It’s summer, and we’re excited. In fact, we’re so excited that our collective stomachs are tied in the worst segue ever, because Knott’s!
Yes, summertime in Southern California means many things, for instance we can finally put away our winter sandals and put on something a bit more seasonal. Same for shorts. It’s a subtle difference.
And then there are the major changes at Knott’s Berry Farm, which are a bit more obvious. Mainly because they’re huge.
The biggest addition is Voyage to the Iron Reef, their new interactive 4-D ride for the entire family (or 46″ tall without an adult) in which riders protect Knott’s from some pretty cool, yet very mysterious creatures emerging from the seas beneath the Boardwalk in a cutting edge media-based battle. Honestly, I had no idea there were even seas beneath Knott’s. The more you know!
Here’s what Knott’s says about Voyage to the Iron Reef (because they’ve been on it):
Through enchanting underwater forests, disorienting ocean current tunnels, and mysterious mechanical wreckage, high definition 3-D animation will surround guests at every turn.
Guests who have what it takes to become brave deep sea navigators climb aboard submarine-inspired ride vehicles and embark on an adventure into the Iron Reef that combines the fun of a theme park ride with the interactivity of high tech video games. The submarines navigate 11 colossal scenes featuring hundreds of media-based creatures and other special effects.
The interactive voyage reacts to the actions and accuracy of the guests onboard. Riders aim their freeze rays at ballooning mechanical puffer fish, iron clad octopus, and other exciting 3-D creatures as they compete against their friends and family to blast the most sea life and save Knott’s from a watery doom. The number of creatures taken is digitally displayed in the undock area and players with the highest scores enter the Iron Reef’s Hall of Fame.
We are going to a media preview next week, the day after school gets out and the day before Atticus’ (above) 12th birthday, which, what? It’s pretty convenient that all he wanted for his birthday was to save Knott’s from steampunk aquatic life.
In addition, we are looking forward to the new Snoopy on ice show, as that’s always a family favorite. Blockbuster Beagle!…on ice runs from June 13 – August 23 at the Charles M. Schulz Theatre. It stars Snoopy and his Peanuts buddies (plus some world-class skaters) on an icy adventure through Tinsletown.
There are a lot of other new things to see and do, too. Make sure to follow Family Life on Earth on Twitter for our experiences, adventures and a lot of fun as we check out the Vertical Impact & Vertical Impact Geared Up stunt show, the Charlie Brown’s Happy Campers show, and something that already scares us called Ghost Town Streetmosphere!
What’s on deck for your summer?
