Not long ago, I visited Knott’s Berry Farm for their revamped version of the popular Big Foot Rapids and had an absolute blast. The park was closing down for the special unveiling of the brand new ride, and once we arrived at the gate, cast members were waiting to walk us through the peacefully empty roads of Knott’s towards our event. What waited for my guest and I was a buffet of tamales, tenderloin sandwiches, boysenberry pie, and all sorts of other goodies.
I chatted with a few people I knew at the event before a man dressed up as the Mayor of Knott’s famous Ghost Town gave a speech accompanied by a live marching band before the ribbon was cut. The line for the ride became long within no time, filled with people excited to see Knott’s polished new product. I let the first wave of ride goers enjoy the ride while I munched on a few more hush puppies. This followed by me trying out the interactive TNT portion of the new ride, which allows bystanders to detonate a large gush of water as people on Calico River Rapids passed by.
Once things started to calm down a bit, I decided to take Calico River Rapids for a spin. Upon walking up to the ride, I could tell that my surroundings were familiar but its appearance changed. Thrill-seekers would wait inside of a cabin, riddled with details that make you feel like you’re in the great outdoors before it was time to buckle up. Just like Bigfoot Rapids, you would approach a rotating platform before you grabbed a ride.
The ride started, and cast members from about thirty yards away called out to me, warning me about a wild bear up ahe
ad, which made things slightly more immersive for me. The ride paid homage to Bigfoot rapids, however, the new version is littered in brand new animatronics and decorations that give Calico River Rapids its own vibe. The ride ended and the Panchos they provided us with didn’t stop my guest and I from getting soaked from the ride. Honestly, it was a blast and I would go again.
Until Next Time
JJ King
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