As summer broils along, we’d like to introduce you to our insider tip for a delightful locals getaway. . . Knotts Berry Farm. With a Season pass to Knott’s costing only $64.99 per person for the rest of the year and Disneyland costing $87.00 for one day, one park, it’s easy to see the tremendous value that Knott’s is offering. The park is also improving a number of its weak spots dramatically and the park is becoming a nice place to go blow off steam for a few hours, if not the whole day. Here we will look at the positives, along with a few things that Knott’s is continuing to work on.

RETAIL SEA CHANGE

It seems that the face of all of the retail locations will be seeing a dramatic improvements resort wide. Virginia’s Gift Shop has removed all of their sports related stock and replaced them with more general merchandise.

The main cash wrap is now cleaner, without the clutter of all of the sports related merchandise hanging on the wall behind it.

these types of items have been here forever and they belong here.

This also paves the way for future refurbishment and development of Virginia’s. With the actual retail floor space being reduced 30% resort wide, they are condensing and reorganizing what they currently have. Sports related items are going to be in In the Game sports store across from Virginia’s.

The fancy boutique items are being moved to the Knott’s Emporium just on the other side of the Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

Just to the other side of Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant is the Emporium, where all of the Department 56 miniatures and other high end collectables will now reside.

the Department 56, Halloween Town display was being installed at the time of our visit.

Christmas miniatures were already set.

Lots of Jim Shore items here too.

Once they refurbish the aging Virginia’s Gift Shop, it will be the nice souvenir shop for Knott’s Berry Farm. Virginia’s certainly needs the help too. While everything is arranged and pristine, the carpets tell another story.

Once this is redone it will be great!

FOOD AT KNOTT’S

Another thing that we have noticed is how the food at Knott’s has improved significantly. The food portions have gotten larger and the quality has been improved across the property!

It is now the Grizzly Creek Lodge again.

The prices are still a little on the spendy side (for a burger fries and a drink at $12.99), but if it is good food, then it might be worth it.

Over near Bigfoot Rapids the counter serve location there is offering a Kebab Sandwich.



YUM!!!!

HAUNT MUSEUM AND TICKET CENTER TO OPEN INSIDE KNOTT’S

Knott’s also recently announced from their Facebook page that the Haunt museum and ticketing location will now be in the old Sticks and Stones location. Beginning the middle of August, guests will be able to take in some Haunt History and but tickets inside the park. You will also be able to make reservations for the VIP Maze, Trapped.

HAUNT PROGRESS

This year, Knott’s is making a special effort to leave the “Day Show” as untouched as possible during Haunt. While we are not sure this is the best idea, with the long history of Knott’s during Halloween, we think the effort to create two separate shows, day and night is commendable. Let’s see how this works out.

One thing we have already noticed is that by now, SlaughterHouse would have been taking over a portion of the entrance by now. It seems that the entrance will not be out here after all.

Let’s go see what we can see.

All looks normal so far.

To get breaking Haunt updates you can also follow their Facebook page here.

GHOST TOWN ADDITIONS

There have also been some lovely additions to Ghost Town. Things that aren’t E-ticket attractions, but that enhance the overall feel of the place. Set dressings really enhance the theme.

We noticed a new sharpening stone outside the candy store.



Inside the ‘Pitchur’ Gallery the walls have been festooned with period appropriate decorations.

Such rich touches, really work in this area.

The pump is back, but…

Don’t they know the water is recycled? EEWWWW!

Please, Knott’s consider getting rid of the bizarre sales booths that are located just outside the park and in Ghost Town. It is a little off-putting to be strolling into Ghost Town only to be harangued by a salesman who looks like he should be selling a Shamwow.



The smarmy, on again off again third party barkers need to GO.

Mystery knobbs have appeared throughout Ghost Town on the exterior of the buildings. What could they be for? Any ideas?

SNOOPY’S HOT-HOUSE

It seems that the inflatable Snoopy that used to sit atop the Snoopy’s Bounce House attraction is not coming back. Let’s hope that they come up with a solution soon to at least put a cover over the hole left behind. On certain days the plastic bounce material can get downright scalding.

FIESTA VILLAGE SET DRESSING

It’s minor, but it doesn’t go unnoticed. They have installed set dressing in the windows above the Taqueria.

PERILOUS LEAK

We passed through Boardwalk and again noticed the deplorable state of the awning for the Perilous Plunge gift shop. Situated under one of the lifts of Boomerang, this store’s awning is literally covered in an unattractive paste of dirt and oil. We also notice that the signage is beginning to peel. Yikes!

NASTY!

WHEELER DEALER

The sign for the bumper car ride, Wheeler Dealer, has returned. This classic Bumper Car attraction will be going down at the end of August to install the Dia De Los Muertos Maze for Halloween Haunt.

And that’s it from Knott’s this week. They continue to improve on their brand and are offering exceptional deals to keep the locals happy. If you haven’t been to Knott’s in a while, its a great time to enjoy a day on the farm.

If you missed it, we also have coverage from the Disneyland Resort today too! Just click the link below.

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