Happy 30 Years Camp Snoopy!

Did you know that this year Camp Snoopy celebrates the big 3-0?! Knott’s is doing the big year up right with a complete restoration of the entire land. I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the Knott’s Berry Farm Calico Mine Ride and Camp Snoopy Media Day to get a first hand look at the renovations. 

The beautification of the five-acre nature wonderland now includes new all-encompassing trail-like stamped concrete, use of natural wood throughout, extensive camp-like theming, and the addition of three new family rides: Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer, Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies and Linus Launcher. 

• Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer invites campers to “fly a kite” with Charlie Brown and soar above the land’s winding paths and babbling streams – but watch out for the kite-eating tree!  This 32-passenger adventure allows guests to sit side-by-side on 16 swings for a spin that whisks riders up to 18 feet above the ground. As the tree rises, good ol’ Charlie Brown is revealed upside down and all tied up in kite string!  Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer replaces Snoopy Bounce.

• Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies lets tykes climb aboard their very own all-terrain vehicle for an adventurous ride around the High Sierras.  Six four-seater ATVs spin, bounce, and bump up to 24 guests at a time, while Pig Pen looks on from his center perch.  Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies replaces Log Peeler. 

• Linus Launcher recreates that classic Peanut’s moment when Snoopy grabs Linus’ blanket and launches him on a wild ride.  On Linus Launcher, guests lay on one of twelve “blankets” as they fly round and round.  Up to 24 guests lay side-by-side while Snoopy launches them up almost 10 feet in the air.  Guests enjoy a Woodstock’s-eye view of Huff ‘n Puff, The Grizzly Creek Lodge, and all of Camp Snoopy below! Linus Launcher replaces Charlie Brown’s Speedway.

Additionally for 2014, the classic Calico Mine Ride, Knott’s first major attraction and theme park industry icon, has undergone an all-encompassing refurbishment complete with over 50 new state-of-the-art animatronic figures, enhanced scenery and more. 

After a dedication and introduction by Calico Miner Clem himself, we were treated to a ride and I was excited to be on the very first train!

We got got a sneak preview of Snoopy…Unleashed! an ice skating show that was just incredible! I wasn’t expecting such a wide variety of entertainment and different acts or scenes. This is definitely a show for the entire family – don’t think for one minute that it’s just for kids!

I hadn’t been to Knott’s Berry Farm in years, and actually even though I grew up in Southern California, I’ve never even visited Camp Snoopy! The renovations were well executed and I’m excited to bring my family back this summer.

Make sure you’re following Knott’s Berry Farm (as well as #CampSnoopy) on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and fun events.

I attended a media preview day. All opinions remain my own.