Monday, December 29, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Triotech Radio-Canada Dec 8 2014
Knott's News: There are a few revealing shots for Voyage to the Iron Reef within this video. The first is at the 37 sec mark, where we can see the ride layout on the monitor. The second is at the 41 sec mark, where we can see the actual ride scene that will feature the classic Knott's Roaring 20s sign. The last comes at the 1:36 mark, where you see a picture of the Cordelia K. Steamboat on the second monitor.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
New Years Eve Plans at Knotts Berry Farm
Here’s is a quick update from Knotts Berry Farm. Knotts has announced their plans for New Years 2015and we couldn’t be more excited. MiceChat will be offering a fun night of food, entertainment, and more at Knott’s that night. So, if you’d like to spend the evening with friends, be sure to join us. Next we share with you the latest progress from Voyage to the Iron Reef and the removal of the Roaring 20′s sign there. If you are a fan of the Berry Market jellies and preserves we have news of a new flavor, but you had better hurry as it is a limited batch. We then take a ride on “Christmas on Engine 41″ and share pics of the wild citizens we encountered on this trip. Let’s get going.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Read the rest at MiceChat
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Trio-Tech lands a nearly $10 million contract for Voyage to the Iron Reef
Triotech landed a contract worth nearly 10 million US dollars to create the next big attraction of Knott's Berry Farm in California. For the Quebec company specializing in the attractions ...
Read the rest at LesAffaires (premium)
Read the rest at LesAffaires (premium)
Knott's News: Yeah, I know this is old news but I've been a little occupied as of late. Since I don't subscribe to this news outlet and won't for a single article, I'll have to work with the headline as my one source of information.
From what Google Translate says, Trio-Tech landed a near $10 million contract to make Voyage to the Iron Reef for Knott's. I feel like most people are assuming this is the overall attraction budget, and with such limited access to the article and limited understanding of the language, it may very well be but the fact that they specifically say "contract" makes me think that figure doesn't represent the complete attraction budget but instead what Trio-Tech is getting for their contributions. After all, Trio-Tech has publicly stated that this is the largest contract in their 15 years of existence (wouldn't make sense if that was the budget, as it's roughly the same as Guardian) . From what we know, Knott's designed (or co-designed, they haven't been clear) the attraction in-house and any physical sets or scenic work will be handled by them, including the queue and show building. I suspect these aspects of production weren't included in that number.
As it is, this is all speculation and I'm anxious for more information maybe shedding a little more light on the physical aspects of this attraction (definitely curious as to what the show building will look like and if the surrounding area will change at all).
Monday, December 8, 2014
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Behind the Holiday Season Scenes at Knotts Berry Farm
People like to complain that Southern California has no discernible seasons. But at Knott’s Berry Farm, on the first day of its Knott’s holiday season, signs of change are all around from the lighting of the Christmas tree to snow flurries every hour in the evenings in Ghost Town—and especially on the menu from Calico Square to Santa’s Cabin.
John Chiu is our tour guide, giving us a glimpse of what Knott’s Merry Farm has to offer. As Director of Food and Beverage at one of the most popular theme parks in North America, Chiu has the inside track on new seasonal treats: after all, his day-to-day responsibilities have him covering roughly 160 acres of theme park land, checking up on all of the park’s 40 restaurants and food stands to ensure that they’re meeting “the four cornerstones of [Knott’s parent company] Cedar Fair—safety, service, courtesy, and cleanliness—all held together by integrity.”
That inside track is vital. It’s a big park, and there’s a lot to see.
Read the rest at FDFWorld
John Chiu is our tour guide, giving us a glimpse of what Knott’s Merry Farm has to offer. As Director of Food and Beverage at one of the most popular theme parks in North America, Chiu has the inside track on new seasonal treats: after all, his day-to-day responsibilities have him covering roughly 160 acres of theme park land, checking up on all of the park’s 40 restaurants and food stands to ensure that they’re meeting “the four cornerstones of [Knott’s parent company] Cedar Fair—safety, service, courtesy, and cleanliness—all held together by integrity.”
That inside track is vital. It’s a big park, and there’s a lot to see.
Read the rest at FDFWorld
Gwen Stefani visits Knott's Berry Farm
Look who Santa Snoopy found under the tree at Knott's Merry Farm! @GwenStefani pic.twitter.com/dGWAuXV5Hp
— Knott's Berry Farm (@knotts) December 1, 2014
Happy 94th Birthday to Knott's Berry Farm!
Knott's Berry Farm started as an actual farm 94 years ago today. Do you know what the original name of the farm was? pic.twitter.com/DJafvpL7ZQ
— Knott's Berry Farm (@knotts) December 2, 2014Knott's News: Also, Happy 20th Birthday PlayStation lol
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Knotts Merry Farm Delivers Down Home Christmas Cheer
No other park offers a Christmas celebration quite like Knott’s Berry Merry Farm. Their particular mix of down-home charm, mouthwatering munchies, and live entertainment remains a unique Southern California gem that must be experienced. Today we share what’s happening down on the farm, including the Christmas Crafts Village, The Birdcage Theatre presentations of The Gift of the Magi and A Christmas Carol, (all of which you can get into for FREE during the week). That’s not to mention the all-new Merry Christmas Snoopy Ice Show in the Charles Schultz Theatre, the nightly Tree lighting, the wonderful Christmas on Engine 41. Of course we also share news that Starbucks has landed in Knott’s and we look at the latest from the Voyage to the Iron Reef. We hope you got some good deals today on Black Friday, but now it’s time for Knott’s Berry Farm fun.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Read the rest at MiceChat
Friday, November 28, 2014
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Thursday, November 20, 2014
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2014: Triotech and Cedar Fair Entertainment
Knott's News: Wow, Rob Decker is such a suit with the way he refers to the new attraction as "The Product". I wonder why we haven't seen a single interview with Laura Hanneman and the creative team she's leading on this project? I've only seen Trio-Tech and Cedar Fair executives getting interviewed.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
IAAPA ’14: Voyage to the Iron Reef details surface
New artwork was shown off featuring the ride’s steampunk style mashed up with the familiar architecture of Knott’s Berry Farm. Triotech creative director Eric Marradi said introducing this new attraction’s style into the park was to intentionally make it different from all others by bringing the steampunk niche style to the forefront.
Marradi added that Voyage to the Iron Reef combines elements of dark rides, roller coasters, video games, and movies all in one. It will be a balance of 3D images projected onto large screens, produced by Triotech, and real life scenic elements produced by Knott’s Berry Farm. The goal is to seamlessly blend these elements to create a whole experience.
It certainly won’t be the first ride to attempt this feat, Triotech’s biggest challenge. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal Studios Florida has successfully done it since the ’90s and Universal’s Transformers: The Ride 3D has more recently enhanced that concept. Marradi says he would be “very proud” if guests compare Voyage to the Iron Reef to those successful attractions, but emphasizes that the upcoming ride will also integrate interactive elements, which those Universal attractions don’t have.
Read the rest at InsideTheMagic
Knott's News: Spider-Man is my all-time favorite dark ride, despite some of the new changes being for the worst, so these are some damn lofty goals. That said, it's nice to hear a confirmation on physical sets being used in this attraction. I have a hunch the surprise ending may have something to do with that, like an animatronic Kraken or something, even though any large set would make switching out the dark ride for Halloween a little more complicated. I've also heard that we'll have a pre-show in the queue on the bottom floor (I don't expect much, as what Trio-Tech came up with for Guardian was lame but I hope Knott's team will surprise me).
Marradi added that Voyage to the Iron Reef combines elements of dark rides, roller coasters, video games, and movies all in one. It will be a balance of 3D images projected onto large screens, produced by Triotech, and real life scenic elements produced by Knott’s Berry Farm. The goal is to seamlessly blend these elements to create a whole experience.
It certainly won’t be the first ride to attempt this feat, Triotech’s biggest challenge. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal Studios Florida has successfully done it since the ’90s and Universal’s Transformers: The Ride 3D has more recently enhanced that concept. Marradi says he would be “very proud” if guests compare Voyage to the Iron Reef to those successful attractions, but emphasizes that the upcoming ride will also integrate interactive elements, which those Universal attractions don’t have.
Read the rest at InsideTheMagic
Knott's News: Spider-Man is my all-time favorite dark ride, despite some of the new changes being for the worst, so these are some damn lofty goals. That said, it's nice to hear a confirmation on physical sets being used in this attraction. I have a hunch the surprise ending may have something to do with that, like an animatronic Kraken or something, even though any large set would make switching out the dark ride for Halloween a little more complicated. I've also heard that we'll have a pre-show in the queue on the bottom floor (I don't expect much, as what Trio-Tech came up with for Guardian was lame but I hope Knott's team will surprise me).
Triotech & Cedar Fair Talk Voyage To The Iron Reef at IAAPA 2014
Knott's News: Well, higher resolution screens is major a plus, and the ride vehicles sound like a step up, although it seems like they did little at all to improve the capacity over Guardian. In all honesty, I really just want to see what the show building looks like.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Celebrate Marion Knott Montapert
[...]As their parents aged, the Knott children and grandchildren headed various management positions with Marion leading as the director of design, planning, and entertainment. Her attentions focused more and more on the amusement aspects of the Farm and, under her direction, a new themed area, Fiesta Village, was added to the growing Ghost Town in 1969. In 1974, sensing the public’s growing desire for bigger and faster thrills, she began shopping for the world’s most unusual thrill rides and gave the world its first Corkscrew roller coaster and later a 20-story Sky Jump. A subsequent revamping of Fiesta Village in 1978 added the ultimate shuttle loop ride, Montezooma’s Revenge to Knott’s array of thrill rides.
Of Knott’s she says, “We’re different from Disneyland or any of the other theme parks. While those other parks are based on a fantasy or future theme, we’re based on nostalgia, on history.” Marion was a stickler for following the Farm’s nostalgia rule, was proud of the park’s penchant for detail and noted that the rides themselves are bound to the park by heritage. Knott’s 1881 locomotive, for example, was transported to Knott’s Ghost Town from Denver, Colorado and represents an original piece of American history saved by the Knott family.
Of Knott’s she says, “We’re different from Disneyland or any of the other theme parks. While those other parks are based on a fantasy or future theme, we’re based on nostalgia, on history.” Marion was a stickler for following the Farm’s nostalgia rule, was proud of the park’s penchant for detail and noted that the rides themselves are bound to the park by heritage. Knott’s 1881 locomotive, for example, was transported to Knott’s Ghost Town from Denver, Colorado and represents an original piece of American history saved by the Knott family.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Marion Knott, 92, helped design her family's theme park
Marion Knott, the youngest daughter of Knott’s Berry Farm founders Walter and Cordelia Knott who oversaw the park’s expansion into an enclosed theme park with roller coasters, has died. She was 92.
Marion Knott died quietly in her sleep Thursday at her Newport Beach home, her family announced Tuesday. She had been the last surviving child of the Knotts.
“I do think she was one of kind,” said her son, Darrel Anderson. “And we were blessed to have her with us for as many years as we did.”
Read the rest at OCRegister
Marion Knott died quietly in her sleep Thursday at her Newport Beach home, her family announced Tuesday. She had been the last surviving child of the Knotts.
“I do think she was one of kind,” said her son, Darrel Anderson. “And we were blessed to have her with us for as many years as we did.”
Read the rest at OCRegister
Monday, November 17, 2014
Sneak peek: 'Peanuts' [movie] spiced with classic Schulz themes
When The Peanuts Movie arrives in theaters next year, producer Paul Feig promises that Charlie Brown won't twerk, wear a baseball cap backwards or try to "break the Internet" a la Kim Kardashian.
"I don't think his butt's big enough," Feig says with a laugh.
In fact, there won't be a focus on the old-fashioned or the modern when the late Charles M. Schulz's characters including Snoopy, Woodstock, Linus and Peppermint Patty come to life in the 3-D computer-animated film (out Nov. 6, 2015). Instead, director Steve Martino (Ice Age: Continental Drift) and the filmmakers focus on the timeless quality of 50-plus years of beloved comic strips and TV specials.
Knott's News: If Knott's is smart, they'll have some kind of tie-in with this movie. Maybe a new dark ride in time for the home release during the first half of 2016. Synergy!
"I don't think his butt's big enough," Feig says with a laugh.
In fact, there won't be a focus on the old-fashioned or the modern when the late Charles M. Schulz's characters including Snoopy, Woodstock, Linus and Peppermint Patty come to life in the 3-D computer-animated film (out Nov. 6, 2015). Instead, director Steve Martino (Ice Age: Continental Drift) and the filmmakers focus on the timeless quality of 50-plus years of beloved comic strips and TV specials.
See it all at USAToday
Knott's News: If Knott's is smart, they'll have some kind of tie-in with this movie. Maybe a new dark ride in time for the home release during the first half of 2016. Synergy!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Voyage to The Iron Reef – Knott’s Berry Farm
The good, the bad, and the “eh?” So first and foremost… you all know how much I love Knott’s Berry Farm. Love it like cookies. The place is my boysenberry jam. I love its history, I love its people, I love the rides. It’s a classic in every sense. And they have the Catawampus which automatically means it’s my favorite place on earth. So there’s that. But even as much as you might love your best friend, you might occasionally have an argument. You still love ‘em, but you disagree with their choices. That’s me today… but I’ll also admit what’s done is done and nothing’s going to change it at this point.
Read the rest at WestCoaster
Knott's News: I agree. We'll just have to wait and see but if this thing has the same pathetic $10mil budget that Guardian had, then I expect a disaster. Hopefully they have enough budget to give the whole ride and area a Jules Vern look, with a detailed queue to tell the story, and lots of sets between screens. Unfortunately, they don't really say much in the way of the physical sets, which leads me to believe they won't be heavily utilized, whereas Six Flags hyped up the sets and animatronics on their new Justice League dark rides.
Read the rest at WestCoaster
Knott's News: I agree. We'll just have to wait and see but if this thing has the same pathetic $10mil budget that Guardian had, then I expect a disaster. Hopefully they have enough budget to give the whole ride and area a Jules Vern look, with a detailed queue to tell the story, and lots of sets between screens. Unfortunately, they don't really say much in the way of the physical sets, which leads me to believe they won't be heavily utilized, whereas Six Flags hyped up the sets and animatronics on their new Justice League dark rides.
Knotts Berry Farm Announces 4D Voyage to the Iron Reef
The news is out. That construction in the old Berry Tales/Kingdom of the Dinosaurs building at Knott’s Berry Farm is for a 4D dark-ride called Voyage To The Iron Reef, which will Submerge Guests Under The Boardwalk In An Interactive Media-Based adventure to save the theme park.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Read the rest at MiceChat
Knott's News: My gut reaction is a negative one, based solely on how mediocre the Wonder Mountain's Guardian video game ride is and by how much I wanted a dark ride attraction with detailed sets / animatronics (it wasn't nice of them to tease us with Bear-y Tales / Kingdom of the Dinosaurs on their Facebook). It says they tossed around reviving Bear-y Tales or Kingdom of the Dinosaurs but one must wonder how much their final decision to go with Trio-Tech - as opposed to a dark ride of equal quality to it's predecessors - was influenced by top management at Cedar Fair's excitement for the budget technology's quick returns. We'll have to trust Knott's knows what they're doing but I can't help expressing disappointment with this announcement, going from an 8-min dark ride experience to a 4-min video game. I've honestly got more faith in Six Flags' new Justice League dark ride, so hopefully more comes out about this attraction to renew faith.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Sunday, November 9, 2014
IAAPA Press Events Tuesday, Nov. 18
2:30 - 3 p.m.
Triotech and Cedar Fair Entertainment
Booth: 1062
Confidential announcement.
Knott's News: I'll be disappointed if this is Knott's 2015 announcement. Hold tight.
Triotech and Cedar Fair Entertainment
Booth: 1062
Confidential announcement.
Knott's News: I'll be disappointed if this is Knott's 2015 announcement. Hold tight.
Cedar Fair Reports Record Third-Quarter Revenues
Two of our largest parks - Kings Island and Knott's Berry Farm - will deliver record profitability and in spite of a challenging year weather-wise, our flagship park, Cedar Point, will have its second best year ever.
"Guests have responded extremely well to our new rides, attractions and live entertainment this year bringing our in-park guest spending to record levels," continued Ouimet. "While remaining committed to investing in the guest experience puts moderate pressure on our 2014 operating margins, we believe our efforts in this area will manifest themselves in the form of increased attendance, price elasticity, length-of-stay and in-park spending over the long term. This has certainly been the case at Knott's Berry Farm, where this program has been actively applied over the past three years."
Read the rest at Cedar Fair
"Guests have responded extremely well to our new rides, attractions and live entertainment this year bringing our in-park guest spending to record levels," continued Ouimet. "While remaining committed to investing in the guest experience puts moderate pressure on our 2014 operating margins, we believe our efforts in this area will manifest themselves in the form of increased attendance, price elasticity, length-of-stay and in-park spending over the long term. This has certainly been the case at Knott's Berry Farm, where this program has been actively applied over the past three years."
Read the rest at Cedar Fair
Friday, November 7, 2014
Knott's Merry Farm Passholder Preview Event!
Knott’s Merry Farm will be open just for 2014 Season Pass Holders on Nov. 21st from 7pm - 11pm. Enjoy the full park plus see our seasonal shows: Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, Snoopy's Merriest Tree Lighting, Lucy's Wish List, and more.
You’ll receive other exclusive offers and specials including:
The debut of the 2014 Christmas Pin from the Pin Trading Collection (Pin is available for purchase. Limited quantities available.)
20% discount on the all-natural Cordelia's orginal recipe Berry Market line of Preserves (available inside Santa's Christmas Cabin)
A free keepsake ornament for the first 1,500 families (limit 1 ornament per family)
Food specials & more!
A valid 2014 Knott's Regular, Gold, or Platinum Pass required for entry. One entry per pass. Passes are non-transferrable.
You’ll receive other exclusive offers and specials including:
The debut of the 2014 Christmas Pin from the Pin Trading Collection (Pin is available for purchase. Limited quantities available.)
20% discount on the all-natural Cordelia's orginal recipe Berry Market line of Preserves (available inside Santa's Christmas Cabin)
A free keepsake ornament for the first 1,500 families (limit 1 ornament per family)
Food specials & more!
A valid 2014 Knott's Regular, Gold, or Platinum Pass required for entry. One entry per pass. Passes are non-transferrable.
Knotts Berry Farm Goes From Scary to Merry
The scariest time of year has suddenly become the merriest at Knott’s Berry Farm. Yes, all of the monsters have gone home for the season and now Santa’s elves are getting everything ready for a fun-filled Christmas time hoedown with all of the trimmings. Today we fill you in on all the work that is being done to get ready for Christmas at Knott’s along with what is planned for Thanksgiving. Then, of course, we have the usual pictures from around the resort including the refurbishment of Bigfoot Rapids and the removal of some trees near the Timber Mountain Log Ride. Another burning question is this; What are they doing up in the old Kingdom of the Dinosaurs spot? We bring you the pics here. Let’s get started.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Read the rest at MiceChat
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
From the Haunted Mansion to Knott’s Scary Farm: 11 Haunt Podcasts from Halloween 2014
Knott’s Scary Farm is STILL the “King of Haunts.”
From a ship that transforms into a theme park to the theme park that started the haunt industry; Knott’s Scary Farm has become an annual tradition for MiceChat.com and is the official home park of The Season Pass Podcast. Jeff Tucker joins the team to dissect the bold and new direction Halloween Haunt seized for 2014, and as always, set-up a stunning list of interviews for the show, which includes, the Mistress of the Dark herself, ELVIRA! It’s time to put two hours aside and take a long spooky listen to Knott’s Haunt 2014.
Hear it all at MiceChat
From a ship that transforms into a theme park to the theme park that started the haunt industry; Knott’s Scary Farm has become an annual tradition for MiceChat.com and is the official home park of The Season Pass Podcast. Jeff Tucker joins the team to dissect the bold and new direction Halloween Haunt seized for 2014, and as always, set-up a stunning list of interviews for the show, which includes, the Mistress of the Dark herself, ELVIRA! It’s time to put two hours aside and take a long spooky listen to Knott’s Haunt 2014.
Hear it all at MiceChat
Monday, November 3, 2014
Charleston Circle: A Look Back as We Move Forward
In anticipation of Knott's 2015 announcements, I've decided to do a quick look back at the Charleston Circle and Memory Lane area of the Roaring 20s section of the park, as it may very well be getting a facelift soon. I'm using information and images I've gathered from a quick Google search and have no resources of my own (not even the Knott's Preserved book, which I've unfortunately never read), so please forgive the lack of specifics like dates and modern-day pictures for comparison. I'd also appreciate it if those more privy on the history of Knott's would let me know if I'm getting anything wrong. Thank you!
Coming from Ghost Town and entering in Charleston Circle...
Monday, October 27, 2014
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Friday, October 24, 2014
Cedar Fair Trademark: VOYAGE TO THE IRON REEF
Not sure on what or where this will be used but I figured I'd keep everyone here up to date on Cedar Fair trademarks from now on. If I had to guess, it's going to be used as part of a water park expansion. If anyone knows more about it but wishes to remain anonymous, feel free to contact me.
Read the rest at Trademarkia
Read the rest at Trademarkia
Friday, October 17, 2014
Knotts Berry Farm Fall Fun and Park News
Knott’s Berry Farm is in full haunt swing. But that isn’t all that is going on at this classic Southern California Theme park. There is the kid-friendly Camp Spooky that children can enjoy during the day. And, for more adventurous rug rats, The Witch’s Keep overlay of the Calico Mine Ride is running during the day as well as at the Halloween Haunt. We see that there is progress at La Revolucion in Fiesta Village and we move on to the larger project that appears to be happening over in the Boardwalk/Roaring 20′s area of the park. Could a dark ride be on its way back to this beloved park? We round things out with a trip through the Knott’s Marketplace and a stop at the brand new Cable Car Kitchen sandwich shop that has replaced Pink’s Hot Dogs.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Review: Knott’s Scary Farm 42 (2014)
This year marks the 42nd Halloween Haunt at Knott’s Berry Farm or Scary Farm as it’s called. Scary farm is the oldest and longest running Halloween Haunt event in the world making it a time tested Halloween tradition. Here’s my in depth take on this years featured haunts and attractions!
Read the rest at Screamscape
Read the rest at Screamscape
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Knott's Berry Farm restaurant reopens after treatment for cockroaches
Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant reopened Thursday night after its permit was restored following treatment for a cockroach infestation, theme park officials said.
Jason Soyster, a spokesman for Knott's Berry Farm, referred to the infestation as an "isolated structural incident" and said the restaurant was reopened at about 9:30 p.m.
The eatery had its permit suspended at about 2 p.m.
“The issue was contained to utility areas and had no impact on food preparation or guest dining areas,” Soyster said. “Knott’s remains committed to delivering safe, enjoyable experiences at all of its attractions, shopping and dining locations.”
Read the rest at LATimes
Jason Soyster, a spokesman for Knott's Berry Farm, referred to the infestation as an "isolated structural incident" and said the restaurant was reopened at about 9:30 p.m.
The eatery had its permit suspended at about 2 p.m.
“The issue was contained to utility areas and had no impact on food preparation or guest dining areas,” Soyster said. “Knott’s remains committed to delivering safe, enjoyable experiences at all of its attractions, shopping and dining locations.”
Read the rest at LATimes
Vanessa Hudgens Terrifies Unsuspecting Guests at Knott's Scary Farm
Video placed after the break due to auto play
Friday, October 3, 2014
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Geauga Lake trademark abandoned
Abandonment Notice! On Friday, September 26, 2014, status on the GEAUGA LAKE trademark changed to CANCELLED - SECTION 8.
Read the rest at Trademarkia
Knott's News: This was my home park, so I couldn't help but share this sad news. It's unfortunate Dick Kinzel pushed back his retirement and made this horrible act one of the last things he ever did. I can only imagine, given what we've seen with the current management, how much brighter the future would've been had Matt been calling the shots. That said, as soul crushing as many of Dick's decisions at Knott's have been, just be grateful bulldozing the park wasn't one of them.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Review: Knott's Scary Farm opening night
Knott's Scary Farm kicked off last night with yet another incredible media event and even something totally unexpected which we'll detail below.
In addition, we got to go through the all-new Infected, and we absolutely loved it. Not to be missed, but get there early as we'll detail below.
Read the rest at ParkJourney
In addition, we got to go through the all-new Infected, and we absolutely loved it. Not to be missed, but get there early as we'll detail below.
Read the rest at ParkJourney
Monday, September 29, 2014
Voodoo photo tour – 09/29/2014
How about a little witchcraft? How about water in a maze? How about we put all sorts of spooky things in a box and theme it to the deep south and such… well, that’s what Knott’s did… specifically Brooke Walters. Yes, it was time to do a voodoo maze and they basically turned around and knocked this one so far out of the park that the ball is still flying… it’s that good. In terms of atmosphere, this might be the coolest maze they’ve ever done. Seriously. It’s up there with Gunslinger’s Grave in regards to just the cool factor of the open feel… and this one has multiple paths that you can choose too! Pretty nifty, huh? Anyway, let’s take a lights on tour of the maze…
See it all at WestCoaster
See it all at WestCoaster
Knotts Scary Farm Review: Monsters Unleashed
Knott’s Scary Farm has been in the business of haunted themed event entertainment longer than any other theme park in the business. With 41 years of Halloween Haunts under their belt, the original has plenty of experience and a huge amount of expectation to live up to. The 2014 event kicked off on Thursday, the 25th of September, with as much pomp as pageantry as one could expect from a scary group of zombies, demons, and of course the Green Witch herself.
At 7:00pm the front gates opened and legions of fans swarmed into the park. Guests headed off into the thick fog searching for the first scare. There was plenty to see too, as Knott’s was offering three entirely brand new maze attractions (Voodoo, The Tooth Fairy, Trapped:Lock and Key), one entirely new concept experience (Special Ops: INFECTED), and and two new shows, (The Hanging® Everything is Gruesome, and Elvira’s Big Top.).
In this article we offer a point by point assessment of each of the haunt offerings and what to expect.
Read the rest at MiceChat
At 7:00pm the front gates opened and legions of fans swarmed into the park. Guests headed off into the thick fog searching for the first scare. There was plenty to see too, as Knott’s was offering three entirely brand new maze attractions (Voodoo, The Tooth Fairy, Trapped:Lock and Key), one entirely new concept experience (Special Ops: INFECTED), and and two new shows, (The Hanging® Everything is Gruesome, and Elvira’s Big Top.).
In this article we offer a point by point assessment of each of the haunt offerings and what to expect.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Review: Knott's Scary Farm's 2014 Halloween Haunt
Last year, Knott’s Scary Farm tried to think outside the box with Mirror Mirror — it didn’t work. This year, they tried again with Voodoo and Special Ops: Infected. Mission accomplished.
This event will always be more fun than it is scary, and that’s not a knock so much as it’s noting Knott’s Scary Farm’s lifestyle choice. They want to be a fun, mostly PG-13 event — and if you get scared now and again, all the better. There’s not the same creeping sense of dread that you get at Halloween Horror Nights, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Knott’s knows their market, and for their 41st Halloween Haunt they ramped up the quality of an event that had become too bloated and too self-congratulatory to ever be truly successful. Some of the same old problems persist, of course.
Read the rest at ThemeParkInsider
This event will always be more fun than it is scary, and that’s not a knock so much as it’s noting Knott’s Scary Farm’s lifestyle choice. They want to be a fun, mostly PG-13 event — and if you get scared now and again, all the better. There’s not the same creeping sense of dread that you get at Halloween Horror Nights, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Knott’s knows their market, and for their 41st Halloween Haunt they ramped up the quality of an event that had become too bloated and too self-congratulatory to ever be truly successful. Some of the same old problems persist, of course.
Read the rest at ThemeParkInsider
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Review: Reinvigorated Knott's Halloween Haunt returns with a vengeance
The once bloated, middle-aged beast known as Knott’s Scary Farm has trimmed down and shaped up into a lean, mean terrorizing machine with the 42nd annual Halloween Haunt.
The increased competition from Universal Studios Hollywood has forced Knott’s Berry Farm to reassess its strengths, reconsider its identity and reconfirm its commitment to Halloween supremacy in Southern California. The result is the best Halloween Haunt in years.
Gone are the 13 cookie-cutter mazes the Buena Park theme park boasted in recent years largely as a marketing gimmick that emphasized quantity over quality and stretched the Haunt creative team too thin.
This year’s Haunt presents a more manageable nine mazes with compelling themes, beautiful sets and well-paced crowds, making for a more enjoyable overall experience.
The increased competition from Universal Studios Hollywood has forced Knott’s Berry Farm to reassess its strengths, reconsider its identity and reconfirm its commitment to Halloween supremacy in Southern California. The result is the best Halloween Haunt in years.
Gone are the 13 cookie-cutter mazes the Buena Park theme park boasted in recent years largely as a marketing gimmick that emphasized quantity over quality and stretched the Haunt creative team too thin.
This year’s Haunt presents a more manageable nine mazes with compelling themes, beautiful sets and well-paced crowds, making for a more enjoyable overall experience.
Read the rest at LATimes
Friday, September 26, 2014
Review: Knott’s Scary Farm kills with Halloween Haunt 2014, enhancing event with outstanding Voodoo, Special Ops Infected
In one night celebrities of all kinds were shot, maimed or hung, zombies were kept in check, monsters roamed the streets of a ghost town, Houdini haunted and Elvira had a macabre circus – all at Knott’s Scary Farm for 2014.
With the Halloween season having more and more competition, Knott’s is trying some new things to stay ahead with its annual haunt, the original and first one at any theme park.
Read the rest at InsideTheMagic
With the Halloween season having more and more competition, Knott’s is trying some new things to stay ahead with its annual haunt, the original and first one at any theme park.
Read the rest at InsideTheMagic
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Who does that job? Knott's Scary Farm witch delights in frightening you
She lurks in the bougainvillea across from the Indian Trails stage at Knott’s Berry Farm.
She sees you, but you don’t see her. You get closer and closer and closer – and the Green Witch of Ghost Town jumps out, and you’re on the ground screaming.
By day, Charlene Parker, 61, is Ghost Town’s spinner-weaver. But for 20 or so nights a year, she dons a prosthetic nose, green paint and a pointy hat to terrorize visitors as the Green Witch during Knott’s annual Halloween Haunt; the 42nd edition kicks off tonight.
In an interview with the Register, Parker talked about whimpering tough guys, soiled 20-year-old girls and her approach to scaring guests as the Green Witch for the past 31 years.
Read the rest at OCRegister
She sees you, but you don’t see her. You get closer and closer and closer – and the Green Witch of Ghost Town jumps out, and you’re on the ground screaming.
By day, Charlene Parker, 61, is Ghost Town’s spinner-weaver. But for 20 or so nights a year, she dons a prosthetic nose, green paint and a pointy hat to terrorize visitors as the Green Witch during Knott’s annual Halloween Haunt; the 42nd edition kicks off tonight.
In an interview with the Register, Parker talked about whimpering tough guys, soiled 20-year-old girls and her approach to scaring guests as the Green Witch for the past 31 years.
Read the rest at OCRegister
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
From janitor to general manager, Knott's employee worked his way up
Raffi Kaprelyan needed a summer job – so he got one at nearby Knott’s Berry Farm, sweeping the grounds of Fiesta Village as a custodian while a Kennedy High student.
Thirty-five years later, he’s running the place as general manager of Knott’s, which welcomed an estimated 3.7 million visitors last year, according to the Themed Entertainment Association. In the height of the summer season, he leads a staff of 5,000 employees.
As the park approaches its most popular time of year, Halloween Haunt, Kaprelyan walked through the park with the Register on a recent afternoon. The 52-year-old executive talked about balancing history with thrill rides, making tough business decisions and pushing the envelope on the upcoming Knott’s Scary Farm attractions, which adds 1,200 seasonal employees this fall.
Read the rest at OCRegister
Thirty-five years later, he’s running the place as general manager of Knott’s, which welcomed an estimated 3.7 million visitors last year, according to the Themed Entertainment Association. In the height of the summer season, he leads a staff of 5,000 employees.
As the park approaches its most popular time of year, Halloween Haunt, Kaprelyan walked through the park with the Register on a recent afternoon. The 52-year-old executive talked about balancing history with thrill rides, making tough business decisions and pushing the envelope on the upcoming Knott’s Scary Farm attractions, which adds 1,200 seasonal employees this fall.
Read the rest at OCRegister
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Scare School 2014 at Knott’s Scary Farm
Each year, hundreds of ghouls fill the twisted mazes of Knott’s Scary Farm’s Halloween Haunt event in Buena Park, lurking in the darkness, ready to pounce on unsuspecting victims. They leer, they hiss, they scream, and they lunge; however, many of these creatures of the dark are fresh out of Scare School – a night of training outside and inside of their mazes that will prepare them for the season of screams to come. While a large amount of maze talent does return to work Halloween Haunt each season, there’s always plenty… new blood in the mix. That’s where Scare School comes in – to help returning veterans get mentally and physically limbered up for the task at hand, and to prep and pump up new talent for the experience they’re about to embark on.
Scare School 2014 was a much larger behind-the-scenes event than it’s ever been. In past years, Theme Park Adventure has been among just a very few media outlets that has been allowed to take a peek behind the veil of secrecy and witness the Knott’s monsters-in-training. Past years, including 2013’s Scare School have been featured each season here on TPA. This time around, we were surprised to see a lot more media on hand than ever before. It was apparent that something drastic had changed in the way Scare School was to be presented; returning media was perplexed by the addition of other behind-the-scenes facets to the night’s roster as well, such as a tour of Warehouse P, and a Haunt history tour through Ghost Town.
Read the rest at ThemeParkAdventure
Scare School 2014 was a much larger behind-the-scenes event than it’s ever been. In past years, Theme Park Adventure has been among just a very few media outlets that has been allowed to take a peek behind the veil of secrecy and witness the Knott’s monsters-in-training. Past years, including 2013’s Scare School have been featured each season here on TPA. This time around, we were surprised to see a lot more media on hand than ever before. It was apparent that something drastic had changed in the way Scare School was to be presented; returning media was perplexed by the addition of other behind-the-scenes facets to the night’s roster as well, such as a tour of Warehouse P, and a Haunt history tour through Ghost Town.
Read the rest at ThemeParkAdventure
Theme Park Adventure Celebrates 20th Anniversary
On September 14th, more than 200 fans, haunters, and themed entertainment industry professionals attended Theme Park Adventure’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, which was hosted by Knott’s Berry Farm at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel in Buena Park. The occasion marked a huge milestone for TPA, the internet’s first themed entertainment fan site, and one of the very first theme park publications ever in print in the mid-’90s.
Read the rest at ThemeParkAdventure
Read the rest at ThemeParkAdventure
Monday, September 22, 2014
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Knotts Berry Farm Scare School and Halloween Fun
It was a scorcher this week at Knott’s Berry Farm. Temperatures hovered in the triple digits on the day we visited and only the most persevering thrill seekers dared brave the relentless heat. Despite the insane mercury levels, we bring you an update from the Farm. This week we cover news odds and ends as well as Halloween Haunt construction photos. Camp Spooky will be running during weekends in October and Knott’s Scary Farm will be available in the evenings for the braver souls. Speaking of Haunt, we got a special look at how the actors for this awesome event are trained to scare. Come along with us as we visit Scare School to see how it’s all done.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Read the rest at MiceChat
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Knott’s Berry Farm – 09/18/2014
Alright kids and not kids… we’re back to Knott’s again because we can and we do what we do. Today it’s going to be about Haunt prep work and a stroll around to see what we shall see. So let’s do this thing. The park has a lot going on… so let’s stare at pictures of all the things going on.
Read the rest at WestCoaster
Read the rest at WestCoaster
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Project 2015: Stuff going on! Cutting, gutting!
Post by Knott's Network.
Post by Knott's Network.
See the rest at KnottsNetwork
Knott's News: The awning, the lattice under the queue ramp and a lot of the bricks in the queue have been torn out. Are they removing all traces of 1920s theming to go with a potential change in setting for the new dark ride? Is this all preparation work for a new indoor queue for the upcoming dark ride? Are they just rearranging things and getting it up to code? Really didn't expect this much to be going on already.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Did you know that the ancestry of every boysenberry plant in the world can be traced back to Knotts?
Did you know that the ancestry of every boysenberry plant in the world can be traced back to @knotts? pic.twitter.com/re5TxAVfNb
— Knott's Berry Farm (@knotts) September 7, 2014Monday, September 8, 2014
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Knott’s Berry Farm – 09/02/2014
How is it September? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m okay with it… it means we’re 23 days away from Scary Farm/Halloween Haunt. So no complaints. But basically the year has flown by. But here’s the thing… have you bought your haunt pass yet? If you haven’t, you’re going to be a sad panda.
So I took a walk around the park the other day to check out haunt prep… let’s check it out, okie dokie?
Read the rest at WestCoaster
So I took a walk around the park the other day to check out haunt prep… let’s check it out, okie dokie?
Read the rest at WestCoaster
Cedar Fair’s net revenue rises to record $939M
Cedar Fair LP, the parent company of Cedar Point and 10 other amusement parks, said Thursday that its net revenues rose $12 million, or 1 percent, to a record $939 million through its primary operating season, which began in May and ended Sept. 1.
However, the amusement park chain, which also operates four water parks and five hotels, said that overall attendance at its properties fell by 1 percent during the season and it also suffered a $3 million decrease in out-of-park revenues, which includes stays at its resorts.
As a result, the company said that it had lowered its full-year earnings forecast to net revenues of between $1.15 billion and $1.17 billion, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, or EBITDA, to between $425 million and $435 million.
Earlier, Cedar Fair said it had expected net revenues to fall between $1.16 billion and $1.18 billion, and EBITDA to be between $435 million and $445 million.
In trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Cedar Fair shares fell $1.07 to close at $47.43.
Read the rest at ToledoBlade
However, the amusement park chain, which also operates four water parks and five hotels, said that overall attendance at its properties fell by 1 percent during the season and it also suffered a $3 million decrease in out-of-park revenues, which includes stays at its resorts.
As a result, the company said that it had lowered its full-year earnings forecast to net revenues of between $1.15 billion and $1.17 billion, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, or EBITDA, to between $425 million and $435 million.
Earlier, Cedar Fair said it had expected net revenues to fall between $1.16 billion and $1.18 billion, and EBITDA to be between $435 million and $445 million.
In trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Cedar Fair shares fell $1.07 to close at $47.43.
Read the rest at ToledoBlade
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Rumor: Knott's to replace Pink's!
Word around the park is that at the end of September, just a week before Haunt, Pink's will be replaced with a sandwich restaurant and deli. If you're a fan of Pink's, I suggest you make your way out to the farm soon for one last meal.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Thoughts on LogHeads Grizzly Creek Lodge episode
Well I recently watched the episode of LogHeads where they built the new decor for Grizzly Creek Lodge at Knott's Camp Snoopy and I gotta say, it was pretty entertaining. I find it amazing what these guys turned out in the 6 week time limit that Knott's gave them to furnish the entire restaurant, considering that it's all handmade (sandblasted grizzly/bear paw decals included). 5 designs later with no final approval and you get what you see in Knott's currently. Seek it out!
PS: Am I the only one who thinks Tommy Mitchell looks like Simon Pegg?
PS: Am I the only one who thinks Tommy Mitchell looks like Simon Pegg?
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Watch how the LogHeads created the beautiful new custom furniture for Camp Snoopy on tomorrow night's new episode on Great American Country at 6:00 PM PT.
Watch @RockyTopLogFurn create beautiful new furniture for @knotts tomorrow on @gactv at 6:00 PM PT. pic.twitter.com/Hm1YwiyDBq
— Knott's Berry Farm (@knotts) August 26, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Lansner: What are the most trusted brands in Orange County?
This is the fifth year of these awards – a co-production of DGWB, Cal State Fullerton and OC Metro magazine – targeting brands based in Orange County, or operating within O.C. with a large consumer presence. Winners are chosen from the results of consumer attitude surveys reviewing 235 brands.
What's clear to Weisman in the past half-decade of contests is that several outfits are breaking away from the pack, notably the multiple-year winners: In-N-Out (four times); CHOC Children's and the Automobile Club of Southern California (three times); Cal State Fullerton, Apple, Vans and Costco (twice.)
This year's first-time winners were Knott’s Berry Farm, Toyota and the Salvation Army.
Read the rest at OCRegister
Read the rest at OCRegister
Knott's newest trade-only pin features a poster of Ghost Town and Calico Railroad's Engine 41
Are you a @knotts pin trader? Our newest trade-only pin features Ghost Town and Calico Railroad's Engine 41. pic.twitter.com/1CApRqM4eI
— Knott's Berry Farm (@knotts) August 20, 2014Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Knotts Berry Farm End of Summer Fun and Haunt by the Ton
Down on the farm there’s plenty a-happenin’. Knott’s is planning a big Labor Day celebration on the last day of August including fireworks! You also still have a chance to catch the Snoopy Unleashed show andBoomtown before they close. We also take some time to enjoy the Citizens of Calico Ghost Town, and take a ride on the Calico Railroad. Plus, we’ll share the rundown on Halloween Haunt 2014 with new information from this weekends ScareLA convention. All of this along with a few refurbishments and some good news.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Read the rest at MiceChat
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company Extends Partnership With Merkle Supporting CRM Strategies
Merkle, a leading technology enabled, data driven customer relationship marketing (CRM) firm and the nation’s largest privately held agency, announced that it has been selected by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, to build its innovative Season Pass-holder Benefits Center, adding to the multi-faceted relationship.
“We looked to Merkle to build the online functionality for our Season Pass-holder Benefits Center as they have already proved their expertise when delivering the Guest Preference Center in 2013,” said Daryle Powers, VP, CRM for Cedar Fair Entertainment Company.
Merkle’s relationship with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company began with the build-out of the company’s Connected CRM (cCRM)™ database two years ago, combining data across all 11 parks and 9 hotel properties. The database enables Cedar Fair to leverage the integrated customer data for highly tailored messaging and smarter marketing tactics. Most recently, Cedar Fair engaged Merkle to develop and launch a custom Season Pass-holder Benefits Center. The goal of the portal is to keep members engaged throughout the year by providing them with added value benefits for being a current Season Pass-holder including exclusive offers and up-to-date important park and ride information.
“Merkle is proud to partner with one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. It is our privilege to partner with them on the Season Pass-holder Benefits Center, where we aim to personalize, optimize and mobilize positive customer experiences for their Season Pass-holders,” said Andrew Hoeberichts, SVP, Leader of Merkle’s Travel, Media and Entertainment Practice. “This relationship exemplifies our focus on serving the customer-centric needs of the entertainment industry.”
Read the rest at MarketWatch
“We looked to Merkle to build the online functionality for our Season Pass-holder Benefits Center as they have already proved their expertise when delivering the Guest Preference Center in 2013,” said Daryle Powers, VP, CRM for Cedar Fair Entertainment Company.
Merkle’s relationship with Cedar Fair Entertainment Company began with the build-out of the company’s Connected CRM (cCRM)™ database two years ago, combining data across all 11 parks and 9 hotel properties. The database enables Cedar Fair to leverage the integrated customer data for highly tailored messaging and smarter marketing tactics. Most recently, Cedar Fair engaged Merkle to develop and launch a custom Season Pass-holder Benefits Center. The goal of the portal is to keep members engaged throughout the year by providing them with added value benefits for being a current Season Pass-holder including exclusive offers and up-to-date important park and ride information.
“Merkle is proud to partner with one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. It is our privilege to partner with them on the Season Pass-holder Benefits Center, where we aim to personalize, optimize and mobilize positive customer experiences for their Season Pass-holders,” said Andrew Hoeberichts, SVP, Leader of Merkle’s Travel, Media and Entertainment Practice. “This relationship exemplifies our focus on serving the customer-centric needs of the entertainment industry.”
Read the rest at MarketWatch
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
MiceChat Knott's Scary Farm Halloween Haunt 2014
Event details
Join us, if you dare, in the fog-shrouded streets of Ghost Town for the MiceChat Knott's Scary Farm Halloween Haunt 2014. Leave the real world behind and enter a dream-land of spooky fun with fellow MiceChat readers.
There are two ticket types:
MiceChat Knott's Haunt event ticket (Basic) - $119.99*
Join us, if you dare, in the fog-shrouded streets of Ghost Town for the MiceChat Knott's Scary Farm Halloween Haunt 2014. Leave the real world behind and enter a dream-land of spooky fun with fellow MiceChat readers.
There are two ticket types:
MiceChat Knott's Haunt event ticket (Basic) - $119.99*
Admission into Knott's Scary Farm
Backstage tour of a new maze before the event
All you can eat Private Pre-scare Boofet dinner
Early entry into Haunt
Front of the line access to all mazes (excluding Trapped)
Skeleton Key access to select mazes. The Skeleton Keys will not be part of the MiceChat guided experience but are available for your private use or after the guided portion of the evening is complete.
Priority Seating for Elvira Ring-Mistress of the Park
MiceChat Knott's Haunt event ticket with TRAPPED VIP Maze - $129.99*
Backstage tour of a new maze before the event
All you can eat Private Pre-scare Boofet dinner
Early entry into Haunt
Front of the line access to all mazes (excluding Trapped)
Skeleton Key access to select mazes. The Skeleton Keys will not be part of the MiceChat guided experience but are available for your private use or after the guided portion of the evening is complete.
Priority Seating for Elvira Ring-Mistress of the Park
MiceChat Knott's Haunt event ticket with TRAPPED VIP Maze - $129.99*
ALL of the benefits of the basic package PLUS ADMISSION INTO TRAPPED: The New Experiment (special upcharge maze) (Purchasing this ticket will gain you admission into the Trapped maze with the MiceChat group. By purchasing this ticket you will be randomly assigned a return time during event check-in at the beginning of the night. If you miss the reservation time you will forfeit your ticket.)
* Plus tax and PayPal processing fees
That's right. You could buy your own ticket and wander around, aimlessly from line to line, starving to death from hunger, without a single person to hang out with. OR, you could pay one simple price and get an entire night of food, entertainment, friends, frights, and fun.
Tickets sell out quickly, get yours today at eventzilla
* Plus tax and PayPal processing fees
That's right. You could buy your own ticket and wander around, aimlessly from line to line, starving to death from hunger, without a single person to hang out with. OR, you could pay one simple price and get an entire night of food, entertainment, friends, frights, and fun.
Tickets sell out quickly, get yours today at eventzilla
Exciting Knott’s Scary Farm 2014 Haunt Announcements
Do you hear that faint noise in the distance? The sound of fog machines hissing, filling the air thick with a murky haze. The deep growl of monsters and the shrill screams of their victims. Halloween Season is coming and the grand daddy of all theme park haunt events returns in 2014 as Knott’s Scary Farm begins its 42nd year of terror.
Deep inside the mouldering depths of the 1,500 seat Charles Schultz Theatre, Knott’s Berry Farm today invited press, season pass holders, and haunt fans to be the first to hear what frightening monstrosities are in store for us this year. What was announced brought back the familiar, the loss of a few favorites, and a new, first-of-it’s kind in North America experience.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Knott's News: I wonder if Special Ops: Infected will be anything like the Biohazard the Real attraction that Universal Studios Japan introduced last summer?
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
This Animatronic Life: Finding Gold in the Calico Mine Ride Part II
Howdy—and welcome to part two of the story of Garner Holt Productions, Inc.’s (GHP) work in revitalizing Knott’s Berry Farm’s incredible Calico Mine Ride attraction. In part one, I recounted GHP’s previous involvement with the attraction and the lead-up to our work on the recent renovation. This time, we’ll take a scene-by-scene look at the attraction and the new features and stories behind it.
I think a fitting preface for all this is a note of appreciation to Knott’s Berry Farm as a client. From Matt Ouimet at the corporate level to Raffi Kaprelyan’s leadership as general manager at the park itself, the creative visionaries in Knott’s entertainment director Lara Hanneman and her team, and the exceptional maintenance and operations folks at the park, GHP is truly blessed to have Knott’s as a client. Everyone there works hard to make the park as wonderful as it is, and makes the client-vendor relationship a uniquely friendly one. They are the true heroes in making Knott’s Berry Farm the park that we love so much.
I think a fitting preface for all this is a note of appreciation to Knott’s Berry Farm as a client. From Matt Ouimet at the corporate level to Raffi Kaprelyan’s leadership as general manager at the park itself, the creative visionaries in Knott’s entertainment director Lara Hanneman and her team, and the exceptional maintenance and operations folks at the park, GHP is truly blessed to have Knott’s as a client. Everyone there works hard to make the park as wonderful as it is, and makes the client-vendor relationship a uniquely friendly one. They are the true heroes in making Knott’s Berry Farm the park that we love so much.
Read the rest at MiceChat
Knott's News: It would've been really cool to see the hydraulic miner shoot water over the heads of riders. I'm sure Garner Holt's unspecified reasons for not including this stem from what happened with the hitchhiker on the Log Ride. After seeing just how disrespectful and destructive guests can be, I'm sure they didn't want to risk someone standing up to touch the water, potentially soaking other passengers or even getting hurt in the process.
Knott's News: It would've been really cool to see the hydraulic miner shoot water over the heads of riders. I'm sure Garner Holt's unspecified reasons for not including this stem from what happened with the hitchhiker on the Log Ride. After seeing just how disrespectful and destructive guests can be, I'm sure they didn't want to risk someone standing up to touch the water, potentially soaking other passengers or even getting hurt in the process.
Knott's culinary team wins the People's Taste Choice Award at the Taste of West OC!
Congratulations to the @knotts culinary team for winning the People's Taste Choice Award at the Taste of West OC! pic.twitter.com/WEXTXwAy5J
— Knott's Berry Farm (@knotts) August 4, 2014
Monday, August 4, 2014
John Waite Loves Theme Parks!
John went to Six Flags Over Texas for several days to study the ride, then, while still at UCLA, developed a log flume concept that he planned to pitch to Knott’s. “It was a log ride concept, with a hydro-mining theme.”
John wrote to Walter Knott saying he had a ride proposal. A few days later Russell Knott, Walter’s son, called and asked John to come in for a meeting. “We met, and he told me that they didn’t do the designing of rides at Knott’s. He knew they were working on a log ride with Bud Hurlbut, but didn’t say anything.”
Russell set up an appointment for John with Bud, who designed many of Knott’s Berry Farm’s rides. John showed Bud his idea. “Bud laughed and said he wanted to show me something. He took me into his shop and showed me the models of the log ride he was building for Knott’s. I had to laugh too, but then I asked him for a job.”
Bud wasn’t hiring at the time, but offered John a job as a skipper on the steamboat that plied the lagoon at Knott’s. But John really wanted to work on the log ride construction. So John resigned from UCLA after the 1969 commencement exercises and went to work for Bud. “I worked on some of the final preparations of the ride, sealing cracks and things like that.” John became one of the Timber Mountain Log Ride’s supervisors and worked on it, and for Bud, for many years.
Read the rest at MarkEadesEnterprises
John wrote to Walter Knott saying he had a ride proposal. A few days later Russell Knott, Walter’s son, called and asked John to come in for a meeting. “We met, and he told me that they didn’t do the designing of rides at Knott’s. He knew they were working on a log ride with Bud Hurlbut, but didn’t say anything.”
Russell set up an appointment for John with Bud, who designed many of Knott’s Berry Farm’s rides. John showed Bud his idea. “Bud laughed and said he wanted to show me something. He took me into his shop and showed me the models of the log ride he was building for Knott’s. I had to laugh too, but then I asked him for a job.”
Bud wasn’t hiring at the time, but offered John a job as a skipper on the steamboat that plied the lagoon at Knott’s. But John really wanted to work on the log ride construction. So John resigned from UCLA after the 1969 commencement exercises and went to work for Bud. “I worked on some of the final preparations of the ride, sealing cracks and things like that.” John became one of the Timber Mountain Log Ride’s supervisors and worked on it, and for Bud, for many years.
Read the rest at MarkEadesEnterprises
Former Cast Member Remakes Heavenly Music
Meanwhile, he paid a few more visits to Knott’s Berry Farm and rode the Calico Mine Train Ride, where he found that the wonderful organ music in the Cavern Room had become less than heavenly over the years. “It sounded like it had been edited, and was very weak.”
Bill decided it needed improving, so he paid a visit to his friend Lonnie Lloyd, who was shop foreman for the legendary ride designer Bud Hurlbut. (Bud had designed and built the Calico Mine Train Ride. Walt Disney admired Bud’s ride designs and met with him several times.) Even though Bud had passed away, Bill was able to get a copy of the original sheet music for the Caverns Room from Lonnie and set about recreating it from scratch. “I am not an organist,” Bill said. “I’m more of a technician. But I wanted to do it as a tribute to Bud.”
The original organ music had been recorded more than 50 years before on a real organ. While Bill did not have access to the original, he did have a scratchy copy of it and started working on a new recording. Because he was not an organist, Bill took more of a technical approach, recording digital samples of organ music and matching them to the sheet music on his computer. It took several months of finding and getting organ samples, plugging them in, listening, and adjusting before he finally got it finished. “I played it for Lonnie and he thought it was a new recording of the original.”
Bill’s work didn’t end there. When he heard that Knott’s Berry Farm was going to completely refurbish the ride, he wanted them to have the new recording and offered it to them gratis.
Read the rest at MarkEadesEnterprises
Bill decided it needed improving, so he paid a visit to his friend Lonnie Lloyd, who was shop foreman for the legendary ride designer Bud Hurlbut. (Bud had designed and built the Calico Mine Train Ride. Walt Disney admired Bud’s ride designs and met with him several times.) Even though Bud had passed away, Bill was able to get a copy of the original sheet music for the Caverns Room from Lonnie and set about recreating it from scratch. “I am not an organist,” Bill said. “I’m more of a technician. But I wanted to do it as a tribute to Bud.”
The original organ music had been recorded more than 50 years before on a real organ. While Bill did not have access to the original, he did have a scratchy copy of it and started working on a new recording. Because he was not an organist, Bill took more of a technical approach, recording digital samples of organ music and matching them to the sheet music on his computer. It took several months of finding and getting organ samples, plugging them in, listening, and adjusting before he finally got it finished. “I played it for Lonnie and he thought it was a new recording of the original.”
Bill’s work didn’t end there. When he heard that Knott’s Berry Farm was going to completely refurbish the ride, he wanted them to have the new recording and offered it to them gratis.
Read the rest at MarkEadesEnterprises
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Anticipated Earnings Increase for Cedar Fair
Wall Street is high on Cedar Fair, expecting it to report earnings that are up 32% from a year ago when it reports its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. The consensus estimate is $1.12 per share, up from earnings of 85 cents per share a year ago.
The consensus estimate has fallen over the past month, from $1.17, but it’s still up from the consensus estimate of $1.11 three months ago. Analysts are projecting earnings of $2.80 per share for the fiscal year. Revenue is projected to be 3% above the year-earlier total of $361.6 million at $373.7 million for the quarter. For the year, revenue is expected to come in at $1.17 billion.
Revenue fell year-over-year in the first quarter, snapping the three-quarter streak of rising revenue.
The majority of analysts (100%) rate Cedar Fair as a buy. This compares favorably to the analyst ratings of two similar companies, which average 60% buys. All four analysts rate Cedar Fair as a buy.
Read the rest at Forbes
The consensus estimate has fallen over the past month, from $1.17, but it’s still up from the consensus estimate of $1.11 three months ago. Analysts are projecting earnings of $2.80 per share for the fiscal year. Revenue is projected to be 3% above the year-earlier total of $361.6 million at $373.7 million for the quarter. For the year, revenue is expected to come in at $1.17 billion.
Revenue fell year-over-year in the first quarter, snapping the three-quarter streak of rising revenue.
The majority of analysts (100%) rate Cedar Fair as a buy. This compares favorably to the analyst ratings of two similar companies, which average 60% buys. All four analysts rate Cedar Fair as a buy.
Read the rest at Forbes
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Cedar Fair CEO Matt Ouimet Reveals the Secret of Running a Successful Amusement Park
"That's one of the main reasons Cedar Fair has different names on all of our parks. We don't try and put them under one big brand. They're all unique in their own special ways," Ouimet stated. "Take -- for example -- Knott's Berry Farm which is right in the middle of one of the most competitive theme park markets in the world. Within 60 miles of Knott's, you have LEGOLAND California, you have SeaWorld San Diego, you have Universal Studios Hollywood and you have the Disneyland Resort. So in the Southern California market, it's really important to figure out who you are and then be extremely disciplined about it."
"I mean, think about it. Knott's Berry Farm can't be about the movies. And we can't be about fantasy. We have to be who we are," Matt continued. "So when it comes to Knott's, we want to be that place where having fun is still fun. Or as Raffi Kaprelyan -- the Vice President and General Manager at Knott's Berry Farm -- says 'where people can still have organically grown fun.' We want to be the theme park in this market that's uncomplicated, affordable, familiar but still has a few surprises."
"So that's our goal with Knott's Berry Farm. To occupy that space in the highly competitive Southern California marketplace, to be comfortable with that space and not try and be one of those other guys. One huge advantage we have in this market is that people still have a strong affinity for what the Knott's family created," Ouimet said. "So I hope that -- with the respectful upgrades & improvements we've made to Ghost Town, the Timber Mountain Log Ride, the Calico Mine Train and Camp Snoopy over the past three years -- we wind up being known as the community park, not the corporate park. And to some degree, I think being a little smaller has probably worked to our advantage with Knott's."
It's worth noting here that all of the changes that Matt & his team have made since he came on board at the Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. in June of 2011 have had a significant impact on Knott's Berry Farm's bottom line. Just last year, this Buena Park institution had the most successful year (from both an attendance standpoint as well as a profitability point-of-view) ever. And given that Knott's is the second most profitable park in the Cedar Fair system, that's a really nice feather in Ouimet's cap.
"And the good news is we're not done with Knott's. We've got a five year plan in place for this theme park. And I'm hoping that -- with Cedar Fair's help -- I'll then have the privilege of turning that into a ten year plan," Matt enthused. "It's not exactly a closely guarded secret that -- when it comes to Knott's -- we're trying to figure out what to do with the area where Kingdom of the Dinosaurs & Knott's Bear-y Tales used to be located. Assuming that the Wonder Mountain's Guardian ride works out, there will probably be some lessons that we learned up in Canada that we can apply down here in Buena Park."
Read the rest at HuffingtonPost
"I mean, think about it. Knott's Berry Farm can't be about the movies. And we can't be about fantasy. We have to be who we are," Matt continued. "So when it comes to Knott's, we want to be that place where having fun is still fun. Or as Raffi Kaprelyan -- the Vice President and General Manager at Knott's Berry Farm -- says 'where people can still have organically grown fun.' We want to be the theme park in this market that's uncomplicated, affordable, familiar but still has a few surprises."
"So that's our goal with Knott's Berry Farm. To occupy that space in the highly competitive Southern California marketplace, to be comfortable with that space and not try and be one of those other guys. One huge advantage we have in this market is that people still have a strong affinity for what the Knott's family created," Ouimet said. "So I hope that -- with the respectful upgrades & improvements we've made to Ghost Town, the Timber Mountain Log Ride, the Calico Mine Train and Camp Snoopy over the past three years -- we wind up being known as the community park, not the corporate park. And to some degree, I think being a little smaller has probably worked to our advantage with Knott's."
It's worth noting here that all of the changes that Matt & his team have made since he came on board at the Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. in June of 2011 have had a significant impact on Knott's Berry Farm's bottom line. Just last year, this Buena Park institution had the most successful year (from both an attendance standpoint as well as a profitability point-of-view) ever. And given that Knott's is the second most profitable park in the Cedar Fair system, that's a really nice feather in Ouimet's cap.
"And the good news is we're not done with Knott's. We've got a five year plan in place for this theme park. And I'm hoping that -- with Cedar Fair's help -- I'll then have the privilege of turning that into a ten year plan," Matt enthused. "It's not exactly a closely guarded secret that -- when it comes to Knott's -- we're trying to figure out what to do with the area where Kingdom of the Dinosaurs & Knott's Bear-y Tales used to be located. Assuming that the Wonder Mountain's Guardian ride works out, there will probably be some lessons that we learned up in Canada that we can apply down here in Buena Park."
Read the rest at HuffingtonPost
Knott's News: Great read by Jim Hill. Unfortunately, a couple of things were said that give me pause, one being annoying while the other is worrisome.
Such as Matt talking about each park's unique identity and that being one of the main reasons they have different names. He goes on to say he doesn't want to put them all under the same brand. That sounds good but please explain to me why the majority of the parks share the same generic Cedar Fair font (you know, where the "i" is dotted with a flag) for their park logo with the same Cedar Fair corporate logo above it? Matt's been running the show long enough that all the parks should have unique logos by now. I won't even get started on everything else the parks share that rob them of their identities.
Such as Matt talking about each park's unique identity and that being one of the main reasons they have different names. He goes on to say he doesn't want to put them all under the same brand. That sounds good but please explain to me why the majority of the parks share the same generic Cedar Fair font (you know, where the "i" is dotted with a flag) for their park logo with the same Cedar Fair corporate logo above it? Matt's been running the show long enough that all the parks should have unique logos by now. I won't even get started on everything else the parks share that rob them of their identities.
Most worrisome is his mention of lessons learned on Guardian being applied to Knott's upcoming dark ride. This can be interpreted as them seriously considering building a TrioTech attraction there. Unfortunately this lines up with the rumors I've heard; that they're still taking bids from ride manufacturers and that it's not set in stone what's going in there. If true, please for the love of god don't put TrioTech there. What a slap in the face to the previous occupants that would be.
Monday, July 28, 2014
All Day Dining Plan Review
On Sunday July 27th I decided it was time to try the New "All Day Dining Plan" at Knott's Berry Farm! The night befor I went ahead and paid for it online, but you can also purchase the All Day Dining Plan at participating locashions in the park I will list them below! The total cost with tax and online fee was $33.38.
Read the rest at KnottsNetwork
Read the rest at KnottsNetwork
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Hidden Knott’s - A ‘Berry’ Interesting History Tour
Recently, we shared some hidden Disneyland history in honor of the park's 59th birthday. But here in Orange County it's worth remembering that there's another historic theme park that goes back even further, with roots both figurative and literal: Knott’s Berry Farm.
[...]
Recently we took a walk around the park with Knott’s Berry Farm historian Eric Lynxwiler (co-author of the book, “Knott’s Preserved: From Boysenberry to Theme Park, the History of Knott’s Berry Farm”). He revealed many hidden pieces of history; charming remnants that remind the visitor that long before Disneyland, Walter Knott was all but birthing the theme park concept, lugging in piece after historic piece, one chunk of Americana at a time.
Read the rest at AnaheimOrangeCountyBlog
[...]
Recently we took a walk around the park with Knott’s Berry Farm historian Eric Lynxwiler (co-author of the book, “Knott’s Preserved: From Boysenberry to Theme Park, the History of Knott’s Berry Farm”). He revealed many hidden pieces of history; charming remnants that remind the visitor that long before Disneyland, Walter Knott was all but birthing the theme park concept, lugging in piece after historic piece, one chunk of Americana at a time.
Read the rest at AnaheimOrangeCountyBlog
Saturday, July 26, 2014
The Season Pass Podcast #275- Knott's Calico Mine Ride RENEWED!
This week The Season Pass Podcast is at Knott’s Berry Farm once again...yup...The OFFICIAL Home Park of TSPP! Here’s the audio recorded on June 12th, 2014, for the re-opening of the newly refurbished Calico Mine Ride and Camp Snoopy! Doug Barnes, Robert Coker, Jeff Tucker (Knott’s Entertainment Supervisor), and Tom Zeliff (NoLimits and ThrillNetwork.com) share interviews with Raffi Kaprelyan (Knott’s General Manager), John Chiu (Knott’s Director of Food and Beverage), the show team behind Snoopy Unleashed ice skating spectacular, Eric Lynxwiler (Knott’s Graphic Designer/Co-Author of Knott’s Preserved), and many more, plus tons and tons and tons of Calico Mine Ride talk. Enjoy!
Listen to the show at TheSeasonPassPodcast
Knott's News: One of the most reassuring things in the show (besides everything) is what Raffi Kaprelyan said:
"We've already got plans for the other stuff and hopefully if everything goes as it should go, you know, hitting higher attendance, then....plans will set to form a play, as they've been planned out."
"The thing that works, you want to enhance it, you want to make it better, as it gets old. The things that don't work you want to take it out and replace it with something, just like we did with Perilous Plunge. There are other opportunities in the park along those lines. It's just a matter finding the right timing, finding the right product. So that we don't loose the continuity of what we've been doing."
What this says to me is that Knott's recognizes that they've raised the standards for the park, along with guest expectations, and that they're not afraid to be ambitious going forward (of which will only be halted should they not meet their numbers). This also shows that they're looking at taking down other attractions in the future to further enhance the park (I'm looking at a couple of coasters and a certain swing that I'd love to see go) .
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