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Coordinates: 33°50′33″N 117°59′53″W / 33.84256°N 117.998056°W / 33.84256; -117.998056
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'''GhostRider''' is a [[wooden roller coaster]] at [[Knott's Berry Farm]] in [[Buena Park, California]]. It is located in the Ghost Town section of the park, south of the main entrance. It is the tallest and longest wooden coaster on the [[West Coast of the United States]].<ref name="niles">{{cite news|last1=Niles|first1=Robert|title=In new feature, Knott's masters interactivity|newspaper=[[The Orange County Register]]|date=June 19, 2016|page=Arts 2}}</ref>
'''GhostRider''' is a [[wooden roller coaster]] at [[Knott's Berry Farm]] in [[Buena Park, California]]. It is located in the Ghost Town section of the park, south of the main entrance. Manufactured by [[Custom Coasters International]], GhostRider is the tallest and longest wooden coaster on the [[West Coast of the United States]], measuring 4,533 feet (1,382 m) long and 118 feet (36 m) tall. The ride follows an L-shaped [[Out and back roller coaster|double out and back]] pattern, with a station themed to a mining building. There are three trains, each themed to a different precious metal, though only two are in use at any given time.

GhostRider was announced in August 1997 as part of an expansion of Knott's Berry Farm. The coaster cost $24 million and opened on December 8, 1998, earlier than originally scheduled. After it opened, GhostRider became one of Knott's most popular rides. Between 2015 and 2016, [[Great Coasters International]] conducted a major renovation of the ride, replacing the track and the trains. ''[[Amusement Today]]''<nowiki/>'s annual Golden Ticket Awards has consistently ranked GhostRider among the world's 50 best wooden roller coasters.


==History==
==History==


=== Development ===
=== Development ===
A new wooden coaster was announced in August 1997<ref name="n68997904">{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Greg |date=1997-08-22 |title=Retro Ride on Boards at Knott's |pages=152 |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68997904/a-thrill-apart-retro-ride-on-boards-at/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> as part of an expansion of [[Knott's Berry Farm]] amusement park in [[Buena Park, California]].<ref name="n109470738">{{Cite news |last=Garvey |first=Megan |date=1998-12-09 |title=Coaster's Up, Up, Up and Running |pages=109, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109470792/ 112] |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109470738/coasters-up-up-up-and-runningmegan/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref><ref name="n109471450">{{Cite news |date=1997-09-30 |title=Knott's Berry Farm planning major expansion |pages=30 |work=North County Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471450/knotts-berry-farm-planning-major/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> The expansion project would cost an estimated $35 million,<ref name="n109470738" /> of which the coaster would cost $24 million.<ref name="n109471639">{{Cite news |last=Strickland |first=Daryl |date=1997-12-30 |title=Cedar Fair Completes Knott's Deal |pages=88 |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471639/cedar-fair-completes-knotts-dealdaryl/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> The ride would be the park's fifth roller coaster,<ref name="n68997904" /> as well as the first ride to be built in Knott's Ghost Town section since 1969.<ref name="n109470594" /> Plans filed with the Buena Park government indicated that the ride would cross over Grand Avenue and occupy a portion of a parking lot.<ref name="n68997904" /> The coaster also replaced the Pan for Gold attraction.<ref name="n109470594">{{Cite news |date=1998-11-27 |title=GhostRider to open at Knott's Berry Farm Dec. 8 |pages=47 |work=The Signal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109470594/ghostrider-to-open-at-knotts-berry/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> [[Custom Coasters International]] (CCI) was hired to manufacture the coaster.<ref name="n109470936">{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Ken |date=1998-12-03 |title=Riding the Pine |pages=155, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109470948/ 157] |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109470936/riding-the-pineken-williams/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref>
A new wooden coaster was announced in August 1997<ref name="n68997904">{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Greg |date=1997-08-22 |title=Retro Ride on Boards at Knott's |pages=152 |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/68997904/a-thrill-apart-retro-ride-on-boards-at/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> as part of an expansion of [[Knott's Berry Farm]] amusement park in [[Buena Park, California]].<ref name="n109470738">{{Cite news |last=Garvey |first=Megan |date=1998-12-09 |title=Coaster's Up, Up, Up and Running |pages=109, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109470792/ 112] |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109470738/coasters-up-up-up-and-runningmegan/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref><ref name="n109471450">{{Cite news |date=1997-09-30 |title=Knott's Berry Farm planning major expansion |pages=30 |work=North County Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471450/knotts-berry-farm-planning-major/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> The expansion project would cost an estimated $35 million,<ref name="n109470738" /> of which the coaster would cost $24 million.<ref name="n109471639">{{Cite news |last=Strickland |first=Daryl |date=1997-12-30 |title=Cedar Fair Completes Knott's Deal |pages=88 |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471639/cedar-fair-completes-knotts-dealdaryl/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> The ride would be the park's fifth roller coaster,<ref name="n68997904" /> as well as the first ride to be built in Knott's Ghost Town section since 1969.<ref name="n109470594" /> Plans filed with the Buena Park government indicated that the ride would cross over Grand Avenue, which separated the main section of the park from one of its parking lot, and that the track would occupy a portion of that parking lot.<ref name="n68997904" /> The coaster also replaced the Pan for Gold attraction.<ref name="n109470594">{{Cite news |date=1998-11-27 |title=GhostRider to open at Knott's Berry Farm Dec. 8 |pages=47 |work=The Signal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109470594/ghostrider-to-open-at-knotts-berry/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> [[Custom Coasters International]] (CCI) was hired to manufacture the coaster.<ref name="n109470936">{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Ken |date=1998-12-03 |title=Riding the Pine |pages=155, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109470948/ 157] |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109470936/riding-the-pineken-williams/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref>


[[Cedar Fair]] acquired Knott's Berry Farm in October 1997, at which point land was being cleared for the new ride.<ref name="n109471402">{{Cite news |last=Granelli |first=James S. |date=1997-10-22 |title=Knott's Berry Farm Agrees to Be Sold to Ohio Firm |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471495/ 23] |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471402/knotts-berry-farm-agrees-to-be-sold-to/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> Cedar Fair's CEO [[Dick Kinzel]] briefly considered canceling the ride because of its high cost,<ref name="n109470738" /> but Cedar Fair ultimately continued to develop the new coaster.<ref name="n109471639" /> GhostRider was scheduled to open in 1999,<ref name="n109471639" /> but it opened on December 8, 1998, ahead of schedule.<ref name="n109470738" /><ref name="n109471125">{{Cite news |date=1998-12-12 |title=It's big, it's new, it's scary .. but is it the fastest? |pages=2 |work=The Modesto Bee |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471125/its-big-its-new-its-scary-but/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> At the time, it was advertised as the longest wooden roller coaster on the [[West Coast of the United States]].<ref name="n109472051">{{Cite news |date=1999-03-31 |title=Thrill-Seekers Flock to Knott's New Ride |pages=108 |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109472051/thrill-seekers-flock-to-knotts-new-ride/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> Park officials also claimed that GhostRider was the fastest wooden coaster on the West Coast; however, [[Colossus (Six Flags Magic Mountain)|Colossus]] at [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] traveled at a maximum speed of {{convert|62|mph}}, compared to GhostRider's {{convert|56|mph}}.<ref name="n109471125" />
[[Cedar Fair]] acquired Knott's Berry Farm in October 1997, at which point land was being cleared for the new ride.<ref name="n109471402">{{Cite news |last=Granelli |first=James S. |date=1997-10-22 |title=Knott's Berry Farm Agrees to Be Sold to Ohio Firm |pages=1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471495/ 23] |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471402/knotts-berry-farm-agrees-to-be-sold-to/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> Cedar Fair's CEO [[Dick Kinzel]] briefly considered canceling the ride because of its high cost,<ref name="n109470738" /> but Cedar Fair ultimately continued to develop the new coaster.<ref name="n109471639" /> GhostRider was scheduled to open in 1999,<ref name="n109471639" /> but it opened on December 8, 1998, ahead of schedule.<ref name="n109470738" /><ref name="n109471125">{{Cite news |date=1998-12-12 |title=It's big, it's new, it's scary .. but is it the fastest? |pages=2 |work=The Modesto Bee |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471125/its-big-its-new-its-scary-but/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> At the time, it was advertised as the longest wooden roller coaster on the [[West Coast of the United States]].<ref name="n109472051">{{Cite news |date=1999-03-31 |title=Thrill-Seekers Flock to Knott's New Ride |pages=108 |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109472051/thrill-seekers-flock-to-knotts-new-ride/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> Park officials also claimed that GhostRider was the fastest wooden coaster on the West Coast; however, [[Colossus (Six Flags Magic Mountain)|Colossus]] at [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] traveled at a maximum speed of {{convert|62|mph}}, compared to GhostRider's {{convert|56|mph}}.<ref name="n109471125" />
Line 55: Line 57:
== Characteristics ==
== Characteristics ==
[[File:Ghostrider 3.jpg|thumb|The lower level of the queue in GhostRider's station]]
[[File:Ghostrider 3.jpg|thumb|The lower level of the queue in GhostRider's station]]
The track measures {{convert|4533|ft}} long,<ref name="Los Angeles Times 1999">{{cite web |last=Reckard |first=E. Scott |last2=Gold |first2=Scott |date=August 26, 1999 |title=As Knott's Moves to Improve Safety, Another Mishap |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-aug-26-me-3967-story.html |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><ref name="n109470594" /> The ride rises {{Convert|118|ft}} above ground, and its 51-degree first drop is {{convert|108|ft}} tall.<ref name="n109470594" /> The ride was constructed with around 2.5 million [[Board foot|board feet]] of [[Southern Yellow Pine|Southern yellow pine]], sourced from North Carolina and Alabama,<ref name="n109470936" /> as well as {{convert|50000|lb}} of nails.<ref name="n109470738" /> During the 2016 renovation, the original track was replaced with [[Ipe wood]].<ref name="Amusement Today 2016" /> It also uses {{convert|250|ST|LT t}} of steel, {{convert|1410|yd3}} of concrete, and {{convert|1000|ST|LT t}} of nuts and bolts.<ref name="n109471753">{{Cite news |date=1998-12-03 |title=Ghost-to-Coast Trip |pages=316, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471771/ 317] |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471753/ghost-to-coast-trip/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref>
The track measures {{convert|4533|ft}} long,<ref name="n109470594" /><ref name="Los Angeles Times 1999">{{cite web |last=Reckard |first=E. Scott |last2=Gold |first2=Scott |date=August 26, 1999 |title=As Knott's Moves to Improve Safety, Another Mishap |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-aug-26-me-3967-story.html |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> The ride rises {{Convert|118|ft}} above ground, and its 51-degree first drop is {{convert|108|ft}} tall.<ref name="n109470594" /> The ride was constructed with around 2.5 million [[Board foot|board feet]] of [[Southern Yellow Pine|Southern yellow pine]], sourced from North Carolina and Alabama,<ref name="n109470936" /> as well as {{convert|50000|lb}} of nails.<ref name="n109470738" /> During the 2016 renovation, the original track was replaced with [[Ipe wood]].<ref name="Amusement Today 2016" /> It also uses {{convert|250|ST|LT t}} of steel, {{convert|1410|yd3}} of concrete, and {{convert|1000|ST|LT t}} of nuts and bolts.<ref name="n109471753">{{Cite news |date=1998-12-03 |title=Ghost-to-Coast Trip |pages=316, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471771/ 317] |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109471753/ghost-to-coast-trip/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref>


The ride follows an L-shaped [[out and back roller coaster|double out and back]] pattern. Most of the attraction is within the parking lot near the marketplace. The ride crosses over Grand Avenue (which connects southbound Beach Boulevard to the parking lots) four times.<ref name="n109471753" /> The track is [[Banked turn (roller coaster)|banked]] at angles of up to 42 degrees. Trains travel up to {{convert|56|mph}}, subjecting riders to a maximum [[g-force]] of 3.14.<ref name="n109470936" /><ref name="n109470594" /> On straight segments of track, which comprise about 40 percent of the ride's length, the track is made of wooden planks measuring {{convert|2|in}} thick and {{convert|8|to|10|in}} wide. Curved segments of track, comprising the remaining 60 percent of the ride's length, use smaller boards, which are bound together by metal straps.<ref name="Los Angeles Times 1999" />
The ride follows an L-shaped [[out and back roller coaster|double out and back]] pattern. Most of the attraction is within the parking lot near the marketplace.<ref name="n109471753" /><ref name="Eades 2015">{{cite web |last=Eades |first=Mark |date=May 15, 2015 |title=Ride profile: Knott’s Berry Farm’s GhostRider |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2015/05/15/ride-profile-knotts-berry-farms-ghostrider/ |access-date=September 13, 2022 |website=Orange County Register}}</ref> The ride crosses over Grand Avenue (which connects southbound Beach Boulevard to the parking lots) four times.<ref name="n109471753" /> The track is [[Banked turn (roller coaster)|banked]] at angles of up to 42 degrees. Trains travel up to {{convert|56|mph}}, subjecting riders to a maximum [[g-force]] of 3.14.<ref name="n109470936" /><ref name="n109470594" /> On straight segments of track, which comprise about 40 percent of the ride's length, the track is made of wooden planks measuring {{convert|2|in}} thick and {{convert|8|to|10|in}} wide. Curved segments of track, comprising the remaining 60 percent of the ride's length, use smaller boards, which are bound together by metal straps.<ref name="Los Angeles Times 1999" />


The ride uses three trains,<ref name="n109470594" /> although only two are in use at any time.<ref name="rcdb526">{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=GhostRider|location=Knott's Berry Farm|url=https://rcdb.com/526.htm|access-date=September 13, 2022}}</ref> The trains each contain 12 cars; every car seats two guests in a single row.<ref name="rcdb526" /> Each train was originally a different color ([[Gold (color)|gold]], [[Silver (color)|silver]], and [[Copper (color)|copper]]), similar to the precious mining metals.<ref name="n109470594" />
The PTC trains were originally colored [[Gold (color)|gold]], [[Silver (color)|silver]], and [[Copper (color)|copper]], like the precious mining metal.<ref name="n109470594" /> All trains sported the standard "Knott's" logo on the front of the train. Later on, ride logos were added and a metallic sheen added onto Gold and Copper trains. Lastly, the third update added airbrush effects on the sides of the individual cars along with a customized "Knott's GhostRider" logo on the front. Also Copper was repainted to a more metallic orange/copper. Although the ride has three trains, only two are in use at any time, while the third train is generally undergoing maintenance; each train gets a maintenance overhaul during the year.


==Ride experience==
==Ride experience==
===Queue===
===Queue===
The ride's station is three stories high and is themed to a mining company's building.<ref name="n109470936" /> Riders approach the ride near the entrance to Ghost Town. The queue begins in a mining tunnel and features an area where guests can pan for gold while waiting in line.<ref name="n109472427" /> The queue leads into the mine-themed queue house. After a wait in both levels of the queue, riders board one of the trains.<!--<ref>www.ultimaterollercoaster.com</ref> -->
The ride's station is three stories high and is themed to a mining company's building.<ref name="n109470936" /><ref name="Eades 2015" /> Riders approach the ride near the entrance to Ghost Town. The queue begins in a mining tunnel and features an area where guests can pan for gold while waiting in line.<ref name="n109472427" />


===Layout===
===Layout===
There is a small left turn and initial descent into a ravine, which is followed by a gradual sweep to the right. Trains then pass through the transfer track and climb the lift hill. At the top, riders descend a {{convert|108|ft|m|adj=on}} drop, turning left and rising up over an airtime hill before making a sweeping left-hand turnaround. After the turnaround, riders descend another drop, and rise up a gradual right-hand climb, before descending into the structure of the lift hill and making a left-turn chicane. Originally, riders then turned into a midcourse brake run,<ref name="n109471753" /> but this was removed in 2016.<ref name="Amusement Today 2016" /> The turnaround starts in the second half of the ride. Diving off a straight section that contains the midcourse brakes, riders descend a steep drop, making a left-hand turn, rising over an airtime hill, before making a right-hand turnaround underneath the turnaround in the first half. After rising over another airtime hill, the trains enter a 450-degree downward helix to the right, before rising over a final hill and hitting the final brake run.<ref name="n109471753" />
There is a small left turn and initial descent into a ravine, which is followed by a gradual sweep to the right. Trains then pass through the transfer track and climb the lift hill. At the top, riders descend a {{convert|108|ft|m|adj=on}} drop, turning left and rising up over an airtime hill before making a sweeping left-hand turnaround. After the turnaround, riders descend another drop, and rise up a gradual right-hand climb, before descending into the structure of the lift hill and making a left-turn chicane. Originally, riders then turned into a midcourse brake run,<ref name="n109471753" /> but this was removed in 2016.<ref name="Amusement Today 2016" />


The turnaround starts in the second half of the ride. Diving off a straight section of track, riders descend a steep drop, making a left-hand turn, rising over an airtime hill, before making a right-hand turnaround underneath the turnaround in the first half. After rising over another airtime hill, the trains enter a 450-degree downward helix to the right, before rising over a final hill and hitting the final brake run.<ref name="n109471753" />
The initial drop was covered with a “scream shed” shortly after opening with a metal overhang after nearby residents complained of excessive noise. At night, orange rope lights light up the handrails of the ride.


== Incidents ==
== Incidents ==

Revision as of 21:46, 13 September 2022

GhostRider
Knott's Berry Farm
StandortKnott's Berry Farm
Park sectionGhost Town
Coordinates33°50′33″N 117°59′53″W / 33.84256°N 117.998056°W / 33.84256; -117.998056
StatusOperating
Opening dateDecember 8, 1998 (1998-12-08)
Cost$24 million
General statistics
TypWood
ManufacturerCustom Coasters International
Track layoutDouble Out and Back
Lift/launch systemChain Lift
Height118 ft (36 m)
Drop108 ft (33 m)
Length4,533 ft (1,382 m)
Speed56 mph (90 km/h)
Inversions0
Duration2:40
Max vertical angle51°
Capacity450 riders per hour
G-force3.1
Height restriction48 in (122 cm)
Trains3 (2 in operation) trains with 12 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 24 riders per train.
Fast Lane available
Single rider line available
GhostRider at RCDB

GhostRider is a wooden roller coaster at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. It is located in the Ghost Town section of the park, south of the main entrance. Manufactured by Custom Coasters International, GhostRider is the tallest and longest wooden coaster on the West Coast of the United States, measuring 4,533 feet (1,382 m) long and 118 feet (36 m) tall. The ride follows an L-shaped double out and back pattern, with a station themed to a mining building. There are three trains, each themed to a different precious metal, though only two are in use at any given time.

GhostRider was announced in August 1997 as part of an expansion of Knott's Berry Farm. The coaster cost $24 million and opened on December 8, 1998, earlier than originally scheduled. After it opened, GhostRider became one of Knott's most popular rides. Between 2015 and 2016, Great Coasters International conducted a major renovation of the ride, replacing the track and the trains. Amusement Today's annual Golden Ticket Awards has consistently ranked GhostRider among the world's 50 best wooden roller coasters.

History

Development

A new wooden coaster was announced in August 1997[1] as part of an expansion of Knott's Berry Farm amusement park in Buena Park, California.[2][3] The expansion project would cost an estimated $35 million,[2] of which the coaster would cost $24 million.[4] The ride would be the park's fifth roller coaster,[1] as well as the first ride to be built in Knott's Ghost Town section since 1969.[5] Plans filed with the Buena Park government indicated that the ride would cross over Grand Avenue, which separated the main section of the park from one of its parking lot, and that the track would occupy a portion of that parking lot.[1] The coaster also replaced the Pan for Gold attraction.[5] Custom Coasters International (CCI) was hired to manufacture the coaster.[6]

Cedar Fair acquired Knott's Berry Farm in October 1997, at which point land was being cleared for the new ride.[7] Cedar Fair's CEO Dick Kinzel briefly considered canceling the ride because of its high cost,[2] but Cedar Fair ultimately continued to develop the new coaster.[4] GhostRider was scheduled to open in 1999,[4] but it opened on December 8, 1998, ahead of schedule.[2][8] At the time, it was advertised as the longest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast of the United States.[9] Park officials also claimed that GhostRider was the fastest wooden coaster on the West Coast; however, Colossus at Six Flags Magic Mountain traveled at a maximum speed of 62 miles per hour (100 km/h), compared to GhostRider's 56 miles per hour (90 km/h).[8]

Operation

After it opened, GhostRider became one of Knott's most popular rides,[10] and Knott's officials predicted that the ride would increase the park's annual attendance from 3.4 million to 4 million.[9] During the second quarter of 1999, attendance at Knott's increased more than 10 percent quarter-over-quarter, at a time when other amusement parks in Southern California were experiencing decreased attendance.[11] The ride was temporarily closed for repairs in August 1999 after an incident that injured five people.[12]

GhostRider's entrance

By 2015, GhostRider had gained a reputation as a rough ride.[13] In August 2015, it was announced that GhostRider would be refurbished and restored for Ghost Town's 75th anniversary.[14][15] The refurbishment, conducted by Great Coasters International (GCI), began in September 2015[16] and was completed in June 2016.[17] Most of the track was replaced and re-profiled.[13][18] Additionally, the mid-course brake run was removed, and the trains were replaced.[18][19] GhostRider was originally planned to reopen on May 27, 2016, but this was delayed,[20][21] and the ride reopened on June 11.[19][22]

Characteristics

The lower level of the queue in GhostRider's station

The track measures 4,533 feet (1,382 m) long,[5][23] The ride rises 118 feet (36 m) above ground, and its 51-degree first drop is 108 feet (33 m) tall.[5] The ride was constructed with around 2.5 million board feet of Southern yellow pine, sourced from North Carolina and Alabama,[6] as well as 50,000 pounds (23,000 kg) of nails.[2] During the 2016 renovation, the original track was replaced with Ipe wood.[19] It also uses 250 short tons (220 long tons; 230 t) of steel, 1,410 cubic yards (1,080 m3) of concrete, and 1,000 short tons (890 long tons; 910 t) of nuts and bolts.[24]

The ride follows an L-shaped double out and back pattern. Most of the attraction is within the parking lot near the marketplace.[24][25] The ride crosses over Grand Avenue (which connects southbound Beach Boulevard to the parking lots) four times.[24] The track is banked at angles of up to 42 degrees. Trains travel up to 56 miles per hour (90 km/h), subjecting riders to a maximum g-force of 3.14.[6][5] On straight segments of track, which comprise about 40 percent of the ride's length, the track is made of wooden planks measuring 2 inches (51 mm) thick and 8 to 10 inches (200 to 250 mm) wide. Curved segments of track, comprising the remaining 60 percent of the ride's length, use smaller boards, which are bound together by metal straps.[23]

The ride uses three trains,[5] although only two are in use at any time.[26] The trains each contain 12 cars; every car seats two guests in a single row.[26] Each train was originally a different color (gold, silver, and copper), similar to the precious mining metals.[5]

Ride experience

Queue

The ride's station is three stories high and is themed to a mining company's building.[6][25] Riders approach the ride near the entrance to Ghost Town. The queue begins in a mining tunnel and features an area where guests can pan for gold while waiting in line.[13]

Layout

There is a small left turn and initial descent into a ravine, which is followed by a gradual sweep to the right. Trains then pass through the transfer track and climb the lift hill. At the top, riders descend a 108-foot (33 m) drop, turning left and rising up over an airtime hill before making a sweeping left-hand turnaround. After the turnaround, riders descend another drop, and rise up a gradual right-hand climb, before descending into the structure of the lift hill and making a left-turn chicane. Originally, riders then turned into a midcourse brake run,[24] but this was removed in 2016.[19]

The turnaround starts in the second half of the ride. Diving off a straight section of track, riders descend a steep drop, making a left-hand turn, rising over an airtime hill, before making a right-hand turnaround underneath the turnaround in the first half. After rising over another airtime hill, the trains enter a 450-degree downward helix to the right, before rising over a final hill and hitting the final brake run.[24]

Incidents

On August 24, 1999, an unsecured piece of wood from the track was lifted by a passing train and thrown into another car that was passing below. Five riders were injured, including a tourist who was hit on the head and required stitches.[27] At the time, Knott's officials said that GhostRider was inspected every morning before the park opened and that, during these inspections, workers secured loose bolts and replaced weakening wood.[27] In the aftermath of the accident, CCI recommended that the boards be secured,[12] and park officials installed metal safety devices on GhostRider.[23] The ride reopened on August 30, 1999, after modifications.[12]

Awards

Golden Ticket Awards: Top wood Roller Coasters
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022
Ranking 13[28] 8[29] 6[30] 6[31] 6[32] 8[33] 10[34] 12[35] 17[36] 24[37] 19[38] 24[39] 27[40] 23[41] 29[42] 29[43] 18 (tie)[44] 13[45] 6[46] 7[47] 8[48]

References

  1. ^ a b c Johnson, Greg (August 22, 1997). "Retro Ride on Boards at Knott's". The Los Angeles Times. p. 152. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e Garvey, Megan (December 9, 1998). "Coaster's Up, Up, Up and Running". The Los Angeles Times. pp. 109, 112. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  3. ^ "Knott's Berry Farm planning major expansion". North County Times. September 30, 1997. p. 30. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c Strickland, Daryl (December 30, 1997). "Cedar Fair Completes Knott's Deal". The Los Angeles Times. p. 88. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "GhostRider to open at Knott's Berry Farm Dec. 8". The Signal. November 27, 1998. p. 47. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d Williams, Ken (December 3, 1998). "Riding the Pine". The Los Angeles Times. pp. 155, 157. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  7. ^ Granelli, James S. (October 22, 1997). "Knott's Berry Farm Agrees to Be Sold to Ohio Firm". The Los Angeles Times. pp. 1, 23. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  8. ^ a b "It's big, it's new, it's scary .. but is it the fastest?". The Modesto Bee. December 12, 1998. p. 2. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  9. ^ a b "Thrill-Seekers Flock to Knott's New Ride". The Los Angeles Times. March 31, 1999. p. 108. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  10. ^ "Knott's Suing Windjammer Ride's Maker". Los Angeles Times. March 15, 2000. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  11. ^ "Knott's Bucks Slow Trend at Theme Parks". Los Angeles Times. August 5, 1999. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c Reckard, E. Scott (August 30, 1999). "Safety Work Finished Knott's Puts Coaster Back on Tracks". The Los Angeles Times. pp. 19, 22. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  13. ^ a b c Pimentel, Joseph (December 15, 2015). "Knott's Berry Farm Ghost Town to get interactive update". Dayton Daily News. p. 27. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  14. ^ Wooley, Eric (August 20, 2015). "Knott's Berry Farm Closing GhostRider". Coaster101. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  15. ^ MacDonald, Brady (October 13, 2017). "Knott's plans makeover of 17-year-old GhostRider wooden coaster". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  16. ^ Pimentel, Joseph (September 24, 2015). "Knott's Berry Farm's GhostRider, Screamin' Swing closing – one temporarily, one for good". Orange County Register. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  17. ^ "GhostRider | Wooden Roller Coaster | Knott's Berry Farm".
  18. ^ a b Eades, Mark (May 17, 2016). "Knott's GhostRider roller coaster: longest, tallest and fastest wooden coaster on the West Coast to reopen June 11". Orange County Register. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  19. ^ a b c d "GhostRider coaster rides again at Knott's Berry Farm". Amusement Today. June 10, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  20. ^ Pimentel, Joseph (March 17, 2016). "Knott's GhostRider debut delayed a month". Orange County Register. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  21. ^ Fernandez, Surya (March 18, 2016). "GhostRider roller coaster reopening delayed at Knott's Berry Farm". Inside the Magic. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  22. ^ MacDonald, Brady (June 10, 2016). "Knott's opts for an old and familiar GhostRider over a new thrill ride". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  23. ^ a b c Reckard, E. Scott; Gold, Scott (August 26, 1999). "As Knott's Moves to Improve Safety, Another Mishap". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  24. ^ a b c d e "Ghost-to-Coast Trip". The Los Angeles Times. December 3, 1998. pp. 316, 317. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  25. ^ a b Eades, Mark (May 15, 2015). "Ride profile: Knott's Berry Farm's GhostRider". Orange County Register. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  26. ^ a b Marden, Duane. "GhostRider  (Knott's Berry Farm)". Roller Coaster DataBase.
  27. ^ a b Hill-Holtzman, Nancy; Reckard, E. Scott; Reza, H.G. (August 24, 1999). "5 Injured By Flying Board During Roller Coaster Ride". The Los Angeles Times. pp. 242, 243. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  28. ^ "Top 25 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 6B. August 1999. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  29. ^ "Top 25 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. August 2000. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
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  31. ^ "Top 25 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 6B. September 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  32. ^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 10–11B. September 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  33. ^ "Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today: 14–15B. September 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 3, 2007. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
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