Disneyland has "Disney Magic", Knott's has "_________"?

[BigThunda]

So I was thinking about this the other day. As a SoCal native that grew up (and still live) 20 minutes from each park, I attended both a few times a year it seemed while growing up in the 80's and 90's. Both hold special places in my heart. I was wondering if you guys feel more drawn to Disneyland or Knotts? When I think of Disneyland there is that certain magic and wonder that enters my mind, almost an enchantment if you will. That leads me to the title of the thread. I wouldn't say I have the same feelings about Knott's when I look back at memories of visiting the park. I still have great memories of it, and continue to make new ones now with our toddler daughter.
What do you guys think? Does Knott's have its own "magic", or is it more of a "charm" (before all the big coasters were introduced).

[Shelterkat]

For me it is the charm, and the memories of going with my grandma. There was a ride with little drive it yourself cars, a ride powered by a donkey, and the charming carousel with all sorts of animals, not just horses. (It might still be there?). And a chicken that played the piano when you inserted a coin. Also the peek in windows in Ghost Town. And the Covered Wagon show. This was the Knott's I will always hold dear. Not the roller coasters of today. But as an adult, Scary Farm is now the charm for me. I've been going since 1978 and have enjoyed it immensely. Halloween is my favorite holiday and this is one big playground for me lol. To say nothing of the best pie in the world...boysenberry
Disneyland is my other big love and where I go for magic. I have had an annual pass since 1988. It's my happy place

[BigThunda]

For me it is the charm, and the memories of going with my grandma. There was a ride with little drive it yourself cars, a ride powered by a donkey, and the charming carousel with all sorts of animals, not just horses. (It might still be there?). And a chicken that played the piano when you inserted a coin. Also the peek in windows in Ghost Town. And the Covered Wagon show. This was the Knott's I will always hold dear. Not the roller coasters of today. But as an adult, Scary Farm is now the charm for me. I've been going since 1978 and have enjoyed it immensely. Halloween is my favorite holiday and this is one big playground for me lol. To say nothing of the best pie in the world...boysenberry
Disneyland is my other big love and where I go for magic. I have had an annual pass since 1988. It's my happy place

Great post! I feel similar, it is the charm/nostalgia. I have fond memories of going to the Chicken Dinner restaurant and waiting what seemed like forever to get seated (with my grandparents, parents, aunts/uncles/cousins). I remember running around and seeing the devil and volcano. And I seem to recall being able to walk around the back and see into the park, but not being able to go in. There was a candy store over there I think? I always got candy rootbeer sticks, and cinnamon ones too.

[whiteness]

Great post! I feel similar, it is the charm/nostalgia. I have fond memories of going to the Chicken Dinner restaurant and waiting what seemed like forever to get seated (with my grandparents, parents, aunts/uncles/cousins). I remember running around and seeing the devil and volcano. And I seem to recall being able to walk around the back and see into the park, but not being able to go in. There was a candy store over there I think? I always got candy rootbeer sticks, and cinnamon ones too.

Yes, the candy store is still there, but no volcano or devil unfortunately.

And you can still see animals. In fact, during the Halloween season, there are so many cool animals. Here's a video I made showing the Halloween critters in the Livery Stable for you to enjoy!

[bigcatrik]

Does Knott's have its own "magic", or is it more of a "charm" (before all the big coasters were introduced).

To me it's because of the thrills.

I grew up in the 70s and Disneyland was great, but that's the decade that Knott's started adding thrill rides and that coincided with my interest in thrills so it's always had a different place in my heart.

So for me, Disneyland has "magic," but Knott's has "thrills," then and now.

[Justlittleoldme]

Knotts has..... Ghost Town Alive. It feels like a small town pops up every summer. It's amazing. We have made so many friends from GTA, and made so many memories playing poker, collecting gold, racing horses, shooting targets, stacking rocks, figuring out puzzles, building forts, etc. etc. Plus, you can dress up.

Knotts has...affordability. An off season. Roller coasters. A museum filled with random stuff and weird window peek ins.

Knotts feels like vising family.

[Eagleman]

For me
I grew up with both Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm........

and always felt.....Knott's my 2nd park ,than DCA ever can be....
I always love the Charm of the old WEST ,from Ghost Town

and I also love the Food there as well .
It's not same Magic of Disneyland ,but it is own place of Entertainment and Fun !

PS: great place to be during Chistmas Season.

[BigThunda]

Great responses everyone, thank you!

Our daughter absolutely LOVED Ghost Town Alive this year! It was our first year with Season Passes and all she wanted to do when we visited was hang out in Ghost Town and interact with the characters/town folk there! Once the Hoe Down was completed, it was on to have more fun at Summer Nights! I can't wait for this next year with them celebrating 100 years!

Eagleman And yes, I too am looking forward to the Christmas Season at Knott's this year! Also, I need to take our daughter to Knott's Spooky Farm so she can do some trick'r'treating there!

[Eagleman]

Great responses everyone, thank you!

Our daughter absolutely LOVED Ghost Town Alive this year! It was our first year with Season Passes and all she wanted to do when we visited was hang out in Ghost Town and interact with the characters/town folk there! Once the Hoe Down was completed, it was on to have more fun at Summer Nights! I can't wait for this next year with them celebrating 100 years!

Eagleman And yes, I too am looking forward to the Christmas Season at Knott's this year! Also, I need to take our daughter to Knott's Spooky Farm so she can do some trick'r'treating there!

I feel Christmas Season put me in the spirit.......
also looking forward to the

100 Years Birthday of

Knott's

for all life it been a Big of me......
since I was a baby........I'M 65 now......

Glad it part of your Family life too !

[Mike_M]

I grew up in Northern California and every Disneyland trip in the 80’s included a half day prior at Knott’s (how long we were in Knott’s depended on how fast we made it down, driving from the Bay Area). It was like the warmup park to Disneyland for me. A pre-show of sorts. Not the Main attraction, but always fun. Most of my memories are of the Ghost Town, the log ride, and the Fried Chicken Dinner.

Three years ago, I went there for the first time since I was a kid and so much had changed. There were a few parts of the ghost town that brought back memories. The other half of the park felt much different than I remembered. I did enjoy the coasters though. Silver Bullet was a blast.

I think in a lot of ways, DCA replaced (and finally surpassed) Knott’s for me when I started bringing my own kids to Disneyland. If I still lived in the state, I could see Knott’s still having a part to play in my trips (especially in October) but traveling from out of state, Knott’s has become more of an rare nostalgic add on than a must do anymore.