The Knott's Berry Farm (KBF) Discussion Thread

[Vffreak07]

Although not everyone will agree, I think Sierra Sidewinder (not Pony Express) looks great in Camp Snoopy. Sure it may not be the most old fashioned or park theme fitting addition, but it's still a family ride, that targets different audiences. I have a feeling they're just gonna keep adding in coasters though unfortunately

[JimmyBo]

Holy Sh*t! Are you serious? I used to go to Knott's every year for my birthday from age 4-8 and I remember playing in that playhouse. God Damn you Knott's and Cedar Fair! Next time I'm going to Knott's I'm only going to ride Pony Express for the credit and then spending the rest of the day at TGI Friday's to drink my sorrows away.

[Top Thrill Dragster]

I don't know why people are complaining, I mean its not like you cant find what Peanuts Playhouse had at any Chucky Cheese in the US.

 

Theme parks are not Museums.

 

I don't think it will be another coaster, three family coasters in a row, that makes absolutely no sense. Its probably going to be some kiddey flat rides or maybe even an updated version of Peanuts Playhouse.

[Jew]

While I don't doubt that they will replace it with some off the shelf family coaster...we don't know for sure yet.

 

I do know that the Playhouse structure was almost 30 years old (maybe older?), so it may have had other issues that forced KBF to remove it (much like the Haunted Shack, which had to be removed due to termites since there is no way it could have been rebuilt to comply with ADA laws).

[robbalvey]

I don't know why people are complaining, I mean its not like you cant find what Peanuts Playhouse had at any Chucky Cheese in the US.

 

Theme parks are not Museums.

No, but Cedar Fair has certainly been guilty of removing a lot of the "charm" that Knott's used to have.

 

Knott's isn't even the same park it used to be. Not even close. They have been turning it into Cedar Point West, or more like ValleyFair west for the past decade now.

 

IMO if you want a taste of what Knott's used to be like visit Idlewild or Dollywood. Today's Knott's doesn't even come close to those parks.

 

--Robb "Not bummed or sad at all because it's what I've come to expect..." Alvey

[knottslover77]

Yeah I new this was happening they started like a week ago. It makes me very sad. Everyday knotts gets alittle worse.

 

--Jay

[G-Force!]

You know the thing is, it wouldn't be so bad if Knott's did get a new attraction every once in a while but it just seems that what they take out is always mediocre or worst than what was put back in. The same goes with sticking to the plan of just building coasters and not trying to change things up a bit. I believe if Knott's was to decide on another coaster, make it worthwhile and build something to the scale of Ghostrider and stop building for a while; Not more coasters which are low capacity, destroy surrounding areas, and have a ride length of 30 seconds. I have said this before and still believe that Knott's could still change for the better but because of bad decisions, disregard of guest experience, etc, hold the park back from it's full potential.

[socalMAN123]

^ I totally agree. I mean, I used to hear people say Knott's was better because it had better rides than Disneyland. Now I hear more and more people saying that Disneyland is way more fun because Knott's gets old after a while. I really hope that they somehow turn this park around.

---Brent

[Six Flags Enthuseast]

^I agree! Get better Knott's!

[Xmeister]

Makes me wonder what Knott's would've been like if it was sold to someone other than Cedar Fair.

 

I mean if it were Herschend or Merlin's it could've had it's charm preserved.

 

I hope one day things get better, because besides during Haunt, the park seems so empty these days...

 

I hope that this doesn't become another Geauga Lake..

[Wood Dragon 1988]

IMO if you want a taste of what Knott's used to be like visit Idlewild or Dollywood. Today's Knott's doesn't even come close to those parks.

 

 

Wow that is quite a statement. I had no idea that's how Knott's used to be like. I still think it looks like one of the more interesting and unique Cedar Fair parks. But I guess it is like the same thing that happened to Dorney Park. When you're at Dorney, you have no idea it is over 100 years old.

[coolhandluke]

^That's a lot like how I feel about it as well.

 

NOTE: I don't intend to sound condescending, unsympathetic, or otherwise oblivious to anyone here.

 

I've noticed that it seems like the people who get really upset about moves like this are typically those who have been going to the parks for years. I, for example, have never been to Knott's. If I were to visit it for a day next year, I think I'd have a good time based on what it does have to offer, and also because I'm not attached to what the park used to be (I believe there are a couple TRs from other ppl on here who express similar reactions). I don't remember the "glory days" of Knott's, so the fact that I'm not experiencing those doesn't bother me much.

 

As a fellow enthusiast, however, I can easily understand why the long-term patrons are upset. I'm all for tradition, charm, etc. I am disappointed that I can't see what Knott's was like years ago, and I will surely admit that I feel a bit crestfallen when a reported "classic" is taken out. But it doesn't disappoint me like those who grew up in Ghost Town or the kiddie areas. I suppose ignorance is bliss in that regard. [/obvious observation]

[Goliath513]

IMO, they should tear down the old Kingdom of the Dinosaurs building and use the space over there for a new and bigger attraction. That way, they wouldn't be destroying more of the park's historic feel/theming. There's plenty of room on the Boardwalk for something new, but I guess they would rather turn the old Knott's into the CCC (concrete, coasters, & cans).

 

I'm just glad they didn't remove Big Foot Rapids and Mystery Lodge like all those rumors circulating around several years ago told us they were. If that day ever comes - R.I.P. Knott's.

[65skylark]

Holy Sh*t! Are you serious? I used to go to Knott's every year for my birthday from age 4-8 and I remember playing in that playhouse. God Damn you Knott's and Cedar Fair! Next time I'm going to Knott's I'm only going to ride Pony Express for the credit and then spending the rest of the day at TGI Friday's to drink my sorrows away.

 

Come on Jimmy, we all know that's what you would have done anyway.

[TheRapidsNerd]

I'm just glad they didn't remove Big Foot Rapids and Mystery Lodge like all those rumors circulating around several years ago told us they were. If that day ever comes - R.I.P. Knott's.

 

Amen brother! Would be a sad day indeed, as I don't have that credit yet either.

 

Bummer about Snoopy, but what can you really do? And if Knott's used to be like Dollywood in quality, I can see a completely new side and understanding to cfc's comments from another Knott's thread last year. Wow! Most enlightening.

 

Humoursly I get this mental image of Jimmy sitting at the bar, Snoopy next to him, leaning dejectedly on his paw, and woodstock sitting on the bar with a tiny mug next to him. The caption reads "Good Grief!" Wish I could draw it.

[spacemtfan]

Knott's isn't even the same park it used to be. Not even close. They have been turning it into Cedar Point West, or more like ValleyFair west for the past decade now.

 

IMO if you want a taste of what Knott's used to be like visit Idlewild or Dollywood. Today's Knott's doesn't even come close to those parks.

 

--Robb "Not bummed or sad at all because it's what I've come to expect..." Alvey

 

I was looking at some of the pictures of Dollywood. It reminds me too much of old Knott's.

 

What I don't understand is why are they trying to cram in more rides when it's obvious that some of the other rides are going into despair *cough* GhostRider *cough* Xcelerator *cough* or it's obvious that there's no more room!

 

---space "Montezooma's next" mtfan

[knottslover77]

^Don't say that! Monty is like my favorite.

 

--Jay

[Jhcbiinoc]

I think that the demolition of the structure likely has more to do with the age of it and wanting the space for a new attraction than wanting to get rid of the heritage, but I will also state that if this is going to be for some short coaster crammed into that space that I don't think it's a good move. If they want to add a family ride, maybe they should put one of those Splash Battle rides or some type of interactive play area.

 

While I have always enjoyed Knott's, I'm actually one of those who likes *most* of the ride additions Cedar Fair has made-Silver Bullet, Supreme Scream, Xcelerator, and Sierra Sidewinder-and think they were all needed improvements. Silver Bullet was something I think the park really needed-a full circuit high capacity coaster with inversions, Xcelerator and Supreme Scream are good "extreme" thrill rides, and Sierra Sidewinder is a well done family coaster. I could easily see the original Knott's management adding Silver Bullet and Sierra Sidewinder (although the theming would likely be more detailed and the color schemes would probably fit).

 

But I'm not really sure what it is they are trying to do now. While Pony Express was a very creative idea for a family coaster and the theming works okay, IMHO, it is a bit too short. Plus, if they are attempting to appeal to both the family and thrill seeker market, I would think it would be about time for another "big" ride along the lines of Bullet or Xcelerator-as Silver Bullet was the last ride in this category and that was 4 years ago. If they are going to get rid of classic parts of the park, I would hope they would at least make good use of the space freed up. I love the park and continue to renew my pass every year, but it would be nice to get another big coaster.

 

If they want to look at things to take out for a new "big" ride, they could always consider Boomerang and/or Perilous Plunge. I can easily see them taking out both of those for another steel coaster, I would love to see them get a Dive Machine as I don't see SFMM getting one anytime soon.

 

While the fact that the Playhouse is leaving is disconcerting to some, look at the bright side: at least it's not Calico Mine Ride being refitted to a Mystery Mine type coaster or the log ride leaving, or GhostRider leaving and being replaced by a steel coaster the way Dorney Park did with Hercules, or Montezoomas leaving for an Impulse coaster.....

[DBJ]

With the age of the building, it might have been necessary to tear the structure down. I can only hope that the replacement is something that has some level of visual appeal. But, it really should be for the little kids. Something like those foam ball lodges that little kids seem to dig.

 

A short "family" coaster, like the way too short Pony Express, would be a waste of resources.

 

PP might be relocated to Cedar Point, per a screamscape rumor. To me, it would make more sense to send it over to Soak City next door, as it really is better suited for a waterpark.

 

I really hope they redo their master plan here pretty soon.

[WFChris]

It appears that the reason it was torn down is because it is no longer politically correct. The obese children couldn't fit through the little crawl spaces, and thats just not fair.

 

I am, of course, only kidding, I just wanted to bring up the crawl spaces. Those things were fun when I was little. It allowed you to go into a place your parents couldn't go and that somehow made you feel good about yourself Knowing the world today though, you cant dismiss the fact that maybe they were getting complaints about kids not fitting?

 

That was a memory I will miss. Oh and Kingdom. And the Soap Box Racers. And the chapel.

 

My bid on the next thing to go: Stagecoaches. Or are they already gone?

 

Chris.

[socalMAN123]

PP might be relocated to Cedar Point, per a screamscape rumor. To me, it would make more sense to send it over to Soak City next door, as it really is better suited for a waterpark.

I think it would be nearly impossible to move PP, due to its size and all of the equipment that is required to make the ride run efficiently. And I don't see the need for them to move it, it consistently has hour long lines over the summer and is one of the most popular attractions during hot weather.

 

On Peanut's Playhouse, I bet you they just add more cement and trash cans.

---Brent

[Electerik]

I think it would be nearly impossible to move PP, due to its size and all of the equipment that is required to make the ride run efficiently. And I don't see the need for them to move it, it consistently has hour long lines over the summer and is one of the most popular attractions during hot weather.

 

Counter-intuitive as it may sound, long lines do not equal popularity. PP has terrible capacity--which is actually a pretty good reason not to move it to CP.

[socalMAN123]

^ I worded that poorly. What I meant to say was that PP proved to be a very popular ride this past summer. I overhead countless guests saying that PP was the best ride of the day.

---Brent

[knottslover77]

My friend works at knotts, and he said that PP has one of the lowest riderships.

 

--Jay

[Bolliger&Mabillard]

^That probably has to do with the fact it's always down.