My First Visit to Knott’s Berry Farm

Thank you Knott’s Berry Farm and Giga Savvy for inviting my family to experience Knott’s Berry Farm this summer. #KnottsIronReef #NewatKnotts

We FINALLY made it to Knott’s Berry Farm. Yes, it was the first time I’ve ever been there… never mind that I’ve been living in Southern California for 28 years. The kids were really excited to go, and truth be told, I might have been just as excited. I think part of the reason we haven’t been before is that we live so close to Magic Mountain, literally a hop, skip and a jump from the main gate. Still… while Magic Mountain would be considered an amusement park, Knott’s is definitely more of a theme park. And so much more fun!

I have to admit we did get the VIP treatment on this trip. An incredible lunch (I finally know what all the fried chicken fuss is about) and Fast Passes to use throughout the day. Now really… Fast Passes are the way to go… when we go back, those are a must. The park was pretty crowded, but even so, it wasn’t so crowded that you couldn’t enjoy yourself. Which we did.

David and I started out on the Ghost Rider roller coaster. The kids refused to go on it, but we grew up on old, rickety, wood coasters so I agreed to go (even though I’m not normally a coaster fan). It was definitely rickety… but certainly reminiscent of old times. David mentioned that it was almost like we were on a date (because we went on it without the kids). I reminded him that the last time he took me to an amusement park (before we were married) I got sick and threw up all over the place. Good times.

Surprisingly, I went on many more rides than I normally would at a park like this. Probably because there were many more I felt comfortable going on. Somebody really needs to fill me in on the story behind the Pony Express. That is one crazy (weird) ride.

I think part of what made the day so much fun is that we met up with my friend Laura and her family. She has a daughter close to my kids’ ages and it was great having them be able to experience the park with a new friend.

My girls even had the chance to play some of the carnival games. Lauryn didn’t win the giant panda (very sad girl), but Amanda won this odd, colorful thingy. No idea what it’s actually called.

Can we talk about the boysenberry everything? Yum! I hear they even have a boysenberry latte at the Starbucks inside the park. Going to have to try that one someday.

 

It really isn’t often we get to go do fun things like this as a family so when we do it feels really special to all of us. The kids had a blast (and keep asking when we can go back) and David and I had a lot of fun too.

If you are going anytime soon, definitely make a beeline for the new Knott’s ride, Voyage to the Iron Reef. It’s a 4-D ride and they give you 3-D glasses and you get to shoot at things. Seriously, it was so much fun. I might have screamed as some big, scary looking monster came jumping out at me. I said might. Also, go on my favorite ride, the Timber Mountain Log Ride. Hot day + water ride = can’t go wrong!

What really surprised us the most was the incredible Vertical Impact show. We stopped for a few minutes to watch on our way over to Iron Reef, but we ended up staying for the entire show. It was mesmerizing. The acrobatics were incredible and I was blown away by all these fit and talented kids. Yes, I’m calling them kids because I’m probably old enough to be their mother. And also because I’m insanely jealous of those abs. Go see the show… you’ll see what I mean.

 

We totally have a new favorite place and by the time we got home (around 11:15pm) we were done. DONE! My feet still hurt from walking so much and I think I twisted my neck (I’m sure it was the Ghost Rider’s fault) but it was worth it. Knott’s… leave the light one for us… we’ll be back!