UpdateAlbert LamApril 02, 2019Knott's Berry FarmKnott's Berry Farm, HangTime, Calico River RapidsComment

Knott's Berry Farm Update: Rapid(s) Quick Draw Edition

UpdateAlbert LamApril 02, 2019Knott's Berry FarmKnott's Berry Farm, HangTime, Calico River RapidsComment

Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA

Howdy, folks! Today, we’re taking a jaunt to the Old West, and in the spirit of that, we’re going quick draw with a super quick update from Knott’s Berry Farm, focusing on recent progress on their Calico River Rapids attraction!

As you may recall, over on the south side of the park (or the left on a map), there used to be a themed land called Wild Water Wilderness, with its marquee attraction, Big Foot Rapids. In recent years, that land has been omitted from park maps, with Big Foot Rapids left to be understood as part of Ghost Town. The ride closed last fall for a notable refurbishment, similar to what Knott’s has done with the Log Ride and the Calico Mine Ride, and this summer, it will reopen as the rechristened Calico River Rapids—formally completing Ghost Town’s expansion and takeover of the area.

Before we dive into the rapids, I’d like to point out this nice sign over the east parking lot that now greets guests walking toward the underpass traversing Beach Blvd.

Lets take a look at what’s been up, construction-wise, over there!

Calico River Rapids

Truthfully, it’s a bit tough to see exactly what’s going on, because half the ride is hidden by the terrain and foliage of the area. The walkway along the route from the Schoolhouse to the Western Entrance remains open, with glimpses into the drained attraction. Several work walls along the path have been set up, with at least one hiding work for the water cannons that will allow for bystander participation. The islands between the rapids course seem to be getting some work as well, with staking and formwork set up for whatever they’re going to install there. There’s no sign of any animatronics or built structures hinted by the renderings yet, but those might also be in a less visible part of the ride.

Work walls are up at the future Calico River Rapids!

Not everywhere. There are glimpses of the ride interior.

The flume has been completely drained, revealing that this is not a real river rapids!

They’re staking things over there. Might be pedestals for light fixtures, though that’s just an honest guess.

Don’t worry, this garbage bin won’t be there when the ride reopens.

Peeking in more through the trees.

It still looks like there’s a fair amount of work to do.

The most notable sign of construction can be seen over by the Pony Express turnaround. This is where those TNT water cannon blasters are being installed.

The activation stations have been walled off.

But the ride is scheduled to be open by the time summer rolls around!

And that’s that! We’ll be back with a report on this year’s Boysenberry Festival, which runs now through April 28th. For now, we’ll end with a few random park photos I snapped over the weekend.