Things changed a few years ago. Yeah, I’m not a teenager any more, but still love to go to Knott’s and now with my family. However, Knott’s Berry Farm is not just a local hang-out anymore. Cedar Fair bought the park from the Knott’s family owners, and it was the first and last family owned amusement park in the country. When the big corporate took over, many locals feared it was the end of the local hang-out. No more local discounts, easy ride lines, and convenience to get in and out of the place. To my surprise, it couldn’t be more different.

Knott’s Berry Farm kept all of the things that the locals loved about it, but made it better than ever. They’ve added some really great world class rides as well as kept pricing low, and increased their kids area so that the whole family can have fun. It’s certainly not the same park that was there when I was a kid, but I think they’ve done all the right things to not only keep it a Southern California favorite while transforming it into a place that people should make a destination on their stop to the area.

Knott’s has a whole new edge now and is trying to compete with the big parks. Currently, they are running an ad campaign the asks if the viewer is a ‘ride warrior’. They have a series of teenagers stepping up to the camera for closeups with their big roller coasters as the backdrops. The commercials help show that they have some really great roller coasters that are unlike others around. Rides like Silver Bullet, Ghost Rider, Scream, and what feels like near death the Xcelerator are all riders that make any ride enthusiast come out and see what it’s all about.

From my own personal experience, it’s a ride that I would only like to go on once in my lifetime. I enjoy all of the other rides at Knott’s Berry Farm and will ride them over again, but the Xcelerator for me was the best experience that I’ve ever had on a ride and one that I don’t care to repeat. It’s not that I don’t like rides, but blasting off from 0-80 in 2 seconds while flying over top a 200 foot peak that descends into a 90 degree drop is unlike any ride that I’ve been on. I almost fear the day my 1 year old son asks me to go on it and I’m looking into the face of a teenager knowing that I’ve got to save face and go on it again.

The entire park is different today than what it was when I was first going there, and back then it was kind of a local hang-out, but now Knott’s Berry Farm is not just a local hang-out.

Orange County’s Top Attractions:

1. Disneyland Resort – Including Disneyland, California Adventure, & Downtown Disney:  This is pretty much one of the premiere attractions in the world and you’ve got it all in one place.  Disneyland is one of the country’s icon parks and in recent years the additions of California Adventure and Downtown Disney have made it all the more better.  Downtown Disney is home to places like the House of Blues, Build-A-Bear, World of Disney, and more.
2. Knott’s Berry Farm – Including Knott’s and Soak City: Knott’s is the first theme park in the country still has many of the old themes and attractions still around.  However, the last owned family theme park in the country sold out a few years back and with Cedar Fair running it, they’ve build it into one of the best ride and fun parks around.  You can get big roller coasters and as well Camp Snoopy all in one place.  Great for families, teenagers, and couples.
3. Discovery Science Center: This is a true gem in Orange County and has been drawing crowds both locally and from out-of-towners for years.  With interactive attractions like Dino Quest and hands-on features like their new Science of Hockey that’s sponsored by the Anaheim Ducks and the NHL means you’ll leave not only entertained but full of knowledge.
4. Balboa Fun Zone and Newport Pier: What would a trip to the OC be without a visit to one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in the country.  At the fun zone you’ll be able to ride a Ferris wheel, take an auto ferry, and enjoy ice cream walking the boardwalk.  There are lots of great restaurants, stores, and night spots, as well as the nice clean beach.  One of the best beaches anywhere and a great place to visit.
5. The Block: This is not only a shopping area, but you can experience everything that the OC has to offer in one place.  Stop by the Vans store and see the live skateboarding going on in their huge arena, or go by Dave & Busters, the movies, bowling, and more.  With all of this you almost forget you are at an outdoor mall with some of the best shopping and eating around.  Plus, the nightlife is hip and entertaining and there are lots of spots to stop in and meet some new friends.
6. Irvine Spectrum: Another premiere shopping area complete with movies, restaurants, and more.  Plus, they have a huge Ferris wheel that stands several hundred feet off the ground and is worth a ride.
7. Sportstown: When in season, the local sports are very hot.  We have both Angel Stadium for the Angels Baseball, as well as the Honda Center for Ducks Hockey.  Both are great teams that normally make the playoffs so catch a game whenever possible.  You will leave thinking that it was one of the best sports experiencing you’ve seen.
8. Ripley’s Believe it or Not: A great attraction that can fill the day with some weird things.  Known for having some rare and unusual artifacts it’s easy to see why people love to believe it.
9. San Juan Mission: One of the oldest missions in the country and a great place to visit.  There are seasonal events that are world famous, but no matter what time of the year you go it’s quite beautiful.
10. Park Palace: Great family place with everything from miniature golf to batting cages.  You’ll be able to spend the day and keep the whole family happy and having lots of fun in the process.