Last night, my husband and I spent the last hours of 2013 being launched at 82 miles per hour 205 feet into the sky, defying gravity, plummeting at 90 degree angles, spiraling out of control and being blasted into 7 story loops.
I mean, what better way is there to end 2013?
Every year, Knott’s holds a New Year’s Eve celebration complete with music, food, entertainment, fireworks & rides galore up until 1:00am.
Xcelerator
After my hubby returned from work, we enjoyed some pizza, bundled up, jumped in the car & arrived at Knott’s around 5:15 pm. It was already busy, but that didn’t stop us from braving the long lines to experience the thrills of the coasters!
For all you U.S. military personnel past and present, did you know that you and a guest can get in for free anytime from November 4 – January 5? This is Knott’s way of saying “Thank you” for all that you do for our country! We thought NYE would be the perfect day to use our free admission – thanks to my hubby!
Me & my honey 🙂
We started off our evening on the ever popular Ghost Rider – one of the largest wooden coasters in the world!
Bring on the hernia!
White knuckle adventure? Check!
108 foot drop? Check!
Feeling like you’re going to fly out of your seat? Check!
G-forces of 3.14? Check!
Lots of brain rattling and possible hernia? Check!
If you’re into white knuckle, wooden coaster thrills with a little pain thrown in for good measure, this is the ride for you (and a great way to kick off your Knott’s experience!) But be warned – if you have any kind of neck or back pain, heart condition or are pregnant, please DO NOT even entertain the idea of going on this!
Next up was one of Knott’s newest coasters Coast Rider.
52 feet to the top
This ride was so relaxing compared to Ghost Rider! It had some drops, smooth hairpin turns and twists. A fun coaster for everyone and any newbies to the roller coaster world.
Before going on Coast Rider, we checked to see if Xcelerator was open for business. For the past couple of years whenever we went to Knott’s, Xcelerator was always closed for repair or whatever other reason. As we approached the line entrance, a staff member informed us that it was closed for now but said that it might reopen later.
While waiting in line at Coast Rider and keeping our fingers crossed, we heard the rattle of a high speed coaster on a track…sure enough – Xcelerator looked primed for passengers.
Once we got off of Coast Rider, we scurried down to Xcelerator & got in line. As you get closer, the line divides in 2 – one for the front of the car only and one for all the other seats. I don’t know about you, but I like to see where I’m going…only because this way, I don’t get dizzy. Had I realized that everyone else wanted to get into the front also, maybe I would have passed on the idea!
Have I mentioned that this ride is completely insane?!!! (but in a good way!)
I mean, look at it – you go straight up!
…and then…like…literally…straight down…at a 90 degree angle!
It makes you question your sanity!
Ok, so check it out – here is the car before it’s launched down the track at 82 miles per hour…
(oh & check out the stylish flames on the hot rod – love it!)
…and here’s a photo as you’re launched!
Here it is again…BEFORE…
…and AFTER!
Remember how I said that I like to see where I’m going…well…so much for that idea. As the green light approached, I closed my eyes & made the mistake of opening them just as we began our plummet…yikes!
I finally did open them for the remainder of the ride. What an amazing thrill this ride is! As our hot rod pulled up to the station, I couldn’t stop shaking!
Adrenaline rush? Check!!!!!!!
After existing this beast, we both agreed it was time for Knott’s famous boysenberry funnel cake! Envision a right-out-of-the-oven warm funnel cake topped with powdered sugar and sweet boysenberries!
We took our treat with us and got in line for one of Knott’s most classic rides – the Timber Mountain Log Ride. It has recently undergone a transformation with updated characters and scenes, but it still remains a family favorite and a popular attraction for young and old!
As we walked to our next thrill, we couldn’t help but admire the beautiful lights around the park.
Next, it was time for one of my all time favorites – Montezooma’s Revenge!
Montezooma’s Revenge
I love the main purpose of this ride – to blast you out of the station from 0 to 55 miles per hour in 3 seconds straight into a 7 story loop forwards and then backwards.
Eager passengers awaiting the countdown…
Blastoff!
Going backwards!
With midnight approaching, we then headed to Calico Square to check out the 80’s cover band The Reflexx!
Like, The Reflexx was like, totally awesome!
This band was seriously great! I was immediately brought back to my childhood with songs from Culture Club, Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, Haircut 100, A-ha and many more! I’ve never heard of The Reflexx, but they’re a local Orange County band, so I will keep my eyes and ears opened for future shows!
We gradually made our way over to the Boardwalk to prepare for the countdown and fireworks spectacular…
…and spectacular they were!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Spending our last few hours of 2013 at Knott’s Berry Farm was such a memorable and fun way to say goodbye to 2013 and hello to 2014!
May you all have much happiness, great health, dreams come true…and many thrills in 2014!
Filling my passport with family, travel and bliss 