Knott’s Berry Farm announced today the details of the GhostRider refurbishment and the Ghost Town 75th anniversary celebration that they first hinted at back in August. The main highlights of the 75th anniversary are the restoration of the seventeen year old GhostRider and the introduction of “Ghost Town Alive!”, which the park describes as an interactive entertainment experience, along with lots of enhancements to existing Ghost Town attractions. In addition, the park announced a complete restoration of Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner restaurant, scheduled to re-open in the spring.
Starting with GhostRider, the last ride commissioned by the Knott family. The ride closed in September, and Knott’s Berry Farm is partnering with Great Coasters International, Inc. on a total re-tracking of the 4,533 ft ride, as well as re-profiling which should help with the increasing roughness of the ride over the years. We guessed that GCI would be involved in the project back when it was first announced in August, as they’ve actually worked on GhostRider before, back in 2004. Along with the re-tracking and re-profiling, the mid-course brake run is being removed and the station brakes are being upgraded to new magnetic braking for a smoother finish.
New track and profile coming to GhostRider
Most exciting on GhostRider, though, is that the trains are being replaced with brand new GCI Millennium Flyers, similar to the ones used on almost all GCI coasters. Millennium Flyers are known for being able to smoothly traverse the twisted tracks of GCI coasters, thanks to the fact each pair of seats can turn individually unlike larger four seat cars. The new trains will be designed to look like mine cars, with gold, silver, and copper accents. Check out the awesome renderings below.
Concept of GhostRider Millennnium Flyers.
Another render of the new GhostRider trains. Looks awesome!
Along with the GhostRider upgrades, Ghost Town is getting a huge overhaul. Ghost Town Alive is taking the previous “peek-ins” of the Ghost Town area and turning them into full interactive experiences. The barbershop will now be home to, not surprisingly, the local barber sharing gossip on the town. The Sherrif’s office will become home to a lively card game guests can join in on, and also where guests can choose whether to side with the law or the outlaws (which will get them their face on a wanted poster). The Ghost Town barn will close in early April, and reopen as a fully functioning stable, housing the Calico equestrian team.
I could probably beat this guy…
The park describes the new interactions as, “each day a different story will unfold throughout all of Ghost Town…(where) guests play an active role in shaping the events of the day. Every evening the day’s story culminates with a town wide celebration of 75 years of Calico.” Park Director of Entertainment Production Lara Hanneman added, “when you come visit Ghost Town, you’re going to be invited to become part of (the town), and interact with Ghost Town residents like you’ve never been able to before.”
New stage coming to Ghost Town.
In addition to the upgraded peek-ins and interactions, the area that formerly featured Screamin’ Swing is becoming the New Calico Stage. Themed after an abandoned mine, the stage will feature an all new show starting in summer 2016. The existing stage will become Calico Park, which will still host small stage for live performances. Next to the park, the Calico Saloon is going to be upgraded with a “raucous” new show, and a new Western stunt show is going to debut this summer. Word of warning, both the saloon and wagon camp are closing in early 2016 for upgrades needed for the new show. The last part of the Calico restoration is the return of Panning for Gold to the area, adjacent to the GhostRider queue.
Upgrades to the saloon, a new park, and new gold panning are all coming to Calico.
Finally, Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant is getting a facelift. The restaurant that started the whole thing in 1934, and whose popularity led Mr. Knott to build the Ghost Town in 1941, will be getting all new flooring, lighting, and decor. Multiple rooms will be changed to look more like Cordellia Knott’s home kitchen as well as farmhouse dining rooms. Outdoor seating will be added, the kitchen is being upgraded, and the Garden Room is being converted to a full service bar. The restaurant is being closed from January 4th until the Spring, but don’t worry, Chicken-to-go will still be available so you can get your fix in the mean time.
Most importantly, an upgraded Mrs. Knott’s for the restaurants 81st year.
Phew, that’s a lot of announcements, and they all sound pretty awesome! What part of the Knott’s Berry Farm 75th anniversary sounds the most exciting to you guys? GhostRider? A slew of new shows? More fried chicken? Let us know in the comments below.
If you want any more info on the new announcements, check out the Knott’s page. Stick with us for more on the Knott’s Berry Farm 75th anniversary as we get into 2016, as well as Knott’s Merry Farm starting November 22!
mess things up why dont ya