Some years ago, without forsaking its Old West-ghost town feel, Knott’s Berry farm began frontloading a dozen or so thrill rides which then polarized its clientele: the younger set could head for the coasters while the older folks could still visit the quieter gold rush-era shops, museums, and other attractions.
“Voyage to the Iron Reef” is essentially an immersive-submersible video game, but it’s also pretty much age-friendly, meaning that grandmothers and grandkids can enjoy it together. In short, it bridges the extreme and the sedate.
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Also, there’s not much atmosphere outside of the ride itself. The approach up the stairs and the waiting areas need additional decor: There’s more of this in the Nautilus storefront window than anywhere else. Knott’s should do a little more to put riders in the mood–waits can be two hours or so right now–and to build up the suspense. At this time the waiting areas are pretty barren. One more thing, why not attire the ride operators in outfits more conducive to the starpunk genre?
When the attraction opened, traffic flow was spotty, although I suspect this issue will be or has already been ironed out. “Toy Story Midway Mania” at Disneyland seats two riders per car instead of four, which makes it more fun and intimate. But of course the rides differ in that one is the height of levity while the other reaches for intense dramatic effect.
Perhaps “Voyage” shouldn’t be overly intellectualized, except that its creators have already invested us in a backstory of sorts. Putting that aside for the moment, it’s without doubt an enthralling experience. But with a few more touch-ups it can actually be even more memorable.
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