I just recently got back from a trip from California. I was there for work, but was able to get some downtime to visit a couple of parks that I had never been to before. I visited Knott's on 2/25. I was very impressed with this park. I really didn't know what to expect and I had never visited a park by myself before, so I was hoping that there weren't going to be long lines for me to get bored in. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of lines and people in the park. It did take me a while to find where I was supposed to park, but after I found the lot by Soak City, I was doing fine.

The first ride that I came to was Silver Bullet. This ride reminded me of Raptor, which I enjoy, and I really had fun on it. With the lack of a line, I was able to get a couple of rides in a row.

Then I rode the Sierra Sidewinder. It was a neat concept with the spinning cars and I thought that it was a fun family ride.

Then I rode the Log Ride. I have to say that this is the best log ride that I have ever been on. This ride was themed out to the max and there were points that I was waiting for one of the "miners" to jump out at me. So that I don't sound like a wimp, I rode by myself, it was really dark in some places, the "miners" looked very real, and the last time that I was at any park was during Halloween and everything was jumping out at me then! The coolest part would be when it was completely dark and you went down a hill unexpectedly.

Unfortunately, the Xcelerator was closed for seasonal maintenance, so I didn't get to ride. I was disappointed because I really like TTD and it reminded me of it.

I also rode the boomerang (a headache waiting to happen), Riptide, and Supreme Scream.

The last thing that I rode was the big wooden coaster, GhostRider. I have to say that I loved this ride. I am a huge beast fan and I compare all wooden coasters that I ride to it. I definitely wouldn't say that this is better than The Beast, IMO, but it is really good. Worth the trip by itself. Lost of unexpected turns and lots of air time. I loved it so much that I rode it 4 times in a row. Twice in the front seat, and twice in the back.

I was also able to get my 2008 Platinum Pass, so I won't have to worry about it come April.

Nice report!

No Jaguar?

http://www.rcdb.com/ig291.htm?picture=2

Honestly, I didn't even see this coaster, or if I did I didn't realize it. Where is it located (what part of the park)?

I was only there for 2 1/2 hours, as the park closed at 6 that day, and I tried to ride all the rides that I passed by.

Jaguar is in Fiesta Village...and is easily my favorite coaster at Knott's....then again, I haven't been since they built Xcelerator...though I have been to Disneyland, California Adventure and Six Flags Magic Mountain a couple of times since. You did a great job of hitting that park in so little time!

Yeah, seriously, that's not bad for only being there two and a half hours. Shame Xcelerator was closed. I've heard that's a helluva ride. I need to get to Cali one of these days, if only to get away from the Midwest for a while.

That log ride is definitly something to check out, the hill within the "mountain" is very surprising. I'm sorry you didn't get on xcelerator, it really is a great ride!

Were you the one that asked about your 08 platinum pass getting you in there? How did that work out for you?

Log ride is the best anywhere!!! and Excellerator rocks!

Were you the one that asked about your 08 platinum pass getting you in there? How did that work out for you?

That might have been me, actually, as I had planned on going on New Year's or the day after, but upon learning X's closing date we re-scheduled that trip to Nov.

Log ride is the best anywhere!!! and Excellerator rocks!

I think if you like a ride so much then you should spell it right.

Perhaps he was being punny, and thought the ride to be EXCELLent...

It did take me a while to find where I was supposed to park, but after I found the lot by Soak City, I was doing fine.

Funny you should mention that...I had the exact same issue at Knotts. I'm glad I'm not the only one

Shame Xcelerator was closed.

For some reason when I hear that sentence the Word "Intamin" comes to mind.

I've heard that's a helluva ride.

For some reason when I hearThat sentence the words "Werner Stengel" comes to mind.

And why not?

Do you have ANY idea how many coasters Mr. Stengel has had his input on? Does a number in excess of 500 impress you?

And how the coaster you are thinking about might have operated had it actually been built in accordance with his design?

You pose an interesting question. How many of his designs have been altered?

^Do I know his work?

I have his site bookmarked.

Anyway, not all coasters work like they're designed to. (see also: Son of Beast...)

You pose an interesting question. How many of his designs have been altered?

Between the time he had his design input and the time they were built, there is no way of knowing.....parks aren't real thrilled about talking about that....but it's more than a few.

Beast1979: A number of changes occurred, at the insistence of the general contractor, Paramount Parks, to Son of Beast prior to and during its construction.

^grr.

Either way, Even with the design changes he still maneges to get some amazing designs in there.