Growing up in Southern California, Knott’s Berry Farm played a large role in my childhood. Whether it was panning for gold, riding my first roller coaster, or learning about the old west; this SoCal staple cemented itself as a “must visit” destination for many people. Families associate Knott’s not only with thrills, but with Snoopy and The Peanuts Gang. Mostly likely because of their memorable “Joe Cool” ads, back in the 90’s.
Since the Peanuts introduction to the park in 1983, I feel as though Knott’s Berry Farm and the Peanuts are synonymous with each other. It’s difficult to think of one without the other. Fast forward 41 years later and The Peanuts characters are still tremendously popular at the park. Snoopy garnering massive lines just for a photo. Eat your heart out Mickey Mouse! So it makes plenty sense that Knott’s Berry Farm wanted to give the popular Camp Snoopy section of the park a nice facelift.
When it was announced, I think plenty of us were somewhat concerned about the change. Would we loose the lush, forested kids land for something less intriguing and less visually interesting? Thankfully, Knott’s was able to capture the essence of what Camp Snoopy is and was able to apply that to the all new offerings. Yes, we might have lost some fan favorites like the Huff & Puff and Camp Bus attractions, but the upgrades around the land are worth it all. Also, the revitalization of the land is still fully in progress; so there will be more to come.
ADDITIONS AND CHANGES
Replacing the Timberline Twister and Camp Bus is the ALL NEW Snoopy’s Tender Paw Twister coaster built by manufacturer Zamperla. While calm for some adults, kids will find this fun kids coaster packed with plenty of thrills. Our kiddo was absolutely scared leading up to the station, but ended up loving the ride and begging to get back in line. Although the track is short in length, the ride does go around twice.
Two refreshed attractions are the Off-Road Rally and the Beagle Express. The Off-Road Rally expanded into the previous Huff & Puff area and has removed those pesky horns attached to the Rocky Mountain Trucking Company version of the attraction. The idea of a trucking company within Camp Snoopy never really fit the theme well, so I’m happy to see Knott’s focus in on those details and change it to better suit the land’s theme.
Formerly known at the Grand Sierra Railroad, The Beagle Express now tells a small story about going to camp and making it to the jamboree. We loved the cute additions to this ride, even the nice new paint job the trains got. But we miss some of the smaller vignettes that were taken away. Although, that’s from a parents eyes. Our kid was fully entertained by all the nonsense that Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang got themselves into.
Another area that got a nice refresh is the Camp Store at the entrance of Camp Snoopy. While not much bigger than it’s earlier incarnation, with the way the store is arranged, it feels much bigger. There is also plenty of Camp Snoopy, Knott’s, and Peanut’s merch for everyone! One massive piece to this store is yet to be installed. The big Snoopy clock has been noticeably absent and we are anxiously awaiting it to be installed once again.
An attraction not finished yet is Sally’s Swing Along. This is an oversized swing attraction that sends guests 10 feet into the air and is replacing the Ferris Wheel in the back of Camp Snoopy. By the time you read this article, it could be open!
Other changes and additions are completely remodeled bathrooms and changing rooms. As parents, we loved being able to access the changing rooms in Camp Snoopy without having to completely leave the land. But boy are we jealous of these nicely air conditioned remodeled versions. It’s a nice small escape for families to make sure their kiddos are taken care of.
One change we think needs to happen but hasn’t, is the removal of the waterfall feature at the entrance of Camp Snoopy. Previously, this showcased Snoopy in a canoe with Woodstock atop the waterfall. But that is being moved inside the land, leaving a random water feature. We’d love to see the figures return or a complete removal of the waterfall feature. It doesn’t serve a purpose without the Snoopy figure on top and has become more an eyesore than a focal point of the land.
During our visit, there were still plenty of construction walls up around the land. So we think there are plenty more changes coming to continue upgrading experiences for guests.
OVERALL
Back in 1983, Camp Snoopy changed the landscape of themed entertainment by being the first land, of any theme park, to be dedicated to kids 12 and under. 41 years later, it still entertains and delights families with it’s lush forested landscape, beautiful views and fun attractions for the young and young at heart. I can’t tell you how many memories I have as a kid visiting Knott’s and running straight to Camp Snoopy. Now, I can visit the newly revamped version of the land I loved as a kid, with my kiddo. Watching her run from ride to ride and walk across the rope bridge just as I did many years ago. I think this speaks volumes about the lasting legacy of not only the Peanut’s characters themselves, but valued family experiences Camp Snoopy has to offer. And seeing Knott’s invest in reimagining Camp Snoopy shows that they believe in these family experiences too.
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING CAMP SNOOPY AND KNOTT’S BERRY FARM, CLICK HERE
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