Originally Posted By alexbook I'm thinking about going to Knotts this Sunday (using the Toys for Tots deal). For all practical purposes, I've never been there (my mom says I was there as a kid, but I don't remember, and it was at least 40 years ago anyway). So, what are the "must sees" and "must rides" for a Knotts first-timer?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh wow. Ok, remember it is not what it once was. My must dos are - The Mystery Lodge (very cool), The original Log Flume, Calico Mine train, the Stagecoach and Train. Add in a look around the museum and the native american indian dances. If I do all those, I am happy. Other cool things if you like coasters are the excellent Woodie - Ghost Rider, Montazuma's Revenge, Excellerator, and Silver Bullet. Be sure to drink the boysenberry punch and eat the awesome boysenberry pie. Check out the replica of Independence Hall (the Knott's blueprints were used to help the restoration of the real hall for the bicentennial). Have fun. If it's warm enough, Big Foot Falls is a fun rapid ride (though not Grizzly).
Originally Posted By brotherdave Although I haven't ridden it yet, Pony Express also looks to be a fun coaster ride. Also, if they still have it, the "Pan for Gold" is a classic 'attraction' for the park. At least you'll get a unique souvenir from the park.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer You will be there at Christmas Time, so check out the Entertainment. Snoopy's Ice Skating Show Bird Cage Theater (classic Christmas Plays). Christmas Tree Lighting. The Christmas Parade (It is not as well done as a Disneyland Parade, but worth checking out). Calico Saloon Christmas Show The Christmas Craft Booths And non-Christmas Stuff... Wild West Stunt Show Native American Dancers Mystery Lodge Classic Rides... Stagecoach Mine Train Log Ride (currently Christmas Themed - Elf Mountain) Merry-Go-Round Roller Coasters.... Ghostrider - a Classic Woodie Xcelerator - The first Launched Coaster Montezuma's Revenge - A classic Loop coaster Jaguar - A great Family Coaster Sierra Sidewinder - A Wild Mouse coaster (spinning), beats the heck out of the Disney's versions Pony Express - A new Standing Coaster, designed for the tween market (fairly mild) That is a LOT to do, and during Toys for Tots days, don't forget to bring your patience, as the lines will be long and the park will be busy!
Originally Posted By alexbook That's quite a list. We'll see what I can manage. And yes, I'll have a book with me, to read in those long lines.
Originally Posted By Justinpi Be ready for massive crowds. To give you an idea, we went last year and the wait for Xcelerator was 2.5 hours. A lot of Knott's rides are low capacity, like rollercoasters with only 1 train at a time. It was a nightmare. After a few hours and only riding 1 ride (the mine train) we said forget this, we left. It was a mess. There was no wait signs outside rides so you get in a line and suddenly find yourself waiting for 1 hour plus for a 90 second ride. There was massive line jumping and park workers were doing nothing about it. I don't plan on going to Knott's for a time. This once charming park is nothing more than a carnival now, with off the shelf rides, boardwalk games and Pepsi vending machines all over the place. Add to the fact that half the crowd there looks like they have a gang rap sheet longer than my arm. it is a a shame. This place use to have a special charm.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains When we go - we beeline it to silver bullet and get there when it opens.. then try and get to the other coasters quickly from there.. After the coasters we wonder around looking at the other stuff.
Originally Posted By alexbook Well, the crowds were incredible. Nothing like deep discounts during Christmas vacation to pull in families. I thought about writing a trip report, but I'll just post a couple of thoughts here: - It took about 50 minutes to get into the park. There was *no* crowd control of the lines outside the park, despite which people behaved themselves. Some holiday magic there, I guess. - I got to hang out with judimouse and cmpaley for a few hours, which was fun. - The bottle house and the jail both struck a faint chord in my memory. I can't swear I remember them, but maybe... - I had no idea what to expect from "Snoopy's Cool Christmas" on Ice, never having been to an ice show before. Probably won't be going to one again. Sorry, skating fans, but I don't get it. :-( - Also had my first-ever funnel cake. Tasty, but half the size for half the price would have been a good idea. - Calico Mine Train, Stagecoach, and Mystery Lodge were all fun. - I wanted to stick around for the parade, but the crowds got too overwhelming. - I know people rag on the Pepsi vending machines, but they didn't bother me that much. (OTOH, the prices charged *did* bother me: $4 for a 20 oz bottle?!?!) Still, it would be nice if they could "theme" the machines a bit.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA ^^^My personal nightmare is being at an overcrowded theme park. Your trip report made me nervous just reading it.
