GhostRider

GhostRider is a legendary wooden roller coaster located in the Ghost Town area of Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. Known for its incredible speed, dynamic drops, and classic wooden coaster design, GhostRider has thrilled guests since it opened in 1998. This ride has solidified its place as one of the premier wooden roller coasters on the West Coast and is often praised for its intensity and nostalgic charm.

History and Design

GhostRider was originally built by Custom Coasters International (CCI) and was the last roller coaster designed by the company before it ceased operations. With a budget of around $9 million, the ride was part of Knott's Berry Farm's initiative to expand its thrill ride offerings and compete with neighboring theme parks.

In 2015, GhostRider underwent a significant refurbishment by Great Coasters International (GCI). This refurbishment replaced sections of the track, reprofiled several elements to improve smoothness, and updated the trains for a more comfortable ride experience. This renovation revitalized the coaster, making it even more thrilling and allowing it to maintain its status as a must-ride attraction for roller coaster enthusiasts.

Specifications and Features

• Type: Wooden Roller Coaster
• Height: 118 feet (36 meters)
• Drop: 108 feet (33 meters)
• Length: 4,533 feet (1,382 meters)
• Top Speed: 56 mph (90 km/h)
• Ride Duration: Approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds
• Number of Drops: 14
• Inversions: None
• Rider Height Requirement: 48 inches (122 cm)

GhostRider’s design incorporates a series of sharp turns, airtime hills, and rapid changes in direction that are characteristic of classic wooden coasters. The coaster begins with a 118-foot lift hill, leading into a dramatic 108-foot drop that sends riders hurtling down at speeds reaching 56 mph. The remainder of the track is filled with a combination of large drops, tight curves, and surprising lateral forces that provide a white-knuckle ride from start to finish.

The Ride Experience

From the moment riders board the classic wooden coaster trains and depart the station, the anticipation builds as the train ascends the towering lift hill. As you crest the peak, the sprawling park views quickly turn into a blur as you dive down the initial drop. The sheer speed and intensity of the descent set the tone for the entire ride.

GhostRider's layout is designed to keep riders guessing with every twist and turn. The coaster's layout is full of rapid transitions, crossovers, and a relentless series of airtime moments. Throughout the ride, the wooden structure roars with the sound of the train careening along the tracks, adding to the thrilling, nostalgic experience of riding a wooden coaster.

Renovation and Modernization

The 2015-2016 renovation by Great Coasters International significantly improved the ride’s smoothness without sacrificing the intense thrill factor. GCI replaced the aging track with new, smoother rails and made subtle adjustments to the ride’s profiling to reduce roughness, which had become a common complaint among riders before the refurbishment. Additionally, the coaster’s original PTC (Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters) trains were replaced with new Millennium Flyer trains, which are known for their comfort and ability to navigate wooden track layouts more fluidly.

Themed Experience

GhostRider is thematically tied to the Ghost Town area of Knott’s Berry Farm, a section of the park inspired by the Old West. The coaster’s queue winds through a themed mining camp, complete with rustic wooden structures, mining equipment, and atmospheric music that enhances the experience. The ride’s story revolves around a spirit haunting the abandoned mine, with the coaster serving as an adrenaline-fueled escape route from the vengeful ghost.

Fun Facts

• GhostRider was the longest and tallest wooden coaster on the West Coast when it debuted in 1998.
• The ride’s name and theme pay homage to the Old West and the legends of haunted mines.
• It was the last project completed by Custom Coasters International before the company’s closure.
• GhostRider’s total track length of 4,533 feet makes it one of the longest wooden coasters in the world.
• During its renovation, more than 4,800 feet of new track were installed to improve the ride’s quality.

Crowd Expectations and Accessibility

GhostRider is a popular attraction, especially during weekends, holidays, and the Halloween Haunt season, so expect wait times to peak during these periods. The best times to ride are early in the day or during the last hour of park operation. GhostRider also offers Fast Lane access, allowing guests to skip the regular line for a shorter wait.

Due to the coaster’s intensity and rapid changes in direction, it may not be suitable for guests with certain medical conditions or those who are sensitive to sudden movements and high speeds. The station and queue area are accessible, but the ride itself requires guests to be able to transfer into the train.

GhostRider remains one of Knott’s Berry Farm’s flagship attractions and continues to deliver high-octane thrills to those brave enough to ride. Its towering structure, relentless pacing, and classic wooden coaster elements make it a must-ride for adrenaline seekers. Whether you’re a seasoned roller coaster enthusiast or a thrill-seeker looking for a heart-pounding experience, GhostRider will leave you breathless and wanting more.

Next time you’re at Knott’s Berry Farm, don’t miss the chance to take on the ghostly legend of GhostRider!