New Knott’s attraction see-worthy

The line waiting to get aboard the latest attraction at Knott’s Berry Farm — “Voyage to the Iron Reef” — winds back and forth on the upper level of platform outside the ride entrance, goes down the stairs and continues through a maze of lines on ground level. Many have been in line since the theme park opened.

The “4-D” adventure takes riders to an undersea world that surrounds their car as they battle creatures using what appears to be an interactive freeze ray. Targets range from puffer fish to the Kraken Queen.

At the end of the journey, riders see how their score compares to fellow riders in their car and to past adventurers.

“We are always looking at the next big trend and interactivity is very popular right now,” says Lara Hanneman, creative director for “Voyage to the Iron Reef.”

Change is important at all theme parks, especially those in Southern California where the competition is so heavy. Knott’s Berry Farm sits in the shadow of Disneyland and California Adventure, while Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain are just up the road. A new attraction — or a revamped old one — gives visitors another reason to go back to the park.

Arthur Levine, a theme parks expert at about.com says that theme park officials must straddle the line between the old and the new when making any changes.

“People love going to parks — especially one as old as Knott’s — to experience the things they did as a child. They expect to see certain things,” Levine says. “Nostalgia is very important but at the same time, the parks must keep re-inventing themselves with the latest technology. It’s a curious blend of the old and new.”

The crowds the new attraction is drawing are rather unique for theme parks. Levine explains that there are generally two types of theme parks: major destination parks and seasonal ones. Knott’s isn’t a destination park but is more than a seasonal, too. It’s open all year long.

He sees “Voyage to the Reef” as Knott’s Berry Farm stepping up and taking the park to another level.

“Knott’s has carved out this unique space,” Levine says.

Work started more than a year ago on “Voyage to the Iron Reef.” Like many other amusement parks, Knott’s has a limited amount of room to grow. The decision was made to put the attraction in the Boardwalk Pier part of the park, which lead to the nautical theme.

Disneyland can turn to movie projects for new rides such as Cars Land and the Little Mermaid ride. Universal Studios Hollywood’s latest addition is based on the “Fast & Furious” franchise.

The major theme for Knott’s Berry Farm is Charlie Brown and the gang.

“We don’t have a movie outlet,” Hanneman says. “We started talking about what to put in that space and because it was going in the Boardwalk area we decided if we were going to make the ride look like we were going under and out of the park, what would it be.”

The new attraction is in the building that previously housed “Knott’s Bear-y Tales” — that opened in 1975 — and “Kingdom of the Dinosaurs” — that opened in 1987. The space was taken over by 600 feet of track that passes 11 scenes featuring the wide array of creatures.

Other new attractions include:

• “Blockbuster Beagle! ... on Ice” (Charles M. Schulz Theatre): Snoopy and the gang hit the ice for a trip through Hollyhwood.
• “Vertical Impact” (Calico Square Stage): Combines trampoline stunts, BMX riders, skaters, dancers, and aerialists.
• “Big Band Swingin’ Sundays” (Boardwalk Circle): It’s time to hit the dance floor for swing dancing to Big Band performers.

To make sure guests can see as much of the park as possible, Knott’s has extended its hours hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer season.

This story was originally published June 27, 2015 at 5:35 AM with the headline "New Knott’s attraction see-worthy."