Introduction to Anaheim and Disneyland

The Disneyland Resort

There are newer and sometimes larger Disney parks in Florida, Tokyo, France, and Hong Kong, but the original and the inspiration for all of them still opens its gates in Anaheim every day, proudly proclaiming itself "The Happiest Place on Earth." Smaller than Walt Disney World, Disneyland -- which opened in 1955 on a 107-acre tract surrounded almost exclusively by orange groves -- has always capitalized on being the world's first family-oriented mega-theme park. Nostalgia is a big part of the original park's appeal, and despite many advancements, changes, and expansions over the years, Disneyland remains true to the vision of founder Walt Disney.

In 2001, Disney unveiled a new theme park (Disney's California Adventure), a shopping/dining/entertainment district (Downtown Disney), and a third on-site hotel (Disney's Grand Californian Hotel). I'll give you the lowdown on the best of what's new, as well as on the classic Disneyland experience.

While the Disneyland Resort is the undisputed front-runner in family-friendly vacation destinations in Southern California, I've included another appealing amusement park that's a short drive away from Disneyland: Knott's Berry Farm. Hosting a far better selection of high-speed roller coasters, it's hugely popular with teens who crave thrill rides.

Knott's Berry Farm

30 miles SE of Downtown Los Angeles

Although destined to forever be in the shadow of Mickey's megaresort, the reality is that Knott's doesn't even attempt to compete with the Disney empire: Instead, it targets Southern California thrill-seekers (droves of them) by offering a far better selection of scream-inducing thrill rides.

Like Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm is not without historical background. In 1920, Walter Knott began farming 20 acres of leased land on Hwy. 39 (now Beach Blvd.). When things got tough during the Depression, Mrs. Knott began selling pies, preserves, and home-cooked chicken dinners. Within a year, she was selling 90 meals a day. Lines became so long that Walter decided to create an Old West Ghost Town -- America's first theme park -- in 1940 as a diversion for waiting customers.

Today Knott's amusement park offers a whopping 165 shows, attractions, and state-of-the-art rides that are far more intense than most of the rides at the Disneyland Resort. Granted, it's less than half the size of the Disney Resort and doesn't have quite the same magical appeal, but if you're more into fast-paced amusement rides than swirling teacups, spend your money here.