Today Knotts Berry Farm quietly announced plans to close the celebrated wooden coaster, Ghostrider, for an extensive refurbishment. They have also announced plans to remove Screamin’ Swing, the up-charge attraction, from Calico Square. All of this in preparation for the upcoming 75th anniversary of Ghost Town which will be celebrated next year.
Opened on December 8th, 1998, GhostRider is the longest, tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast. It was continuously ranked in the top ten coasters in the United States for quite some time. The beloved coaster will close on September 8 for a comprehensive restoration that we are assuming will address issues that would include new trains and a complete re-tracking of this once spectacular coaster.
The massive coaster features plunging drops, harrowing turns, and 4,533 ft. of wooden track. Hitting speeds of over 50 miles per hour, and looming 118 ft. over the historic Ghost Town, GhostRider even races outside of the Park, towering over Beach Boulevard.
This is HUGE news for coaster fans the world over. For years we have watched as this spectacular attraction became a painful experience unlike its glorious past. Will it be given the Rocky Mountain Company treatment and totally retracted as a steel coaster? Nothing has been spelled out other than saying that this will be an “extensive refurbishment.” We actually hope that it remains the classic woody that it has always been.
We have more good news for you. Screamin’ Swing will permanently close on September 8 in preparation for Ghost Town’s 75th anniversary celebration in 2016. GOOD RIDDANCE!!! This nasty eyesore has stood on the grave of the Haunted Shack for far too long. While we still don’t know just what is coming in its place, we are just happy to see it go.
In November, Knott’s will share more plans about how the park will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Ghost Town. Consider it an early Christmas present from Knott’s to you. So, what do you think about this news? Let us know in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #GhostTown75 for more updates on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram.
Please check back on MiceChat this Friday as we announce plans for our annual Knott’s Halloween Haunt event!!!
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