tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88197643773945851912012-02-01T09:05:01.439-08:00The Internet's First Unofficial Look at Knott's Berry Farm.<br><br> (With a few other things thrown in...just for fun)Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.comBlogger481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-17479162754635632072011-04-19T08:57:00.000-07:002011-04-20T06:09:01.005-07:00

"Scratches on the old wooden railings, shrills and shrieks in the night, and a thick layer of fog that envelopes Ghost Town. These are the images, sights and memories that fans of Knott's Berry Farm's world famous Halloween Haunt call up year after year."This quote openned my coverage of Halloween Haunt 2007 back in the bear-ytales.net days. Life changes and 2007 was the last Haunt I've been able

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-22811146580197083312011-01-07T22:40:00.000-08:002011-01-07T22:45:39.308-08:00

It is with great sorrow that I report on the passing of Knott's historical ride designer, Bud Hurlbut. I think back to the time when I worked at Knott’s in the mid to late 1990s. I saw first hand now the Log Ride and Mine Train made a day at Knott’s something special for the guests. Young and old would line up to ride them, as they appealed to kids and adults of all ages. Even in these days of

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-73738192498950093452011-01-06T08:06:00.000-08:002011-01-06T08:11:16.807-08:00

Very interesting news coming out of Knott's Berry Farm - it appears that the new Windseeker attraction, originally slated to replace the Sky Cabin will be placed in Fiesta Village instead. To tell you the truth, I'm scratching my head at this decision. The Sky Cabin is in desperate need of repair or replacement as it has not aged gracefully. Also, an attraction like Windseeker seems like a

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-81139122662709389482010-09-28T06:16:00.001-07:002010-09-28T06:16:40.360-07:00

Jay Jennings' new PDF book, “Knott’s Berry Farm: Then & Now”, is available for sale. This pictorial retrospective is the biggest collection of "then and now" photographs ever assembled of Knott's original attractions and buildings from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s that are still there! Over 200 photos! Only $14.99 (plus $3.00 shipping). This very impressive collection of photographs features many

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-70182630854955912222010-08-25T12:59:00.001-07:002010-08-25T12:59:40.352-07:00

Hang on tight and don’t look down!  Knott’s Berry Farm announced it’s latest attraction for 2011 – WindSeeker. WindSeeker will feature 32, 2-person gondolas that will ascend to a height of 301 feet. Once it has reached the top of the tower, WindSeeker will spread it’s metal arms swinging riders for a 60 second flight at a 45 degree angle at a speed of 8 rotations per minute. “Due to the long

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-71566615552362719132010-08-21T15:05:00.001-07:002010-09-09T16:17:28.888-07:00

Rumors are flying around the internet that the attraction shown at left, a Mondial Wind Seeker may be Knott’s new attraction for 2011. The attraction, which swings riders at heights of 300-400 feet, depending on the model used, could be built in the spot current occupied by the aging Sky Cabin Observation Tower. ParkWorldOnline discusses the attraction and Westcoaster.net discusses the rumors

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-63354555055784217302010-07-09T06:28:00.001-07:002010-07-09T06:31:27.873-07:00

Let’s take a trip away from Knott’s Berry Farm to visit what I consider the most beautiful and most relaxing park in America, and possibly the world.   Sea World’s Discovery Cove is a unique and breathtaking day of exploration and total relaxation.  No crowds, no lines, and no rush.  It’s the way a vacation day should be.  More…

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-43059911921983280272010-06-04T21:06:00.001-07:002010-06-04T21:14:39.375-07:00

Windjammer opened at Knott's Berry Farm in March of 1997 as part of The Boardwalk - a remake of the popular Roaring 20's area. One of Knott’s few duds, Windjammer proved to be better on paper than in reality. More…

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-32198591244649440442010-06-02T13:03:00.000-07:002010-06-02T13:23:22.755-07:00

Long before Perilous Plunge, Rip Tide, or Xcelerator, a very different Boardwalk existed at Knott’s Berry Farm.  Shown below are pictures taken in the late 1990s. What is now a bustling thoroughfare was once a quiet, grassy lawn.  Guests couldn't get anywhere near Boomerang the way they can now. With Windjammer (now Xcelerator) at our backs, here is the main walkway of The Boardwalk.

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-25934476818395696032010-05-30T14:07:00.001-07:002010-05-30T14:11:14.788-07:00

It was many years ago when I first heard that Chris Merritt was writing a book about the history of Knott’s. I had known Chris for a few years, and although we have never had a close friendship, there is a mutual respect as Chris is another one who “gets it” when it comes to Knott’s…and he “gets it” in a big way. Chris has a professional ability and a personal passion to capture the accidental

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-31560185259890397892010-05-14T21:38:00.001-07:002010-05-14T21:38:31.209-07:00

There are two “new” updates tonight.  First, I’m proud to republish one of Bear-ytales’ most popular features, a look back at the construction of Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure.  Additionally, we take a look back at Knott’s last dark ride, Kingdom of the Dinosaurs. -Bob

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-50405443806546938812010-04-27T21:37:00.001-07:002010-04-27T21:37:24.390-07:00

  7 months after a cable accident left one boy with cuts on his leg and one man with an injured back, Xcelerator has reopened with better testing methods and a refined cable-replacement schedule. More from the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register.

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-43133390106787761382010-04-11T11:46:00.000-07:002010-04-11T20:36:53.789-07:00

It seems that every few years Bear-ytales.net goes through a major change. “Way back” in the late 1990s, it started out as The Knott’s Berry Farm Information Center.  It was the very first fan site dedicated to Knott’s, and one of the first theme park fan sites period. Sometime in 2000 or 2001 it became Bear-ytales.com. A few years later, life took its turns and I gave the site to Jim and company

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-26326115393361420762010-04-08T11:49:00.000-07:002010-04-11T11:50:30.040-07:00

SPECIAL IN-PARK TICKETED EVENT NOW SOLD OUT! On Sunday April 18th, Authors Christopher Merritt and J. Eric Lynxwiler, along with introduction author Tony Baxter, will be on hand to sign limited-edition, hardback copies of "Knott's Preserved".  Although the signing is free to the public, tickets for the special in-park events are extremely limited and will sell out FAST.  If you plan on attending

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-41654396740772119722010-04-06T12:16:00.000-07:002010-04-11T12:18:50.516-07:00

Bear-ytales.blogpsot.com is very pleased to announce the launch of Knott'sPreserved.com, the new website by Christopher Merritt, author of the upcoming book "Knott's Preserved" due out in June 2010.  Still in its infancy, Knott'sPreserved.com will be a showcase of historical video and audio as well as pictures that didn't make it into the book.  Chris shares, "I only have had time to put up

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-10371487432342588412010-04-05T14:41:00.000-07:002010-04-27T20:39:26.095-07:00

Part 1 In September of 1991, Disneyland started construction on a new type of show that would change the west side of the park forever. Once the place to enjoy a quiet evening along the river, the addition of Fantasmic! replaced the crickets with state-of-the-art water screens, fireworks, and Maleficent as the fire-breathing dragon who sets fire to the Rivers of America. The technical wizardry

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-15482939710012086752010-04-04T15:00:00.000-07:002010-04-27T20:41:03.984-07:00

Part 2 While Fantasmic! was under construction at the front of the Island, the rest of the Rivers of America got a gunite base to reduce water loss. This also reduced the amount of mud in the river, and allowed for show elements to be installed along the river bottom. Looking into the construction site from Big Thunder Mountain. In front of the island stage, you can see two of

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-31340496753848595952010-04-03T14:36:00.000-07:002010-04-27T20:41:25.250-07:00

Part 3 The pit for the main light tower is complete. Installation of the tower itself started shortly after this was taken. The fountains and lights are in place. The yellow pipes leaning against the rim of the island are part of the network of gas lines used in the fire effects. The black tunnel on the left was never designed for guest use. Instead, it allows the cast

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-67343734414258992832010-04-02T20:12:00.000-07:002010-04-27T20:41:43.466-07:00

Part 4 Testing the MeeFog system. The river was partially filled to allow for early testing of the pumps and other water-related systems. Shortly after, the river was completely filled for the first time in months. It looked great! River traffic did not reopen yet as this was still a construction zone. The test and adjust phase reveled a problem with the gas lines, necessitating a

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-70554251512908858452010-04-01T08:22:00.000-07:002010-05-03T16:42:19.339-07:00

The Haunted Shack was one of the icons of Knott's Berry Farm before various factors led to its destruction after Halloween Haunt 2000. Below are pictures I took during its final summer, and a few pictures from an old Knott's souvenir book. Please excuse the quality of the shots as digital photography was not what it is today.The Haunted Shack opened at Knott's in 1954. Everyday until its

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-25286400808479048082010-04-01T06:03:00.000-07:002010-04-27T20:42:02.456-07:00

Part 5 By April of 1992 it was just a matter of finishing touches. This picture was taken a day or two before the first cast member previews in May. The Island has reopened, and guests were allowed out front for the first time. I have countless memories of watching Fantasmic over the years. The show is a visual and technical masterpiece, and it is easy to understand why it is still

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-67167566146532629122010-03-31T06:43:00.000-07:002010-09-21T12:58:51.021-07:00

It seems that every few years Bear-ytales.net goes through a major change. “Way back” in the late 1990s, it started out as The Knott’s Berry Farm Information Center. It was the very first fan site dedicated to Knott’s, and one of the first theme park fan sites period. Sometime in 2000 or 2001 it became Bear-ytales.com. A few years later, life took its turns and the site was out of my control for

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-52788661975943403192010-03-01T20:20:00.000-08:002010-05-14T21:27:14.574-07:00

In 1987, Knott’s foreshadowed the dinosaur craze by replacing Knott’s Bear-y Tales with Kingdom of the Dinosaurs, a trek into prehistory complete with 21 animated creatures and environmental special effects. The attraction opened just in time to capture the craze for everything dinosaurs, thus making 1987 one of the best years on record.   The Entrance  to Kingdom of the Dinosaurs.   Signs on

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-42512905009295043182010-03-01T20:15:00.000-08:002010-05-14T20:42:34.153-07:00

Part 1Let’s take a trip to Disneyland back in 1993. Word was out that an incredible new attraction had just broken ground at Disneyland. This new attraction, “Indiana Jones Adventure - Temple of the Forbidden Eye” was going to set the bar for immersive theming and storytelling. When the attraction opened in 1995, guests waited hours for the chance to feel like they’re in an Indiana Jones movie.

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-60348829330032790722010-03-01T19:34:00.000-08:002010-06-04T21:13:23.581-07:00

"Windjammer Surf Racers" was the little-used complete name of the Windjammer (later, "Jammer") roller coaster which operated for a few years in the northern-most section of the Boardwalk. Once home to the iconic "Wacky Soapbox Racers", this prime real estate is now occupied by Xcelerator. Windjammer opened at Knott's Berry Farm in March of 1997 as part of The Boardwalk - a remake of the

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-56013420137066036022010-03-01T14:44:00.000-08:002010-05-15T15:46:01.849-07:00

  Another historical favorite in Ghost Town is the Timber Mountain Log Ride. The Log Ride has been thrilling guests since 1969.

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-77568893630894992492010-02-28T19:37:00.000-08:002010-05-14T20:40:38.992-07:00

Part 2 Previously, the extended side queue for Pirates of the Caribbean took up this space.  It is now Indiana Jones's long, partially outdoor jungle/cave queue. The queue winds under the berm and out to the show building.  This section will house the bat cave. Under the berm and the Disneyland Railroad, with the show building in the distance. The park side of the massive

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-80279525327991876452010-01-03T18:04:00.000-08:002010-07-09T06:15:13.938-07:00

Part 3 Food and drinks are included with admission. You get one substantial lunch, which is on par with the quality of food at the nicer restaurants in Sea World, and all you can eat snacks and soda. It’s actually a very nice way to continue the relaxing atmosphere. Eating without paying extra certainly has its benefits. Water, soda, chips and cookies were plentiful throughout the

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-42316305440516777682010-01-02T12:01:00.000-08:002010-07-09T06:20:16.194-07:00

Part 2 Swimming with the dolphins is an extra charge but a lot of fun. Many if not all of the pools have handicap options, including handicap viewing of the dolphin pool. Lounge with the stingrays. The coral reef is one of the most incredible spots in Discovery Cove. Wade out in 3 feet of water before swimming out over thousands of fish in water 20-30 feet

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-87526903407249467192010-01-01T12:51:00.000-08:002010-07-09T06:16:19.999-07:00

Part 1 My wife and I honeymooned in Orlando, and one of the parks we visited was Discovery Cove. In the months leading up to the wedding, I spent time finding out all I could about the beautiful park. You had to make reservations? Parking, food and beverages were included? They limit attendance to 1,000 people per day? Snorkeling in a coral reef, relaxing in a heated lazy river, swimming with

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-76395269120702873562009-12-31T21:40:00.000-08:002010-03-10T21:40:58.793-08:00

Knott’s World Famous Ghost Town Ghost Town is the original and most famous area of Knott's.  After the popularity of the Chicken Dinner Restaurant exploded, Walter Knott thought it was necessary to give his patrons something to do while they waited their turn to eat. He wanted to build something as a tribute to the Old West and the pioneers who opened the west to the world.   Knott's

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-62358264531221819572009-12-31T21:38:00.000-08:002010-03-10T21:39:42.357-08:00

Camp Snoopy opened at Knott's in 1983 and marked the first time a theme park built an area just for kids. On the Red Baron, kids can ride their own mini Sopwith Camel – a British World War I single-seat biplane fighter.  Years ago, the Red Baron was in the Boardwalk, next to where Coasters is today.  It was moved to Camp Snoopy to make room for Perilous Plunge. A pontoon bridge

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-30898820006314537192009-12-31T21:37:00.000-08:002010-03-27T18:51:30.514-07:00

"Originally themed as a gypsy camp, and later re-themed to the "Roaring 20's" and "Knott's Airfield", this area is home to most of the park's major thrill rides, such as the recently constructed Xcelerator (which replaced the failed Windjammer Surf Racers, known to be a mechanical nightmare by employees), Supreme Scream, Riptide, and Perilous Plunge. Other rides include the roller coaster

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-85931982729144517042009-12-31T21:31:00.000-08:002010-03-27T20:57:19.961-07:00

The Geode Shop is always a fun stop. The Catawampus lives next to the old mill in Ghost Town, and is a unique tribute to Knott's past.  Catawampus was one of the "Wood-imals" from Jungle Island, a children's play area that used to be where Knott's picnic area is now.   The Wilderness Dance Hall is home to special events, private parties, and currently The Doll

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-16980981373741557222009-12-31T21:27:00.000-08:002010-03-28T15:40:44.718-07:00

Wild Water Wilderness is a small area in the back of the park and features three great attractions - Mystery Lodge, Bigfoot Rapids, and Pony Express.   Bigfoot Rapids is one of the major water rides at Knott's.  It winds through a nicely wooded area and has been popular with guests since 1988.   Bigfoot Rapids has a nice, shaded queue that takes you over the ride and through the

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-48006759818542353852009-12-31T21:23:00.000-08:002010-03-10T21:24:20.304-08:00

The Wagon Camp is still home to the Wild West Stunt Show. Boothill Cemetery with Screamin’ Swing in the background. Unfortunately, when Pony Express moved in, it drastically changed the look and feel of Boothill.  Roller coaster supports fill this space now, and even though the train tracks and mural are still there,  much of the surrounding rockwork is gone. Screamin’

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-3074954113809693572009-12-31T17:55:00.000-08:002010-03-28T19:10:08.016-07:00

One of most iconic attractions at Knott’s actually sits outside the park.  Knott's Independence Hall is an exact brick-by-brick replica of the real Independence Hall.  It is synonymous with Knott’s Berry Farm even though it sits outside the park and is free to the public.  Nowadays, a full scale attraction like this would be unheard of outside of any theme park gates.  Knott’s Independence Hall

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-27300885497302193142009-12-31T16:44:00.000-08:002010-03-07T16:49:51.020-08:00

Part of Knott’s since 1969, Fiesta Village is themed to Mexican and Aztec cultures.  Fiesta Village is home to two major roller coasters, Montezooma's Revenge and the family-friendly Jaguar.  Fiesta Village is also home to numerous flat rides such as The Dragon Swing, La Revolucion, Wave Swinger and Hat Dance.  A classic Denzel Carousel is the crown jewel of the village. Montezooma's Revenge

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-27501342155029084972009-12-31T14:58:00.000-08:002010-03-28T18:10:52.768-07:00

Knott's California Marketplace is where it all began.  It is home to a number of shops, but most importantly, the world famous Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Murals inside the Chicken Dinner waiting area pay tribute to the Farm's humble beginnings. The Courtyard wing of the Chicken Dinner Restaurant hosts special events and Sunday brunch. On the run?  Try

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-80644602458486359922009-12-31T12:55:00.002-08:002010-04-03T14:30:54.974-07:00

"Welcome one and all! Ya ‘all come have a ball! Things are very fine, ridin’ on the ol’ Knott’s Berry Line." Knott's Bear-yTales opened at Knott's in 1975.  It was a slow moving dark ride that took riders past various adventures of the Bear-y Family.  Along the way, you’ll see Frog Forest, the Candy Company and bakery where everyone is making boysenberry pies and preserves, the Gypsy camp

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-57592179042606092272009-12-31T12:55:00.001-08:002010-03-28T15:24:17.150-07:00

Xcelerator was a prototype coaster when it opened in the Boardwalk in 2002.  Designed by Intamin AG, Xcelerator used hydraulic power to launch riders 0-82 MPH in 2.3 seconds, vertically up a 205 foot tower, dropping vertically back to earth before speeding through two overbanked turns.  Hold on! The launch can really take your breath away. 205 feet up… …and straight back

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-57521146600317373942009-12-31T11:23:00.000-08:002011-03-19T23:40:06.397-07:00

You may contact Bear-ytales.blogspot.com at any time by sending an email to bbarber7482@yahoo.com

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-66750782917994883742009-12-27T21:49:00.000-08:002010-03-27T21:36:16.246-07:00

Silver Bullet is Knott's B&M inverted coaster which opened in Ghost Town in December, 2004.  Throughout the journey, riders experience 6 inversions including a vertical loop, cobra roll, zero-g roll, two corkscrews, and an intense final helix.  The most popular element is arguably the overbanked turn that comes immediately after the first loop.  The coaster is incredibly smooth, a trademark of B

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-8522099176977077952009-12-27T15:07:00.000-08:002010-03-27T21:18:03.960-07:00

GhostRider opened in December of 1998 to a wildly excited Knott's and roller coaster fan base.  Originally designed by the Knott family as a last-ditch effort to infuse revenue back into the then-struggling park, it became the first major attraction to open under the new leadership of Cedar Fair LP.  With a first drop of 108 feet, and a top speed of 56 mph, the dips, turns and airtime of

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-6900184895140840022009-12-27T13:50:00.000-08:002010-06-04T21:04:55.779-07:00

The Calico Mine Ride is a true Knott's classic. Designed by Bud Hurlbut, the Calico Mine Ride has been impressing guests since 1960. Meandering trains snake through its impressive facade, and roaring waterfalls. Comparisons can easily be made to Disneyland's former Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland attraction. A look inside the Calico Mine's beautiful stalactite caverns.This visual

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-26401544189737895302007-10-31T23:18:00.000-07:002011-03-19T23:41:54.911-07:00

Besides the scares, the Haunt is a visual masterpiece. Show lighting and special atmosphere are showcased throughout the park. Boothill at night. School's out for the night. Ghost Town has the best lighting and the best "look". But all of this is secondary to the Haunt's world famous street monsters. Looking into Ghost Town. The Haunt is

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-80663102622344787402007-10-31T23:17:00.000-07:002011-03-19T23:41:26.310-07:00

Off to Carnevil and the clowns. Killer Clown College was the new clown maze this year. The clowns have always done well at Haunt, and this year was no exception. This very entertaining maze had it all - screams, laughs, great props and fantastic sight gags. Haunt isn't just for the teens. This lady finished her game, and walked right into the waiting clown. Her

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8819764377394585191.post-60182569760127504112007-10-31T15:20:00.000-07:002011-03-19T23:40:58.455-07:00

Scratches on the old wooden railings, shrills and shrieks in the night, and a thick layer of fog that envelopes Ghost Town. These are the images, sights and memories that fans of Knott's Berry Farm's world famous Halloween Haunt call up year after year. These are the memories that keep them coming back for more. These are the memories that thousands of Southern California teenagers, adults,

Bob Barberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03335604384311045412noreply@blogger.com0