What I'd Like to See Happen in 2015

Knott's Berry Farm is experiencing somewhat of a golden age under the management team of Raffi Kaprelyan/Matt Ouimet. Standards in themed entertainment have been raised as the team returns the park to it's roots. Simply put, what has transpired over the past couple of years has me excited for the future, and while Knotts has hinted at whats to come, we can really only speculate at this point. With that said, my hopes for the future.

The most popular rumor seems to point towards a new dark ride going in the old Knott's Bear-y Tales / Kingdom of the Dinosaurs building for the 2015 season. Rumors seem to suggest that whatever it is, it'll be interactive. Rumors also suggest that deterioration has made it impossible to reuse the existing structure and  ride system. That said, I'd like nothing more then to see Knott's Bear-y Tales return for it's 40th anniversary. Not as it was - honestly, that would be terrible - but instead reimagined by the Knott's Design Team once again partnered with Garner Holt (or if not, someone like Gary Goddard). I can only imagine what these two could come accomplish, unrestrained by existing ride elements and free to take it in whatever direction they want. 

Wishful thinking: It'd be awesome if they could get the original designer of the attraction - ex-Imagineer Rolly Crump - to come back, whether it be an advisory position or something much more involved. I'd also love it if the catchy theme song of the original attraction could return in some form or another. 

Bringing back the bears who are soo closely tied to Knott's name and legacy is a good merchandising opportunity, one Knott's would hopefully cash in on. They're just something you won't find anywhere else and it'd be cool if they used them to cross promote new attractions and events. In addition, I'd like to see them take out the arcade to put in an exit gift shop full of exclusive Bear-y Tales merchandise, from T-shirts to stuffed animals to collectables to the official ride soundtrack. The exit gift shop would also be a good place to put the Bear-y Tales meet n greet. Having an original IP is always a good thing.

I'd hope with the return of Knott's Bear-y Tales would come a revitalized Roaring 20s area (complete with a Barker Bear out front to lure guests in). Right now the area's theme is not really identifiable outside of the giant Knott's Roaring 20s sign kept there to remind us of what it once was. It wouldn't take much to cement the 1920s theme. Placing some 1920s automobiles along the streets like they had opening day could help. 

Notice the automobiles on the left and right of the picture.

Adding some area music that fits the theme would go a LONG way.

 

Just listen to that Raffi Kaprelyan, isn't that upbeat enough?

To add unity to the area, they should remove the 50s theme of the Boardwalk and give it the turn of the century look of Paradise Pier or Lost Kennywood. This would complement the Roaring 20s theme right next door, instead of clashing with it. The 50s theme all too common in amusement parks would then be relegated to the Xcellerator / Coasters area of the park, out of the way and occupying a much smaller footprint.

Of course, they most likely won't do any of this and I'm honestly ok with that. It would be a massive undertaking and expecting a lot. The only way I'll be disappointed is if their plans call for yet another loosely themed roller coaster jammed in when the park is already overcrowded with them. Please Knott's, you're not Cedar Point, no more roller coasters. Keep the momentum and goodwill you currently have going!