No compensation was received for this post. I attended a media event which facilitated the writing of this post.
Last week, during a media preview of the newly re-opened Calico Mine Ride and Camp Snoopy, I was reminiscing with a few fellow bloggers and press about my visits as a child to the historic berry farm-turned theme park. During my school years, our visits were educationally focused and I remember spending quite a bit of time learning all about American History through engaging activities like panning for gold and sitting inside the Old Schoolhouse. While the park still retains much of it’s nostalgia and history, major improvements have transformed the park into a highly sought-out family destination.
Last year, Knott’s refurbished the Timber Mountain Log Ride and opened Knott’s Boardwalk complete with 3 brand new attractions. As part of the theme park’s continued expansion and refurbishment plans, Knott’s gave the historic Calico Mine Ride and Camp Snoopy a makeover while adding 3 new rides to the six-acre, Peanuts’-themed, kid-centric area.
Our day began with a special grand-reopening dedication inside the Camp Snoopy Theatre. Camp Snoopy celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, so it was only fitting that it deserved a bit of a refresh.
Not only have they added three exciting new rides, new wilderness scenes have been added to the Grand Sierra Railroad, an expansive, shaded character meet ‘n greet area replaces Joe Cool’s Gr8 Sk8 attraction, and kids can play while parents take reprieve in the new themed play area in the center of Camp Snoopy! With new signage, fresh coats of paint, and overall improvements that place the Peanuts’ gang in the center of this themed land, Camp Snoopy feels like a brand new area while retaining the nostalgia and overall playful feel it is so well-known for.
Here is a quick overview of the new attractions kids can experience at Camp Snoopy:
- Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer replaces Snoopy Bounce and invites children to “fly a kite” with Charlie brown on one of 16 swings, soaring above Camp Snoopy’s winding paths and streams.
- Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies replaces Log Peeler and has children board their very own ATV for adventures around the High Sierras.
- Linus Launcher replaces Charlie Brown’s Speedway and transports children on one of 12 blankets as they fly up above Camp Snoopy.
Camp Snoopy definitely feels more cohesive and the stories of the beloved Peanuts gang shine throughout the themed area. We often spend much of our day at Camp Snoopy, pausing only to grab a quick bite to eat at Grizzly Creek Lodge. More rustic in nature, the restaurant also received a makeover complete with new decor accents, furniture, and an updated menu.
One of my favorite rides at Knott’s Berry Farm is the Calico Mine Ride and one I can’t ever leave the park without riding. I’ve been riding it since I was a child and it’s extra special to me because I rode it first with my father.
This ride is also an integral part of Knott’s Berry Farm’s history as Walter Knott worked in the mining region of San Bernardino County before moving to Buena Park. When the attraction was originally designed, authenticity was key. Theme park pioneer Bud Hurlbut spoke to actual miners and visited numerous mining sites around California to observe and incorporate their stories into the Calico Mine Ride.
As part of the refurbishment of the Calico Mine Ride, the design team worked to elevate the previous 1960 design while preserving the elements of the original mining experience. Newly, hand-painted mining cars are pulled by beautifully detailed locomotives as guests twist and turn through newly repainted tunnels and caverns. Three new characters tell a unique story, offering guests a different experience and many of the original special effects have been retained by re-created. While the ride feels very much like the original, the makeover is fantastically impressive.
Knott’s Berry Farm’s innovations continue to elevate the look and feel of the park while maintaining its authenticity and rich history. Be sure to come back this week for a sneak peek at the latest in entertainment at Knott’s Berry Farm this summer.
Images: Rockin’ Mama unless otherwise noted.
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