The Knott's Berry Farm (KBF) Discussion Thread

[clem2754]

I often mistake Los Angeles for Sandusky, Ohio. They're just so similar.

Based on the traffic here in LA, I beg to differ.....

[Jew]

I REALLY wanted RMC to do Ghostrider. The GCI retrack made it comfortable again, but at the expense of some of the thrills. The reprofiling work definitely flattened out some angles and took some chutzpah out of the experience.

 

RMC's topper track would have let them make it both more comfortable AND more thrilling, and they probably wouldn't have to shut it down 4 times a year for rehab work.

 

I have a suspicion that RMC probably wasn't interested in doing a straight re-track of an existing layout when they were getting tons of orders for re-imagined layouts and/or totally new coasters.

 

Much more likely is their deal with six flags prevents them from doing anything with a wooden coaster at knotts. Non-compete clauses within a certain amount of miles are common.

[Mr Stratosphere]

I have a suspicion that RMC probably wasn't interested in doing a straight re-track of an existing layout when they were getting tons of orders for re-imagined layouts and/or totally new coasters.

 

 

I beg to differ on this statement, if a park wants to do it and profitable for RMC, why wouldn't they want to do it? It would be another coaster under RMC's belt for parts and ongoing maintenance, another revenue stream, no?

[toughmudder]

Quick question for KBF experts - We are heading down to SoCal in early July and wanted to catch an afternoon/night at the park. I haven't been for years, but the last time we went they offered a twilight special (discounted tickets after 4pm). I don't see anything on their website about it. Does the park still offer that deal? If so, what is the cost? Thanks!

[edgeboy]

I REALLY wanted RMC to do Ghostrider. The GCI retrack made it comfortable again, but at the expense of some of the thrills. The reprofiling work definitely flattened out some angles and took some chutzpah out of the experience.

 

RMC's topper track would have let them make it both more comfortable AND more thrilling, and they probably wouldn't have to shut it down 4 times a year for rehab work.

 

I have a suspicion that RMC probably wasn't interested in doing a straight re-track of an existing layout when they were getting tons of orders for re-imagined layouts and/or totally new coasters.

 

As much as I love RMC rides, one drawback about them is they're making the traditional wooden coaster a relic of the past. So I don't mind them keeping it as a woodie. Yes, some of the airtime was neutered, but the speed hasn't been sacrificed a bit, and providing they can keep up the maintenance, I hope it stays as is.

[thrillseeker4552]

If you asked me 3 years ago, I would have said to RMC GhostRider in a heartbeat. But looking back, I completely understand the park's decision to keep it a traditional wooden roller coaster. Yes, the airtime has been sacrificed a little like others have said, but the ride is leaps and bounds better than it used to be that I really can't even complain at all.

 

I know we're receiving HangTime this year and new roller coaster speculation is a long shot, but several years down the road when the time (and space lol) comes, I would still love to see a mini out-and-back B&M Hyper at the park. A people-eating floater airtime machine would do so much for the park and SoCal.

 

But yeah, um, HangTime opens next weekend!

[joelwee]

At this point, there hasn't been any word from the park about a passholder preview / soft opening, correct?

[Domm]

At this point, there hasn't been any word from the park about a passholder preview / soft opening, correct?

 

Nothing i've seen, planned a trip to go down this sunday to tuesday though hoping for a preview or anything. Total gamble. Looks like people are going into the entrance and leaving the exit on webcam right now.

[edgeboy]

There's a filming today for Hangtime, from noon til 9pm. Select ACE members were invited.

[singemfrc]

I REALLY wanted RMC to do Ghostrider. The GCI retrack made it comfortable again, but at the expense of some of the thrills. The reprofiling work definitely flattened out some angles and took some chutzpah out of the experience.

 

RMC's topper track would have let them make it both more comfortable AND more thrilling, and they probably wouldn't have to shut it down 4 times a year for rehab work.

 

I have a suspicion that RMC probably wasn't interested in doing a straight re-track of an existing layout when they were getting tons of orders for re-imagined layouts and/or totally new coasters.

GhostRider will never be RMC'd in the forseeable future. Matt Ouimet has stated in interviews before that they have no plans to remove or change it in any way at any time in the future - and for me that was backed up when they spent so much time and money (successfully!) rehabbing it. It was one of the last projects (or maybe the last, I forget) planned by the Knott family, so it's sacred.

 

I disagree about the thrill and/or forces anyway. I rode it (repeatedly) at WCB right after the rehab, and I think it's still easily one of the most forceful woodies on the west coast, just without the ouch. I can't wait to get down there for the next WCB and marathon it again.

[Canobie Coaster]

^ And the coaster's line shows its popularity too.

 

I just hope Knott's keeps GhostRider running the way it is.

[Jew]

I REALLY wanted RMC to do Ghostrider. The GCI retrack made it comfortable again, but at the expense of some of the thrills. The reprofiling work definitely flattened out some angles and took some chutzpah out of the experience.

 

RMC's topper track would have let them make it both more comfortable AND more thrilling, and they probably wouldn't have to shut it down 4 times a year for rehab work.

 

I have a suspicion that RMC probably wasn't interested in doing a straight re-track of an existing layout when they were getting tons of orders for re-imagined layouts and/or totally new coasters.

GhostRider will never be RMC'd in the forseeable future. Matt Ouimet has stated in interviews before that they have no plans to remove or change it in any way at any time in the future - and for me that was backed up when they spent so much time and money (successfully!) rehabbing it. It was one of the last projects (or maybe the last, I forget) planned by the Knott family, so it's sacred.

 

I disagree about the thrill and/or forces anyway. I rode it (repeatedly) at WCB right after the rehab, and I think it's still easily one of the most forceful woodies on the west coast, just without the ouch. I can't wait to get down there for the next WCB and marathon it again.

 

Nothing is sacred. It's easy to say now that it would never be converted while it is the brand new refurbished ride you just spent millions on. Once you've spent a few million dollars more refurbishing it to keep it running, your tune might change if a company happened to offer a solution that would reduce maintenance costs (and if there is a clause on exclusivity with SFMM that happens to expire after a certain amount of time) and keep it as popular as ever....

[chickenbowl]

Nothing is sacred. It's easy to say now that it would never be converted while it is the brand new refurbished ride you just spent millions on. Once you've spent a few million dollars more refurbishing it to keep it running, your tune might change if a company happened to offer a solution that would reduce maintenance costs (and if there is a clause on exclusivity with SFMM that happens to expire after a certain amount of time) and keep it as popular as ever....

 

I don't think there is an exclusivity clause that would affect Knott's. I'm told that Knott's had a few bids (including RMC) when deciding to refurb GhostRider and the park chose GCI because they were cheaper.

 

I wish everyday that they chose differently... Or that I could at least see what could have been

[CedarFlags]

Nothing is sacred. It's easy to say now that it would never be converted while it is the brand new refurbished ride you just spent millions on. Once you've spent a few million dollars more refurbishing it to keep it running, your tune might change if a company happened to offer a solution that would reduce maintenance costs (and if there is a clause on exclusivity with SFMM that happens to expire after a certain amount of time) and keep it as popular as ever....

 

I don't think there is an exclusivity clause that would affect Knott's. I'm told that Knott's had a few bids (including RMC) when deciding to refurb GhostRider and the park chose GCI because they were cheaper.

 

I wish everyday that they chose differently... Or that I could at least see what could have been

 

I remember there being a pretty healthy debate on here in 2016 whether or not that exclusivity clause was even real. Can't remember if we ever got a reliable straight answer.

[Jew]

To clarify, I am not saying there is one. But it is common practice in the industry in markets with competition, so I would not be surprised.

 

Reality is Knott's is going to have to make a decision again at some point on the future of the ride. It's not going to happen anytime soon (obviously), but I certainly wouldn't rule it out the next time they are asking themselves "this ride sucks now and is expensive to maintain. What should we do?"

 

I still contend keeping the layout with topper track would make it a top 10 ride. It's currently the best GCI I've been on, but not even close to the laminated wood Intamins or RMC rides I've been on.

[coasterlvr]

Hangtime's sign is LIT! I mean, it lights up. I'm far too old to ever describe anything as lit. I feel stupid even typing that.

[firebird81]

They shot the commercial yesterday. Some ACE members got in as extras and so far they seem to be giving it great reviews. I guess tomorrow is a friends and family event for employees and they will get to ride Hangtime. It's almost time!

[clem2754]

They shot the commercial yesterday. Some ACE members got in as extras and so far they seem to be giving it great reviews. I guess tomorrow is a friends and family event for employees and they will get to ride Hangtime. It's almost time!

Any word if they are doing any preview for platinum pass holders. I have not heard anything.

[1FinalChance]

I talked to a few people who rode Hangtime. One guy I talked to said some spots have a bit of a rattle. He thought the drop and cobra roll were both really good. His favorite seats were the 2 back row outside seats. He ranks it 4th in the park behind Ghost Xcel and Silver. I'll be there the morning of opening day, hope to see some of you guys there.

[Kyle Coleman]

I'll be there two weeks from today for hangtime. Hopefully won't be stupid busy like when i went for boysenberry fest.

[1FinalChance]

I'll be there two weeks from today for hangtime. Hopefully won't be stupid busy like when i went for boysenberry fest.

 

Last time I went on a Wednesday I got 8 back row rides on Ghost Rider in like 2 hours. Usually Wednesdays are pretty dead. Have fun.

[coasterlvr]

I'll be there two weeks from today for hangtime. Hopefully won't be stupid busy like when i went for boysenberry fest.

 

Are you short enough to ride, Kyle?

 

 

btw, excellent ride. two thumbs up!

 

[ytterbiumanalyst]

I often mistake Los Angeles for Sandusky, Ohio. They're just so similar.

Based on the traffic here in LA, I beg to differ.....

You might find that causeway on Ohio State Day familiar.

[clem2754]

I often mistake Los Angeles for Sandusky, Ohio. They're just so similar.

Based on the traffic here in LA, I beg to differ.....

You might find that causeway on Ohio State Day familiar.

 

Or the turn styles to exit the stadium when Ohio St plays Clemson in football. Man they left that stadium fast and early...

[chickenbowl]

https://www.knotts.com/play/events/hangtime-preview-days-for-passholders

 

Passholder Preview 5/11-5/13