Knott's Berry Farm or SFMM?
Peabody said:
kRaXLeRidAh said:
For thrillrides and a LOT of above average giant coasters, hands down go to Magic Mountain. For a small mom/pop park experience with a mix of a select few high-tech gadget rides, go to Knott's.That's the problem, because what you said is just not true. SFMM doesn't have flats (thrill rides) and only one or 2 coasters are the "above average giants". THe rest are SBNO (Flashback), just plain crap (Psyclone, etc.), not worth riding anymore (Revolution, etc.), or just "meh".
By thrillrides, I meant a park that is 90% dedicated to thrillrides (and by that coasters count too). But true, the park doesn't have a good selection of flatrides - although the park DOES have flatrides. One or two coasters that are "above average"? If you were to place only ONE of the following coasters from the list below into a park like Six Flags America or Six Flags Darien Lake, it would immediately become the headline attraction there. And that's what I mean by major - and if you really think about it. These are BIG giant coasters in comparison to a good 95% of the rest of the coaster population globally.
The Riddler's Revenge, Goliath, X, Deja Vu, Scream!, Viper, Batman The Ride, Superman The Escape
Super Roundup ("Grinder Gearworks"), Himalaya-type ride ("Atom Smasher"), Scrambler, Tilt-a-Whirl ("Circus Wheel"), Rotor ("Spinout"), Swinging Ship ("Buccaneer"), Yo-yo swing ride ("Swashbuckler"). SFMM's modern upcharge flat ride is the S&S Thrill Shot.
Knott's is more up-to-date in their flat ride selection, if flat rides are a priority:
Huss Floorless Topspin ("Riptide"), Chance Wipeout, Chance Revolution 32 ("La Revolucion"), Teacup-style ride ("Hat Dance"), Swinging Ship ("Dragon Swing"), Wave Swinger, Scrambler. Knott's upcharge flat ride is the Screamin' Swing.
Let me know if I've missed any flat rides since I'm trying to be as objective with both parks as possible. *** Edited 7/3/2005 9:13:11 PM UTC by RideSafety***
Now Knott's berry farm has some cool rides here and there but I'm only talking about Supreme Scream, Xcelerator, Perilous Plunge, and Ghost Rider. I Love Batman the ride more than Silver bullet. Batman delivers a more intense ride with rapid fire succession. Silver Bullet has an really cool over banked trun but most impressive to me was how quiet it was.
Knott's berry farm is the first place I've riden a rocket coaster and probably the only place to ride a 100' + water ride in the USA.
I went to all the major Theme parks in SoCal in June and had a blast at all of them but No other park has as many thrills as Magic Mountain. Knott's is a very small park and I found my self riding Xcellerator and Supreme scream over and over again. Those were the only rides I really really liked which led me to get bored rather quickly.
I went to Magic Mountain twice on Weds and Thurs and the longest line I stood in was X and that was for 45 mins on Weds. Every coaster was running at least 2 trains except Ninja, SuperMan, and of course Shock Wave (it was closed as usual) but who cares.
My choice Magic Mountain
The key there being if the coasters are open. At a major busy day in August, I was at Cedar Point, and rode 14 out of 16 coasters. I didn't try for the kiddie, and skipped by Wildcat at the wrong time, cause it closes early for the fireworks. I had plenty of time to actually ride it, but since it closed, I rode TTD again with an hour wait.
At a slightly busy day in March at Magic Mountain, I rode 11 coasters. Two were SBNO (Flashback & Deja Vu, which was down for maint.), too big for one kiddie, because of poor operations, didn't have time for the other. Ninja was down most of the day, so no go there. I got X, Goliath, and Riddlers because of ERT. Colossus had over an hour wait for one train on one side (stupid, if you ask me).
SFMM may have more coasters, but I was only presented with the opportunity to ride 4 more coasters there than what Knott's offers. All I had a chance to do at SFMM was ride coasters all day because of poor operations. I rode the coasters, flats, dark rides and water rides at Knott's. Even if it is supposed to have 'less', what they have is far better quality, and I love getting multiple rides on quality stuff. The only thing I re-rode at SFMM was X, and besides that, I'd only have liked to have ridden Goliath and maybe Scream & Viper once more.
Don't get me wrong, because if I were put in the situation to choose, the credit ho in me would say SFMM, because I missed so much, and X and Goliath really were great (for me). But I'd much rather spend a day at Knott's if given the choice.
I will never go to any major amusement park on the weekends because I hate waiting in really long lines, but in June I had the oportunity to ride all of the rides multiple times each day I went.
This is only my opinion, but the only thing Knott's berry farm has better and this is only my opinion:
1. A really great wooden coaster
2. A fantastic Turbo Drop Tower ride that I only wish was a Magic Mountain
3. Flat rides and probably the scariest Water ride on earth- Perilous plunge.
Magic Mountain caters to the Coaster Enthusiast and Knott's just isn't at that level.
If that is how someone caters to me, then I'm not going to go there. Magic Mountain has one thing going for it: More. More coasters, and actually, that is it, as KBF has more flats. SFMM has way more potential, but potential that isn't used is just a waste, much like a trip to Magic Mountain.
The LAST thing SFMM needs next year is another coaster.
Then they need to get some modern extreme flats. Then they need to add a drop tower to the back side of supe's spike. Then they need to fix every coaster there. Flashback should be completely renovated, painted, and enclosed & themed so as not to interfere with HH's staff.
Psyclone needs re-tracked, re-trained, etc. Colossus needs it's double dip back, since they only run one train for the entire coaster anywho. But seriously, they need to re-instate the double dip, run both sides, re-track it, and get better trains (IMO).
Revolution needs to have it's trains refurbed without the shoulder harnesses, and the trims taken off. The landscaping needs to be taken better care of. Then there is the staff. Now, granted, I didn't have a problem with staff friendlyness on my visit, but someone in our group did. But I've heard that for the most part, the park has been improving there. They need to stay on an upward slope in the Customer Service Dept., and learn a thing or two in the efficiency dept.
They need to run at the best capacity possible on All rides, and again, add some things like a Giant Frisbee, a Jump2, and some other new rides.
Do all of that, make the park look nice, the coasters run nice, and add some modern other rides, then build at least one major dark ride, and a nice family coaster, along with whatever they'll be getting next year, and I'd probably like it just as much, if not more, than Cedar Point.
But, then, I'm not a Gen. Manager, I'm just a patron that knows what it would take for me to be a regular customer if I lived there, and we all know that the customer isn't really always right, so what do I know?
TeknoScorpion said:
How does magic mountain 'cater' to enthusiasts? Knott's has their coasters all open on the same day, with none SBNO. Magic Mountain may have 13 out of 16 open, 8 out of 16 open, or even less than that. Not only that, but Their wood totally sucks, they've got an overbraked classic Anton that they butchered with OTSRs, and not the best customer service.If that is how someone caters to me, then I'm not going to go there. Magic Mountain has one thing going for it: More. More coasters, and actually, that is it, as KBF has more flats. SFMM has way more potential, but potential that isn't used is just a waste, much like a trip to Magic Mountain.
I love SFMM! I do agree that MagicMountain has extreme potential to be like the premeire park of choice especially looking at how disney's safety reputation is taking a major hit. SixFlags has probably the most diverse collection of coasters in any park. The SBNO coaster is what........Shock Wave? Well, that obvious why. I think the coaster actually sucks but it's open in the winter. I remember it was in SFOG before it was replaced by Ninja, it wouldn't open until the temperature reached 70 degrees, but anyway like stated before if it were themed to be a dark ride enclosed in a building it would probably be a little better thus not making it SBNO! I go to SixFlags for one thing, RollerCoasters and that's it. I don't go to hang out with employees and I don't need them all in my face with that annoying fake glee like the peeps at Knott's, I go simply because in California, MagicMountain has the coasters that I love. So saying that SFMM has what I want thus catering to the coaster enthusiast in me.....lol...... It's weird calling myself that, but I guess that's what I am now.
PNE_man said:
I would go to KBF for a number of reasons:1) Drive time is somewhere around 1 hour less from LA.
2) Crowds are generally less, even on Saturdays, as the park is somewhat "overshadowed" by Disney.
3) Knott's creates a better, safer, less rowdy atmoshpere, and actually cares about theming aspects.
4) Mrs. Knott's chicken dinners are some of the best in the world.
5) Knott's actually runs all of its coasters.
6) Knott's size is managable in one day. SFMM will leave you with miles of walking, and long lines for coasters running only one train. Knott's is much smaller, and it runs two/three trains on everything, including Xcelerator.
7) IF you get bored, you can walk to Disneyland.
8) GR provides a spectacular nighttime ride – nothing close to any coaster at SFMM.
9) Knott’s isn’t known for riots and fights breaking out within the property.
10) Knott’s has a great collection of flats
11) Coaster-wise:
SFMM higlights:
RR (yes, it is an amazing standup, but it is often wrecked by stagnant, slow-moving lines and annyoing queue music that never gets past the first 15 seconds.)
X (of course – the main reason why I would consider going)
Batman – amazing, but you’ve probably already been on it at SFGAm
Goliath, for some.
Revolution (historical reasons ONLY)
Superman (same)
Déjà vu – that is, if it’s open.
Knott’s highlights:
GR – amazing any time of day. Because ops almost always run two trains, the line is constantly moving. Intense air.
Xcelerator – Powerful launch – much better than Superman: the Escape. Short ride, but that means short lines.
SB – haven’t been yet. Sounds like at least a good ride to me. Definitely better theming than SFMM’s new B&M (not mentioning any names…)
MR – Scharwzkopf at his best.
Perilous Plunge – prepare to get wet!
Riptide – see above.
You see, the decision is totally up to you, and either way I’m sure you’ll have a great day. Just HOW great it will be depends on where you go. I’d just like to say, I’ve been to both parks 3 times all on busy days, (alla weekends) and in my own experience, I would definitely go to Knott’s.
Either way, have fun!
1) Magic Mountain is closer to the Los Angeles County than Knott's (which is in Orange County)
2) Knott's can get extremely crowded during the summer season, as much as Magic Mountain or any other large SoCal amusement park.
3) That's an opinion, not a fact. And don't argue, really, just think about it.
4) A restaurant recommendation outside of the park permiter should have nothing to do with whether Knott's or Magic Mountain is a better visit.
5) Well, no kidding. Knott's only has 7 coasters, as opposed to Magic Mountain's 16. If Knott's didn't run all its 7 coasters, it would be f*cked. And Xcelerator has been known to be closed sporadically for an entire day due to maintenance or system issues.
6) Knott's is manageable in one day because it is so small - visitors will find themselves patronizing the same attractions over and over throughout their entire visit. At least with Magic Mountain, there is more to see and do.
7) Walk to Disneyland from Knott's? I don't know anybody that would be fine with walking to a park 10 miles South in the hot SoCal sun - and we didn't even consider getting lost as an out of town visitor in all the suburb areas on the way.
8) Again, your opinion. Not fact.
9) It's funny how you mention riots and fights breaking out as if it happens everyday at Magic Mountain.
10) Hmmm. Great collection of flatrides? I wouldn't call it "great." It's what I call sufficient. What else is there besides RipTide, La Revolucion, WipeOut, Hat Dance, and Dragon Swing? The up-charge Screamin' Swing and the tame Hat Dance? Magic Mountain has the same amount in flat-rides, although their collection is a bit older and not as modern.
Now, I don't want anyone to think I'm an anti-Knott's person, 'cause I'm not - it's one of two of my home parks and I love it, but I hate when people make shallow remarks and judgements when comparing Knott's and Magic Mountain - two of SoCal's glory thrill parks. I would personally recommend someone to go to Magic Mountain if they have not been to either Knott's or Magic Mountain.
It still amazes me that SFMM continues to have 3 rides that sit there SBNO for years. Either get them up and running or get rid of them.
My favorite MJ tune: "Billie Jean" which I have been listening to alot now. RIP MJ.
Not true. At least Knott's runs their stuff. They have most if not all of their rides Open. SFMM? More to see, maybe, but not do.
/\Flashback is the SBNO coaster, and it doesn't even open in the winter anymore.
I wouldn't recomment Knott's to a first timer coming from the experience of a first timer. I've been to both parks once, a day apart, and I would much rather go BACK to Knott's Berry Farm.
Oh, and Mrs. Knott's restaurant does play a part in which park I'd recommend. I appreciate good park food. Even if I have to walk 100 yards outside the gate to get it.
My real response though is, how did this old topic get drudged up again?
Peabody said:
kRaXLeRidAh said:
For thrillrides and a LOT of above average giant coasters, hands down go to Magic Mountain. For a small mom/pop park experience with a mix of a select few high-tech gadget rides, go to Knott's.That's the problem, because what you said is just not true. SFMM doesn't have flats (thrill rides) and only one or 2 coasters are the "above average giants". THe rest are SBNO (Flashback), just plain crap (Psyclone, etc.), not worth riding anymore (Revolution, etc.), or just "meh". If I went back to SFMM I'd ride X, maybe take a spin on Riddler, and that's really about it. After that I'd high-tail it to Knotts or Disney!
Don't ever say something is not true if you don't have your facts, cause it just lowers your credibility. Grinder Gearworks? Atom Smasher? Spin Out? Buccaneer? Swashbuckler? I'd call those thrillrides in the flatride category. Albeit not anything spectacular and modern like a HUSS Giant Frisbee, but a thrillride to the common park goer no less...
And pardon me if you think only one or 2 coasters are only above average giants. I'd say if you interviewed most people out there, they'd disagree. I mean, come on. You have parks out there like Six Flags New Orleans with their headlining attraction being a Batman The Ride carbon copy and Six Flags America calling a Vekoma Flying Dutchman one of their most prized attractions - when you could stick any of the following coasters listed after this sentence at Magic Mountain in those parks and it would EASILY become the glory-crown wearing gem of the park: Goliath, Viper, X, The Riddler's Revenge, Scream!, Superman The Escape, Deja Vu, and maybe even Batman The Ride.
The only 'great' coasters at SFMM are, well, the onlyones I'd go back for were Goliath and X. A lot of Enthusiasts agree, you don't. Superman sucked, Scream was average, Viper was decent, Riddlers, meh, colossus sucked, revolution is butchered, and nothing else runs.
Oh, and I don't think they have any thrill rides either. They have flats, but thats about it. Not major thrill flats.
How funny that you get onto people for posting their opinions, when that is all you're doing.
You've named more than half of the flats SFMM has. Fact is the park had more flats 10-15 years ago then it does now. Name one flat ride they've added in the last 10 years? Now, how many have they removed in the last 10 years.
Yeah, thought so.
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