The Knott's Berry Farm (KBF) Discussion Thread

[Bolliger&MabillardCockroach and rat free since 2002!]

Xcelerator's glasses policy.
(Coming from my training in 2006)
Xcelerator was a prototype. Being the first of it's kind, no one was exactly sure of the ride experience it would give. As a precaution, the engineers fro mIntamin reccommended that eyewear not be worn. So that was etched into the service manual and from that it was added to the ride's SOP. Since then no change has been made to the ride's SOP since it was written in 2002. So even though other rocket coasters allow eyewear, Xcelerator does not.

[thrillriderAm I allowed to eat donkey during lent?]

With the glasses straps issue, I was sent this response from Martins.

"David,



You can wear glasses with straps on. You cannot wear glasses without straps. I am surprised you were misinformed. I am glad you enjoyed our park and hope you can visit us again."

This is totaly different than what I was told on the ride platforms. The workers told me I couldn't wear them, and there was a sign on silverstreak that said so as well.


I am still waiting to hear back from knotts berry farm about the issue.

Ya, i was told on Xcelerator and Pony Express that they weren't allowed, even with the straps...I mean not much I can do clearly, still enjoyed my time, just a weird policy.

[fatdaddyI'm 39 and can't find the Shift Key]

Spent the day at Calico Ghost Town in Yermo. My daughter loves the Mystery Shack, wish she could have seen the one at Knott's. Of course, the kids had to pan for gold too, but I think Knott's has a better set up for that.

[thrillriderAm I allowed to eat donkey during lent?]

I got an email from knotts today about the glasses strap policy.....

Hi Dave,



I am sorry that having to remove your glasses to ride was an inconvenience.



Here in California , we are mandated to strictly follow the ride manufacturer’s requirements by state laws. The State of California mandates that if the manufacturer uses the words “should” or “recommends” in their manuals, then we need to define it as a “must”. This means that if it is listed in the manufacturer’s operating manual as a requirement to ride, we must enforce it. Unless it is changed by the manufacturer we cannot change the rider requirements. If we do not follow the requirements, the State of California can shut the ride down or place fines on the Park.



Magic Mountain , Disney and Great America all need to follow the same California state laws and may have requirements listed in their manufacturer manuals that allow glasses to be worn. It is each individual ride manufacturer that dictates the requirements and each Park, at least in California , to strictly enforce those requirements.



You are correct that Xcelerator and Top Thrill Dragster are made by the same manufacturer. In the manufacturer’s manual we received for our version it stated that eyewear, even with a strap, is not allowed. In the Top Thrill Dragster manual it states that eyewear can be worn with a strap. We have been asking the manufacturer to change our requirement, however, our requests have been denied.



California has the strictest laws when it comes to amusement rides in the country. So, in the Pony Express manufacturer’s manual it is recommended that glasses not be worn, we have to enforce it as a must not be worn.



I agree with you that sometimes having the lack of vision can take away from the ride, especially since I too wear glasses to see and I am also required to remove my glasses to ride, even when we are not operating to the public.



Again, I apologize for the inconvenience.



Sincerely,

Joey Toyoshiba

[SidraWhat would donkeys be like on the moon?]

Very nice reply and an intelligent and personal response from the park.

[Jew"It's not small, but it is very 'average.'"]

Amazing how that works: they take all the manufacturers suggested guidelines as a must, but at the same time couldn't be sure if the cable inspection was supposed to be performed monthly or every 6 months...

[braztazDon't make me kick you in the donkey!]

Very nice reply and an intelligent and personal response from the park.

Agreed.

[fatdaddyI'm 39 and can't find the Shift Key]

^^Please lets not start that whole discussion again.

[John KnottsDon't let this donkey melt you with its laser eyes!]

^ Yeah, parks are no more perfect than the rest of us.