The Knott's Berry Farm (KBF) Discussion Thread

[Guy T. Koepp]

^I do love it. But I gotta say, after riding Dudly Do Right a few weeks ago, that I like it better. Sorry Knott's

[cfc]

^Those miserable restraints they put on Dudley Do-Right killed that ride for me--but it was pretty damn good in its original form.

 

The rehab for Timber Mountain was long overdue.

[Guy T. Koepp]

^Yeah, the restraints do suck.

[klin1344]

So I've been watching this thread for a few weeks now...since I live 10 mins away from KBF so it's my home amusement park.

 

My friends and I are planning a trip during spring break. Our school's spring break starts the week after Easter Sunday, so right now we are planning to go on Monday, 4/21.

 

We're debating whether we need fast lane passes for that date. Does anyone know normally how crowded Knott's gets during the week after Easter? I suppose that many other schools will be also on spring break, and its been 4 years since I went to KBF and I probably won't go again for a while, so I want to buy it. But I don't want to waste my money if I don't have to. Any thoughts?

[JeromyL]

My advice. Don't buy it unless the lines get really long. You can always pick up the wristband later in the day if they get unbearable. But I've been going every month since last September. And the only time I've had to purchase it was during Knotts scary farm. (Was just there yesterday btw)

[klin1344]

My advice. Don't buy it unless the lines get really long. You can always pick up the wristband later in the day if they get unbearable. But I've been going every month since last September. And the only time I've had to purchase it was during Knotts scary farm. (Was just there yesterday btw)

 

Thanks for your reply! On average, what are the wait times for the rides on a weekday? Are they ever over 60 mins? And how busy was it yesterday?

[Nyteowl]

My advice. Don't buy it unless the lines get really long. You can always pick up the wristband later in the day if they get unbearable. But I've been going every month since last September. And the only time I've had to purchase it was during Knotts scary farm. (Was just there yesterday btw)

 

Thanks for your reply! On average, what are the wait times for the rides on a weekday? Are they ever over 60 mins? And how busy was it yesterday?

According to the Knott's Website, Fastlane is available for presale on 21st, which means it will be slightly busy. However, 7k is still a very light crowd so I'd follow the advice of waiting until the day visiting to consider buying fastlane. As far as crowds go, yesterday our line at Ghostrider averaged around 20 minutes all day, and it was only slightly busy. This is pretty low because Ghost is one of the most popular rides in the park, and today it was even less crowded. For the 21st, I don't think your crowds will be too bad, probably a 30-45 minute wait at the most for the more popular attractions in the park.

Edited April 8, 2014 by Nyteowl

[klin1344]

My advice. Don't buy it unless the lines get really long. You can always pick up the wristband later in the day if they get unbearable. But I've been going every month since last September. And the only time I've had to purchase it was during Knotts scary farm. (Was just there yesterday btw)

 

Thanks for your reply! On average, what are the wait times for the rides on a weekday? Are they ever over 60 mins? And how busy was it yesterday?

According to the Knott's Website, Fastlane is available for presale on 21st, which means the park is expecting around 7,000 people minimum. However, 7k is still a very light crowd so I'd follow the advice of waiting until the day visiting to consider buying fastlane. As far as crowds go, yesterday our line at Ghostrider averaged around 20 minutes all day, and the budget was 11,000. This is pretty low because Ghost is one of the most popular rides in the park, and today our budget was only 5k. For the 21st, I don't think your crowds will be too bad, probably a 30-45 minute wait at the most for the more popular attractions in the park. I don't know if I'll be working that day, but if you get a chance, come stop by and say hi to me at Log Ride and i'll hook you guys up with a backdoor if I can.

 

Wow thanks! You're awesome!! Since our dates are flexible (we get that whole week off) would it be better to visit on Tuesday or Wednesday, since its farther from the weekend and might have less people?

[Jew]

When in doubt, buy the premium option. It's really the only way to ensure you can experience all the open attractions at any park.

[Nyteowl]

My advice. Don't buy it unless the lines get really long. You can always pick up the wristband later in the day if they get unbearable. But I've been going every month since last September. And the only time I've had to purchase it was during Knotts scary farm. (Was just there yesterday btw)

 

Thanks for your reply! On average, what are the wait times for the rides on a weekday? Are they ever over 60 mins? And how busy was it yesterday?

According to the Knott's Website, Fastlane is available for presale on 21st, which means the park is expecting around 7,000 people minimum. However, 7k is still a very light crowd so I'd follow the advice of waiting until the day visiting to consider buying fastlane. As far as crowds go, yesterday our line at Ghostrider averaged around 20 minutes all day, and the budget was 11,000. This is pretty low because Ghost is one of the most popular rides in the park, and today our budget was only 5k. For the 21st, I don't think your crowds will be too bad, probably a 30-45 minute wait at the most for the more popular attractions in the park. I don't know if I'll be working that day, but if you get a chance, come stop by and say hi to me at Log Ride and i'll hook you guys up with a backdoor if I can.

 

Wow thanks! You're awesome!! Since our dates are flexible (we get that whole week off) would it be better to visit on Tuesday or Wednesday, since its farther from the weekend and might have less people?

Tuesdays seem to be the least crowded weekday, but it's only a minuscule difference. Just go whichever weekday works best for your party.

[klin1344]

How do the fast lane passes work? Is there a separate line entrance? Last time I went there was no fast lane pass, and I can't imagine how they would modify the queues to incorporate it.

[Diamondbacker27]

How do the fast lane passes work? Is there a separate line entrance? Last time I went there was no fast lane pass, and I can't imagine how they would modify the queues to incorporate it.

All rides that feature Fast Lane and Fast Lane Plus will have a separate line for riders with it. You will walk a pretty much empty line, then you will merge into the regular line with other riders, or you will be let in at a separate gate. Sorry if that sounds confusing.

[bert425]

 

Wow thanks! You're awesome!! Since our dates are flexible (we get that whole week off) would it be better to visit on Tuesday or Wednesday, since its farther from the weekend and might have less people?

 

last time we went (in May), we went on a Wednesday, and there were literally ~250 people in the entire park.

 

seriously.

 

the longest wait for anything was for chicken dinner at Mrs. Knott's restaurant.

 

I did multiple rides on almost everything as a walk on (including Xcellerator). Tho we only did Ghost Rider once (once was enough)

[DJeXeL]

^Once is too much.

[klin1344]

Do the fast lane passes usually sell out quickly if they aren't pre-purchased? Do I have to buy them during the morning before entering or would they still be available if for example the crowds get unbearable midday?

[The49er]

Hello! I'm embarking on a SoCal excursion at the beginning of June, and it seems I will be at Knott's on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Granted, though I'm not familiar with KBF, I understand that it doesn't have waits like, say, SFMM. Since I'm not going to use FastLane, what kind of crowds should I expect?

 

Basically, I'm trying to hit every major coaster here if possible (yes, even GhostRider), as well as non-coasters like Screamin' Swing, Supreme Scream, and Timber Mountain Log Ride. Would I be able to accomplish this on such a day?

 

Of course, suggestions for other rides to try out would be appreciated.

 

Your thoughts?

[JeromyL]

You should be able to hit everything. Several times

[thrillseeker4552]

Hello! I'm embarking on a SoCal excursion at the beginning of June, and it seems I will be at Knott's on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Granted, though I'm not familiar with KBF, I understand that it doesn't have waits like, say, SFMM. Since I'm not going to use FastLane, what kind of crowds should I expect?

 

Basically, I'm trying to hit every major coaster here if possible (yes, even GhostRider), as well as non-coasters like Screamin' Swing, Supreme Scream, and Timber Mountain Log Ride. Would I be able to accomplish this on such a day?

 

Of course, suggestions for other rides to try out would be appreciated.

 

Your thoughts?

 

You shouldn't have a problem riding everything you want in one day. Knott's is quite a small park and is very easy to navigate, so hopping from ride to ride is simple.

 

Here are some other things I would mention for your visit. First, the boysenberry punch! It's available at pretty much every food option in the park and is one-of-a-kind to Knott's. And, if you have the time and money, try the Chicken Dinner Restaurant. The wait times can be a little long, but the biscuits and boysenberry jam are to die for!

 

Otherwise, enjoy your visit! And be sure to not miss Montezooma's Revenge; it's sort of the "hidden gem" of the park that gets overshadowed by bigger rides like Silver Bullet and Xcelerator.

[Jello_Biafra]

Went to KTB last week. Lots of fun. Last time I was there was '89. Went on I think 5 rides total that day. Rode Xcelerator 3 times in a row, rode all three in about 20 minutes. Timber Mountain Log Ride was fun, but man--those AA are scary as hell. Silver Bullet was cool. Supreme Scream was alright. Pony Express hurts my back. Ghost Rider almost was like Final Destination. Would go again.

[The49er]

^ and ^^ Thanks. Is Screamin' Swing still an upcharge?

Edited April 13, 2014 by The49er

[_IntaMAN_]

^ Yes, but worth it IMO.

[The49er]

^Also thanks!

[adamd]

I want to say I would NEVER post this (even if I heard it from a pretty reliable source) but this source I next to 100% trust. I sincerely hope my source is wrong, but If indeed its true all I'll say is if you like Montezooma's Revenge get a ride in SOON. If anyone else has heard otherwise or if someone else has heard rumblings of this please post.

[rcoaster10]

It was down when I was there. April 9th.

[singemfrc]

I want to say I would NEVER post this (even if I heard it from a pretty reliable source) but this source I next to 100% trust. I sincerely hope my source is wrong, but If indeed its true all I'll say is if you like Montezooma's Revenge get a ride in SOON. If anyone else has heard otherwise or if someone else has heard rumblings of this please post.

We spoke to a manager while we were there (on 4/5) who told us (we had mentioned the ride in conversation but didnt ask why it was down, she offered it) that Montezooma is just in rehab and will reopen soon, its not going away at least for now. Just like any shuttle, there's only one train so when it goes to rehab the whole ride shuts down.

 

I know what people usually think of "park employee told me ______" but for what it's worth this wasnt a casual hire teenager, she was senior and she didn't sound like she was guessing in the slightest.

 

Also your post doesnt really make sense. The ride is already down, if it were being dismantled, how would one get a ride in soon?