Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Explore a Trip Down the Calico River Rapids at Knott's Berry Farm in 2019


© Knott's Berry Farm
Today Knott's Berry Farm revealed that in 2019 they will totally renovate Bigfoot Rapids into the all-new Calico River Rapids attraction.  As previously rumored, the theme park will totally renovate the attraction, which first opened in 1987, giving it "new animatronics, themed show scenes, a new story overlay and plenty of dynamic water effects."

The expedition into uncharted territory will thrill riders with a backstory that better links the attraction to the nearby Ghost Town section.

© Knott's Berry Farm
According to Knott's, "Calico River Rapids will take voyagers on a search for new land through the outskirts of Calico, the richly themed area in Knott’s esteemed Ghost Town.  Guests will journey through the authentic setting with the help of legendary frontiersmen who have plotted the path for settlers to explore.  Rafters will encounter a variety of wild surprises along the way such as roaring rapids, indigenous wildlife, and peculiar homesteaders."  Each raft, holding six riders each, will encounter rushing waters, unexpected twists and turns, and rapid currents as they sail down the mysterious river.
 
© Knott's Berry Farm
The park has already had great success with refreshing theming on some of its classic attractions, including both the Calico Mine Ride and the Timber Mountain Log Ride.  Fans of the park have praised them for spending significant capital on these beloved rides, and the makeover to Bigfoot Rapids appears as though it will continue that tradition.

As seen in the concept art that Knott's has released, the ride will even have interactive features for non-riders as well.  It appears that bystanders will be able to set off some water explosions as the rafts pass by using some TNT explosives!

© Knott's Berry Farm
Another promising sign for the Calico River Rapids is the involvement of Garner Holt Productions, Inc., which will create the attraction's new animatronics and special effects.  The company helped with the park's prior ride renovations, and we all saw how wonderful those attractions turned out!

And for those wondering, this last piece of concept art appears to confirm that despite the retheme, Bigfoot won't be leaving the ride for good, as this scene depicts the legendary beast hiding inside the ride's tunnels.  I can't wait to see how the ride turns out!


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