Hello, TPR!
I had the lucky chance to attend not only my first West Coast Bash, but my first TPR event this past Sunday at the incomparable Knott's Berry Farm!!
This park is a family tradition for me. My grandma worked as a server there in the '30's and I can remember my dad taking me since I was old enough to walk. It has been great seeing the park evolve from the Bear-y tales and Roaring '20's era to its modern incarnation. Now I have my own kids, and while they don't yet meet the height requirement for most of the rides, they have already fallen in love with the log ride, the stage coach, getting "robbed" on the "cowboy train", Iron Reef (or as they call it the Octopus Lady Ride) etc. etc.
So it was like a dream come true for me to wander the empty walkways of the park, taking pictures and unlimited rides on coasters and other favorite attractions from my childhood. I unfortunately had to miss out on the lunch and park management Q&A to keep the babysitter bill down to triple digits, and I didn't have the presence of mind to take pictures in the Haunt room in the excellent Voodoo maze, but here are some of my personal highlights from the day and night ERT:
Independence hall at dawn - but not for a musket duel, it's WCB!!
Backstage at Ghostrider
Looks like she's smiling at me!
This is the outside of the side we were inside... right?
If you wanna build a coaster in Buena Park, you better get a lot of wood...
Footers by the Foot - according to our tour guide, the city required Knott's to TRIPLE the amount of wood support structure, which is why Ghost Rider is so rough: it can't flex enough under the forces exerted by the ride so tears itself up.
Wow, I can't see my house from here! And it's like, right over there.
Restricted area sign outside, TPR members inside. Backstage Tours = Awesome!!
How 'bout some of Mrs. Knott's famous Fried Chicken To Go... up the lift hill!
The best part is, you get to pick your own chicken!
I picked this one since I wasn't too hungry yet, for food - just coasters!!
Sierra Sidewinder tour lift hill money shot
Even Paul Revere thought Ghost Rider was getting rough, and he's a pioneer! (I'm no history major)
TPR's oldest member queueing up for morning ERT
EmptyQ's! Even better than SuzyQ's or DQ's!
The theming in the Ghost Town area is very immersive - there aren't even any people, just like a real Ghost Town!
Boomerang lured me in for a night ride with these sexy twinkly lights. Fool me once, shame on you Boomerang
I ended my day sitting in my own private log on the Timber Mountain flume, going round and round the course for about 30 minutes, like I used to dream of as a kid! Here's the Calico Mine ride looking sleek and unique across the street! (we didn't have ERT here, but we got a CLASSIC ride from TPR member Jake right after morning ERT. Got to see Robb charge up the access ramp with his scooter, and open the gate for him, what a class act!
Anyway, I can't encourage everyone enough to attend this event, or any other TPR event that you're lucky enough to participate. Everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming, the Knott's staff was awesome, and I'm still on a high 3 days later from all the fun.
I said it before but I'll say it again: thanks so much to the Alveys, TPR, and Knott's for a wonderful, inspiring day.