All things Knotts Berry Farm

[Tamandua]

That sounds like what Knott's is like pretty much every Saturday. If I am going to wait in a 2 hour line, I at least want it to be fast moving, but the lines at Knott's are extremely slow moving which makes them even more painful. I like the park, but the ops make it my least visited of all the OC/LA parks. Magic Mountain has slow ops on some rides, but they have great ops on others and the park has enough high capacity attractions that it is possible to find something to do without a ridiculous wait even on the more crowded days. Were they running Single Rider for Ghostrider?

An example of how bad there ops are is how they loaded Iron Reef, and I guess they are doing the same with Beary Tales. Each row would only get one group, so if there was a party of 1, then a party of 2, 5 seats would go empty on that vehicle. So the average hourly riders was probably equal to like half of the already low maximum capacity.

Knott's desperately needs a couple of high capacity attractions with good ops. Having been to other Cedar Fair parks (Kings Island, Cedar Point, California's Great America) in recent years, they all had drastically better ops than Knott's has, so Knott's can do better. I feel like they are taking advantage of being the cheap alternative to Disneyland.

Inefficiency is my only major complaint about Knott's. I would ask why the employees don't work faster, but I don't think it's really a fair question. There's no incentive for them to work faster.

One other factor that makes ride lines go much slower is rampant abuse of the disability line skipping system. It's really, really bad at Knott's. There's a ton of people who just say "I have a hard time waiting in long lines" and get handed a blue card to skip the lines. I once asked a guy who used a blue card what it was, and he was clearly sort of embarrassed to explain that it was a disability thing as he was young and able bodied. He started to explain it to us like we could take advantage of it as well if we wanted to if we just said it was hard to stand in line... like it would be less embarrassing if he helped us get in on the scam. They really need to reform that system.

 

[DanielBB8]

I know how the vehicles originally operated and operated at the very end. I was there for all of it. I am aware how the ride experience changed. which is why Knott's is to blame. but the ride was never boring. maybe boring to you but kids loved it, old folks loved it, teens loved to go on the ride to make out. It was a beloved ride that took you to different points in time and had interesting sets and AAs and sounds and visuals. Better than what that video game Beary Tales has now.

Of course it was boring. There’s many reasons it closed including that of people no longer liking it. People have better memories of Knott’s rides than the reality. Knocking today’s Beary Tales because it’s a video game shooter is ridiculous. They aren’t going to leverage a dead attraction by bringing it back. You think they are idiots too to spend millions for a ride that closed 35 years ago. Or to bring back Dinosaurs that closed 17 years ago. Exactly how many rides have Disney closed and brought back when Disney could actually afford it? (DCA’s floating saucer that closed again?)

This idea that somehow AA rides are better when the result is actually only somewhat or moderately better, quite boring, dated stories, and the cost is exponentially more expensive. And we’re still talking about Knott’s ability to afford it and execute it. (They can’t.) That space will remain closed for a lot longer. In the meantime, the version of Knott’s Beary Tales we have is plenty fun for the 100th Anniversary. Enjoy it while we have it. We’re lucky to have it last 4 years. Then you’ll cry when it’s gone and wonder why it disappeared as the greatest ever video game shooter attraction besides Iron Reef.

RIP Iron Reef

 

[J4546]

Inefficiency is my only major complaint about Knott's. I would ask why the employees don't work faster, but I don't think it's really a fair question. There's no incentive for them to work faster.

One other factor that makes ride lines go much slower is rampant abuse of the disability line skipping system. It's really, really bad at Knott's. There's a ton of people who just say "I have a hard time waiting in long lines" and get handed a blue card to skip the lines. I once asked a guy who used a blue card what it was, and he was clearly sort of embarrassed to explain that it was a disability thing as he was young and able bodied. He started to explain it to us like we could take advantage of it as well if we wanted to if we just said it was hard to stand in line... like it would be less embarrassing if he helped us get in on the scam. They really need to reform that system.

dude you arent lying about the blue card scam. It sucks that so many people are clearly taking advantage of it because actual disabled people are the ones getting screwed by lazy people. Seriously I bet at least 50% of people that get a blue card disability pass do it just to skip the lines. I saw able bodies adults and kids using them all day when I went last week....pretty sad and pathetic really...

 

[SoCalDisneyLover]

dude you arent lying about the blue card scam. It sucks that so many people are clearly taking advantage of it because actual disabled people are the ones getting screwed by lazy people. Seriously I bet at least 50% of people that get a blue card disability pass do it just to skip the lines. I saw able bodies adults and kids using them all day when I went last week....pretty sad and pathetic really...

That's America and the so-called "Honor System." Not surprised At All. If you can cheat, and get away with it, Go For It! The American Way.

Masks required indoors if not vaccinated, but they're not checking for proof? Why bother wearing a mask? Heck, we know that under 12's have not been vaccinated, yet 80% of that group are not wearing masks indoors.

 

[J4546]

That's America and the so-called "Honor System." Not surprised At All. If you can cheat, and get away with it, Go For It! The American Way.

Masks required indoors if not vaccinated, but they're not checking for proof? Why bother wearing a mask? Heck, we know that under 12's have not been vaccinated, yet 80% of that group are not wearing masks indoors.

It is the american way indeed. If you dont believe me, take a look at the politicians we elect to represent us and how corrupt alot of them are. #america

 

[Too Many Hats]

So uh, what's the best way to do Knott's on a Saturday? Let's say I want to spend 5-6 hours there and tour the park casually. Never been before; I've only lived in SoCal a couple years.

Would you all recommend showing up at 10am and staying until mid-afternoon? Or would it be smarter to show up at maybe 5pm and stay until park close at 11pm?

I lived in Columbus, OH for a few years, and would go to Cedar Point a couple times each summer. Showing up at 4 or 5 and staying until close was always the greatest, but it sounds like Knott's might not be run as well as CP and the long lines might make showing up in the late afternoon somewhat misguided.

Appreciate any input!

 

[J4546]

whatever you do, make sure you ride the calico mine train. such a pleasant surprise of a ride.

 

[SplashGhost]

So uh, what's the best way to do Knott's on a Saturday? Let's say I want to spend 5-6 hours there and tour the park casually. Never been before; I've only lived in SoCal a couple years.

Would you all recommend showing up at 10am and staying until mid-afternoon? Or would it be smarter to show up at maybe 5pm and stay until park close at 11pm?

I lived in Columbus, OH for a few years, and would go to Cedar Point a couple times each summer. Showing up at 4 or 5 and staying until close was always the greatest, but it sounds like Knott's might not be run as well as CP and the long lines might make showing up in the late afternoon somewhat misguided.

Appreciate any input!

The Ghostrider line will probably be 90-120 minutes regardless of when you get in line for it, unless you were able to beat the crowds at rope drop. I would arrive at 5pm and get in the Ghostrider line right before the park closes so the two hours that you spend in line won't cut into the the actual operating hours of the park. The must dos are

Montezooma's Revenge - The coaster with the shortest line, it is one of the best in the park and a classic that still packs a punch
Silver Bullet- not the most amazing B&M, but still a great ride
Xcelerator- great launch, but is is so short that maybe it isn't worth it if you are running out of time and the line is really long
Ghostrider- easily the best coaster in the park
Calico Mine Ride- the line for this shouldn't be too bad since it is high capacity and it is a must ride for anyone that likes dark rides. It is on par with the Disney classic
Timber Mountain Log Ride- the influence behind Splash Mountain and other highly themed water rides, arguably the best ride in the park.
Calico River Rapids- the retheme took what was once a standard rapids ride and made it the best rapids ride that I have personally rode.

The water rides should have shorter lines closer to closing, so that might save you some time.

 

[Tamandua]

The Ghostrider line will probably be 90-120 minutes regardless of when you get in line for it, unless you were able to beat the crowds at rope drop. I would arrive at 5pm and get in the Ghostrider line right before the park closes so the two hours that you spend in line won't cut into the the actual operating hours of the park. The must dos are

Montezooma's Revenge - The coaster with the shortest line, it is one of the best in the park and a classic that still packs a punch
Silver Bullet- not the most amazing B&M, but still a great ride
Xcelerator- great launch, but is is so short that maybe it isn't worth it if you are running out of time and the line is really long
Ghostrider- easily the best coaster in the park
Calico Mine Ride- the line for this shouldn't be too bad since it is high capacity and it is a must ride for anyone that likes dark rides. It is on par with the Disney classic
Timber Mountain Log Ride- the influence behind Splash Mountain and other highly themed water rides, arguably the best ride in the park.
Calico River Rapids- the retheme took what was once a standard rapids ride and made it the best rapids ride that I have personally rode.

The water rides should have shorter lines closer to closing, so that might save you some time.

Don't forget sidewinder. A pretty overlooked, unique coaster.

 

[Too Many Hats]

The Ghostrider line will probably be 90-120 minutes regardless of when you get in line for it, unless you were able to beat the crowds at rope drop. I would arrive at 5pm and get in the Ghostrider line right before the park closes so the two hours that you spend in line won't cut into the the actual operating hours of the park. The must dos are

Montezooma's Revenge - The coaster with the shortest line, it is one of the best in the park and a classic that still packs a punch
Silver Bullet- not the most amazing B&M, but still a great ride
Xcelerator- great launch, but is is so short that maybe it isn't worth it if you are running out of time and the line is really long
Ghostrider- easily the best coaster in the park
Calico Mine Ride- the line for this shouldn't be too bad since it is high capacity and it is a must ride for anyone that likes dark rides. It is on par with the Disney classic
Timber Mountain Log Ride- the influence behind Splash Mountain and other highly themed water rides, arguably the best ride in the park.
Calico River Rapids- the retheme took what was once a standard rapids ride and made it the best rapids ride that I have personally rode.

The water rides should have shorter lines closer to closing, so that might save you some time.

Awesome -- thanks for the insights and suggestions. Bummed to hear the GhostRider line is so brutal. I've heard it's fantastic, so my first instinct wouldn't be to put it off until the end of the day (in case it breaks down or something). But you make a good point.

Aside from GhostRider, Timber Mountain and Calico Mine Ride are my top priorities. Anything else will be icing on the cake. That said, I do love coasters, and the collection at Knotts looks pretty eclectic. Very interested in unique older stuff like Jaguar and Montezooma's Revenge, but of course I'll ride HangTime (why has it been closed?), Silver Bullet, and Xcelerator if time permits.

The rapids retheme looks so charming -- I'm sure I'll be incentivized to check that out on a Saturday in July.

 

[Too Many Hats]

From reading the attraction list, my sense is that Knott's leans pretty heavily on its coasters and doesn't have a great collection of flat rides. Are there any must-rides?

Kind of surprising/disappointing, since Cedar Point and Kings Island (the other CF parks I've been to) have so many flat rides.

 

[Too Many Hats]

Don't forget sidewinder. A pretty overlooked, unique coaster.

Hadn't considered this one. It does look like something I haven't experienced before. Appreciate the suggestion.

 

[Tamandua]

Awesome -- thanks for the insights and suggestions. Bummed to hear the GhostRider line is so brutal. I've heard it's fantastic, so my first instinct wouldn't be to put it off until the end of the day (in case it breaks down or something). But you make a good point.

Aside from GhostRider, Timber Mountain and Calico Mine Ride are my top priorities. Anything else will be icing on the cake. That said, I do love coasters, and the collection at Knotts looks pretty eclectic. Very interested in unique older stuff like Jaguar and Montezooma's Revenge, but of course I'll ride HangTime (why has it been closed?), Silver Bullet, and Xcelerator if time permits.

The rapids retheme looks so charming -- I'm sure I'll be incentivized to check that out on a Saturday in July.

One thing I've learned lately is that the rapids ride has probably the fastest moving line. The moving platform sort of forces the employees to be more efficient than other rides.

 

[DavidDL]

Not sure if this had been shared here or not yet but for their 100th, it looks like Knotts is going all in on the pin-trading thing. I was very impressed by their offerings as right now they’re doing “100 pins for 100 years”, with pins of all their attractions past and present along with other fun, distinctly Knotts things. Here’s three I picked up over the weekend.

Unfortunately, Kingdom of the Dinosaurs and Mystery Lodge’s pins were either sold out or haven’t been released yet. I did manage to snag a nice Kingdom of the Dinosaurs shirt though but it’s currently in the wash and so I can’t share a picture of it just yet, haha. I imagine the pin will look similar.

The backs of each one are nice, too because they go into detail about the attraction:

-and if you’re wondering, yes, the Undertaker pin does spin to reveal the skeleton, just like in the park.

 

[Tamandua]

Not sure if this had been shared here or not yet but for their 100th, it looks like Knotts is going all in on the pin-trading thing. I was very impressed by their offerings as right now they’re doing “100 pins for 100 years”, with pins of all their attractions past and present along with other fun, distinctly Knotts things. Here’s three I picked up over the weekend.

View attachment 569689

Unfortunately, Kingdom of the Dinosaurs and Mystery Lodge’s pins were either sold out or haven’t been released yet. I did manage to snag a nice Kingdom of the Dinosaurs shirt though but it’s currently in the wash and so I can’t share a picture of it just yet, haha. I imagine the pin will look similar.

The backs of each one are nice, too because they go into detail about the attraction:

View attachment 569691

-and if you’re wondering, yes, the Undertaker pin does spin to reveal the skeleton, just like in the park.

Knotts will never be Disneyland, but they're definitely trying to appeal to the Disneyland crowd.

 

[DavidDL]

-and here’s that Kingdom of the Dinosaurs shirt I just mentioned. Sorry, it’s fresh out the wash!

Love it.

 

[DanielBB8]

It pays to stay until closing. The people empty the park in the late afternoon. The lines are much shorter after 5pm. There’s summer nights between 5pm to 10pm.

 

[SplashGhost]

Awesome -- thanks for the insights and suggestions. Bummed to hear the GhostRider line is so brutal. I've heard it's fantastic, so my first instinct wouldn't be to put it off until the end of the day (in case it breaks down or something). But you make a good point.

Aside from GhostRider, Timber Mountain and Calico Mine Ride are my top priorities. Anything else will be icing on the cake. That said, I do love coasters, and the collection at Knotts looks pretty eclectic. Very interested in unique older stuff like Jaguar and Montezooma's Revenge, but of course I'll ride HangTime (why has it been closed?), Silver Bullet, and Xcelerator if time permits.

The rapids retheme looks so charming -- I'm sure I'll be incentivized to check that out on a Saturday in July.

You definitely don't want to miss Ghostrider, check to see if the Single Rider line is running(the single rider line starts on the stairs outside to the left of the loading station building), if it is, use it. It will still be slow, but will save time, and if you are only there for 5 hours, you need all the time you can get. If you had to sacrifice Silver Bullet and Xcelerator to guarantee you can do Ghostrider, then do it, especially since you live in Ohio. Raptor and Banshee are both much better B&M inverts than Silver Bullet, and despite having a slower rate of acceleration, Top Thrill Dragster is a much better overall experience than Xcelerator.

I'm not sure why Hangtime is closed, but something broke lately and it is closed indefinitely from what I know. I personally am not a fan of Jaguar at all, but part of that is because at 6'4" tall, it is extremely uncomfortable for my legs and brutal on my back. It can also get extremely long lines too, so only do it if you have time.

From reading the attraction list, my sense is that Knott's leans pretty heavily on its coasters and doesn't have a great collection of flat rides. Are there any must-rides?

Kind of surprising/disappointing, since Cedar Point and Kings Island (the other CF parks I've been to) have so many flat rides.

I can't think of any must do flat rides at Knott's, the best flat ride in California is definitely Crazanity at Magic Mountain. The flats at Knott's mostly consist of standard stuff that you can find at most any regional park.

 

[J4546]

calico mine train darkride is a must

 

[SoCalDisneyLover]

Be there before 9:30, and in line when the gates open. They've been opening gates by 9:30. If you can be in that first batch into the park, head straight to Ghostrider. You should make it on one of the first 2 or 3 trains. If you're quick enough, you can get back in line while the wait is still something reasonable, like less than 15 minutes. It's possible to get 2 rides in before 10:15.

If you don't mind the possibility of getting a little wet before it gets warm, do the Log Ride next. Before 11:00, it should be 30 minutes or less. That will easily double or triple by afternoon, and could remain that way until well after dark.