TR - Soak City/Knotts Berry Farm - August 20

[snoflake15]

This is my first TR so go gentle folks. May even try to get some photos on here once they are downloaded.

 

Just back home in Scotland after my trip to sunny So.Cal. Decided to try KBF after my trip to SFMM last year. I'm glad I did as I really liked the park - compact. neat and tidy, good atmosphere and good rides.

 

My fiancee hates theme parks and rides which puts me at a bit of a disadvantage. Instead of me going on my own last year she came with me this time. She couldn't be tempted on anything so I ran round trying not to leave her waiting too much.

 

We spent the day at Soak City. I liked this water park although even though it didn't appear too busy the queues for the mainstream rides were fairly long. I restricted myself to Old Man Falls (the yellow and the steep red). I fancied Pacific Spin but it needs two people to ride it.

 

Think I am getting old as I was really nervous on the water rides. The yellow one which twisted in and out really scared me and I was happy to hit the bottom. Hurt the soles of my feet too.

 

Spent most of the day catching the rays and being in and out the wave pool (fairly lame compared to most other wave pools I have seen).

 

Headed across the road to KBF about 5. Quickly got on Montezooma with no line. Loved it (8/10). Next stop Jaguar which had no line either (6.5)

 

Thinking it was looking like it was going to be easy to ride everything I headed for Xcelerator but surprise surprise it was down. The staff were no help and I was worried my main purpose for going was going to be wasted.

 

I went over to Boomerang but it was going slow so ducked out and went to Riptide. I expected it to be like the Alton Towers one but it was more intense but with less (in fact no) water. The soaking is one of the best aspects of the ride and I was disappointed it didn't happen.

 

Then I went for Perilous Plunge hoping to dry off before dark. The ride op set up here was hopeless. Why have one person setting up the next lines but also checking one half of the restraints?

 

Anyway it took 30 mins much to my (and my fiancees) annoyance. I really enjoyed the ride itself but with one car running it needs faster ops. They could give more attention to single riders too. I give it 8 nonetheless.

 

My fiancee was now hungry so we went out to TGIF. I saw Xcelerator was back on so hoped it could keep working on my return.

 

Got back in and headed for Xcelerator. Wow. What a rush at the start and over the top hat. Got the back seat too. Only my third 10/10 (with X2 and Tatsu). Think my fiancees highlight was seeing my ride video.

 

Next stop Boomerang and got on second time. Brought back memories of my first ever coaster (The Coca-Cola Roller at the Glasgow Garden Festival 1988) Still good fun and it gets an 8.

 

Silver Bullet next and I walked straight on at the front. Loved my first experience of coasters in the dark. Not my favourite Invert but I love them so it still gets a 9. Credit too to the ride ops who were efficient and amusing. I know the old 'Thank you for visiting the Magic Kingdom/Riding Batman' is a bit lame but it still makes me smile.

 

Another diappointing wait at sidewinder. Only one car and slow ops. Another long wait (30 mins) which stopped me getting other rides on SB and Xcelerator.

 

Finally it was Ghostrider. Only a 5 min wait. I know this gets mixed reviews (with more bad than good) but I have to say I liked it a lot. It was bump bump bumpity bump-tastic. It gets a 9 from me possibly helped by the night factor.

 

Overall a great day and I'm glad I chose KBF. As deprived as I am of quality coasters there were a good few credits here. Would happily go back on my next trip to So.Cal altho I think the rides at SFMM just tip it in its favour.

[suave1226]

Glad you had a good time. Sadly i'm at a point in my life where i only go to knotts 1 time a year which is during halloween haunt. That will most likely change since my daughter is now getting tall enough to ride more rides which she loves to go on. Also don't feel bad for your review of Ghostrider. I personally love it of course i will only ride it at night in the very back seat.