No compensation was received for this post. I attended a media event which facilitated the writing of this post.
Much of Knott’s Berry Farm’s history can be discovered in Ghost Town, a themed area originated by Walter Knott himself. Knott built and modeled the area after ghost towns across the West, including the former mining town Calico in San Bernardino, California. A visit to the Old School House, the Calico Saloon, or any spot within the town will take you back to 1800s.
Even before you step foot inside Knott’s Berry Farm, you can’t help but take note of the West’s longest, tallest, wooden roller coaster, GhostRider.. With a nod back to the Old West, the ride takes guests into a mysterious mine where they are strapped into mining cars and sent along an exhilarating journey. The cave that welcomes guests to the ride was once part of the park’s Pan for Gold attraction, a reminder that we must look to the past in order to move forward.
This year, Ghost Town celebrates its 75th anniversary, and in honor of the occasion, GhostRider has 4,533 feet of brand new track, re-profiled banks and curves, and 3 new “ore car” coaster trains. The result is a continuous 2 minute thrill ride complete with a 108 foot drop, hair-raising twists and turns, and enough g-force to feel like you’re defying gravity.
GhostRider opened in 1998, and while the ride undergoes routine maintenance to replace the wood and any necessary parts, this is the most expansive enhancement to date. The overall experience of the ride mirrors the original, yet it is noticeably smoother and more comfortable to ride.
As a hallmark of both Ghost Town and the park, GhostRider is one of the only rides that has stayed just as it was when it opened. While deemed an intermediate roller coaster, for many kids it will be their first. With a rich California history and the feel of exhilaration of the Old West, GhostRider encompasses the heritage that Knott’s is always striving to recreate for guests. The invigorating rush you experience when you ride GhostRider is one that will remain in your heart long after the ride has ended. With this major enhancement, the appeal of the ride will broaden beyond coaster enthusiasts.
GhostRider is now open at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Images: Rockin’ Mama
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