Knotts Fast Lane

[daisy37]

We are planning on going to Knotts on Sat. Aug 4. Is it necessary to purchase the fast lane tickets to make it on all the coasters?

 

[cmwade77]

I know that there are many people who will disagree with me, but I wouldn't even bother with Knott's. It's not a very good park anymore, unless all you like are thrill rides with virtually no entertainment and very few family friendly rides.

I say this as a person who lives very close (Knott's is closer to me than Disneyland and is cheaper for their annual passes) and I love theme parks. We have passes to Sea World, Disneyland, Universal Studios and At many times, the San Diego Zoo/Safari Park. We will not do Knott's or Magic Mountain. Both treat those that need assistance (I.e. in wheelchairs, etc.) like second class citizens. Add in that they are about 99% thrill rides. And then the fact that many people have been injured or killed at these two parks due to a lack of maintenance and the workers not properly doing their jobs means there is no way that I will visit these two parks, unless these issues are properly resolved and it has been demonstrated that they are.

 

[Huff]

We love Knotts (and Magic Mountain). Yes, we love the big coasters. The old west theming at Knotts is a nice break from the fantasy world of Disney. We always make Knotts a 1 or 2 day stop while visiting Disney. We have a couple teen girls who love thrill rides and always insist we go to Knotts!

That said its not for everyone. Many seem to feel all amusement parks should be like Disney or perhaps Universal. I like them all for different reasons. Knotts is very nostalgic (older than Disneyland) and they transported old west buildings from ghost towns rather than try to recreate new. Its more of an old fashioned amusement park and we like that!

For shows they have street gun fights, a comedy old west show, and a very fun Peanuts ice skating show. Exactly what we want there, nothing fancy, just fun.

The chicken at Knotts diner or at their takeout is excellent. We often exit the park and get takeout then bring it to the tables just outside the side entrance gate.

On a very busy day fast lane tickets would certainly help. Lines can get long (45-60+ minutes) for the Ghost Rider, Xcellerator and Silver Bullet and perhaps the rapids ride and the log ride midday. The other rides generally stay fairly short, 20-30 minutes. It just depends on whether you feel little no to wait on rides is worth the expense. If you go midweek it may not be crowded enough to need them.

 

[Huff]

And then the fact that many people have been injured or killed at these two parks due to a lack of maintenance and the workers not properly doing their jobs means there is no way that I will visit these two parks, unless these issues are properly resolved and it has been demonstrated that they are.

Not sure what you are referring to. There have been only 2 deaths at Knotts. Both from riders own actions. There were two other accidents where riders were injured, one from incorrect maintenance (Pony Express). But are you ignoring the accidents at Disney parks such as the poor maintenance on Big Thunder that resulted in a death? Disney's certainly had its share of issues as well. Knotts or Magic Mountain aren't for everyone but then neither is Disney. Different experiences for different people.

 

[cyclenut]

We are planning on going to Knotts on Sat. Aug 4. Is it necessary to purchase the fast lane tickets to make it on all the coasters?

No. It really isn't. Some do it to avoid the longest lines but you can get on all the coasters in a day without one.

Knott's did have some growing maintenance and cleanliness issues but they have a new person in charge ( almost a year now I think) who has done good work to bring the park back. It isn't as pristine as disney, but nothing else is either. Knott's is fun and entertaining. Favorite food is the chuck wagon BBQ.