My thoughts on Disneyland vs. Universal and Knotts Berry Farm 

We got Universal annual passes this past year cuz we couldn't get ones to Disneyland yet again. We had fun at Universal, but there aren't enough rides (most of which are simulators) and the food is kind of hit and miss. We finally went to DL on Dec 12 for the first time since 2018 and even though it was pricey, I was reminded exactly why we pay the big bucks to go to there. Lots of things were new to us and we were blown away by Runaway Railway and all of Galaxy's Edge. The Christmas decorations were stunningly beautiful and the attention to detail and overall immersion in any land you go to are head and shoulders above other parks. Mobile food ordering is a massive time saver. I think people also take for granted how incredible the entertainment is at Disney and it's all included in the price of the ticket. When I think about how much we paid divided by how many hours we were able to stay in the park, it was $10/hour/person, which seems like a heck of value in retrospect. We Disney fans can spend a lot of time criticizing Disney, but they've set their own expectations and ours so high that even they can't meet that bar sometimes. I think they might be better off if they under-promised and over-delivered or just told us nothing and surprised us.

The world definitely needs more Fresh Baked covering Disneyland, Knotts, and Universal. 😊

14:25 As a ride operator, that question is the bane of my existence. I have to answer that question constantly and I don't always know how to give the answer. It sounds like a very straight-forward question, I know, but notice how she asked twice. It's kind of hard to explain to someone what something is if they don't just see the thing for themselves. Now, luckily I work at an indoor roller coaster so most people will usually just hear that and decided right then and there whether to stay or leave, but then I get the follow up question "okay, but is it scary?" Please do not ask me that question. I can handle more thrill than some people, I don't get scared of things easily. So I can't say what is scary for some people and what isn't. I can't tell you that it's a dark ride if you don't know what a dark ride is. I'm not complaining about these types of people. It's a very valid question. But man, I really wish I didn't have to answer it

Absolutely agree! In my brief visit to Knotts a few weeks back, we were kicked off the Hat Dance ride because someone on the ride took out a cellphone. No re-ride for those of us who did nothing wrong, no make-right, just a rude, patronizing response from the ride operator as people complained. Very infuriating experience, and all I could think was "This would never happen at Disney."

As a pass holder to all 3 parks, I enjoy all of them. The main reason I find myself going to Disneyland more is because it's literally down the street from my house and I save on the parking fees and headaches lol.

all three theme parks are special in there own way

I LOVE how you evaluate the parks and talk about all the variables and what works or doesn't. LOVE that you are going to cover Universal and Knott's! Can't wait to get all your insight. Thanks Dave!

Aww, yay for the marching bands. Gladto see Disneyland still doing that. I performed there with my HS band 4 years in a row. I also was in the Rose Parade band and we performed at Disneyland a few days before New Year's. Always loved performing and marching through Disney. It's fun to get a rare backstage experience that way.

At the end of the day, all I want is for guests of any amusement park, theme park, or thrill park to feel as though they got a decent value out of their ticket price. For that reason, I'm going to keep on rooting for Universal and Cedar Fair and Phantasialand to up their game and putting pressure on Disney. Without serious competition, Disney has no incentive to invest in improving the guest experience or provide more value to park-goers. More competition will hopefully make the Disney experience even more magical, if not more affordable. 😢

Disney has put Fresh Baked in a rather awkward position, I think we can all welcome more Knotts and Universal content.

For those wondering, starting Monday Jan. 22nd. Pirates will be temporarily added to Genie+ due to ride refurbishments in New Orleans Square and Critter Country

David, you’re the best! Agree with everything you said and so great to have you point out that Disney does this level of service EVERY day!!! I tear up just walking into the park and always know I’ll have a magical time- no matter what. Health & happiness to you and your beautiful family in ‘24!! More FRESH BAKED!!

I think the distinction is "value". Disneyland is the most expensive but I can get a full day's worth of rides, shows, parades, etc... and feel I get my moneys worth. At Knotts or Universal, those visits are cheaper but I feel like I spend 90+ minutes per ride and can only get in 4-5 rides per visit, and there isn't much else to do. Plus most of the queues are not themed so it's quite boring to wait in those lines. Plus there is just more "magic" when I cross the berms. I feel transported, whereas the other parks I feel like I am at a local carnival or boardwalk amusement park. That is why DCA falls short of Disneyland, for many of the same reasons

Have to agree 100%! The people make the difference. Love Disney Cast Members!

I was born and raised in Anaheim so your Disneyland videos make me feel right at home even though I have relocated to Northern California. IMHO there is no other place that even comes close to Disneyland! Fresh Baked you are the best at what you do when it comes to Disneyland videos and so much so I really don't want to watch any other videos that have to do with other "amusement parks" ... Yes you are just that good. Knott's is fun as are all the other Theme Parks including WDW yet the Magic really happens for me at Disneyland so everything else kinda takes a back seat. Thanks for taking me back home on a weekly basis with your outstanding videos ... Thank you my friend!

I honestly have to give a little bit of push back to the "on the ground" thing based on my trip in early May. Honestly the crowds were so intense that pretty much every cast member was in full on cattle herder mode and barely had any time or flexibility at all for personal interactions. I could see in their eyes and hear in their tone just how stressed out most of them were, and as someone with pretty crippling social anxiety this meant approaching anyone for help felt like a nightmare because I CONSTANTLY felt like I was making their job harder by taking up any of their time. I certainly don't blame any one CM for this and instead blame the management for producing the over-worked/under-paid climate that they're forced to work under. My grandma felt like she was being rushed off the attractions faster than she could physically go, so yes they're pushing for efficiency but I definitely didn't get the vibe that they're actively trying to make my day better, but rather that I'm just another face in a sea of thousands of faces they have to push through just to get through the day. Lightning Lane literally reducing standby to a standstill when I have a foot issue that makes it very physically painful for me to stand in one place for more than a couple minutes at a time and the breakdowns just being CONSTANT were the icing on the cake of our bad experience. Meanwhile at Universal I've had multiple moments on both coasts within the last calendar year where the cast went above and beyond to cater to my anxiety and physical issues when I wasn't even asking for help. It truly felt like how you were describing Disney staff. Knott's can be freaking miserable when it's crowded, I won't deny that haha. But it's incredibly easy to avoid the crowded days and find days where it's pretty much all walk ons, so I'm willing to be a lot more forgiving towards the far more relaxed operations.

As someone who was at six flags magic mountain yesterday and goes to universal. Disney still is ran better and does better service than any theme park out there

My family went to universal studios several years ago. They do not know how to manage a crowd at all. The ride lines were for hours and we couldn’t even get into a restaurant for food. We had to buy a pretzel at a stand for lunch. I really can’t imagine going back after that. At Disneyland the ride waits are reasonable and you can get food and have many options whenever you want.

It is very fair to compare and contrast each of these very distinctive theme parks. That being said, each of them offer a distinctive individualistic experience in product and brand, but most importantly, in value, and that lies in the hands of the consumer, the guest to decide. For our family who are very fortunate and privileged to be able to navigate, any of these theme parks we can go to our leisure. We are not dictated by the time of year nor holiday season, or money. We travel to these parks on average two and three times a month throughout the entire year. We returned to visiting Knott's Berry Farm after a 20-year absence after covid when they began to open up with a soft reopening. Let me tell you. I left that park after the first time kicking my heels. I had forgotten what it was like to experience what a wonderful day could be at a Theme Park! The difference was I genuinely felt management made us feel that we are valued customers. Also, I left the park without the stress frustration or any form of disappointment as I have experienced at Disney Parks and continued to for these past few. years. Like any reasonable minded guest. Once you enter into any of the turnstiles for each of these theme parks, you do have a certain and specific expectations. Disney once held the Blue Ribbon for decades it was consistent these days it is not a true statement. At the same time, we began to venture outside of california and returned to florida to experience all the parks as well. And to my pleasant and shocking dismay. I was stunned by the consistent experiences we began to consistently experience at Universal Studios Orlando! And this was with and without the VIP Experience or ticket.🤗 In glaring contrast to the disney parts with or without the benefits of the hourly Plaids. For what we are spending at Disneyland California. It equals a far better dollar value to fly to Florida and go to Universal's property. And stay in a true 5-star resort. Where they understand what luxury experience should be . Is it ironic that at the rate Disney is going, they are going to become Jurassic Park within the theme park arena.😉 I pray that Disney picks up its game. They can not rest upon yesteryear's laurels and glories forever. Like with all this new technology which I dislike, especially when i'm at the Disney Parks , we spend a majority of our time looking at our phones. That is not normal. That is not recreational, and that is not fun. and it does not enhance or make an enjoyable experience for any guest. Love the Mouse since the 50s and will always continue to.

I went to Disneyland on Christmas Eve 2023 (a TIER 6 day) and it was packed, but surprisingly I was able to get on mostly all of the major rides I wanted to get on in just 1 visit. Some rides I even went on twice (Matterhorn and Pirates of the Caribbean). Some rides had 1 hour lines, at most (during the day) but by the time the little kids got sleepy after 9:30pm (and the fireworks show ended -- which I experienced perfectly) the park was virtually empty and you could just get on whatever you wanted with almost little to no wait (especially in Fantasyland) till midnight. The admission was almost $200. BUT with that immediately we saw a great parade, rode some rides, saw ANOTHER well-conceived beautifully done parade, rode more rides till nightfall, then we saw the castle at night and Small World with the holiday theme, and there a whole holiday fireworks experience with a surprise "snowfall" of misty bubble foam. And each ride had such incredible detail, even the restaurants, the cast members outifts, the cleanliness of the park. Six Flags, Universal and Cedar Fair's Knotts are just not at that level. Disney is a whole experience. I'm still reliving the fireworks show, it felt like a dream out of a movie, and I was in this dream. With synchronized music that matched the fireworks, light show, water show, audio-visual experience. It was incredible how they produced the whole spectacle. I can see why people pay top dollar to go to any Disney parks. And also I didn't even buy a Disney + or Lightning Pass and was just breezing thru ride lines all night, sometimes going in single rider lines with a friend with no issue (Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, for example). Plus, Disney has gotten really good at managing the crowds in their parks. Some cast members even would give me a "medal" to hold or wear at the front of an attraction and "bring it" to a cast member once I reached the launchpad of a ride to estimate the time.

I want to know more about your dog swallowing a stuffed flamingo! 😂

Appreciation for a FULL SIZE BAND, bringing back 2015 vibes!

Went to Knott’s for the first time yesterday! As someone who isn’t a huge thrill seeker, I love a well themed park so the atmosphere was awesome and they seem to have a good balance of rides. Totally agree with your assessment of the attitude of employees. Everyone was friendly though which is appreciated.

LAUSD all city is the loudest high school band ever! I had the pleasure of working at the park backstage when the rose parade bands were there. Fantastic!

Yep. The Disneyland cast members are great! The last time I was at Disneyland was when they gave you free admission on your birthday. They give you this big "Happy Birthday" badge and you are supposed to wear it all the time you are there. Hey! That's 2 free things I got at Disneyland! Well, everytime you encounter a cast member, they wish you happy birthday. I got tired of that real fast and moved my badge to my shirt, hidden by my coat. Back then admission was a steep $75.!

I love Knotts for what is is. I love Disneyland for what it used to be. Never really been into Universal

It comes down to value per dollar. Knotts is way more value, especially if you do a season or annual pass. Other than Holiday break times for schools it is never as busy. Universal is 2nd and getting better with more attractions coming and Disney is just getting more expensive and you have to buy Genie plus to get the same service you used to get just for the price of admission. Disney is the most beautiful of the parks for sure, but the cost and crowds override that.

It’s funny cuz having had the annual pass at Disney for a while and then going to Knotts it just felt very lacking. I kept walking around and noticing things that I would tell my wife “you would never see this at Disney” But then again if you just simply want thrill rides and don’t care about the “park experience” then you’ll love Knotts.

I wonder if Epic Universe will be the first park to truly compare or even be better than a Disney Park !

Thanks for making all the videos, Disneyland, Knotts, Universal and other parks and things. Keep up the great work.

We had a fantastic Disneyland Christmas Eve-could have been the holiday vibe but all day long had really positive cast member interactions and service! Thanks 🙏 for making our day extra special!

I loved that you went on the little train ride, Casey Jr. Haven't been on it since I was a kid. In Disneyland, it is Walt Disney that you feel. His way of making sure where guests are happiest was and still is just ... Magical!

I would love to see you cover Knott's and Universal more and, as a possible consequence, watch you learn to love them in the same way we got to watch you learn to love DCA.

Knott’s Beary Tales used to be a proper dark ride with animatronics when I was a kid. I hate that they went the cheap route and used screens when they brought it back. Not sure if there’s still a grainy vhs recording of the original ride somewhere on RU-vid or if it was taken down.

Been waiting for a disneyland video forever! Haha Guess I just answered which park is the best 😂.

David, I never comment on videos but we were just at Disney and Knotts this Thursday-Friday. I’m bummed we missed you at Disneyland but after watching this video I couldn’t agree more with you. My wife and I had the same conversation you had in this video. Disneyland feels more efficient and has that “special feeling” you were talking about. Yes both parks were super busy but we feel we got more done and it was a better overall experience at Disneyland. At Knotts we decided to leave early because the lines were super long and as you said, employees felt casual and some didn’t want to be there. I’ve been to both parks many times and I feel Knotts needs to invest more time and effort to keep up with Disney. Thanks for validating my thoughts with this video!

I'm a late 60 early 70 Disneylander, I have always felt the cast members made me feel special all those years ago. I also felt that way at knott's in the 70s but not for the last 20 year's

When we visit DL, we usually do a day at Universal. I have had to make a rule not to do Disney first and then end with Universal because it just leaves me disappointed. It just doesn't have that Disney magic.

Loved this video! Disneyland between 4-6pm is an underated time of day at the park! The lights turning on and the sun setting, as well as the increase in energy at the park at the time is the best! I'm a former cast member so thats why I may sound so specific haha😂

I think all have their good and bad. Disney is always special to this oldie as it was my first park 50+ years ago and MANY visits and of course movies and tv shows.

I made the cut🎉 thanks for the photo yesterday🙏

Love all parks plus magic mountain and sea world grew up in LA in 70s moved to NYC in 84 now I love fla parks

14:25 “I know but what is it?” Look at the GIANT SIGN ABOVE YOUR HEAD, LADY

Bought a Universal and Knott’s pass for under $500. See way more value in that vs a Disney pass.

Disneyland is the most special but in terms of what you get at Knotts for a quarter of the price, it wins on value imo

The 2020's will be the decade of Universal Studios Hollywood 😎

*whispers* what's happening to Pirates?

I have not heard commentary on the hours of operation for the parks... I see Universal Studios park hours ending from anywhere from 6 to 7 pm.

I appreciate each park for what it is but I definitely get my moneys worth at Six Flags. I think they are the best at taking care of its pass holders 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 I’m just blessed I get to wake up and decide which park I want to visit for the day! #spreadkindness

Last year we made a trip down and started with 2 days at Disneyland and DCA. Our 3rd day we went to universal and were super underwhelmed because it just doesn’t have the magic. The whole experience was different, even the crowd of people it attracted. I also felt like the rides were much shorter and underwhelming as well. Definitely will have to start a trip there before experiencing Disneyland if we go again!

David, I loved your honest take on all 3 parks. Nothing beats riding Casey Junior as soon as you get there! But it helped transition into your comparisons of each park. Watching the knott’s video (still need to see the universal video), I think Knott’s is getting better but I just am not a coaster junkie where I could only ride ghost rider, Calico River Rapids, the timber mountain log ride, and ghost rider and feel like it is a value. The ambience is great. Don’t get me wrong. But what I notice when I have been to universal and Knott’s (granted this was pre Covid) was how long it took to get on the rides. The queues were not that great. Whereas, I feel like Disneyland park operations truly understands how to efficiently move guests. All 3 theme parks have value to them. But I think all of them are going to have different tastes and different thrill levels. So, when I hear value when visiting out of those 3 theme parks, it’s very difficult to quantify that because a guest may not want to experience the attractions that are too thrilling at Knott’s or Universal. However, if I was a local, I would probably go to the other theme parks for the ambience and just walk around. I’m really glad you explained your reasoning, David. Thank you for sharing this video! Here’s to another year of Fresh Baked!😊👍🏻

Here is a great example of cast: I went to Magic Mountain over the summer. At a churro cart with about 15 people in line, there was an employee sipping on a Starbucks watching another guy working the cart. No only was he not helping at all, he was chit chatting with the other guy slowing him down significantly. It took a lady to say something to him, at which he smiled and then left the cart. That was one example of many that day, including rides and restaurants. My overall thought was they needed more managers to organize and direct these employees.

knotts use to have gasoline alley was my fav attraction. it's has since been moved to castle park

We were down there for Oogie Boogie in October and went to Knotts Berry Farm on a Monday. It was empty. We did the entire park in about 4.5 hours. It was so great! Go to Knotts on a weekday when kids are in school if you can. We had such a great time with almost no waiting!

Disneyland vs Universal as a passholder to both I can say it depends what matters most to you. Cast members- Disneyland is really great on how the employees interact with guests . Rides-Disneyland is better because of the size of land and offerings. Pass offerings- Universal is infinitely better from at the top level compared to Disneyland. Free parking, Skip the lines after 3pm, no block out dates, discounts on food and merchandise, AND FREE Horror Nights tickets. Operations- Disney and Universal are equal. Price- Universal is waaay cheaper price wise too higher down payment but way cheaper monthly. So it's all up to what u value but overall Disneyland is better single day but pass wise Universal is soo much better

From the people who pick the produce through SYSCO to the restaurant heroes to your family. Hundreds of these chains of people exist to provide 100% fill rate food and service. We celebrate them all !🎉

It’s busy for sure but compared to Florida it’s a different world. We are here now and we got 23 rides in yesterday which is crazy compared to Florida. I will admit universal was really busy when. We went at the beginning of the week but we still got everything done we wanted done. We have been to Disneyland and California adventure now for two days and we have completed every ride. We have one day left and it’s just a highlight reel now of what we want to repeat but they are all really different parks

I agree that Knott's is inefficient with their rides. I saw a person with their Lightning Lane equivalent go straight to the front of the line and get in the next ride. While the rest of the guests are waiting in the standby queue for 30 minutes. I don't mind if a park offers a premium to get on the ride faster. But at least make them wait a ride or two before letting them on.

For me being into the pin trading I spend my time differently. I get a park hopper. Start at D-Land I use the golden hours to hit Indy, Pirates, haunted mansion, then hit Thunder mountain. After that get some food and a drink then start my pin trading (normally start 10 to 10:30am) from that point till 3pm when I get kicked out by the employees. Yeah I don’t call them “Cast Members.” They are employed people. They are not actors. Then I finish the day out with a few rides and some pin board hunts then do it all over the next day. I do this for 2 days each. I love to be there in the park to trade. It makes me feel like I am in a way a park of the magic of the park experience. People come to my little stand on that table and just love to see my pins. Ether to trade or just look at them. I love to interact and talk with them. Never had a bad experience in that yet. ❤️

This is why I'm doing a solo 5 day trip to Disneyland Resort for my birthday. Even staying at the new DVC Villas this time. Disney has this nostalgia and magic that other park just don't have. Doesn't mean they aren't great parks in their own way, it's just not Disney.

Disney management are geniuses for the reservation system, and Genie+, which solves the problem of irregular visitors being able to enjoy a vacation with their family during busy times. As you can see, the other parks are not nearly a world-class experience because they don't care to solve problems or see things from the guest's point of view.

Fresh Baked... IF you desire to focus also on other parks, consider Legoland in Carlsbad, an hour or so south of Disneyland. Although focused squarely on kids, it's LIGHT-YEARS better than Knott's. If children (or grandkids) are the main guests, it's actually a reasonable alternative even to Disneyland.

10:44 those people in the back that look like they are in a commercial xD

I love Casey Junior. It makes me smile all the time I never miss going on it.

I base my judgement of the parks on how accessible they are too. Disney is by far the best in this regard.

Bring back daily bands on Main Street! I love the music and vibes

Thank you David! Your so right.

I've only ridden on Indiana Jones once. What I remember the most about it was that I happened to get the seat behind the steering wheel, which as you know is just decorative and doesn't move. However, it was a great place to rest my hands, so I did. The memorable thing that happened was just as we reached the end of the ride and were about to get off, the gentleman who was sitting next to me complimented me for my "excellent driving". To this day I don't know if he was being serious. :)

Went to Knotts on a busy day, went on Jaguar. There was NO ONE to assign us a row to sit in, so we all had to do it ourselves. That meant there were cars going out that weren’t completely full. Madness.

FRESHBAKED is DISNEYLAND!!!!

Great great show. I have to say, Disney has something special about it that just can’t be found at other parks. But I love those other parks too! They just aren’t the same. And that’s ok. That’s good in fact, because that’s what keeps us coming back to the DLR. Fresh Baked!

I'm forever a Disney girl! 😍

I don't know if it's just me, but I feel the outlook given to parks is influenced considerably more by the locality to them. You live in the region, buy an annual pass, and if you just have a nice stroll around the park where you ride a few rides no big deal because you can come back tomorrow, or next week or... where as someone from outside the region who's laying down cash specifically for THAT TRIP you want to get more out of your trip than a few rides so you end up putting up with those wait times of 1-2 hours, often going from opening until you can't walk any more. So while Disney may be the best crowded park, I feel the other ones have something that Disney no longer has and that's slow days where you can just stroll and enjoy yourself, sure Disney has slower days, but never days where it's just absolutely empty and rides are no more than 15-20 minute walk ons, Genie+ is still in play even on the slowest of Disney days which unfortunately has self "damaging" effects as people cutting in front of you (legally) make you want to get Genie+ which then adds to the problem.

Gonna catch the final days of holiday season after all! Was so bummed to cancel my December trip. So excited!

David - You should take your daughter to Legoland if you have not done so. It is a wonderful park, well run, great front-line staff, great food, and a perfect experience for little ones (and adults!)

Glad to see you Friday in DCA! #disneymagic

Ratings of parks in SoCa are interesting when set against the backdrop of what's going on elsewhere. Parks operated by Disney & Universal in Europe & Asia, & the new one in Orlando, all show that certain standards are being pushed way higher. So what was barely passable in 2001 (ie DCA vs DisneySea) really falls short in 2023-2024.

Of course Disneyland is better lol. Our last trip to Socal (we live in Bay Area), we skipped Disney and went to Knotts. Our son loved it, but... it's not the same by any stretch of the imagination. We did visit Downtown Disney to get lunch and shop in the Disney store. Great video, and Happy New Year! 🙂☃

I haven’t been to universal in about 9-10 years but I’ve been to Knotts twice in the last couple. Love all 3 theme parks but I can confirm there just isn’t anywhere like Disneyland, the vibe is better, the cast members are way better, and the food is better by miles.

Great video. Fair discussion.

I'm glad that your spreading to the other 2 parks. It's another prospective to the mix!

Knotts was always special to me as a kid, it was more affordable for us. Went to Disney more with my friends when I got older

I think I missed something. What is David talking about regarding doing something to Pirates??

Cover the other parks! We’re all excited

The most frustrating thing is to go to a local amusement park (non-Disney), and think the crowds are low, get in a small line, and then wait forever to get on the ride because they don't get people on and off even half as well as Disney. (Universal does pretty ok too.)

I love your comparison. I agree with Disney’s efficiency

Have passes to Disneyland (socal riff-raff) and Knotts (Magic Mountain is about to expire, and we got Universal (socal riff-raff) passes for next year (went to xmas there twice in 2022 so have been to all 4 multiple times the last 13 months)) - Disneyland is always some level of crowded and does a pretty good job dealing with it - I go out of my way to avoid crowds at the other parks and so operations never affect me. It's an embarrassment of riches to have all 4 nearby. Disneyland is rolex or omega, Universal is Hamilton or Tissot, Knotts is a gshock, Magic Mtn is an armitorn

Where was the rifle arcade before it's location in frontierland ... And what was unique

For me Disneyland will always be THE BEST of the 3. It’s a different feel when you’re in Disneyland- we get to stay in the park whenever we visit, (only coz we get mil disc) that’s the most beautiful part. It’s actually hard to compare the 2 to D coz they’re smaller. Although I was a snoopy fan first in gr sch and love Knotts when first visited but Disneyland stole my heart.

Disneyland 🏰 & DCA 🎡 are 👑! ❤

I just did 1 day Disneyland 1 day DCA and 2 days universal studio this week. My son says Disney is way better than universal studio. More rides and more things to see and do. That’s my thought too. Next time when we come back we would do 3 or 4 days Disneyland and 1 day universal studios

Agreed

I have been planning like crazy, but starting to get nervous about coming to Disneyland for spring break this year. We are doing 3 days, then 1 day at Knott’s, and two days at Universal Hollywood. Our first time for all. I’m just hoping we can do enough at Disneyland. We have Genie Plus, but I’m still nervous about the crowds.

The cast members at Knott’s and Universal have never really stuck in my memory, but that may not be a bad thing. I have seen some great cast members at Disney and some REALLY bad ones, the guy berating all the people getting FastPasses for Astro Blasters was a real treat….

So history...where was the first suspended dark ride opened? It was before peter pan and in southern calif

Knott's MIGHT be an alternative IF you can't get a reservation at Disneyland but otherwise to be skipped. At any price. It just doesn't compare - at all, in any way. It feels much less well maintained and clean, it CANNOT handle crowds at all, in places feels run down... Even the chicken dinner at the Plaza is better than at Knott's.

Great video. Good to hear your thoughts. Disneyland will always be #1 for my family and I. It’s definitely the ambiance and other things. Just the price of tickets is being so much. We’re lucky if we make it once a year from Vegas. Knotts is my number 2. Then universal. Happy new year David and family.

Which opened to the public first Knott's berry farm or Disneyland.

Disney's Genie + is still more affordable that U.S. Express pass even with the prices going up.

I enjoy all the parks, but since universal studios is like 30 mins away I tend to go there to goof off and not deal as much traffic when going south.