Tag: calico

Knott’s Scary Farm 2019

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I’ve been to Knott’s Scary Farm a handful of times throughout my life — I’m sure it’s the same for a lof of folks in Southern California. I just haven’t been since becoming a mommy. I like a lot of Halloween events and nothing compares to Knott’s Scary Farm. I’m not even talking about the scare level. I’m talking the scare actors, decorations/designs, and the atmosphere. Every corner has something going on and it’s a big bang for your buck.

Since we have passes we didn’t have to worry about getting on any rides. The amount of mazes, shows, and scare zones will keep you busy from opening til closing. This year I was more interested and excited about the shows.

We arrived an hour early. The parking was great and not many people were lined up yet. They let you in a half hour early at the entrance of Ghost Town where they do a pre-show about The Curse Of Calico. The fog becomes very thick and when the clock strikes 7 o’clock all of the monsters run into the crowd. I’m glad we were there to witness that.

We had to make it through the Ghost Town Streets Scare Zone to get to our first mazes. Ghost Town is what I always remember the most about Scary Farm because of the Sliders Of Ghost Town. You know, those crazy monsters and ghouls that appear out of the fog and slide in front of you? When you see girls running through the street of Ghost Town you know one of them is after them.

Knott’s goes big with their mazes. Long mazes with a lot of detail. I’d love to stop and check out props at times but there’s no time for that. Between other people walking through and being on the look out for creatures to pop out. That uncomfortable feeling doesn’t allow me. Speaking of creatures, they had some crazy big scares in their mazes, not even sure what I was seeing at times but they were giant, and I mean GIANT, monsters. Definitely the most amazing part that will keep me coming back.

Our first maze — Wax Works. New to Scary Farm, victims of wax, you must escape before you become one of them.

The Depths — dive right in and see some freaky sea creatures.

Paranormal Inc — Demonic spirits and evil doctors! This maze was something else! We were all brought into a room with some actors and a story-line and then CHAOS. Shocking chaos. This maze is definitely a keeper.

Dark Entities — You had me at space! Another one not to miss! I’ll be back for it next year.

We took in our first show of the night, The Hanging. Watch your favorite, or most hated pop culture figures get the shit beat out of them and killed.

We made our way through the Carnevil Scare Zone where all the clowns were waiting. We were able to walk on to HangTime.

In it’s final year, Shadow Lands — demon samurais are loose in this maze. I thought it really interesting and wish it wasn’t its final year. There’s something eerie about this one.

Everyone’s favorite bunch, The Peanuts, are hiding come night fall and Camp Snoopy is now The Hollow Scare Zone. Since I was a kid I loved the scare zones in Camp Snoopy. Something about such a happy magical land being transformed into something so scary.

With a very grand entrance, Pumpkin Eater, is an elaborate maze. It was hard to escape the Pumpin Eater when there’s so much to look at.

It was time for magic and mirth at the Birdcage Theatre with Conjurers. A lot of crowd participation magic.

Excited for the brand new, and so true to the Knott’s Ghost Town spirit, maze, Origins The Curse Of Calico. This maze was fully interactive before you even got in. The residents of Calico were engaging with the crowd while you waited in line. This is another one that took me back to Scary Farm as a kid. Anything Ghost Town and Knott’s themed, I’m all about it.

Another one in its final year, Special Ops Infected. This interactive maze arms you and sends you in with your squad to fight off zombies. Some how I got separated from everyone and was chased by a zombie until the very end, where I was finally rescued. This was our longest wait of the night because of the small groups, the prep, and the story line. We almost missed Puppet Up!, which was the main reason for my Scary Farm visit.

Brian Henson presents Puppet Up! Uncensored. Yes, that Henson. I went into this with high hopes. The Henson family are amazing. The tagline for the show is, “as bad you want them to be”. A lot of shout out crowd participation. The crowd was yelling the nastiest shit they could think of to build up the stories. They got a guy from the crowd to come up and help and everyone was roaring with uncontrollable laughter. They redid, I’ve Grown Accustomed To Your Face. My favorite was their skit to the Association song, Windy. This was the last showing of the night, if we would have saw this first we would have went to another showing. After the show the cast comes into the crowd with the puppets.

Dark Ride was our last maze. An abandoned carnival ride filled with carnies and clowns! Lots and lots of clowns! I love anything clowns so the set design was amazing!

As we made our way to the exit we went through Forsaken Lake Scare Zone. Our last jump scares of the evening.

Highlight of night; watching a werewolf stop in the middle of an empty street of ghost town, in the fog, and howl. Fucking great!

There are a lot of spooky food offerings and merchandise to grab. All of it is also available during normal park hours.

We were disappointed we made a date night out of it to try it out and didn’t take the kids. Next year we are are most definitely bringing them along.

Scary farm is taking place Thursday’s – Sunday’s until November 2nd. Grab your eats, treats, goodies, and scares while you still can! knotts.com

Knott’s Spooky Farm

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Having a pass to Knott’s is the best! Having a pass during holiday seasons — even better!

We’ve done Spooky Farm a few years now for the trick-or-treating, the Camp Snoopy show, and the character meet-n-greets. Now that Giuseppe is bigger we’re able to take in more of the sights.

We started with trick-or-treating in Ghost Town. They provide treat bags right when you walk in at the front gate. You don’t even have to ask — as well as a map of the days events and treat locations. Treats included; Kit Kat, Hershey’s, Jolly Rancher lollipop, Junior Mints, and Twizzlers.

During our treating adventure we stopped in the Livery Stable to see the Creepy Critters Of Calico — there’s even a horse in a “skeleton costume”. We even stopped in with the Undertaker so he could measure Seppe.

We stopped in to check out Linus Van Pelt’s Great Pumpkin Patch at Calico Park. Linus wasn’t there but his place looks real fine. You can decorate your own pumpkin or cookie.

Then it was time for the reason we were there — the Spooky Farm Costume Contest and Peanuts Dance Party. Seppe was more excited about the dance party with the Peanuts gang. Giuseppe thought he was dressed for the occasion because he’s the Great Pumpkin. The place was packed! All the kids were asked to line-up and strut their stuff across the Camp Snoopy Theater. Out came Lucy, Charlie Brown, and Snoopy to help out. Seppe’s jaw dropped. He was so excited to see them and he couldn’t believe that he was going on the stage where he’s seen so many shows. So across the stage he went — in front of a way beyond packed house. As he walked off the stage he was given a Knott’s Spooky Farm Costume Party Participant ribbon. It was so sweet. A bunch of kids gathered in front of the stage for a dance party. If you know my kid, you know he lets loose. Franklin and Schroeder came out in the crowd to dance with the kids. Giuseppe had a hard time posing with Franklin because they were both too busy having the time of their lives and dancing. The Peanuts Gang look great in their Halloween costumes! A lot of bigger girls kept telling Seppe that they liked his costume. Everyone working the character meet-n-greets kept telling the characters — look, it’s the Great Pumpkin! The characters would get excited and play along.

We took A Trip To Camp Spooky on the Grand Sierra Railroad. Love it! The Monsters Are Coming, Charlie Brown is such a cute show. We’ve enjoyed the Halloween show at Camp Snoopy Theater every year.

The only thing we weren’t able to fit in our trip was the Spooky Story Time at the Bird Cage Theatre. We were bummed that we missed it — but there’s just SO MUCH TO DO!

Spooky Farm is happening every Saturday and Sunday until October 27th and Thursday October 31st. For more information visit: https://www.knotts.com/

How To Do Knott’s With A Kiddo Under 42″ And A Great-Grammy

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My son is 3 and obviously the Knott’s pro. He doesn’t mind changing his mind about what he wants to do next and could do 20 laps around the place. This trip was all about Giuseppe and his great-grammy, who he calls, Grammy.

Our main focus was to enjoy the day in Camp Snoopy. Maybe take a little adventure to the Calico Mine. Giuseppe had other plans —

TIMBER MOUNTAIN LOG RIDE — Height Requirement – 36″. We started our day at Giuseppe’s favorite ride. He insisted Grammy go on. They’ve recently changed their 2 long bench seats to 3 or 4 individual seats. Over the year we’ve watched Giuseppe go from, hold me tightly, to — don’t hold me, I’m holding on myself. I think the seat separation has turned him into a badass. Grammy had a hard time getting out of the boat and needed my assistance lifting her out. The warm summer days means the wait time has DOUBLED. Can’t wait for those colder days to soon approach us. This ride is 3 year old approved.

Timber Mountain Log Ride — Giuseppe’s favorite ride at Knott’s

It’s easy finding shady spots in Camp Snoopy to relax. Grammy took a seat and watched us as we looped around all the kiddie rides.

TIMBERLINE TWISTER — Height requirement – 36″. Giuseppe’s 2nd favorite ride in the park. It was also my 2nd favorite as a kid. I love this big layout of a kiddie coaster. Giuseppe started riding alone around 2 years, 3 months. Sometimes he’ll ride with his sister or another little that’s alone will ask to join him. Kids are first belted in and then a lap bar.

CAMP BUS — Height Requirement – 42″ or accompanied by a companion. Seppe’s 41 1/2″ so he’s still stuck going on some rides with his mom. I don’t mind. I love being able to ride rides with my little guy. Seppe’s always hoping for the front but we haven’t gotten it yet. He wants the view and the spot with Snoopy. Each row has you sitting with one of the Peanuts characters. This time we were right in the middle with Linus. I love the screams of the kids when they hit the first drop. Everyone is secured in with a lap bar and a metal door.

Always a treat finding out who we’re sitting with. I’d say Seppe got paired up with his twin.

RAPID RIVER RUN — Height Requirement – 42″ or accompanied by a companion. Giuseppe loves seeing the Butterfield Stagecoach roll past while we wait in line for this one. He’s always waving to the horses but then people always wave back to him. Every kid is always hoping for the 2 back row spots for that wild ride! Everyone is secured with a lap bar and metal door.

PIG PEN’S MUD BUGGIES — Height Requirement – 36″ or accompanied by a companion. This is probably the newest solo ride to Seppe’s Knott’s adventures. He started riding around 40″ with his sister. Parents, you’re even able to take the seat behind your kiddos. These buggies are the absolute cutest, kids reactions to this ride always has me cracking up, and HELLO, it’s Pig Pen! I haven’t seen a kiddie ride like this anywhere else. Everyone is secured with a lock in belt that only the ride operator can undo.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRUCKING COMPANY — Height Requirement – 42″ or accompanied by a companion. Another ride where you line up and wait to see which Peanuts character you’re going to get teamed up with. If you’re in the front of the line you’re guaranteed to get Charlie Brown. Giuseppe’s been lucky enough to get him a couple of times. Seppe points out every time how he’s dressed like Charlie Brown. This time we got Lucy. I’ve watched Seppe grow into this ride. Parents, if your child is under 42″ you have to sit in the back of the truck. If you have a little then he/she is sitting with you. When they’re the proper age they’re able to sit in the front of the truck. Giuseppe loves sitting up there and honking the horn. Right now he’s at the stage where he wants to make sure that I’m right there and do I know he’s right there too. I had him poking his head out the window to say, hi, mom a couple of times before we took off. I had to let him know that when we start moving his head has to stay in so he doesn’t whack his nog off. I hear, okay, mom.. and he listens. In the front they’re secured by a door that can only be opened from the outside. Up top you’re secured by a belt.

Just change the name to Rocky Mountain Cuteness already!

CHARLIE BROWN’S KITE FLYER — Height Requirement – 42″ or accompanied by a companion. A huge hit with this one. I mean, I’d like to sit here, ride after ride, and say how cute they all are. Because they are! I love that I’m able to ride these rides with my boy. Personally, I’ll be riding this ride with Giuseppe even when he passes 42″. Usually kids that ride alone are a bit bigger. The double bucket swing, so great! Thanks, Knotts! Secured in by a middle of the legs buckle that only the ride operator can undo — as well as a bar.

TAKING A BREAK — Now, this little picnic area in the middle is very popular with the kids. Especially my kid. I don’t know what it is but that little log tunnel, mini benches, and mushrooms make kids lose their minds! Mine loves to climb through the log, jump across the mushrooms, and will attempt to get on top of the log. He even loves to hide from me in the middle of the tunnel. It was a nice moment to take a break during the day. Take a moment to gander at the Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock rock sculpture — LOVE! There are so many gorgeous sights in Camp Snoopy. Still magical after all these years.

HUFF AND PUFF — Height Requirement – Under 52″. My favorite ride as a kid!! Always happy to see this wonderful little ride tucked away right under Montezooma’s Revenge (another classic). I remember the day that I was too big to go on it. Broke my heart. My dad still mentions it every time we’re there, thanks, Dad! Pretty sure I didn’t really go on anything else when I was there. This is a must! And if they want to ride it again, let them ride it again! Secured in with a belt.

BALLOON RACE — Height Requirement – 36″ or accompanied by a companion. Another childhood classic of mine. I still love riding this ride with Giuseppe. We love soaring around in the baskets with hot air balloons fashioned after Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Secured in with a belt.

PEANUTS GANG!! — The best part about Knott’s? Seeing the Peanuts Gang! Whoever they hire to be in these costumes do a fantastic job! They are patient, kind, and funny. They notice every single time when Seppe is wearing his Charlie Brown outfit. Snoopy pointed out this time that Giuseppe is the REAL Charlie Brown, melt my heart. Charlie Brown ALWAYS points to Seppe and then himself acknowledging that they’re dressed alike, double melt my heart. Charlie ruffled Seppe’s hair into his face which made everyone around crack up. Silly, Charlie. I adore that he’s so into “kissing the characters”. I hope this lasts for many years. We caught Snoopy in his Space Beagle outfit. We love the Space Beagle show.

PEANUTS GANG WITH GREAT-GRAMMY — Usually Grammy is asked if she’s the grandma. She responded that she’s Great-Grammy. Snoopy gave her a few head nods for it. Lucy kept doing heart fingers to her. It was very sweet.

FLYING ACE — Height Requirement – 32″ – Maximum 54″. The most classic in all of Camp Snoopy, if you ask me. I’ve seen photos of this ride in so many people’s family photos from years past. Always so happy to see it. His sister is now too tall to ride this so this is another one where if there’s a kid riding alone they’ll ask to ride along with Seppe. Secured in with lock in belt that can only be undone by a ride operator.

Forever a classic

GRAND SIERRA RAILROAD — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by an adult. This is the perfect ride if you just want to spend a little bit of time kicking back, relaxing, staying out of the sun, catch your breath. You get to cruise around and check out what the Peanuts Gang are up to. Depending on the time of the year they’re always up to something different. I loved taking both of my nephews on this ride when they were little. They are now 10 and 8.. some things never change. Giuseppe always spots something different each and every time we’re on this ride.

WOODSTOCK’S AIRMAIL — Height Requirement – 36″. Doesn’t matter what we have planned during our trip, this year, this ride, has turned into a must for Seppe. Every, single, visit he makes sure he gets on this one. It’s the closest ride to the entrance/exit so there’s no doubt in his mind he’s going to get to ride it. With it being the closest it usually doesn’t have that long of a line. I get a video of him riding it every single time. It’ll be funny to watch him grow on it. It’s another one where he thinks he’s a pro so depending on how he’s feeling he’ll have his hands up, throw himself around, or pretend like he’s sleeping. Sometimes he waves to me like crazy, hi, Mom. Other times he pretends like he doesn’t know me. I’ve had to be there to help him in and out of the seats. I’ve watched him struggle and fall to get out of the seats (thank goodness for the padded flooring below). I’ve watched kids knock him over when they’re running out. Now, I see him climb in and out of the seat with ease all by himself. It’s a must for your mini thrill seekers. Secured in by padded lap bar.

Where’s Seppo?

VOYAGE TO THE IRON REEF — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. My parents, Giuseppe’s Nana & Papa’s favorite ride. My dad is the champ at this. He said he likes to use two guns but my mom gets pissed off and doesn’t let him. A 4-D interactive ride where you’re shooting odd sea creatures that are popping up beneath the Boardwalk. This is a nice ride to cool off on during those hot days. Or, once again, if you just want to take a minute to catch your breath. Secured in by a lap bar.

CALICO MINE RIDE — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. Up until recently Giuseppe thought this was called “Cannibal Mine”. I think Seppe has a future with Knott’s during Scary Farm. Another favorite to add to his list. Another must see classic in the park.

A very happy boy heading in to the Calico Mine.

A few other mentions that we didn’t get around to riding this time around. CALICO RAILROAD — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. Classic of all classic Knott’s attractions. Fun surprises always await aboard the Calico Railroad. BUTTERFIELD STAGECOACH — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. Climb on top or inside the stagecoach for one heck of a good time! Our favorite spot is on top in the back. HAT DANCE — Height Requirement – 36″ or accompanied by a companion. Get ready for some spinning action! Where you control the spin! HIGH SIERRA FERRIS WHEEL — Height Requirement – 54″ or 36″ and accompanied by a companion. Seriously, the fastest ferris wheel I’ve ever been on. So fun. MERRY-GO-ROUND — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. A childhood delight. Which do you choose to ride? PACIFIC SCRAMBLER — Height Requirement – 48″ or 36″ and accompanied by a companion. Seppe just recently had his first taste of the Scrambler and he is HOOKED! SKY CABIN — Height Requirement – 46″ or accompanied by a companion. Get a whole view of the park below as you sit in Woodstock’s nest. SURFSIDE GLIDERS — Height Requirement – 44″ or 36″ and accompanied by a companion. Glide through the air where you control your dips and turns.

Knott’s Berry Farm – Ghost Town Alive, National Cowboy Day, & Summer Nights

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I can’t even say how much we love Knott’s Berry Farm. It’s hard to explain. I’m sure everyone that has a season pass feels the same way. They’re always on my highly recommend list for any family or friends that are visiting. The western entrance and that tree and gravel parking lot are by far our favorite, if they’re open.

Ghost Town Alive happens every single summer. We absolutely love it! Just about every shop in Ghost Town is open with someone inside ready to greet you. The streets are flooded with the Ghost Town folks running around interacting with each other and YOU. If you’re lucky they might even send you on some errands up and down the roads and shop-to-shop in Ghost Town. Seppe’s had to run some errands in the barber shop a couple of times (you can find those adventures on my Instagram) — this time the barber shop had the kids deliver some clothes to City Hall because the mustache appointments were all filled up. When they got back they were ready to choose their mustache. They chose some real fine ones for the Whiskerino Contest. Speaking of fine, Seppe wore his finest vintage Roy Rogers shirt to celebrate National Cowboy Day. He joined the rest of the kids dressed up for a picture in front of the Calico stage. They had special Wanted poster props up for National Cowboy Day. The kids were treated to Calico Ghost Town bandanas right before the hoedown. Giuseppe chose me as his dancing party and what a grand ol time we had. One of the citizens of Calico asked Laney to dance. Seppe even had me do the dance with him when we got home.

When night falls Knott’s turns into Summer Nights. This is the first year for this block party bash. With bands taking the stages all over the park — there’s a party around every corner. Lights strung up all over the place. We continued our tasting card experience with kettle corn, chili, and a fudge dipped apple. Most of my adventures to Knott’s include a Calico Soda from the saloon — it’s a MUST! Seppe took his first ride on the scrambler — he loved it!

Let’s talk about their amazing show — Beach Blanket Beagle at the Charles M. Schultz Theatre. I love Frankie Avalon and Beach Blanket Bingo. This swingin 60s show was packed with ALL the good tunes! The show must have been really good because it kept Seppe watching and dancing. They performed all the hits like; Fun Fun Fun, California Girls, Beach Blanket “Beagle”, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, and I sang really loud for that Chubby Checker classic, Let’s Twist Again. Snoopy did some killer surfing. The amazing Hawaiian fire dancer was the hit of the show. Snoopy came out as King Kamehameha. The SET — the whole entire set was GORGEOUS. Definitely their best show and set to this day! I know Christmas is a big hit but this took the cake. I don’t think they’re going to be able to top it.

Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Knott’s Spooky Farm. We were there the other day and seen they were getting the spots ready for the mazes during Scary Farm. All of the decorations will be going up rather quickly in the next couple of weeks. I wonder who the Peanuts Gang are going to dress up as this year?

Visit the Farm yourself — knotts.com — and if you have any Knott’s questions, planning, or need a tour guide — let me know!

Knott’s Date Night – Knott’s Summer Nights

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Our goal is to have a Knott’s Date Night at least once month, especially during school days, when we’re able to get on all of the big rides. We’ve made it about 4 times solo this year. One of those solo trips being for the Boysenberry Festival.

Since the summer rush and the heat we made our Knott’s trip a night time adventure. Right now Knott’s has two amazing events going on. During the day you can experience Ghost Town Alive and at night the all new Summer Nights. We made it just in time for the hoedown. Since we didn’t have our kids I wasn’t quick to jump in and participate — until I was told, there’s still time to join it. You don’t have to ask me twice! I marched around with the rest of the residents of Calico.

When all the fun of Ghost Town Alive comes to an end the Summer Nights fun begins at the Calico Mine Stage. To me it looks like a giant block party — picnic tables under strings of lights, fire pits for roasting smores, and food booths. There are free games to enjoy like; tiki toss, cornhole, giant beer pong, giant checkers, giant connect four, hole-in-one. As well as your friendly neighborhood characters dancing to the live band; dad cook, town drunk lady, boy scout, neighborhood watch. When the band stops playing there’s a DJ on the roof of Charleston Circle.

Now, let’s talk about the tasting card. Just like the Boysenberry Festival the tasting card comes on a lanyard with 8 pull tabs for 8 tasty treats located at the adorable booths around Calico Mine Stage. The treats we chose this round were; Cookiewich — boysenberry ice cream smashed in between two chocolate chip cookies. You could also choose vanilla ice cream, snickerdoodle cookie, boysenberry cookie. Next up was the chili in a cornbread bowl. Knott’s Berry Farm are always super generous with their portions. The bowl is a full meal that can leave you stuffed or shareable. On the side — a shrimp and sausage skewer loaded with bell peppers and onions. We finished off our eating festival with the Farmer’s Market Shortcake with a mountain high pile of whipped cream. The winner for this tasting card — the chili.

Our ride list — Montezooma’s Revenge. Supreme Scream — always seems like a bad idea once we get to the top. Finally took a ride on the new Calico Rapids where I only caught a glimpse of Big Foot in the steamy foggy cave. Finishing off the night with Ghostrider which is WAY scarier at night.

You can catch Ghost Town Alive daily from now until August 11th. Weekends starting August 17th – September 2nd. Ghost Town is active from open until the hoedown at 5:30. There’s a lot of interactive action and contests going on in the streets of Calico.

Summer Nights is happening daily from now until August 11th. The action starts at 6 until closing. Tasting cards are $35 and are easy to buy throughout the park. We bought ours at the booth right when you step foot in the park.

See you at Knott’s!