The Knott's Berry Farm (KBF) Discussion Thread

[154bmag]

^It doesn't have a stand up or a hyper.

[galindoverhere]

Knott's is going back to the family plan, as far as I'm hearing but who said every CF park had to have a stand-up?

[154bmag]

I was guess I was just being too literal.

[the sound]

Hey, I haven't posted here for a long time.

I'm on holiday from Australia an i'm in LA over the Luther King holiday weekend, and we're planning a visit to KBF. I'm wondering which of Saturday, Sunday or Monday would have the shortest waiting times/ be less crowded etc. From what i've read, Disney is ridiculously busy on the Monday but SFMM isn't, so i'm curious as to what the situation is with KBF. Any replies are very appreciated.

[galindoverhere]

Hey, I haven't posted here for a long time.

I'm on holiday from Australia an i'm in LA over the Luther King holiday weekend, and we're planning a visit to KBF. I'm wondering which of Saturday, Sunday or Monday would have the shortest waiting times/ be less crowded etc. From what i've read, Disney is ridiculously busy on the Monday but SFMM isn't, so i'm curious as to what the situation is with KBF. Any replies are very appreciated.

 

Saturday, in my opinion, would be the best day to go, hit SFMM up on Monday and explore around L.A. on Saturday because hey, you never know what you might expect

[Nyteowl]

Hey, I haven't posted here for a long time.

I'm on holiday from Australia an i'm in LA over the Luther King holiday weekend, and we're planning a visit to KBF. I'm wondering which of Saturday, Sunday or Monday would have the shortest waiting times/ be less crowded etc. From what i've read, Disney is ridiculously busy on the Monday but SFMM isn't, so i'm curious as to what the situation is with KBF. Any replies are very appreciated.

I was actually planning on going to SFMM on Monday to process my pass . Maybe we could meet up and hang out? I'm probably going to go alone so if you want to meet up possibly just let me know .

[the sound]

Nah not interested in meeting up or going to SFMM, we only have three and a half days so and I kinda want to do some other things in LA. Keeping that in mind, would Knotts be better on the Monday?

[Nyteowl]

Nah not interested in meeting up or going to SFMM, we only have three and a half days so and I kinda want to do some other things in LA. Keeping that in mind, would Knotts be better on the Monday?

Not sure. I went 2 weeks ago and it was packed, but it was right after the holidays so thats expected. I would imagine it would not be too bad .

[ILoveRides]

Today was the 60th anniversary of the Knott's railroad, and TPR was there!

TPR is at Knott's Berry Farm...

... for the Ghost Town and Calico Railroad 60th Anniversary Event.

And there is food! Now I have your attention!

It's not everyday you see Marion Knott, Walter Knott's daughter, standing outside the Calico Saloon!

The band took to the stage.

There were lots of costumed entertainers.

The mayor came out and walked Marion over to the train tracks.

He readied the golden spike.

Then with a huff...

... and a puff...

The spike was driven in!

Gertrude used her giant muscles to help hammer the spike in all the way.

The mayor then walked Marion over to Engine 41.

Which was christened the "Walter K" in honor of Walter Knott.

Walter would be proud!

Everyone waved off the newly christened train. Bye bye train!

Happy 60th anniversary Knott's railroad! You are truly something special!

Marion enjoyed her ride on the train.

All the reporters and news stations began interviewing people.

Orange County newscaster and former Knott’s stagecoach cowboy Ed Arnold had fun with the entertainers.

He seemed like an awesome guy!

I couldn't resist getting a picture with everyone.

Marion did a few more interviews, then disappeared off into the ghost town.

Which I took as my cue to ride the train!

AHHHH!!!! TRAIN ROBBERS!!! Just my luck.

After being mugged for everything I had, I headed over to the Boardwalk Ballroom to check out the Del Oro Pacific.

The Del Oro Pacific is one of the largest modular g-scale train layouts in the U.S.

If you didn't already know, I'm kind of obsessed with trains (both real and model ones). I collect g scale trains, so this layout was right up my alley!

Since I love trains so much, I'm going to bombard you with lots of model train photos!

Good thing the fire department showed up... that could have gotten out of hand.

TRAIN!!!

Maybe the reason I like roller coasters is because they're basically trains that go up and down.

This layout is very impressive.

That's an interesting assortment of vehicles.

Hey, look! It's Snoops! (and friends)

Gertrude followed in Snoopy's footsteps and decided to hop in a train car for a few laps.

The Del Oro Pacific was a really neat addition that added a lot to the anniversary event... great planning Knott's! And if you weren't there, you still have a few days to get to Knott's and check the layout out.

There were also a bunch of historic photos set up in the ballroom.

Some of them were very cool! I spent a lot of time looking over every detail.

Next up, I had a tour to catch!

First up on the tour was the Edna train car.

This chair is 131 years old... almost as old as Jeff Johnson, but not quite!

The Edna was built in 1881 for the personal use of the President of the Rio Grande Southern Railway.

This is basically what it would look like if you were sleeping in the Edna.

Next up on the tour was the engine roundhouse.

Many of you probably remember this tour from West Coast Bash 2010.

The tour was actually given by the same guy, Tom. Which is great, because he's really knowledgeable and clearly loves his job.

Unlike at West Coast Bash, there were some different cars and an engine in the roundhouse this time.

But basically it's the same roundhouse we all got to know and love.

Tom taught us all about the smoke box on the steam engine.

A shot of the engine in the roundhouse.

As we were leaving we had to wait for a stagecoach to pass. Only at Knott's!

Good news! Montezooma's Revenge is back up and running.

YAY!

Gertrude wanted to ride.

Gertrude loved it! The ride op even timed it so that the Jaguar train threaded the loop while we were going around it.

Then it was over to Xcelerator.

You just can't go wrong with Xcelerator.

I used to think Kinda Ka and Top Thrill Dragster looked so much better than Xcelerator. But after riding the others this summer, I can confirm that they don't even compare... Xcelerator is much, much more fun.

Don't worry Silver Bullet, I didn't forget about you!

Fun as always.

Thanks Knott's for hosting this wonderful event. Here's to another 60 years of the Ghost Town and Calico Railroad!

BONUS PIC! Manly Pose enthusiasts - shield your eyes, I have bad news. I was driving home from Knott's when I saw that Man's Town, the store that inspired the first manly pose, went out of business. It's a sad, sad day for the Manly Pose.

Edited January 13, 2012 by ILoveRides

[the ghost]

This TR was GREAT and the event looked phenomenal. I may not have been around for the "old knotts" but this TR really gives me a taste of what it was like. I am, however, old enough to remember some of the awesome charm at Knott's and this event and the characters are amazing looking. I will definitely try to ride the train at West Coast Bash... which was great last year. Awesome job, David.

 

The still misses the haunted shack Ghost

[susie zueck]

Amazing job! Was it crowded during that day?

[cfc]

It's good that Knott's remains committed to its railroad. The full-size trains and authentic rail cars make it a unique attraction.

[larrygator]

Looks like a jihadist is about to take the stagecoach.

[chadster]

^Wow, LMFAO

 

I kind of wish now I would have stopped by the model railroad exhibit, on the flip side I did let a Scorpion crawl over me. Maybe I will have to return tomorrow and check it out

[ILoveRides]

The still misses the haunted shack Ghost

 

Me too! I would love to see them bring back the shack, the soapbox racers, and the parachutes someday. All 3 were great attractions that I consistently hear people talking about. I think with a little re-imagining they could all be popular with a modern audience.

 

Amazing job! Was it crowded during that day?

 

There was a crowd for the event in the morning, but that quickly dispersed afterward. All the rides I rode were walk-ons. It was a great day to be at the park! Beautiful weather too.

[Nyteowl]

Another great TR! I grew up at Knott's because my mom used to work there and it's cool to see the railroad history still intact .

[galindoverhere]

Very great photos!!

[Sir Clinksalot]

Knott's announced on their Facebook page today that they are now offering a payment plan for their AP's.

 

This is not the "Disneyland" type plan where you can pay it off over a year, but instead over the span of 3 months.

 

http://www.knotts.com/plan-a-visit/season-passes

 

Want access to limitless excitement and entertainment at a great price?

 

Knott’s is home to Season Passes. A Knott’s Season Pass gives you full access to rides with world-class thrills like Silver Bullet, GhostRider® and WindSeeker and the best shows and attractions around. You can also use your Season Pass to receive discounts on food and merchandise throughout the park! (Excludes special ticket events e.g. Halloween Haunt.)Buy your Knott's Season Pass online now for:

 

Knott's Season Pass - Adults

Just $64.99 or 3 installments of $22.99

Knott's Season Pass - Juniors

Just $64.99 or 3 installments of $22.99

Knott's Season Pass - Seniors

Just $64.99 or 3 installments of $22.99

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Interesting. I wont do that cause its only $65, but its a nice idea for families and such.

[Bolliger&Mabillard]

I would say that a payment plan seems a little unecessary if the pass is only 65 bucks. But if it will get people in the park on those days where there are more employees than guests, go for it. Just hope that they spend while they're there.

[galindoverhere]

To be honest that's cheaper than what other parks might offer..

[Sir Clinksalot]

Honestly, I think it makes sense, like was said above, for families.

 

We are on the Payment Plan for our Disney passes, not because we can't afford it, but we buy 2 premium and 3 Deluxe AP's a year (the 4 of us and my Mother In-Law). It just makes it easier to have the $$ taken out each month rather than drop $2000+.

 

I know Disney passes are the extreme, but this is only spread out over 3 months, not the full 12.

[susie zueck]

I could see Disneyland having a multi step payment option but thats only because their passes are a few hundred dollars. Even SFMM has a three step payment option and their pass is only $62. I guess Knotts is trying to catch up with Disneyland and SFMM.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Actually, I bought my knott's pass last night and forgot that they have tiered passes as well. If I were to buy the platinum pass (good at all CF Parks) which is $165, I would probably have used the payment option. Its nice they even offer it, to those people who will use it.

[Sir Clinksalot]

^ Yeah, I'm still trying to decide if we need to get the Platinum pass for other CP parks this year.