Knott's Berry Farm or Legoland? About This Page:

[Meggera]

If you could choose just one to go to, would it be Knott's Berry Farm or Legoland? Our family consists of two adults and a 14-year-old (will be 14 when we go). We love coasters. It looks to me like Legoland is for smaller kids. Is that right? Is it a good place to go just for the theming? What are pros and cons of each?

Thanks!

[Dlandmom2]

I think your 14 year old will be disappointed with Legoland. That park caters more to families with kids in the 3-10 range. There are 2 or 3 rides that are "exciting" enough for a teenager, but aside from that, it's mostly slow loading rides that are more for the younger kids. It's a very interesting place to visit, but if you have to choose between the two, I'd say Knott's will be more fun for coaster enthusiasts.

Now, having said that, be aware that the general consensus is that Knott's has sort of gone downhill in the last few years. There are definitely coasters for you all to enjoy, and there is some decent theming, but mostly in the Ghost Town area and not so much in the rest of the park. If you like fried chicken at all, you MUST try Knott's famous chicken dinner...there's a sit down restaurant and a take out counter as well. The park isn't as clean as it used to be, and the workers generally aren't as "impressive" as Disney's CM's tend to be.

So, if coasters are your thing, go for Knott's. If you want a newer and cleaner park with some interesting sights (not to mention a pretty nice drive down the California coast), then consider Legoland.

[kelkan]

My vote will be for Knott's, yes it's no Disney but it has more thrill rides than Legoland. I have a teen and she has never wanted to go to Legoland. But if you really want coasters, you should try Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia which won't be as far as Legoland to Disney.

[DopeyGirl]

I'd probably go with Knott's as well.

Legoland seems a little too . . . little kid friendly . . . to me and not really something a 14 year old is liable to get too into.

The suggestion for Magic Mountain is good as well . . . it'll take about an hour to hour and 15 minutes to get up there (give or take, depending on traffic heading north on I-5), but if you guys are big into coasters, it might be fun for you.

The distance from Disneyland property to either Magic Mountain or Legoland (in Carlsbad) is just about the same, time wise.

[Meggera]

Thank you! I hadn't thought about 6 Flags. I'll have to check it out.

[HeatherD]

But if you really want coasters, you should try Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia which won't be as far as Legoland to Disney.

That's what I was going to say. We went to Legoland this summer and it was OK. Just visiting Knott's for the chicken dinner (and not going inside) it seems a better choice for coaster lovers. But, if you are trying to supplement your Disney trip - consider these two first:
Six Flaggs Magic Mountain
Universal Studios

Both are better than Legoland and arguably better than Knott's. Magic Mountain, though, was built on a hill, so some coasters are an uphill climb to reach - just FYI.

[Meggera]

We went to Sea World in San Diego and to Universal on our last trip. So, I am definitely looking for something new. I will consider Six Flags and Knott's. The chicken dinner is that good?

[kelkan]

Originally Posted by Meggera

We went to Sea World in San Diego and to Universal on our last trip. So, I am definitely looking for something new. I will consider Six Flags and Knott's. The chicken dinner is that good?

Well I didn't think the chicken dinner was that good But it is what they are famous for

[Tink and co.]

I'd only do Legoland if your teen is interested in Legos. We love Legoland more for theming/building activities then rides per se. But we Legoland. It's our favorite non-Disney park.
I used to frequent Knott's as a kid and have taken my own children twice. Our last trip was in 2005, and even the coasters weren't enough to make my coaster-enthusiast teens want to return.

[HeatherD]

The chicken dinner is that good?

Not really. For us, it's just a tradition dating back to when DH and I were in college and dating and taking quick trips to DL (notice, no "R" for resort, back then). But, it's kind of a fun place, DH loves the boysenberry drink (they invented the boysenberry, BTW) and it's something different from what we'll end up experiencing with Disney. Then, they have a few fun shops to browse through for souvenirs, without ever paying to go into the park.

Even with it being a tradition, I got sick of it (not much variety) and we've only gone once with the kids (and my oldest is 8).

[coliewolie20]

Knott's if your 14 year old has a hard time "looking" at things. Legoland is fascinating for that reason sometimes you think....wow is that really legos? but the rides are a little kiddish

i havent been on the new sidwinder or pony express ride yet...diney takes up all my amusement park time...

Long story short....Knotts has my vote for ride quality

[RuthieT]

we went to Legoland in December and yes it is more for younger kids and plus it is more for a summer trip since they offer alot of water rides and activities. It was a fun day for our daughter that was almost 4 at the time.

[Dollysmama]

Knotts is filled with Coasters, Although I think Legoland is fun too, if your looking for thrills, id go with Knotts.

[Carousel96]

We just did Legoland in Feb with a 9 year old. She was definately at the top of the target age range. We aren't "thrill ride people" but even we found the rides at Legoland to be almost painfully slow. She took a Mindstorms class, which was fun, but alone not worth the price of admission. And the "stuff" around the parks built with Legos was pretty amazing -- I took tons of pictures -- but I'm glad we didn't pay full price to get in. Not a park we'd visit again if DD were any older.

[Young Gang mom]

Knott's is great for all ages. I prefer it over Universal Studios, which takes a lot of walking and long waits even when the park isn't that crowed. Legoland we have not been too, but it definately wouldn't seem to fit the adult/teen group. Magic Mountain is all about coasters not much else, great rides, but I love seeing Snoopy at Knotts more! It's a matter of opinion, I'm sure you will make the best choice for your family.