Originally Posted By AZDLDad Our first time, 2A w/8yo daughter We like the coasters, splash rides; Want to eat at restuarant for dinner; In-park eatery recommendation? Parking? We'll be driving from Anaheim Hilton. Is there a better way to approach the park, like going to the back, to the busiest ride(s) first, clockwise, etc.?
Originally Posted By LPFan22 My favorite inside the park is the Ghost Town Grill (in Ghost Town). It's a table service restaurant so you can sit and relax a bit. The food is good, service is quick but friendly and you'll get a free ice cream bar at the end of the meal. At least we have gotten the free item in the past. You can also exit, get your hand stamped, walk a short distance to Mrs. Knott's or TGI Friday's (still on property) and re-enter the park after your meal.
Originally Posted By LPFan22 I'm not sure if you'll have a choice on where to park... depending on when you're going. We usually just drive straight into the entrance via Beach Blvd. and go where we're instructed to go. There are smaller dirt parking lots around the park as well. We've used the one next to the Claim Jumper (turn onto La Palma for access - KBF will then be on your left, Claim Jumper on your right).
Originally Posted By schnebs I agree with LPFan22's recommendation as far as parking - it's probably easiest to drive in off of Beach; most likely you'll be directed to an underpass that'll take you to a lot across the street, but if they're exceptionally busy you may be directed to one of the aforementioned dirt lots. In any case, be prepared for a brief walk, since KBF doesn't have trams to run you over to the main entrance. As far as food... Ghost Town Grill's OK, but not spectacular; I went there a couple of weeks ago, and I enjoyed my food and my server did a good job once I was seated, but I had to wait forever for a server to seat me even though most of the restaurant was empty (a couple of people in line gave up waiting). The food's mainly fast food (burgers, sandwiches, chicken, and so on), but it's good. I've always preferred Mrs. Knott's myself, but you have to leave the theme park and the lines can be pretty daunting; Ghost Town Grill's never had much of a line that I remember. It's probably the best of some frankly underwhelming choices inside the park.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer How I handle Knott's for a full day. I tend to prefer the Main Parking lot, so I go Northbound on Beach Blvd to enter it no matter what (unless it is full), this is partly due to the fact that I enjoy feeding the ducks in front of Independence Hall, and the Main Parking Lot is right next to it. The first ride to head to at opening (almost always 10 AM) is Ghostrider, which is easy to get to. Enter the turnstiles and head to the left, walk under the Ghost Town sign, and keep heading left. The entrance to the wooden coaster is next to the Geode shop. After Ghostrider, I would head to Sierra Sidewinder, Silver Bullet, then Xcelerator, and then Perilous Plunge before the park gets too busy. Warning PP will get you VERY wet, but you said you like Splash rides. Then I would just work my way around the park enjoying all the rides and attractions. As for where to eat, if you have never eaten at the Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, that is MUST Do! Heck, the only reason the Theme Park was built was to give folks something to do while waiting for a table at the restaurant. It is JUST outside the park, and of course, they do offer hand stamps. In the park, if you are looking for lunch, Johnny Rockets is great, as is the Ghost Town Grill, both sit down restaurants. Looking for something quick to eat. Knott's has some of the best funnel cakes ever made. Fresh and hot out of the fryer, and Boysenberry is a great topping for it. Other than that, there is a BBQ stand next to the Bird Cage Theater that is a good choice. Have a great visit. By the way, what day are you planning to go, that might make me change the recommendations.
Originally Posted By schnebs Thanks for reminding me about Independence Hall, Darkbeer! PLEASE take a minute to have a look around on your way in or out - it's a neat place, and I'd hate to think that Cedar Fair might close it due to lack of interest. As far as attractions: Personally, I spend most of my time doing the "classic" stuff at KBF - exploring the shops and scenes in Ghost Town, riding the Ghost Town and Calico Railroad, the Calico Mine Ride, and Calico Log Ride (which is currently closed). Check the park times guide and see Mystery Lodge - the show's pretty impressive. Ghostrider's a lot of fun - lots of airtime so make sure you've got both the restraints on! I'm too much of a chicken to try out the big thrill attractions like Xcelerator, Perilous Plunge, and Silver Bullet, so I can't speak to those attractions; Montezooma's Revenge is fun, but Jaguar's pretty underwhelming, so you may want to consider skipping it if the line's too long. Have fun!
Originally Posted By Darkbeer >>Thanks for reminding me about Independence Hall, Darkbeer! PLEASE take a minute to have a look around on your way in or out - it's a neat place, and I'd hate to think that Cedar Fair might close it due to lack of interest.<< Heck, I was there recently for Constitution Day, a wonderful location to celebrate the day.. <a href="http://darkbeer.smugmug.com/gallery/3495164" target="_blank">http://darkbeer.smugmug.com/ga llery/3495164</a>
Originally Posted By AZDLDad >>By the way, what day are you planning to go, that might make me change the recommendations.<< DB we are going on Friday the 12th. And, we just might bring a little morsel or two for the ducks. Thanks to all for the advice everyone!
Originally Posted By Darkbeer OK, Friday the 12th of October, a nice light day crowd wise at the park, but it does close at 5:30 PM due to Halloween Haunt. Get there at opening, and follow the plan, make sure and see the shows and attractions, almost everything is open, even with Haunt, so enjoy yourselves, and then go have Dinner at Mrs. Knott's restaurant after the park closes, and go hungry, as they have large portions. Heck, I need to get going, I am headed to Knott's and enjoying the park this afternoon, followed by Halloween Haunt tonight
Originally Posted By jdub I can't remember--does the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland include a Knott's strategy sheet, as well? I remember there were some extras in there...
Originally Posted By AZDLDad Great stuff! Thanks to you both! jdub - I Googled KBF "stra-tee-gery" per your response and found this info. <a href="http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/knott" target="_blank">http://www.themeparkinsider.co m/reviews/knott</a>'s_berry_farm/
