1990 ORANGE COUNTY : Depth of Commitment to Be Measured : AMUSEMENT PARKS

Both Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm will continue in the ‘90s to tempt crowds with new attractions and special events--an old formula, but one that has worked.

Knott’s first salvo in the battle for local tourist dollars--about half the visitors at both parks come from Southern California--will be the Boomerang, a roller coaster slated to open next summer on the site of the old Corkscrew. Notoriously tight-lipped Disneyland has yet to leak details of its next major attraction, although an announcement may come next month.

“There’s one thing I can say with certainty: There’ll be new things, and we’ll continue to change,” said Jack Lindquist, Disneyland’s vice president of creative marketing concepts. Among the possibilities: a ride based on the mine train chase from the film “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”

Meanwhile, the park will continue its ‘80s love affair with odd anniversaries and character birthdays. Next month, Disneyland begins a yearlong celebration of its 35th anniversary, patterned after its highly successful 30th with car giveaways, special parades and live entertainment.

While both businesses consider themselves “family” parks, Knott’s has developed a niche separate from its bigger and better-known neighbor, according to Stuart Zanville, the park’s director of public relations. “Knott’s is a reality park,” he says. “Disneyland is a fantasy park.” Zanville also characterizes Disneyland as more ride-oriented, while Knott’s will continue to pursue a more “relaxed” emphasis on shopping, restaurants and live entertainment.

Local tourism should continue strong in the ‘90s, spokesmen for both parks agree. Lindquist cites resort development on the Irvine coast, plans for major sports arenas in Anaheim and Santa Ana and a much-discussed high-speed train from Anaheim to Las Vegas as potential boosts. Zanville brings up evidence of a “mini baby-boom” and predictions of more discretionary income and more leisure time.

“We think it’s going to be a good time for the parks,” Zanville said.