The Knott's Berry Farm (KBF) Discussion Thread

[XYZ]

This is not good:

 

While Montezooma’s Revenge has been closed off an on throughout the Haunt season, I did hear from a reader that it was up and running again over this weekend. However, I also heard a disturbing rumor as well over the past week, claiming that one of the reasons Monty has been down so much, was that the park’s maintenance staff was attempting to find a way to brake the coaster during the backwards fly-though of the station.

Those familiar with Schwarzkopf Shuttle Loop coasters know there are two types… the counter-weight launch version came first, followed by the fly-wheel launched version which featured a slightly more intense launch and allowed for the train to fly backwards through the station and up the rear-spike un-braked. The counter-weight version required braking forces to be applied to the train during the return trip, which I believe was transferred into energy to help reset the counterweight for the next launch. The resulting ride experience reduced the train’s speed by a signifigant amount, and the train usually only went about half way up the rear spike compared to the typical ride on Monty.

You can compare how high the back car of Monty’s train goes up the rear spike in this video clip to how much lower the rear car on the now removed Greezed Lightnin’ at Kentucky Kingdom would go up the counter-weight launched’s version’s rear spike.

While there have been no reports of brakes kicking in yet on Monty, I’m just curious why Knott’s would be attempting to add them after all these years. Anyone know more?

[SoCalCoasters]

--It's nice to see Wheeler Dealer open in October

 

I disagree about this. They are crappy bumper cars to begin with, so the space is MUCH better utilized as a Haunt maze in October IMO.

 

I was just SO SHOCKED to see that it wasn't a maze this year...first time I've seen that since I can remember.

 

That space and the Virus Z (Fiesta de Los Muertos) caused some areas of the park to be abandoned while making others over crowded. Unless Elvira was about the start or was ending, the back of the park was a ghost town this year.

[Nyteowl]

I'll look into the Monte brake rumor this weekend cause I'll be in fiesta, but from watching it run yesterday from a distance it seemed to be going just as high on the back spine.

[Wes]

--It's nice to see Wheeler Dealer open in October

 

I disagree about this. They are crappy bumper cars to begin with, so the space is MUCH better utilized as a Haunt maze in October IMO.

 

I was just SO SHOCKED to see that it wasn't a maze this year...first time I've seen that since I can remember.

 

That space and the Virus Z (Fiesta de Los Muertos) caused some areas of the park to be abandoned while making others over crowded. Unless Elvira was about the start or was ending, the back of the park was a ghost town this year.

 

Pretty much. The vibe of the park felt so different without the mazes in those spots. Not sure if I liked it or not.

[Jew]

Agreed. I understand the logic of not wanting to impact day operations, but for late September/October, Haunt has to be the focus. The park is a ghost town (no pun intended) on weekdays, and only slightly busy on weekends. Haunt probably does better numbers, and needs more mazes to keep the crowds spread out.

[Xcoaster]

Quick rundown of the mazes and shows from my visit on Saturday:

Black Magic - Probably one of my favorites this year, lots of great effects, and a good overall theme. Also, I thought the Skeleton Key room was a good setup.

Mirror Mirror - It was ok. I'm not a huge fan mostly because it was too crowded inside, and I've experienced the same gimmick used to better effect in other haunt mazes (Krake Liebt! was implemented a lot better, with projection effects, not as crowded, and more to the maze than just the mirrors). I'd like to see this again, but maybe as part of a full maze

Pinocchio Unstrung - This was a favorite last year, but it felt lacking this time. A few effects weren't working (the cage, for one), and it came off as a bit stale.

Slaughterhouse- Still a good standard cannibal hillbilly maze. Probably my least favorite of the Skeleton Key rooms.

Gunslinger's Grave - Not a ton of scares, but a great atmosphere, and one of my favorites of the event. Easily the best Skeleton Key room.

Forevermore - Another of my favorites, I really liked the variety of rooms in this one. Loved the narration throughout the maze, I thought it nicely tied together what otherwise seemed like unrelated scenes.

Endgames - This was one of my "almost favorite" mazes from last year, and there it still remains. Not a lot of scares, but a great atmosphere, cool props, and I love the soundtrack. One of the shorter Skeleton Key rooms, but the actress was great.

Dominion of the Damned - Better than last year (though I liked last year's symmetry of "normal" half and "creepy" half), but still just ok. This one was always a little too crowded when we went through. The Skeleton Key room was pretty good.

Delirium - I still love the nightmarish Lovecraft vibe. Maybe not quite as good as last year, but I still liked it a lot. I'll be a little disappointed if this one goes away.

Trick or Treat - Still a cute little maze, not a lot of scares, but the ending show is fun. I like that it ties into the Green Witch thing, which seems to be their new mascot. Anyone else get a "Halloween Tree" by Ray Bradbury feel from this one?

Trapped - Pretty cool experience, but I'd definitely recommend going with a group to share the cost; I wouldn't have wanted to have spent more than $20 per person. I didn't do this last year.

The Witch's Keep - Did this daytime and nighttime; basically the same experience both times. I was expecting it to just be the usual ride with a few spooky things thrown in, but it was really a completely different ride, very cool.

The Hanging - I really liked it this year, lots of laughs

Elvira's Sinema Seance - Pretty good, I enjoyed the dancing and stupid puns.

Possessed - Very good use of the Mystery Lodge building, I hope they keep using a similar concept. I missed Unearthed last year, but I'd like to see what else they can do with this.

 

My standout favorite mazes were probably Black Magic, Forevermore, Gunslinger's Grave, and Delirium. Least favorites were probably Pinocchio, Dominion of the Damned, and Mirror Mirror. We also did Dark Harbor and HHN this weekend, but Knott's was easily my favorite event. The maze quality was great (maybe not quite as good as Universal, but pretty close), and there's a ton of stuff to do (unlike Universal). I'll probably make a point of doing Knott's every year, and the others only every couple years.

[CoasterTimmy]

Went to the Farm for a few hours, they have started to remove Windseeker.

Lights being removed

[thrillseeker4552]

^I'm really going to miss that ride. I understand the reason for it leaving, but it was such a fun flat ride with a fantastic view. Hopefully another quality flat ride will take it's place. CF just filed a trademark for the name "Centurion"....

[Xcoaster]

Putting a ride called "Centurion" in the Mexican section seems more like a Six Flags move. I'm in agreement with Screamscape that the name sounds like a more likely candidate for Carowinds new coaster.

[adamd]

Putting a ride called "Centurion" in the Mexican section seems more like a Six Flags move. I'm in agreement with Screamscape that the name sounds like a more likely candidate for Carowinds new coaster.

 

I agree, but remember the last ride there was called "Windseeker", so it seems like they don't care about the names in the area, but I will say they did a great job with the color scheme matching the Fiesta Village area.

 

^I'm really going to miss that ride. I understand the reason for it leaving, but it was such a fun flat ride with a fantastic view. Hopefully another quality flat ride will take it's place. CF just filed a trademark for the name "Centurion"....

 

Even though it'll probably be a quality flat ride I am still hoping for a decent Euro Fighter. They already have Silver Bullet and Jaguar over the water and there seems to be enough room for another coaster to go over the water as well (along with Windseekers old spot/queue). I'd say knock over the Taqueria that is there as well to give it even more room.

[Jew]

We shouldn't have to wait too much longer. They usually announce in November.

[Vonni]

I wonder if Windseeker will retain its current color scheme for its run as Steel Hawk at WOF or if it will get a paint job with different colors?

[azza29]

Would be hilarious if they replace it with a Star Flyer.

[Vonni]

Perhaps they will recieve something like MaxAir/Delerium. That would fit well in Windseeker's spot.

[XYZ]

I doubt that the 2014 attraction will be replacing Windseeker. But, who knows.

[vacoaster09]

Perhaps they will recieve something like MaxAir/Delerium. That would fit well in Windseeker's spot.

 

MaxAir/Delirium would be a great replacement ride! If HUSS is out of the question, then perhaps a Zamperla Discovery. I've personally been hoping to see more Giant Frisbee's. I think KD needs one as well. Also same for Carowinds!

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Why would Huss be out of the question?

 

Also, there isn't enough room in that location for that type of ride. They would have to remove a lot of other rides and buildings. Not to mention, they have an extremely similar ride 100ft away...

 

Edited October 30, 2013 by COASTER FREAK 11

[DJeXeL]

^Behemoth and Leviathan say "hi."

[DBJ]

A giant swing would likely not work in that location, actually would be a better companion attraction over in the "boardwalk" area, once they relocate the Scrambler and Gliders. Windseeker was an example of really making the most use of the small footprint. I would hope Knott's is looking at bringing in something unique for our region.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

^Behemoth and Leviathan say "hi."

 

Those are at least across the park one another, these two rides would be literally next to each other. All sorts of arguments ca be made for both sides, I just think it's likely to happen. And again, it wont fit.

[DJeXeL]

I'm not arguing whether or not it will fit, because you're right that it won't. I always thought that a Giant Frisbee would've been a great fit in Screamin' Swing's spot.

[Top Thrill Dragster]

This could fit into Windseekers spot:

 

 

 

 

Its also a cheap way of advertising a new "roller coaster".

[dannyboy13]

^I think something like this would actually be a pretty decent addition to Knott's. I too am bummed that Windseeker is leaving though. I get it, but still bummed.

[Vonni]

^^ I agree, but also I think a Disco would fit in the Boardwalk more. A Twist 'N Splash would fit well, but I dont know if Cedar Fair will get any of those.

[Gnome]

This could fit into Windseekers spot:

 

 

 

 

Its also a cheap way of advertising a new "roller coaster".

 

I think knotts can do better then that. "cheap way of advertising" should be a red flag. I'd hope they can come up with a creative solution that will benefit the overall park experience.