Knotts, Universal, or Disneyland?

Hi, I'm new to the site, but not roller coasters. And for spring break me and my family are going to San Diego, and I have a question...

Which park would you most recommend going to? We are staying in San Diego, so to go to Universal we would have to drive all the way through L.A., and my father has said he doesn't really want to do that. But I think I could presuade him to change his mind. I would enjoy going to Knotts,(because of coasters, thrill rides, etc...)and my family loves coasters. But we want to try out something different, what would you suggest?

Universal has four rides: Mummy, Jurassic Park, Back to The Future, and the Backlot Tram Tour. Other than that its all shows and exhibits, plus two 4-D films: Terminator and Shrek.

Remember, its at least two hours of driving JUST to get to Knotts from San Diego. Universal will be 45-90 mins beyond that on a normal day.

Universal is fun but don't go there for the rides, you'll be disappointed. If you want good rides stick with Knotts.

I would suggest Knott's. Be sure to try the fried chicken at the Chicken Dinner Restaurant right outside of the park! Mmmm mm good! Eat in the restaurant to receive and endless supply of bisquits!

Have fun!

Airtimejunkie

Oh, yeah, don't forget to pick up discounted tickets (if available somewhere) to save on the admission price. It is almost always possible to find a discount somewhere.

Airtimejunkie

Have you ever been to DL? If you havent go there, and experience the mouse house.

Problem with DL right now is that there is a lot of attractions down for rehab for the 50th Anniversary. IMHO it's not worth the addmission at this moment.

As much as I love Knotts...

If you haven't been to a Disney park before, do yourself a favor and do Disneyland. If it's really dead, you might even be able to squeeze in California's Adventure, too. Is Disneyland a better park? IMHO, no. I think Knott's is a far better park, but I think Disney is just one thing that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Many people will deny this, but there is a certain amount of magic in any Disney park that isn't anywhere else.

That said, if you want rides, and you've done a Disney park before, go to Knott's. Do a search on Knott's in this forum and you will find enough reasons to go.

I'll be doing all three in just over a month, I'll tell you then;).

But for now, for rides, do Knotts. If you're like me and have never done a Disney thing, Do Disney!

Your a little excited about your upcoming trip to Cali, aren't you Clint?;) As for the question, in question, I would say go to Knotts for a truelly unique experience if you have never been. Especially if your family like coasters and thrill rides and such. I've never been to Universal Studios Hollywood but from what I understand it doesn't quite compare to the one in Florida (though in fairness it is a different type of park) and right now stuff at Disneyland is in rehab and the new Space Mountain is still being worked on. DCA is fun though.

don't forget to go to the giant dipper which is in the mission beach area of san diego. it should be open on weekends.

How long are they going to be working on therehab at Disney? I know they have a 50th coming up;but my kids are wanting to plan a trip to California this summer sometime and they have never been to Disney.We are also planning on doing Knotts while we are there. Thanks for any help.

Trish - When the Space Mountain 2.0 rehab was announced the planned opening date wasn't until November 2005. I recall reading a news story late last year that many Disney execs wanted it open for the summer crowds and the 50th celebration but I have not seen any revised opening date.

Disney's website lists closed attractions and their opening dates...I suggest you check there.

Yeesh! They've certainly been working on it long enough!

Tower or Terror took three years, including about 6 months of testing.

The optimistic date I keep hearing is mid-julyish, but that's optimistic. I'd bet serious money that if you called Disney, they would tell you the original date: November 05.

If you really want to know, I recommend reading mouseplanet, laughingplace, or mouseinfo. There are enough CMs that post at those three that as soon as the leads and ops CMs are test ridiing after the test-adjust team hands it over to operations, you'll know. Soft opens will likely start within a few months after that, unless something Isn't Quite Right.

each park has something different to offer...so it depends what you are in the mood for. disney is still fun even with all that stuff closed...not worth the money, but still fun nonetheless if you are into that sort of thing