another aunt and uncle will also be with us who have a 7 year old son but I know he would love USH. And finally my grandparents will be there.

Considering the ages of the majority, I'd say go to Knott's as there's more for you to do. I like USH as well but I think that the kids won't have fun or get the purpose behind it.

Considering the ages of the majority, I'd say go to Knott's as there's more for you to do. I like USH as well but I think that the kids won't have fun or get the purpose behind it.

Especially since USH took out the ET ride. I was only able to go on it once. :crying:

Especially since USH took out the ET ride. I was only able to go on it once. :crying:


Didn't you just love how ET tried to say your name? Especially if it was long? I got a kick out of that.

Didn't you just love how ET tried to say your name? Especially if it was long? I got a kick out of that.

I just liked the way the whole ride was designed and set up.

I just liked the way the whole ride was designed and set up.

Yes it was a cute ride.

Yes it was a cute ride.

I can't remember a whole lot of it. I have only been there once, and it was a long time ago. Last time I was there, the only time, they were constructing the building for the Back to the Future ride.

Oh wow, that's a long time ago.

It was extremely cute. You walk in and they ask your name and type it in. The vehicle is a bicycle and you are being chased by law enforcement and the scientists. ET is in the front basket and you "fly" and then travel through space and end up on ET's home planet. Very green with other ETs running around having fun. I thought the baby ETs were absolutely cute and then at the end, ET says all the names of the people on the bicycle. I thought it was quite funny when he'd try to squeeze all the names. When I went with my friends, he said "Gi, Bren, Ba-ill" instead of Gigi, Brendan, Bill.

FYI, the E.T. ride is still up and running at Universal Studios Florida.

-Jeff

Thanks for everybody's help even if some of you got a little off topic (lol)! I think that we are going to go to USH despite some of your opinions. Knowing my cousins I think that they would like USH. They are all dare devils and willing to try anything. My 4 year old cousin is so excited for the Matterhorn, you wouldn't believe he was only 4! We are also going to make a special trip to the address that now houses Mott's Miniatures. My mom also doesn't want to go to Knott's because she has heard that it has lost it's atmosphere and just isn't as good as it used to be.

Thanks for everybody's help even if some of you got a little off topic (lol)! I think that we are going to go to USH despite some of your opinions. Knowing my cousins I think that they would like USH. They are all dare devils and willing to try anything. My 4 year old cousin is so excited for the Matterhorn, you wouldn't believe he was only 4! We are also going to make a special trip to the address that now houses Mott's Miniatures. My mom also doesn't want to go to Knott's because she has heard that it has lost it's atmosphere and just isn't as good as it used to be.

Have fun though. You'll miss out on rides such as Ghostrider and Silver Bullet. Those are about the only good things. I go in November when I can get in free with my father because he's a Vietnam Veteran. :D

Cause your mom is kinda right. It really isn't worth going to anymore. Which reminds me of something. On the placemats at the Knotts Chicken House, it gives a timeline since the opening of the restaurant to present day. One certain date is listed on there. It reads: (Not verbatum, though)

July 17, 1955 - Walter Knott attends the opening festivities of Disneyland. He later returns to the farm to find the lots filled to capacity.

Somehow, I think the roles will be reversed this time around. ;)

I would go to Knotts. Universal Studios just does not interest me in the least.

At Knotts you've got the Calico Mine Ride, which is similar to POTC at Disneyland, the Timber Mountain Log Ride, which is similar to Disney's Splash. There's Panning for Gold, (Disney doesn't have anything like that). Knotts has a better Whitewater River Ride than DCA. The Stagecoach, The Artisans, and glass blowers. Their Parachute Ride is a little bit better than Maliboomer. They've got Camp Snoopy.

Their Mexican food in the Fiesta Village is far better than anything you'd get at Universal Studios.

I don't think I need to tell you about Mrs. Knotts Chicken dinners, the funnel cakes, or the Farm Bakery.....

none of which Universal has.

I've actually just had a discussion with my parents and they think that we are going to go to Knott's instead because alot of other members of my family wish to go there. I have been to Universal (but a LONG time ago) and so have some of my other cousins. It was a hard decision but next trip we will probably go to Universal if we have an extra day! Well...Knott's here we come!

Don't forget to bring Pepsi cans...

http://www.knotts.com/hot/index.asp