Ghost Town Alive!
Today Knott’s Berry Farm officially began the 75th Anniversary celebration of Ghost Town, with the new interactive Ghost Town Alive! opening to the public. Technically the 75th anniversary celebration will run through September 5 (although a lot of the renovations related to it are, of course, permanent). As part of Ghost Town Alive! guests now get to participate with actors throughout Ghost Town in stories and adventures of the beautifully themed Old West village. Additionally, the buildings and shops, like the Sheriff’s Office and Barbershop, that used to just be there for flavor are now open for guests to enter and interact with the residents of Ghost Town. Some of the new experiences are playing cards with the town Sheriff, getting a mustache shave at the barbershop, and locking up the local bandits.
Interact with the residents of Ghost Town, like the Sheriff, as part of Ghost Town Alive! through September 5. (courtesy Knott’s Berry Farm)
GhostRider
Although the celebration technically begins today, most of the major openings actually happen on Saturday, June 11. That’s when the star of the renovations and updates of Ghost Town opens, the new and improved GhostRider. The giant wooden roller coaster has gone through an extensive retrofit performed by Great Coasters International that began last fall. GCI did an extensive retracking of the ride, reprofiled certain sections, removed the mid-course brake run, and has installed their signature Millenium Flyer trains on the ride. For an idea of what the new coaster feels like, Knott’s has released a PoV of the updated coaster which you can find below.
GhostRider actually soft opened last weekend and has been open on and off for the last few days. Early reports are that the refurbishment has done wonders for the ride, and it’s back to level of quality it had when it first opened, if not better.
GhostRider with its new Milennium Flyer trains opens June 11 (courtesy Knott’s Berry Farm)
New Shows
In addition to GhostRider, two new shows in Ghost Town are opening Saturday. These are a new version of the campy and action packed Wild West Stunt show, and a new Can-Can show at the restored Calico Saloon. Later this month, the new Circus of Wonders will also open (although no date has yet been announced). This new show is themed after a 1900 era travelling circus, filled with carnivals personalities like a fire breather and snake charmer, along with acrobatic stunts and spectacles.
The new Circus of Wonders show will be opening later this month. (courtesy Knott’s Berry Farm).
Fried Chicken is Back!
Finally, maybe most important for Knott’s fans, Mrs. Knott’s Chicken restaurant has now officially reopened! The refurbished restaurant features four rooms all decorated with a unique period theme from the original Knott’s restaurant that started the theme park back in 1934. The restaurant now features a full service bar, and outdoor seating is available for the first time to enjoy the warm summer evenings in Southern California.
Happy Anniversary Ghost Town (and Mr. and Mrs. Knott)!
For more info on all of the reopened (and reopening) attractions, head to the official Knott’s Berry Farm page. We’re hoping to get down there later this summer ourselves to check out the new Ghost Town and ride the overhauled GhostRider, but if you’ve gotten a chance to experience any of it during the soft opening, tell us what you in think in the comments below!
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