Over The Top Mommy

Knott’s

Old Fashioned Family Fun at Knott’s Ghost Town ALIVE! Now Through Sept. 4

I was invited by Knott’s to a special media day in the park. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Knott’s Berry Farm holds fond childhood memories for me. The whole park has so much real-life history in it, dating back to when the Knott Family actually lived on the property with a farm, a chicken dinner restaurant, and an old-fashioned Western ghost town. It was from there that they built the theme park around it known as Knott’s Berry Farm, America’s 1st Theme Park.knotts-ghost-town-signLast summer in celebration of Ghost Town’s 75th Anniversary, Knott’s introduced a fun, interactive experience for guests called Ghost Town ALIVE  The concept of a working ghost town for guests to interact with was brought to fruition and I had so much fun experiencing it. You literally feel as if you’ve stepped back in time when you’re there in Calico, in the Wild West. There are townsfolk, cowboys, bandits, judges, all kinds of interesting people who live there in the beloved town of Calico.knotts-ghost-town-alive-town-hallknotts-75th-ghost-town-celebration-saloonI was elated when I found out that Ghost Town Alive! was returning this summer! It is a must-do for families visiting the park! There are so many fun ways to participate in all of the town’s happenings. You can become an honorary citizen of Calico and help out in the quest to capture the Mayfield Gang, which recently escaped the custody of Sheriff Wheeler.knotts-ghost-town-alive-us-in-jailIn our case, we were actually part of their gang, we were “bad guys”. I don’t think we were “bad”, just a bit “misunderstood” is all. Sheriff Wheeler saw right through us, just by looking at the color of our bandanas and took us right into custody, locking us in the town’s jail!knotts-ghost-town-75th-anniversary-photographersHere are just some of the things you can do in Calico during Ghost Town Alive!:

  • Grab a copy of the Calico Gazette, hot off the press
  • Participate in the town election and vote for the Mayor
  • Witness a wedding in Town Hall
  • Go to school in a one-room schoolhouse
  • Go to the Barbershop for a “shave” and a mustache
  • Help deliver a package from the Post Office
  • Visit the animals in the Livery Stableknotts-ghost-town-alive-schoolhouseknotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-jail

Every evening, the town’s “story” culminates with a town-wide celebration in Calico Square at the town’s Hoedown. It’s so much fun for guests to dance and mingle with the townsfolk of Calico.
In addition to all of the fun action happening in the town of Calico, Knott’s also has an extensive lineup of entertainment this summer. The live entertainment continues with:

  • The explosive Wild West Stunt Show (Ghost Town)
  • The high kickin’ Calico Saloon Show (Ghost Town)
  • Get “krazy “when Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies mount their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, gut-bustin’ country comedy show that will have audiences clamoring for more! In the evening a group of krazy talented performers will have guests kicking up their heels with vine dancing, a down home jug band and dueling fiddlers and banjos! (Wagon Camp Stage)
  • The renowned “Traveling Circus” also returns to Knott’s for another season of exhilarating performances. Set on the Calico Mine stage in Ghost Town, come witness a spectacle; see awe-inspiring stunts, and death defying acrobatics in “Circus of Wonders.” The astonishing 30 minute spectacular will be action packed with all-time favorite circus attractions such as the Trapeze, Tightrope, Aerial Acrobatics, Trampoline, and of course, clowns, incorporating lighting and pyrotechnics, making this nighttime show a totally unique event! Select dates, June 10 – August 20.
  • While you’re in the park, be sure to catch the all-new show, Snoopy’s Magnificent Magical Revue, starring the World’s Most Famous Beagle, Snoopy! This family-friendly show features Magician Extraordinaire Greg Wilson as he teams up with Snoopy and the entire Peanuts Gang to perform a jaw-dropping magic show and lavish musical production. Guests may even find themselves part of the act! Watch Snoopy’s Magnificent Magical Revue on select dates through August 20 .The show is dark Wednesdays. (in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre.)knotts-ghost-town-alive-snoopy

If you haven’t experienced Knott’s Ghost Town Alive! yet, you’ll want to head to Knott’s Berry Farm this summer, before September 4, to be part of this authentic western adventure. It’s definitely an action-packed experience and fun for the entire family and is included in the price of a Knott’s ticket (or Season Pass.) This summer is the perfect time to grab a Knott’s Regular Season Pass, which offers unlimited visits in 2017. Knott’s Gold Pass also includes admission to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, whcih we enjoyed visiting recently. knotts-soak-city-sungearFor more information about Knott’s Season Passes, go here. To read more about Knott’s Ghost Town Alive!, go here.

Family Guide to Knott’s Soak City Water Park

We were invited as guests of Knott’s Soak City to attend a media event in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

How is it that I go to Knott’s Berry Farm quite often and had never been to Knott’s Soak City until last weekend? I don’t know how it is that I’d never been there but I had so much fun that I’m already planning our family’s next visit to Knott’s Soak City!knotts-soak-city-facadeIf you aren’t familiar with Knott’s Soak City, it’s Orange County’s largest family water park, located adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm Park, in the heart of Buena Park. The park just finished going through an extensive 2-acre expansion and renovation, which included the addition of 7 new slides and 2 slide towers, Shore Break and The Wedge.  Along with the renovation came an upgrade to the landscaping of the park, which now looks like somewhat of a tropical oasis. More cabanas, available for rental) have also been added to the park, as well as additional shady areas and expanded seating.  knotts-soak-city-tropical-oasisGrand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
We were so honored to be present for the grand re-opening event, where guests in attendance heard from Knott’s General Manager John Storbeck, who was joined by Buena Park Mayor, Beth Swift. Snoopy was also on hand for the grand occasion and ribbon cutting to welcome the new area to the park.knotts-soak-city-ribbon-cutting

Below is a rendering of the two new areas in Knott’s Soak City. You can see both The Wedge and the set of slides at Shore Break. (artwork is property of Knott’s.)knotts-soak-city-renderingImmediately following the ribbon cutting, we headed directly over to try out the first of the new rides: The Wedge. This thrilling ride takes families with up to 6 riders, on an open-raft ride as they descend down navigating hair-raising twists, turns, and unexpected dips.knotts-soak-city-first-rideMy girls rode in the inaugural raft of The Wedge that morning and absolutely loved it! They loved it so much that they immediately went back on, dragging me on with them. I loved it too!ready-to-ride-the-wedgeNext, we hit up Shore Break, which is the other new group of slides that were part of the expansion. Shore Break includes 6 new slides. First, there are 4 slides that will take single riders on an adrenaline-filled water adventure as thrill-seekers board one of four Aqua Launch chambers to await the chamber’s floor dropping from beneath their feet sending them on a high speed free fall down a 60-foot tall slide and through a series of exhilarating drops and daring loops. Also part of Shore Break are two dueling tube slides which will have riders zipping through adventurous drops and turns as they soak up the warm summer sun.knotts-soak-city-longboards-grill

Menu Expansion at Longboard’s Grill
After going through a menu expansion and remodel, Longboard’s Grill opened this season boasting a newly redesigned sleek restaurant layout and a menu which features delicious items such as hand-breaded chicken tenders, fish & chips and assorted wraps. The menu also includes classic favorites such as grilled burgers and hot dogs. I appreciate that Longboard’s Grill also offer options like meatless hot dogs and vegetarian pizza for guests, upon request. Just outside of the eatery, by the restaurant’s entrance, there’s a new, shaded seating area that’s been added, allowing guests to take a break from the sun while they eat.knots-soak-city-longboards-grill-chicken-tendersIn addition to the newest areas at Soak City, we also had tons of fun relaxing on the Lazy River, playing in Tidal Wave Bay wave pool, and hanging out at Beach House, waiting for the big red bucket to dump on us!knotts-soak-city-lazy-riverknotts-soak-city-beach-houseknotts-soak-city-beachhouseIf you have small children, you’ll want to be sure to visit the Gremmie Lagoon area too.knotts-soak-city-gremmie-lagoonWith all of the new things to check out at Knott’s Soak City, in addition to this summer’s Ghost Town Alive! At Knott’s Park, there’s never been a better time to grab a Knott’s Gold Pass! A Gold Pass includes unlimited 2017 admission to both Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. Gold Season Passes can be purchased online starting at $117.00 or 6 easy payments of $19.50. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Please note: the Season Pass payment plan is only available online at knotts.com

knotts-soak-city-sungearThe sun is always shining in Southern California, so what are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and plan your day at Knott’s Soak City Water park soon! For more information about Knott’s Soak City and to begin planning your visit there, go here.knotts-soak-city-logo

 Logos and artwork are property of Knott’s.

Must Haves at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival

I was invited as a guest of Knott’s Berry Farm to a day in the Park in order to write this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

If you’ve been following along on my Instagram lately, you may have notice a few of the delicious pictures I posted from Knott’s Boysenberry Festival.knotts-boysenberry-festival knotts-boysenberry-festival-usI had the opportunity to spend a day in the Park, enjoying many of their boysenberry-inspired foods and drinks. I got so excited to see Ghost Town all decked out for the occasion!
ghost-town-decorknotts-boysenberry-festival-decorDid you know that the boysenberry originated at Knott’s? Yep! The roots of Knott’s Berry Farm stretch back to the early 1930s when Walter Knott nurtured the only surviving boysenberry vines back to health and began selling the berries from his fruit stand on Beach Blvd. in Buena Park, California. knotts-boysenberry-festival-1920The popular purple little boysenberry put Knott’s Berry Farm on the road to being America’s first theme park. The rest, as they say, is history. As the birthplace of the delectable boysenberry Knott’s Berry Farm.knotts-boysenberry-festival-fry-breadKnott’s Boysenberry Festival runs from April 1-23 this year. During the festival, guests have the opportunity to enjoy boysenberry foods, both sweet and savory, and boysenberry-inspired craft beer and wine. Trust me when I say that you need to try all of the special boysenberry offerings during Knott;s Boysenberry Festival. One of the best ways to get a tasting of a variety of these foods is by purchasing a Festival Tasting Card. For just $25, you’ll get to sample 6 different items. As you can see, I started with one of the desserts, Boysenberry Panna Cotta! knotts-boysenberry-festival-tasting-cardThe Festival Tasting Card gives you quite a bit of food as you get samples of Boysenberry BBQ Meatballs, Boysenberry Fry Bread, Boysenberry Buffalo Wings, Boysenberry Ravioli, Boysenberry Panna Cotta, and Boysenberry Pizza!knotts-boysenberry-festival-chefsknotts-boysenberry-festival-wings

knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-pizzaI loved all of the items I got to try but I couldn’t stop there because there was still so much more boysenberry goodness to try! Some of the other boysenberry items you can find during the festival include:

  • Ribs and grilled chicken smothered in Knott’s farm-made Berry Market Boysenberry BBQ sauce
  • Corn on the Cob with Boysenberry Butter and Boysenberry Mayo
  • Boysenberry Short Ribs over riceknotts-boysenberry-festival-short-rib
  • Deep Fried Alligator & Fries with Boysenberry Aioli
  • Chocolate covered Boysenberry cheesecake on a stickknotts-boysenberry-festival-cheesecake-on-a-stick
  • Boysenberry Corn Dog
  • Boysenberry & Apricot Pulled Pork  Sandwich in a Boysenberry Bun Combo
  • Boysenberry Nutella crepesknotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-crepe
  • Boysenberry Cookiewich Sandwich & Boysenberry Ice Cream Cone
  • Boysenberry Flautas
  • Boysenberry Cotton Candy
  • Boysenberry ICEE floats, Boysenberry Cream Soda, and Boysenberry Lattes & Frappuccinos
  • Fun Bun – Fried Cinnamon Roll with Boysenberry Cream Cheese Toppingknotts-boysenberry-festival-fun-bun

Many of the special Knott’s brand jams, jellies, sauces, candies, and other boysenberry products are available year-round inside the park in General Store (located in Ghost Town)  and outside the park at Berry Market (located in the California MarketPlace), as well as online. This is such great news for someone like me who is obsessed with all things boysenberry.knotts-boysenberry-festival-productsAside from all of the boysenberry goodness at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, there’s also a great lineup of entertainment for the whole family, you won’t want to miss including Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree (on the Calico Mine Stage), Old Time Melodrama (Bird Cage Theater), The History of Boysenberry & Knott’s Berry Farm (in Town Hall), Cloud 9 Ballroom/Studio K Classic Dance Party (in the Boardwalk Ballroom), Wild West Stunt Show: Frontier Feats of Wonder! (in Wagon Camp Theater), and the fun Camptivities (in Camp Snoopy). Also stop by Calico Park for some fun, music & games and visit the animals Old MacDonald’s Farm (in Ghost Town).

knotts-boysenberry-festival-merchKnott’s Boysenberry Festival is a must-do. Be sure to stop by before April 23rd! For more information, visit Knott’s Berry Farm’s site here.knotts-boysenberry-festival-chocolate-bar

Some images and logo are property of Knott’s. 

 

Guide to Eats and Treats at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival 4/1-4/23

I was invited to a media event in order to write this post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

You know that “Spring has sprung” when you start to hear about the upcoming Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm. Knott’s is actually the birthplace of THE boysenberry so a festival to celebrate this time of year seems fitting for the occasion. knotts-boysenberry-festivalSince I grew up in Southern California, I’ve always associated Knott’s with Boysenberry Punch, Mrs. Knott’s Boysenberry Pie, and Boysenberry everything!. knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-cartThis year Knott’s Boysenberry Festival begins on April 1st and will offer park guests 23 days of special boysenberry offerings, After attending a media tasting and getting a sneak peek at this year’s menu, I’m pretty sure this year’s Boysenberry Festival is going to be the best one by far!fun-bunKnott’s has a line-up of over 70 mouthwatering boysenberry-inspired foods and drinks to choose taste this year. You’re not going to want to miss out on any of it! I was absolutely wow-ed by some of the new offerings this year’s Boysenberry Festival! First of all, they’ve got an incredible Boysenberry Pizza that will drive your palette crazy! knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-pizza-wholeIt’s made with arugula, smoked ham, and goat cheese, and topped with Knott’s very own boysenberry Sriracha sauce. It was delicious!knotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-pizza-sliceAnother new menu item is the boysenberry ravioli! Who would’ve thought? This ravioli dish is packed with boysenberry flavors and so savory! Also new for this year is the freshly-baked boysenberry fry bread! Mmm!knotts-berry-farm-boysenberry-festival-fun-bun-and-stickSome other guest favorites from years past, which will be offered again this year, include:

  • lip-smacking corn on the cob with boysenberry butter and mayo
  • finger-lickin boysenberry BBQ wings
  • the famous Fun Bun
  • savory boysenberry meatballs
  • sweet boysenberry cream soda
  • creamy chocolate covered boysenberry cheesecake on a stick
  • crispy, deep fried alligator bites paired with farm-made zesty boysenberry aioli

knotts-berry-farm-boysenberry-festival-deep-fried-alligatorGuests who want to take home the exquisite Boysenberry BBQ sauce, Boysenberry Butter, Boysenberry Dressing and Boysenberry Chipotle Sauce can do so by stopping by the Berry Market located in the California MarketPlace and General Store located in Ghost Town. *Select items are available on the online Berry Market store.knotts-berry-farm-marketOne of the best ways to experience the Boysenberry Festival is with a Boysenberry Bites Tasting Card. For only $25, the tasting card includes generous portions of six delectable treats:

boysenberry-bites-cardknotts-berry-farm-boysenberry-festival-wingsGuests at the Boysenberry Festival can also visit the Wine and Craft Brew Garden, which is located inside of Ghost Town’s Wilderness Dance Hall. Those guests who are 21 years of age and older can enjoy 4 craft brews and over 50 different wines from 36 producers including boysenberry beer and boysenberry wine. There’s also a tasting card iavailable for only $25, which includes 6 tastings paired with snacks.

knotts-berry-farm-boysenberry-festival-wine-and-craft-brew-gardenAs you can see, there is lots to see and do at Knott’s Boysenberry Festival this year! In addition to all of these food and beverage offerings, there’s also an entire lineup of live entertainment during the festival, which I’ll be sharing more about once it begins. To see a schedule of the live entertainment, go hereknotts-boysenberry-festival-boysenberry-crepe

You can join in on the “Boysenberry Conversation” by sharing your own Boysenberry Festival pictures on Twitter and Instagram using #BoysenberryFestival. What are you most excited for at this year’s Boysenberry Festival?

Some images and logo are property of Knott’s. 

Knott’s Merry Farm: A Southern California Holiday Tradition Through Jan. 8

This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to attend a media preview at Knott’s in order to write this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Part of our family’s holiday tradition every year includes a visit to Knott’s Berry Farm during Knott’s Merry Farm.It’s such a fun place to visit and a true Southern California holiday tradition. If you’ve never been before, you’ll want to get there this year before it ends on January 8.knotts-merry-farm-entranceAll throughout the Park, there are wonderful, festive decorations, special shows, tasty treats, and the usual thrilling attractions for guests to enjoy. As you stroll through Calico Ghost Town, you’ll literally feel like you’ve stepped back in time and right into the town’s old-fashioned Christmas celebration, “Christmas in Calico“.
christmas-in-calicoFor the first time ever, the bustling streets of Calico are overflowing with seasonal joy as its gleeful citizens, from this summer’s Ghost Town Alive!, help guests celebrate the holidays with Christmas in Calico. knotts-merry-farm-mercantileknotts-merry-farm-town-hallNew this year, Calico’s Town Hall offers plenty of holiday activities for all to enjoy.New this year, Calico’s Town Hall offers plenty of holiday activities for all to enjoy. Little ones can pen Christmas letters to jolly ol’ Santa Claus or gather round for a special reading of the holiday classic the Night before Christmas by the Calico citizens. knotts-merry-farm-decorations-birdcageEveryone can also lend a hand around town by delivering gifts to some of the folks in Calico. Just outside Town Hall, cheerful Calico Carolers roam the festive streets sharing the sounds of the season though songs and hand bell chimes. knotts-merry-farm-carolersAlso in Ghost Town, be sure to save time to watch a performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”and O. Henry’s “A Gift of the Magi” brought-to-life at the Birdcage Theatre.knotts-merry-farm-magiYou can also find the toe tappin’, hand clappin’, comedy and bluegrass of Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies in the Birdcage Theatre. They’re always a lot of fun to watch!

santas-christmas-cabinDuring Knott’s Merry Farm, the Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town is transformed into Santa’s Christmas Cabin for the holiday season. This is where you’ll find the jolly fellow himself.knotts-merry-farm-santa santas-christmas-cabin-toysSanta is sure to delight the young and young at heart. Send your season greetings to family and loved ones with special picture of the occasion, pictures can be purchased onsite.knotts-merry-farm-santa-photoYou’ll also want to indulge in one-of-kind seasonal treats like Santa’s freshly-baked cookies, mouthwatering pastries, exquisite chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick, seasonal craft beers, gourmet hot chocolate with marshmallows and hot spiced holiday wine, plus much more.knotts-merry-farm-hot-cocoaknotts-merry-farm-north-pole-treatsKnott’s world-famous holiday treats can also be found all throughout Ghost Town, including fresh poured-to-order maple lollipops at the Gold Trails Hotel, delectable homemade holiday churros from the Churro Factory and extra creamy Santa’s Milk and Cookie shakes from Coasters.knotts-merry-farm-ice-showReturning this year, the PEANUTS® gang, and a cast of world class ice skaters perform in the breathtaking ice show, “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” in the 2,100 seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre. knotts-merry-farm-merry-christmas-snoopyIn this whimsical show, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season, including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival, and attending the Christmas Ball! This ice show is a must-see and is my absolute favorite thing to go watch at Knott’s Merry Farm every year! christmas-crafts-villageThe annual Christmas Crafts village includes artistic craft holiday shops featuring power chainsaw sculpting and elegant glass blowing demonstrations. Entrance to the Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village is free Monday through Thursday, November 21 –December 8, and is included with theme park admission every day.whats-new-at-knotts-merry-farmYou’ll also want to make sure to check out what’s new for this year at Knott’s Merry Farm:

  • The all-new It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown at the Calico Mine Stage where the Peanuts gang put on the greatest Christmas pageant ever with Charlie Brown directing!
  • The all-new Calico Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring the Calico Citizens and Bell Choir followed by thousands of sparkling, dancing lights and delightful snowfall in Ghost Town set to beloved holiday tunes.
  • The all-new show A Peanuts Guide to Christmas at the Camp Snoopy Theatre has the Peanuts gang providing an entertaining primer designed to help everyone survive the holidays.

A visit to Knott’s Merry Farm is a true Southern California holiday tradition for so many families. Stop by between now and January 8 to join in on all of the fun!

Connect with Knott’s Berry Farm on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For information about Knott’s Season Passes, go here.

 

 

No Tricks, Just Treats and Family Fun at Knott’s Spooky Farm!

The month of October is literally the start of my favorite time of year….Halloween Season! I can’t think of a better way to spend some family time than by visiting Knott’s Spooky Farm to check out their non-spooky, kid-friendly Halloween offerings. The weather couldn’t be more perfect and the decorations throughout the park, have me feeling all festive!knotts-spooky-farm-logo

knotts-spooky-farm-cauldronThis year, Knott’s Spooky Farm is a limited-time weekend event perfect for families and is open on weekend days during October, as well as Halloween day. All of the fun included in the price of a regular park ticket. (pumpkin and cookie decorating are available for a nominal fee.) Whether they choose to wear a costume or not, guests visiting the park are welcome to join in on all the fun Halloween activities. knotts-spooky-farm-photoHere are the fun experiences you won’t want to miss out on this year:

Ghost Town Treat Stops 
As kids enter the Park, they receive an orange bag for trick or treating. As you proceed down Main Street in Ghost Town, kids have the opportunity to stop at a variety of locations, mingle with the friendly ghosts, and trick or treat. It’s also fun to ring the doorbell of the whimsically themed doors at each location. Don’t forget to say “hi” the to witch also! Costumes for children are allowed but not required.knotts-camp-spooky-friendly-ghostknotts-camp-spooky-friendly-witchLinus’ Great Pumpkin Patch
Did you know that this year is the 50th anniversary of the animated classic Peanuts, It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!? I remember watching this as a little girl.knotts-spooky-farm-50-years This year at Knott’s Spooky Farm, you’ll find Linus and Sally in Ghost Town with special Halloween themed activities inside Craft Barn.knotts-spooky-farm-coloring There are some fun activities to do inside like Peanuts coloring, games, decorating your very own pumpkin head,( for a nominal fee), and photo opportunities with Linus! You can also sit and watch the classic Peanuts special. It’s all very nostalgic. knotts-spooky-farm-paint-a-pumpkinknotts-spooky-farm-linus

Dia De Los Muertos 
This year, over to Fiesta Village, Knott’s has created some vibrant, non-scary fun with a Dia de los Muertos educational celebration of the season. Enjoy browsing through traditional shops with cultural creations for sale. For a nominal fee, you can also decorate a Sugar Skull cookie. Don’t miss this new for 2016 offering! knotts-spooky-farm-dia-de-los-muertosknotts-spooky-farm-calaverasPeanuts Dance Party and Pumpkin Patch Costume Contest
In the Camp Snoopy Theatre, there’s a ton of Halloween fun going on with the Peanuts Gang! The Peanuts gang host a spooktacular costume contest every day at 3:45 pm.  Families are invited to bring their festively costumed children for some Halloween fun! After the contest, you can also join the Peanuts characters for a Peanuts Dance Party!knotts-camp-spooky-theater-timesknotts-spooky-farm-theaterAlso, don’t forget to catch a performance of “Monsters Are Coming Charlie Brown!” in the Camp “Spooky” Theater, while you’re in Camp Snoopy. Guests of all ages can sing and dance in the aisles, along with the Peanuts characters to classic Halloween tunes.

Spooky Hallow Maze 
Even the littlest explorers in your family will enjoy the Spooky Hallow Maze in Camp Snoopy. Experience an enchanting adventure through a spooky forest with larger-than-life jack-o-lanternsknotts-spooky-farm-maze-photoWhile you’re at Knott’s for your day of fun, consider making the most of your visit by adding on the All-Day Dining plan. Guests with an All Day Dining plan receive a wrist band at any of the participating locations and enjoy one entrée and one side dish as often as every 90 minutes! knotts-camp-spooky-all-day-diningFor only $31.99 (plus tax) you can enjoy up to seven different dining locations throughout Knott’s Berry Farm. (Drinks are not included with the plan) To learn more about the All-Day Dining plan, go here. knotts-spooky-farm-pose-with-witchDon’t miss out on all the daytime family friendly fun at Knott’s Spooky Farm this year! You won’t find any tricks, just treats!

Connect with Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
You can join in on the conversation by following #KnottsSpookyFarm.

 

My family and I were provided with media tickets to Knott’s in order to write this review. All opinions are 100% my own. Logo is property of Knott’s and Cedar Fair.

 

 

 

Knott’s All Day Dining Plan

We recently enjoyed a “Sunday Funday” at Knott’s Berry Farm and were there from park opening to park closing. There’s just so much to see and do there, especially right now during their 75th Anniversary Celebration of Ghost Town. Have you been yet? If you haven’t, you must make it there before September 5, when it all ends. knotts-ghost-town-celebration-newspaper

When you spend that long in the park, you’re going to eat more than one meal there. Did you know that Knott’s offers an All Day Dining Plan? It’s a great deal because for only $31.99 per person, you can enjoy one select entree and one side (drink not included) from any of the participating dining locations in the Park.

Here’s a list of the participating dining locations and the meal choices:

  • Sutter’s Grill (located in Ghost Town) – Cheeseburger, Buffalo Style Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, Western BBQ Bacon Burger, Caesar Salad
  • Bigfoot Broiler (located in Ghost Town) – Cheeseburger, Foot Long Hot Dog, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Caesar Salad
  • Grizzly Creek Lodge (located in Camp Snoopy) – Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders, Jumbo Hot Dog, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza Wedge & Side Salad, Caesar Salad
  • Boardwalk BBQ (located on the Boardwalk) –  Cheeseburger, Jumbo Hot Dog, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza Wedge & Side Salad, Caesar Salad
  • Coaster’s Diner (located on the Boardwalk) –  Cheeseburger, Southwest Burger, Chicken Tenders, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Caesar Salad
  • Hollywood Hits (located on the Boardwalk) – Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza Wedge & Side Salad 
  • Cantina (located in Fiesta Village) – Tostada Salad with beans & rice, Grande Burrito with beans & rice, Two Tacos with beans & rice, Caesar Salad

knotts-dining-plan-cheeseburgerThe easiest way to add the All Day Dining Plan is to purchase yours online, before your visit. After you purchase the option online, you print out your voucher and take it to one of the participating dining locations, where you’ll receive a wristband. During operating hours, the wristband entitles you to dine every 90 minutes if you desire. knotts-dining-plan-chickenWouldn’t it be fun to spend an entire day at Knott’s, just eating every 90 minutes? Ok, I’m just joking. knotts-souvenir-bottleThe All Day Dining Plan doesn’t include drinks but I need to share one of the best drink deals in the Park with you! You can purchase a 2016 Souvenir Bottle for only $14.99 and get free drink refills the entire day! It’s a great deal and we used it in between meals to carry around ice water, which they’d also refill for us. It’s almost always hot outside in Southern California so having the option to get a cold, icy drink constantly refilled was a life-saver. Also, if you purchase it online before your visit, it’s only $10.99! knotts-souvenir-bottle-2For more information about Knott’s All Day Dining Plan or general park information, go here.

Connect with Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to visit Knott’s and received media tickets in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own. 

 

 

 

Family Guide to Knott’s 75th Anniversary of Ghost Town

Summer is here and there’s never been a better time to visit Knott’s Berry Farm! This year marks the 75th Anniversary of Knott’s Ghost Town and in honor of this milestone, they’ve got a whole lot of special things going on in the Park this summer, now through September 5th! knotts-ghosttown-75th-anniversaryI was invited to a media day at Knott’s a couple of weeks ago and I had the opportunity to experience all the fun! I actually can’t wait to go back again with my family! knotts-ghost-town-signI think one of my most favorite parts about Ghost Town right now is the all-new interactive experience called Ghost Town Alive!  Park guests get to step inside of this little Old West town and interact with the residents there. Whether it’s the Barbershop, The Sheriff’s Office, The Post Office, The Mayor’s Office at Calico Town Hall, or Goldie’s Place, you’ll be totally engaged with the people of Ghost Town. knotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-spinsterknotts-ghost-town-75th-anniversary-photographersknotts-75th-ghost-town-celebration-saloonWhether you visit , you’ll feel like you’re “too modern” to even be there. (Ok not really, I’m just kidding). Seriously though, I could’ve spent the entire day in Ghost Town! Some of the Ghost Town Alive! experiences include:

  • Getting a handlebar or walrus mustache “shave” at the Barbershop
  • Trying your luck at a game of cards with the sneaky Sheriff
  • Meeting the prospector and his trusty burro, Brutus
  • Locking up the bandits in the town patty wagon
  • Voting for the Mayor in the town election knotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-the-mayor
  • Drawing up hand-made wanted posters
  • Visiting the Livery Stable to meet the friendly equestrian team of horses (Brutus the burro is there also.) knotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-livery-stableknotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-horse

Another fun daily event in Ghost Town that you shouldn’t miss is the Hoedown held right in front of the Bird Cage Theater! The whole town shows up and park guests are encouraged to join in! knotts-ghost-town-75th-anniversary-celebration-hoedownJust inside of Ghost Town, stands the tallest, longest and fastest wooden rollercoaster on the West Coast…GhostRider! GhostRider is a Knott’s fan favorite! After undergoing a recent resoration, GhostRider is now open  with a complete wooden re-tracking of the entire 4,533 ft. long track. So, of course, I braved a ride on it myself with a friendknotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-before-ghostriderIt was amazing! I mean, it was beyond scary, and she kept her eyes shut the entire time but it’s supposed to be scary right? Let me just add that the new cars and track are so smooth! You’re going to love it!

Some of the other fun things I recommend doing while you’re at Knott’s 75th Anniversary of Ghost Town this summer are:

  • Visit the new(ish) Starbucks location outside the Park for a Boysenberry Latte or Boysenberry Frappucino. (also available inside the Park at the Gourmet Coffee Hut)
  • Check out the all-new Wild West Stunt Show in the Wagon Camp.
  • Grab a funnel cake from Ghost Town Grub knotts-ghost-town-75th-anniversary-celebration-funnel-cake
  • Take in a performance of the all-new “Circus of Wonders” on the new Calico Stage.
  • Have lunch or dinner in the sparkling new Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
  • Rest your feet (and enjoy air conditioning) while you watch a performance of “Blockbuster Beagle…On Ice!” over in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre.
  • Pan for Gold
  • Visit the Calico Saloon to watch the Calico Saloon Show and enjoy a cool beverage.  I stopped by with my friend to enjoy a Sarsaparilla. knotts-ghost-town-75th-anniversary-celebration-sarsaparilla

All of the fun I experienced at Knott’s as part of their 75th Anniversary Celebration is part of regular admission to the Park and will continue until September 5th! I highly suggest you get there sooner, rather than later, cause you don’t want to miss all the fun! Also, try to keep yourself out of Knott’s Jail whilte you’re there. (unlike me)knotts-ghost-town-75th-celebration-jail

For more information about Knott’s Ghost Town 75th Anniversary Celebration, visit http://www.knotts.com. Connect with Knott’s Berry Farm on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I was invited as a member of the media to a day at Knott’s in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Knott’s Merry Farm Will Warm Your Heart

Disclosure: My family & I were invited by GigaSavvy to attend a Media Day at Knott’s Merry Farm in order to write this review of our experience.  No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
Knotts-Merry-Farm-FacadeEvery year, Knott’s Berry Farm is transformed into Knott’s Merry Farm for the entire holiday season and it makes my hear happy to be in the park and share all of the holiday fun with my family. This year, you can come to the park and enjoy all of the holiday offerings through January 3rd.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-funWe were invited to spend a media day in the park, experiencing all of the holiday offerings. Sunny SoCal weather allows you to enjoy it all while wearing tank tops and shorts but the decorations and make you feel like you’re in traditional Christmas town.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Camp-Snoopy-TheaterKids always love to spend time over in Camp Snoopy, riding attractions that are just their size, and it’s decorated really cute this time of year. In the Camp Snoopy Theater, you can catch a performance of “Christmas Time is Here, Charlie Brown!”, starring all of your favorite Peanuts characters.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Ferris-WheelOne of our favorite places to dine while we’re in the park is Grizzly Peak Lodge. They make a great cheeseburger and feature a condiment bar where you can build your burger just the way you like it!

IMG_7261After we finished our lunch, we headed straight over to the Charles M. Schulz Theatre to watch the “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” Ice Show. This show is beyond fabulous and a must-see on your visit to Knott’s Merry Farm and is something we look forward to each year.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Charles-M-Schulz-TheatreWatching the ice show always makes me tear up (in a happy sort of way) and this year was no different! The skaters in the show are extremely talented and perform each song so elegantly.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Pair2

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Pair1The set designs are even more beautiful this year as are the costumes and you can always count on classic Peanuts fun within the show and of course, Snoopy is the star!

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Snoopy1I probably could’ve just spent my entire day inside the theater, watching all 4 performances of the day, if the kids would’ve let me, but they wouldn’t. They were ready to head over to see Santa next! You can find him, along with a ton of yummy treats, in Santa’s Christmas Cabin, located in Calico Ghost Town.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Santas-Christmas-CabinSanta’s sitting up, on the stage, ready for kids to visit and share their holiday wish lists with him.

You can take photos with Santa, which are also available for purchase, and come in a keepsake Knott’s Merry Farm folder.

IMG_7478 I wasn’t exaggerating about the word “ton”  when I referred to the treats available for purchase inside Santa’s Christmas Cabin. Among the treats, you’ll find roasted nuts, pastries (including adorable cookies), Starbucks coffee, hot cocoa, beer and wine, and homemade Santa’s cookies with milk.  Luckily, there’s always room in my tummy for treats!

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Santas-Christmas-Cabin-Hot-Cocoa

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Snoopy-CupcakeFullSizeRender

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Gingerbread-CookieWhile you’re inside Santa’s Christmas Cabin, don’t forget to snap some fun photos at the digital photo booth. Afterwards, you can email the photos to yourself.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Photo-BoothYou can find special Christmas Carolers wandering around Ghost Town, singing favorite seasonal songs and playing handbell chimes. Their beautiful holiday attire and carols will put you in the holiday spirit.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-CarolersIt’s also fun to take a ride aboard the train to experience “Christmas on Engine 41”! As you cruise along, you’ll be serenaded by carolers and holiday folk.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Train-ChristmasAs nightfall approaches, guests start to gather around the Calico Square Stage to wait for Snoopy’s Merriest Tree Lighting to begin.

 

This fun stage show is filled with holiday music and dancers and stars Santa & Mrs. Claus and the Peanuts Gang. It’s a fun, family experience and afterwards, if you stick around Ghost Town, you can also experience “glow and snow” on the buildings and paths in Ghost Town’s Main Street and School House Road. Thousands of sparkling lights dance to the beat of “Let It Snow” while snow gently falls in this spectacular one-of-a-kind moment. and Glow.

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Tree-Lighting

Knotts-Merry-Farm-Christmas-TreeKnott’s Merry Farm was so much fun! It’s something you won’t want to miss out on. Just all the more reason you’ll want to grab a 2016 Knott’s Season Pass. When you purchase a pass for the new year, you’ll also receive one free visit in 2015. It’d be perfect to use to visit during the Knott’s Merry Farm season. For more information about Season Passes, click here.

Find Knott’s on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.