Back in 2013, when Derrick and I spent a week in California, we HOTLY debated visiting Knott's Berry Farm. Derrick really wanted to, but I really wanted a relaxing day at the beach and a visit to the San Diego Zoo (spoiler alert: we ended up going to the beach and San Diego Zoo).

While we had an amazing time at the San Diego Zoo and LOVED our day at the beach, we've always had a smidge of regret over not going to Knott's Berry Farm.

And - well, we FINALLY remedied that regret.
(Unfortunately, we left with even MORE regret, if that's even possible?!)

Of the 9 roller coasters Knott's has, only 5 were open (and when GhostRider went down half-way thru the day, only FOUR coasters were open)!

Unknown to us, the park had been running test-runs on Xcelerator (Knott's SBNO Intamin launching coaster) in the weeks leading up to our visit and to our HUGE surprise, they were testing it almost all day long when we were there! Derrick was BESIDE HIMSELF with excitement - this coaster has been on his bucket list for a very long time, but with it being closed since early 2022, we never even hoped that it would re-open for us to ride.

Needless to say: we watched it launch and test all. day. long. We talked to so many ride ops and park employees who couldn't precisely say "when" it would open, but just kept saying: "We hope it's soon!"

FINALLY, Derrick talked to a more official looking manager who let us in on the dirty little secret that they were planning to open the ride - wait for it, wait for it - TOMORROW.

We missed riding Xcelerator by ONE DAY.
(And, ya know, we live in Pennsylvania, so it's not like we could just run back over the next day.)

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My website: https://www.karaabbey.com/​​
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All videos captured on my iPhone 14 Pro.

My husband's roller coaster channel:    / xscreamthrills​​  
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