I had the honor and pleasure of handling the audio engineering and sound design for the 2014 re-opening of the Calico Mine Ride. I grew up coming to Knotts and this ride was always one of my favorites. I definitely feel privileged to have been able to put my small mark on this ride's history. Your videos are always great, and this one has to be my favorite yet (although I'm biased!). Here are some quick notes about the production: The audio design for the ride was completely rebuilt for higher fidelity, better performances, and to bring the standards to the present day. This included all audio elements (sound effects for the different tools and elevators, voice-overs, finale explosions, etc), and even the music that plays when you enter the caverns. The cavern music was recorded from the original sheet music, with individual elements being matched to the old retro-style effects from the original recording. There are three different on-train voice-over characters, each of which put their own unique spin on the story of the Calico Mine. The day before the ride opened, I had to check that all of the voice-overs worked appropriately on all 6 trains. This required 18 trips on the Calico Mine Ride in a row, but I never grew tired of the experience, and I still enjoy it just as much today. Thanks for your hard work on this episode!
Were you in charge of the on-board audio on the trains? Because it definitely hasn't aged well. I find myself having to constantly fight with the audio boxes to make them work properly some days. Or the audio is dead-quiet. Or it just doesn't trigger. Trains 2 and 5 are by far the quietest ones we have and I cannot for the life of me get them to spiel louder.
@@fluffydevil13 it's looks like Disney company class starts in Disney world and Disneyland before the election was Walt Disney company and Disneyland before New
As a local to Knott's, I am very impressed with your detailed research and ability to find all the archive photos of the areas where Hulbert grew up and worked. Kudos to you and, as always, I look forward to your expeditions!
Had the Pleasure of Knowing Bud.. I remember him as a bit on the Humble side. I was invited to the Re-opening of the Mine Ride in 2014, by a local group. I went on it several times to see what changes I might have missed. I remember saying to my self.. I think I will go one time for Bud. I felt as though he was sitting there beside me in that mine car saying "Good Job..looks good" I spoke to Garner-Holt after the ride, as Local Dignitaries walked by, and they were very vocal of the things they were able to accomplish. More realistic figures, voices etc..All in all a very nice day there at the Park..Miss you Bud..
GTMGUNN as far as the rapids go I hope they turn out well considering how long the ride has been closed for, and ghost town alive should be very fun as usual. Of course with boysenberry ending it’s slowed down a bit, but it should be an eventful summer. The calico river rapids should be opening this month.
Pantheragem It doesn’t matter where we go or what rides are available, in MY mind and heart, NOTHING beats the Calico Mine Train Ride and the Log Ride at Knott’s Berry Farm. And speaking of the Log Ride, I was there and personally watched John Wayne and his grandson pop out of the mountain at the top and ride the log down the chute as that ride’s inaugural first riders on its official opening day on July 11, 1969. And I can’t tell you how many blissful summer days me and some neighborhood friends spent on “Jungle Island”. That was Kid paradise there buddy! 25¢ to cross the bridge and enter the wilds of that jungle paradise full of trees (Eucalyptus, Palms of all shapes and sizes, Elms, etc), shrubs and plants of all kinds to hide in and around as we played our endless games of tag and hide-and-go-seek up and down the island’s maze of jungle paths that meandered every which direction as they criss-crossed under the beautiful shady-green canopy of leaves above and around us! There was no time limit there and time ceased to exist for us kids once we crossed the bridge to Jungle Island. Our moms would pack us sack lunches to take to the island and we would spend hours there, often half a day or more! I wish every kid could have had that experience! Jungle Island was a kid PARADISE of adventure and fun where time stood still for all who crossed over and entered that shady world to explore its endless paths! It had been located around behind the big duck-pond and down a path past Independence Hall. The duck pond and Jungle Island are both long gone now, having been bulldozed and filled in to make way for another parking lot and the Knott’s water park. I lived an 8 minute walk away from Knott’s from age 2 to 10 (1961-70). My bedroom window would be open at night in the perfect Southern Cal weather when I went to bed and I’d fall asleep every night to the sound of the seals in the seal pool going “OAT-OAT - OAT-OAT”... and the train’s steam engine whistle blowing its warning at the pedestrians crossing the tracks while the engine’s bell rang “CLANG-CLANG - CLANG CLANG”... and the music of the Grand Merry-go-round’s calliope playing its tunes. Those were the sounds of Knott’s Berry Farm that filled the air thru my neighborhood day and night. Music to my ears as I fell asleep to it each night. Oh what grand memories I’ve got of growing up next door to that wonderful place. And I’ll add that it was much more wonderful in the ‘60s and had an atmosphere and mystique all its own then that today’s Knott’s can’t come close to. Today’s Knott’s is much more generic and much like other amusement parks, having lost so much of its original unique personality. When Walter died, the Knott’s I knew growing up died with him.
@Steamed Hams Same here. Some of my earliest memories was mom taking us on the 7 or 8 minute walk from our front porch to “The Duck Pond” carrying our bag of cheap white bread to feed the ducks! The whole time there, we were treated to the sound of that wonderful band music playing loudly from the heart of that big ol’ FANTASTIC antique Grand Carousel as it carried its loads of happy riders swiftly around and around there by the bank of the pond! (I always liked riding the Ostriches or the Tiger, or the big Elephant). While still very young there was one time when my little brother who was about 2 years old at the time fell off a little dock into the green water of The Duck Pond and SANK instead of floating! My dad jumped in after him and pulled him out. And there was the little mini train that took its loads of riders on sightseeing trips all the way around the big pond and thru the dark tunnel on the other side. There were many times, after we kids had gotten a little older (7, 8, 9, 10 years old) and could run around the neighborhood all day without a parental chaperone, when we went around to the mini-train tunnel and disregarded the “DANGER-DO NOT ENTER” sign and walked on in and thru it. We sometimes got ran off by the train’s ‘engineer’ if we lingered in that area around the tunnel too long. Some of the warmest best memories of my life are of my early adventures with friends and family there at Knott’s Berry Farm! I can still smell the smells of that place in my memories: the eucalyptus trees, the popcorn, the cigars a lot of men smoked back then... memories of a time and place gone by...
I'm south Cal.Thanks so much for all your work, especially this ride. I loved this ride as a kid thru present. I am now51 yrs age. My three kids also grew up on classics such as this ride. I truly appreciate your historical insight!
It is funny of how many people don’t know one America’s most historical significance amusement parks. I’m glad to see Knott’s getting some love make sure you get boysenberry berry cookies and boysenberry candy.
From my first ride of the Calico Mine in 1962 it was my favorite park ride of all time....to this day. The restoration was much needed as my visit in 2012 was very sad. Calico Mine had gotten dirty, dark and look bad. The restoration made it seem like 1962 only better. Thx
From a berry stand, to a mountain. This is a great tale of growth through the unknown for Bud and Knotts Berry Farm. They built what we take for granted in the modern theme park.
LA native- my father went with his father to Knott's through the 40's and 50's. I was born in '63, and my father made certain we visited once a month throughout my childhood. The Mine Ride is mother's milk...thank you for posting this deeply personal video
Having grown up in Southern California from the 80’s onward, I can’t count how many times I’ve been to Knott’s. In my opinion, it’s a much better park than Disneyland. Please do more videos on this fantastic and one of a kind Park! I also coincidentally live a block from Castle Park!
Fun to watch!. Excellent tesesrch. My mom road the RedLine trolley from Los Angeles to the Berry Farm for picnics in tbe 40s. I grew up just down the road from the park...the train whistlw always made me smile. I remembet the Mine Ride being built. I have a picture of me age 6 Driving the antique car car ride. Thete was no park entry charge in the early days.
As a Southern Cali local, I appreciate the effort put into this video! I haven't visited the caverns in New Mexico yet, but I did visit Kartchner caverns state park in Arizona. If anyone gets the chance to ever visit any cavern, I HIGHLY recommend it! (It's a fantastic experience.)
As a former Miner to the Calico Mine Ride pre-2014 overhaul, it was nice to watch this. The history of this attraction is honestly some of my favorite stuff. I met Bud before he passed. He was a really neat man. Its awesome he had his own park, though I haven't visited it yet. I thoroughly enjoyed this one to be honest.
One of the best memories I ever had of this ride was waiting in line and Tony Baxter was just ahead of me. I got a chance to ask him about the mine train and hearing how him and other Disney Imagineers drew inspiration from it, especially the total immersion before rides like Submarine Voyage and Pirates of the Caribbean was just amazing
Knott's Berry Farm is by far the best non Disney/ Universal theme park in the USA. So much history, and put together so well. Something for everyone. This was one of my favorite parks growing up.
Ah Knotts, last time I've been there was for my dad's company picnic. I've been to that place so many time's pretty nostalgic. Also conventice here I actually live here in Riverside. I can say yes Castle Park is still there. I've only been there once as a kid though.
I subscribed to the now defunct "E ticket" fanzine magazine where they talked about Mr. Hurlbut. I rode this ride as a kid in the 1970's then as an adult. On the level of Disney in showmanship, I still enjoy this ride to this day. Walt & Bud doing a hand shake deal was when gentlemen WERE gentlemen. Bud was a snappy dresser with his long bow ties like Col. Sanders. Walter Knott was also classy looking for a farmer. Great video of a great ride!
I loved this ride! We'd hit up Knott's every summer in the late 70s/early 80s. Panning for gold, The Log Ride, riding the train and the train robbers coming on board, getting stuck on the parachute ride...good memories! I hope more Knott's videos are in the works!
StamfordBridge The American flag motif is a bit “loud”, that’s true, but it’s also true that the patriotic sentiment directly connects to this important landmarks origin story...
Very interesting and informative. It's always fascinating to see people with such vision, drive, creativity, brains and skills throughout history. It's always a humble reminder that the inventors and creators of today don't have a monopoly on "smarts". I always loved the mine ride and Knott's Berry Farm theme. As a kid, it was the park I could go to with my grandparents and everyone could find something to enjoy. Good times and great memories.
I wrote this after less than 10 minutes of viewing, and felt even more delighted, all the way to the end. Well done! Eagerly awaiting the continuation.
this video was awesome! i grew up a few miles from knott's, and spent countless hours there. i'm pretty sure calico mine train was the first 'roller coaster' i ever rode. disneyland was a special occasion, but we went to knott's all of the time. when i was an adult, i worked almost across the street and we'd go get take out from mrs. knott's for lunch. i had friends and family that worked there, and still had no idea of most of this history. it was a great park to spend time in. i went there for kid's birthday parties, company picnics and even school field trips to independence hall. disneyland was pure magic, magic mountain had the best rides, but knott's was home. great to see this history and i look forward to seeing more on knott's!
Love this video and my parents remember when Knott's Berry Farm was free to get in. Plus I grew up in Whittier California. I also worked at Knott's Berry Farm and my friend worked at the Merry Go Round
Very fun ride, I managed to ride it a few times a while back when I visited Knotts. Can't say I remember too much, though, as a stranger rubbed my leg the whole time I rode it.
Loved this video. Growing up in LA, I remember when the ride opened in 1960 rode it many a time through the years. Fast forward to 2018, I have an annual pass and take my grand children there at least every week. We enjoy the ride so much, we ride it at least two if not three rides per trip. A great bit of history.
This is one of my most favorite rides in the entire park. I remember as a child sitting in it and being amazed at the sights and sounds. Our last visit was in 2005 and it was ever the better.
Fan-bloody-tastic!! Once again a wonderful documentary Expedition!! Huge fan of this brilliant ride here, it’s absolutely a work of art and so incredibly immersive!!
That was great, I'm glad you mentioned Castle Park too. I haven't seen the smaller of the two trains there run in a few years though (Unless it was recently repaired). The park is a little run down since the change in ownership. I would love to see a video about the park and it's history though.
Victoria Lauren we live in Riverside too. Castle Park became extremely rundown. It was sad to see. I’m not sure if there are new owners again, but it really is cleaning up. Hopefully it will keep getting better
Excellent job! I work on the railroad at Knott's, so the mine ride has always been our backdrop. Plus, I've been in the mountain several times and it amazes me how they accomplished this such a long time ago. Great work!
Amazing documentary with extremely accurate details! Being a person who has been studying Knott's history for years, I salute you. There are even a couple of things here that I did not Know myself.
Knotts was always my home park growing up, and you really brought it to life in this video! Great work on the research and all the archival footage. Cant wait to see more of this series!!!
It doesn’t matter where we go or what rides are available, in MY mind and heart, NOTHING beats the Calico Mine Train Ride and the Log Ride at Knott’s Berry Farm. And speaking of the Log Ride, I was there and personally watched John Wayne and his grandson pop out of the mountain at the top and ride the log down the chute as that ride’s inaugural first riders on its official opening day. And I can’t tell you how many summer days me and some neighborhood friends spent on Jungle Island. Kid paradise there I’m tellin’ ya! I lived an 8 minute walk away from Knott’s from age 2 to 10. My bedroom window would be open at night in the perfect Southern Cal weather when I went to bed and I’d fall asleep every night to the sound of the seals in the seal pool going “OAT-OAT - OAT-OAT”... and the train’s steam engine whistle blowing its warning at the pedestrians crossing the tracks while the engine’s bell rang “CLANG-CLANG - CLANG CLANG”... and the music of the merry-go-round’s calliope playing its tunes. Those were the sounds of Knott’s Berry Farm that filled the air thru my neighborhood day and night. Music to my ears as I fell asleep to it every night. Oh what grand memories I’ve got of growing up next door to that wonderful place. And I’ll add that it was much more wonderful in the ‘60s and had an atmosphere and mystique all its own then that today’s Knott’s can’t come close to. Today’s Knott’s is much more like other amusement parks having lost so much of its original unique personality. When Walter died, the Knott’s Berry Farm I knew growing up died with him.
Huh. Bud seems like a really cool guy. I had no idea he was connected with Castle Park. I live around there and thought it was just kind of a meh small little amusement park. But your video has made me see it in a whole new light. Thanks for the great videos!
Have you thought about doing a ETP about the actual train that travels through the park? I would love to know about this steam engine, how it operates, and how they got it to the park. Also I’m just a big fan of trains. Please please consider making a mini documentary about this attraction.
This was the definitive ride of my childhood. I cannot thank you enough for covering it. Please consider doing more about Knotts, it is a highly underrated park with a rich history.
@@GTMGUNN A single part of the ride? Definitely the cave. The combination of music, colour, and chilly air always gave that section a magical quality. As a child, it really felt like you were underground.
I think the Expedition Knott's Berry Farm logo is my favorite of all the Expedition Theme Park logos. Absolutely loved traveling to where I grew up. Great Video!
Absolutely fascinating! I had always wondered about this odd little ride, which is still a very popular ride, even with the much more modern rides that are now there...Those of us locals who love Disneyland also love Knotts because it developed in the same way...piece by piece with some wild ideas leading to truly classic rides! (Also, at $1.5 million, this ride cost about as much as Disneyland’s Monorail, which was a very brave thing to attempt back then!)
I was so shocked at the high quality of Knott's when I visited last year. I just wish they had a proper line loading system (single rider, etc) since most rides were unnecessarily long as they didn't try to fill vehicles up completely.
I still remember as a kid panning for gold at Knott's Berry Farm. We drove half way across the US to go there and Disneyland. I can't forget how the old prospector guy acted really excited when he saw my pan and showed me the gold, i really thought i had something. I think the water and glass kind of magnifies the dust so it looks more than it is. I kept that little vial of water and gold dust for years.
Awwwe, you always make my day!! This is my favourite video of yours ❤ it's everything I love in one video ❤ you were even super sassy, and even mentioned my beloved Castle Park. Thank you for just being amazing!!!!
I like the pre record narration cause it adds characters to the calico mine Old polecat Mahoney Pete sluice box Powder cake peg It is optional for the driver to do the narration or do a pre recorded one as their is a spiel switch on the train
Thank you for this video, as a kid (i'm only 33, so it's not like I rode this in the 60s) the final part used to scare me so much. My parents would always lie and say that they're gonna go slow at the end for me, they obviously never did. I grew out of that thankfully.
I had no idea that Knotts had such an interesting history. I remember going on this ride as a kid and my dad hating it. I’m excited to see what you do next
I had the honor and pleasure of handling the audio engineering and sound design for the 2014 re-opening of the Calico Mine Ride. I grew up coming to Knotts and this ride was always one of my favorites. I definitely feel privileged to have been able to put my small mark on this ride's history. Your videos are always great, and this one has to be my favorite yet (although I'm biased!). Here are some quick notes about the production: The audio design for the ride was completely rebuilt for higher fidelity, better performances, and to bring the standards to the present day. This included all audio elements (sound effects for the different tools and elevators, voice-overs, finale explosions, etc), and even the music that plays when you enter the caverns. The cavern music was recorded from the original sheet music, with individual elements being matched to the old retro-style effects from the original recording. There are three different on-train voice-over characters, each of which put their own unique spin on the story of the Calico Mine. The day before the ride opened, I had to check that all of the voice-overs worked appropriately on all 6 trains. This required 18 trips on the Calico Mine Ride in a row, but I never grew tired of the experience, and I still enjoy it just as much today. Thanks for your hard work on this episode!
Dan Bieranowski is there a way to download a copy of the cavern music?
Were you in charge of the on-board audio on the trains? Because it definitely hasn't aged well. I find myself having to constantly fight with the audio boxes to make them work properly some days. Or the audio is dead-quiet. Or it just doesn't trigger. Trains 2 and 5 are by far the quietest ones we have and I cannot for the life of me get them to spiel louder.
This is an absolutely fascinating comment. Was this contract work through a major company or individuals? How many people worked on the project?
@@fluffydevil13 it's looks like Disney company class starts in Disney world and Disneyland before the election was Walt Disney company and Disneyland before New
I got to ride this for the first time in 2015, and I rode it enough times to hear all the different spielers. It’s such a great ride!
As a local to Knott's, I am very impressed with your detailed research and ability to find all the archive photos of the areas where Hulbert grew up and worked. Kudos to you and, as always, I look forward to your expeditions!
Right!! My thoughts exactly! :)
Fascinating! Knott's has so much history to dig into, it's so under-appreciated. The park is well worth a visit!
Paul Hernandez not only was it the first corkscrew, it was the first modern roller coaster with an inversion
If you go get me some chicken.
Hehe, I see what ya did there... =)
@@MrMeatHook which was relocated to silverwood theme park in idaho
Had the Pleasure of Knowing Bud.. I remember him as a bit on the Humble side. I was invited to the Re-opening of the Mine Ride in 2014, by a local group. I went on it several times to see what changes I might have missed. I remember saying to my self.. I think I will go one time for Bud. I felt as though he was sitting there beside me in that mine car saying "Good Job..looks good" I spoke to Garner-Holt after the ride, as Local Dignitaries walked by, and they were very vocal of the things they were able to accomplish. More realistic figures, voices etc..All in all a very nice day there at the Park..Miss you Bud..
Operator here. This is the most accurate video I’ve seen. Excellent work.
Do you work the Calico Mine? Any other rides on the farm?
GTMGUNN I do and quite a few others.
@@bryanc237 Very cool- any involvement with the new Calico Rapids? or Ghost Town Alive!?
GTMGUNN as far as the rapids go I hope they turn out well considering how long the ride has been closed for, and ghost town alive should be very fun as usual. Of course with boysenberry ending it’s slowed down a bit, but it should be an eventful summer. The calico river rapids should be opening this month.
Knott's is a totally underrated theme park, and has the best log ride I've ever been on.
Splash mountain is better
Pantheragem
It doesn’t matter where we go or what rides are available, in MY mind and heart, NOTHING beats the Calico Mine Train Ride and the Log Ride at Knott’s Berry Farm.
And speaking of the Log Ride, I was there and personally watched John Wayne and his grandson pop out of the mountain at the top and ride the log down the chute as that ride’s inaugural first riders on its official opening day on July 11, 1969.
And I can’t tell you how many blissful summer days me and some neighborhood friends spent on “Jungle Island”. That was Kid paradise there buddy! 25¢ to cross the bridge and enter the wilds of that jungle paradise full of trees (Eucalyptus, Palms of all shapes and sizes, Elms, etc), shrubs and plants of all kinds to hide in and around as we played our endless games of tag and hide-and-go-seek up and down the island’s maze of jungle paths that meandered every which direction as they criss-crossed under the beautiful shady-green canopy of leaves above and around us! There was no time limit there and time ceased to exist for us kids once we crossed the bridge to Jungle Island. Our moms would pack us sack lunches to take to the island and we would spend hours there, often half a day or more! I wish every kid could have had that experience! Jungle Island was a kid PARADISE of adventure and fun where time stood still for all who crossed over and entered that shady world to explore its endless paths! It had been located around behind the big duck-pond and down a path past Independence Hall. The duck pond and Jungle Island are both long gone now, having been bulldozed and filled in to make way for another parking lot and the Knott’s water park.
I lived an 8 minute walk away from Knott’s from age 2 to 10 (1961-70). My bedroom window would be open at night in the perfect Southern Cal weather when I went to bed and I’d fall asleep every night to the sound of the seals in the seal pool going “OAT-OAT - OAT-OAT”... and the train’s steam engine whistle blowing its warning at the pedestrians crossing the tracks while the engine’s bell rang “CLANG-CLANG - CLANG CLANG”... and the music of the Grand Merry-go-round’s calliope playing its tunes. Those were the sounds of Knott’s Berry Farm that filled the air thru my neighborhood day and night. Music to my ears as I fell asleep to it each night. Oh what grand memories I’ve got of growing up next door to that wonderful place. And I’ll add that it was much more wonderful in the ‘60s and had an atmosphere and mystique all its own then that today’s Knott’s can’t come close to. Today’s Knott’s is much more generic and much like other amusement parks, having lost so much of its original unique personality. When Walter died, the Knott’s I knew growing up died with him.
@Steamed Hams
Same here. Some of my earliest memories was mom taking us on the 7 or 8 minute walk from our front porch to “The Duck Pond” carrying our bag of cheap white bread to feed the ducks! The whole time there, we were treated to the sound of that wonderful band music playing loudly from the heart of that big ol’ FANTASTIC antique Grand Carousel as it carried its loads of happy riders swiftly around and around there by the bank of the pond! (I always liked riding the Ostriches or the Tiger, or the big Elephant).
While still very young there was one time when my little brother who was about 2 years old at the time fell off a little dock into the green water of The Duck Pond and SANK instead of floating! My dad jumped in after him and pulled him out.
And there was the little mini train that took its loads of riders on sightseeing trips all the way around the big pond and thru the dark tunnel on the other side. There were many times, after we kids had gotten a little older (7, 8, 9, 10 years old) and could run around the neighborhood all day without a parental chaperone, when we went around to the mini-train tunnel and disregarded the “DANGER-DO NOT ENTER” sign and walked on in and thru it. We sometimes got ran off by the train’s ‘engineer’ if we lingered in that area around the tunnel too long.
Some of the warmest best memories of my life are of my early adventures with friends and family there at Knott’s Berry Farm! I can still smell the smells of that place in my memories: the eucalyptus trees, the popcorn, the cigars a lot of men smoked back then... memories of a time and place gone by...
I'm south Cal.Thanks so much for all your work, especially this ride. I loved this ride as a kid thru present. I am now51 yrs age. My three kids also grew up on classics such as this ride. I truly appreciate your historical insight!
It is funny of how many people don’t know one America’s most historical significance amusement parks. I’m glad to see Knott’s getting some love make sure you get boysenberry berry cookies and boysenberry candy.
From my first ride of the Calico Mine in 1962 it was my favorite park ride of all time....to this day. The restoration was much needed as my visit in 2012 was very sad. Calico Mine had gotten dirty, dark and look bad. The restoration made it seem like 1962 only better. Thx
Who else clicked on this when they immediately saw this. Great Vid Expedition.
From a berry stand, to a mountain. This is a great tale of growth through the unknown for Bud and Knotts Berry Farm. They built what we take for granted in the modern theme park.
this was wonderful. i worked at knotts for 3 years and grew up going there. this is and will always be my favorite attraction in the park.
Yes!
Where on the farm did you work?
Well this came straight out of nowhere.
the paart at 15:27 was my fav part has a kid loved the music n the colors
LA native- my father went with his father to Knott's through the 40's and 50's. I was born in '63, and my father made certain we visited once a month throughout my childhood. The Mine Ride is mother's milk...thank you for posting this deeply personal video
Having grown up in Southern California from the 80’s onward, I can’t count how many times I’ve been to Knott’s. In my opinion, it’s a much better park than Disneyland. Please do more videos on this fantastic and one of a kind Park! I also coincidentally live a block from Castle Park!
My 2 favorite rides at KBF since I was a kid was Calico Mine Ride and Log Ride.
RIP BUD, THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT CHILDHOOD MEMORIES! :)
i loved learning about this old theme park history stuff
The connection to a local gem, Castle Park just blew me away. I'd love to hear more about that.
its shit
This ride has so much depth and history to it that it deserves its own ride of how it was created.
I worked rides in Ghost Town for several years in the mid '80's. My favorite was the mine ride and my friend there went on to run Knott's Berry Farm.
Fun to watch!. Excellent tesesrch. My mom road the RedLine trolley from Los Angeles to the Berry Farm for picnics in tbe 40s. I grew up just down the road from the park...the train whistlw always made me smile. I remembet the Mine Ride being built. I have a picture of me age 6
Driving the antique car car ride. Thete was no park entry charge in the early days.
As a Southern Cali local, I appreciate the effort put into this video!
I haven't visited the caverns in New Mexico yet, but I did visit Kartchner caverns state park in Arizona. If anyone gets the chance to ever visit any cavern, I HIGHLY recommend it! (It's a fantastic experience.)
As a former Miner to the Calico Mine Ride pre-2014 overhaul, it was nice to watch this. The history of this attraction is honestly some of my favorite stuff. I met Bud before he passed. He was a really neat man. Its awesome he had his own park, though I haven't visited it yet.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one to be honest.
Patrick Gilbert wow- you’re a lucky operator!
One of the best memories I ever had of this ride was waiting in line and Tony Baxter was just ahead of me. I got a chance to ask him about the mine train and hearing how him and other Disney Imagineers drew inspiration from it, especially the total immersion before rides like Submarine Voyage and Pirates of the Caribbean was just amazing
This should of been a movie, great job!
Knott's Berry Farm is by far the best non Disney/ Universal theme park in the USA. So much history, and put together so well. Something for everyone. This was one of my favorite parks growing up.
Ah Knotts, last time I've been there was for my dad's company picnic. I've been to that place so many time's pretty nostalgic. Also conventice here I actually live here in Riverside. I can say yes Castle Park is still there. I've only been there once as a kid though.
I subscribed to the now defunct "E ticket" fanzine magazine where they talked about Mr. Hurlbut. I rode this ride as a kid in the 1970's then as an adult. On the level of Disney in showmanship, I still enjoy this ride to this day. Walt & Bud doing a hand shake deal was when gentlemen WERE gentlemen. Bud was a snappy dresser with his long bow ties like Col. Sanders. Walter Knott was also classy looking for a farmer. Great video of a great ride!
So glad the ride, and the park, are still there today, after almost SIX decades!
Fannnntastic video! Thank you for the history lesson. Makes me appreciate this local Orange County gem.
I loved this ride! We'd hit up Knott's every summer in the late 70s/early 80s. Panning for gold, The Log Ride, riding the train and the train robbers coming on board, getting stuck on the parachute ride...good memories! I hope more Knott's videos are in the works!
Ditto to all that!
Parachute Drop- nothing like it then, nothing like it since.
GTMGUNN That ride was THE icon of the park. Sad now to see the repainted tower.
StamfordBridge The American flag motif is a bit “loud”, that’s true, but it’s also true that the patriotic sentiment directly connects to this important landmarks origin story...
GTMGUNN I just meant that the original red and white checkerboard was for me an iconic symbol of Knott’s.
I work in Pan for Gold at Knott's. Thanks for covering this treasured ride!
Jeremy Smiech how long have you been on the farm?
@@GTMGUNN 10 years. Been working as a monster for scary farm. Now working entertainment department
Jeremy Smiech that’s great! Thanks for sharing.
I just rewatched tis video. Your content is so well done, thank you!
Very interesting and informative. It's always fascinating to see people with such vision, drive, creativity, brains and skills throughout history. It's always a humble reminder that the inventors and creators of today don't have a monopoly on "smarts". I always loved the mine ride and Knott's Berry Farm theme. As a kid, it was the park I could go to with my grandparents and everyone could find something to enjoy. Good times and great memories.
I love this ride so much and was amazed that this ride ages so well. There is something nostalgic about this ride and this park.
Tat was a GOOOOOOD documentary!!! Very enjoyable.
I wrote this after less than 10 minutes of viewing, and felt even more delighted, all the way to the end. Well done! Eagerly awaiting the continuation.
Don’t forget the Halloween for calico mine ride black widow’s cavern ,the witches keep, my bloody clementine and calico candy mine
One of my favorites! We go on Mine Ride a few times each visit.
this video was awesome! i grew up a few miles from knott's, and spent countless hours there. i'm pretty sure calico mine train was the first 'roller coaster' i ever rode. disneyland was a special occasion, but we went to knott's all of the time. when i was an adult, i worked almost across the street and we'd go get take out from mrs. knott's for lunch. i had friends and family that worked there, and still had no idea of most of this history. it was a great park to spend time in. i went there for kid's birthday parties, company picnics and even school field trips to independence hall. disneyland was pure magic, magic mountain had the best rides, but knott's was home. great to see this history and i look forward to seeing more on knott's!
I grew up in Orange County California and this was a walk through my childhood. Thank you so much for taking me home.
Love this video and my parents remember when Knott's Berry Farm was free to get in. Plus I grew up in Whittier California. I also worked at Knott's Berry Farm and my friend worked at the Merry Go Round
Very fun ride, I managed to ride it a few times a while back when I visited Knotts. Can't say I remember too much, though, as a stranger rubbed my leg the whole time I rode it.
Loved this video. Growing up in LA, I remember when the ride opened in 1960 rode it many a time through the years. Fast forward to 2018, I have an annual pass and take my grand children there at least every week. We enjoy the ride so much, we ride it at least two if not three rides per trip. A great bit of history.
This is one of my most favorite rides in the entire park. I remember as a child sitting in it and being amazed at the sights and sounds. Our last visit was in 2005 and it was ever the better.
Fan-bloody-tastic!!
Once again a wonderful documentary Expedition!! Huge fan of this brilliant ride here, it’s absolutely a work of art and so incredibly immersive!!
Castle Park was my home park growing up. I'm always happy to see reference of it.
So glad you’re finally doing Knotts episodes!! The park has such a rich history. Can’t wait for more!
I'm so glad you are covering Knott's. It has such a history, a great pick for the channel!
That was great, I'm glad you mentioned Castle Park too. I haven't seen the smaller of the two trains there run in a few years though (Unless it was recently repaired).
The park is a little run down since the change in ownership. I would love to see a video about the park and it's history though.
Victoria Lauren we live in Riverside too. Castle Park became extremely rundown. It was sad to see. I’m not sure if there are new owners again, but it really is cleaning up. Hopefully it will keep getting better
LanaMoon I totally agree. It’s finally getting better again. ☺️
LanaMoon Oh thanks, I'll have to swing by sometime then. 😎
Absolutely fascinating and well presented video!
Thank you!
Excellent job! I work on the railroad at Knott's, so the mine ride has always been our backdrop. Plus, I've been in the mountain several times and it amazes me how they accomplished this such a long time ago. Great work!
"Walt's Fastpass hopes were dashed" good one dude
Amazing documentary with extremely accurate details! Being a person who has been studying Knott's history for years, I salute you. There are even a couple of things here that I did not Know myself.
This deserves far more views. I basically lived at Knotts growing up, this was a well researched video.
Thanks :)
Great video about one of my favorite attractions as a kid growing up in the 60's.
This is awesome! Knott's Berry Farm has so much history and so much of an effect on other theme parks. Please do more on Knott's!
This touched on a lot of my childhood at both Knotts and CastlePark. Thank you.
That was.... really bloody interesting! who knew that Knott's Berry Farm pioneered so much? Will welcome more of these!
I was really excited to see this. I grew up in SoCal and loved Knotts and especially the Calico train. I hope you do more on Knotts
I only know of Knott’s Berry Farm from Expedition videos. What an amazing park, can’t wait to see more on it!
nintandrew13 There’s a Knott’s hotel adjacent to the theme park,why don’t you take a trip?!
Knotts was always my home park growing up, and you really brought it to life in this video! Great work on the research and all the archival footage. Cant wait to see more of this series!!!
It doesn’t matter where we go or what rides are available, in MY mind and heart, NOTHING beats the Calico Mine Train Ride and the Log Ride at Knott’s Berry Farm.
And speaking of the Log Ride, I was there and personally watched John Wayne and his grandson pop out of the mountain at the top and ride the log down the chute as that ride’s inaugural first riders on its official opening day.
And I can’t tell you how many summer days me and some neighborhood friends spent on Jungle Island. Kid paradise there I’m tellin’ ya!
I lived an 8 minute walk away from Knott’s from age 2 to 10. My bedroom window would be open at night in the perfect Southern Cal weather when I went to bed and I’d fall asleep every night to the sound of the seals in the seal pool going “OAT-OAT - OAT-OAT”... and the train’s steam engine whistle blowing its warning at the pedestrians crossing the tracks while the engine’s bell rang “CLANG-CLANG - CLANG CLANG”... and the music of the merry-go-round’s calliope playing its tunes. Those were the sounds of Knott’s Berry Farm that filled the air thru my neighborhood day and night. Music to my ears as I fell asleep to it every night. Oh what grand memories I’ve got of growing up next door to that wonderful place. And I’ll add that it was much more wonderful in the ‘60s and had an atmosphere and mystique all its own then that today’s Knott’s can’t come close to. Today’s Knott’s is much more like other amusement parks having lost so much of its original unique personality. When Walter died, the Knott’s Berry Farm I knew growing up died with him.
Wow, this video is GOLD.
Dude!! It's rides like this that make me love learning about theme parks. Thanks for this and all the work that went into it.
Huh. Bud seems like a really cool guy. I had no idea he was connected with Castle Park. I live around there and thought it was just kind of a meh small little amusement park. But your video has made me see it in a whole new light. Thanks for the great videos!
CP’s antique car ride also came from Knott’s. At the farm it had three names: Merry-Go-Round Auto Ride, Antique Auto Ride and finally Tijuana Taxi.
Wow! This is awesome! One of my favorite ol time rides at Knotts. Thank you for this!!
Ahhhhhhh this was part of my childhood and I cannot wait for more from the park
I learned so much about a ride I have been on more times than I can count! Thanks for this video.
Have you thought about doing a ETP about the actual train that travels through the park? I would love to know about this steam engine, how it operates, and how they got it to the park. Also I’m just a big fan of trains. Please please consider making a mini documentary about this attraction.
This was the definitive ride of my childhood. I cannot thank you enough for covering it. Please consider doing more about Knotts, it is a highly underrated park with a rich history.
Quelqu'un-kun What is your favorite scene or aspect?
@@GTMGUNN A single part of the ride? Definitely the cave. The combination of music, colour, and chilly air always gave that section a magical quality. As a child, it really felt like you were underground.
Ooh ooh ooh do the log ride next!!!
I think the Expedition Knott's Berry Farm logo is my favorite of all the Expedition Theme Park logos. Absolutely loved traveling to where I grew up. Great Video!
Absolutely fascinating! I had always wondered about this odd little ride, which is still a very popular ride, even with the much more modern rides that are now there...Those of us locals who love Disneyland also love Knotts because it developed in the same way...piece by piece with some wild ideas leading to truly classic rides! (Also, at $1.5 million, this ride cost about as much as Disneyland’s Monorail, which was a very brave thing to attempt back then!)
Moving the lift motor from bottom to top, one of the greatest engineering feats in amusement park history.
Thank you, Bud! And thank you Expedition Theme Park!
Excellent Report!
This is great, Knott's has such an interesting history.
I was so shocked at the high quality of Knott's when I visited last year. I just wish they had a proper line loading system (single rider, etc) since most rides were unnecessarily long as they didn't try to fill vehicles up completely.
I still remember as a kid panning for gold at Knott's Berry Farm. We drove half way across the US to go there and Disneyland. I can't forget how the old prospector guy acted really excited when he saw my pan and showed me the gold, i really thought i had something. I think the water and glass kind of magnifies the dust so it looks more than it is. I kept that little vial of water and gold dust for years.
Great video !!🎉❤ 🎉Thank you !!
Awwwe, you always make my day!! This is my favourite video of yours ❤ it's everything I love in one video ❤ you were even super sassy, and even mentioned my beloved Castle Park. Thank you for just being amazing!!!!
I was 10 when I went with my family but I am definitely taking my kids back here
This video was gold
I don't normally comment. This was amazingly made. Thank you so much for this.
What a coincidence! im going there today
Lucky
Fantastic I'd really like to know more about Knotts ☺
Great video. Can't wait to see the Log Ride. Did you ever do Beary Tales or The Kingdom of the Dinosaurs at Knotts?
TRON8882 Yes! Would love to see a film on those!
There is no Kingdom of the Dinosaurs. There is "Knott's Berry Tales" and "That ride that replaced it."
Did you see they’re kinda bringing Beary Tales back?!
Nicely done, had no idea about this ride or park until now.
Great as always thank you 🤩🤩👍👍
I like the pre record narration cause it adds characters to the calico mine
Old polecat Mahoney
Pete sluice box
Powder cake peg
It is optional for the driver to do the narration or do a pre recorded one as their is a spiel switch on the train
I really enjoyed that video, cheers.
Thank you for this video, as a kid (i'm only 33, so it's not like I rode this in the 60s) the final part used to scare me so much. My parents would always lie and say that they're gonna go slow at the end for me, they obviously never did. I grew out of that thankfully.
I had no idea that Knotts had such an interesting history. I remember going on this ride as a kid and my dad hating it. I’m excited to see what you do next
Love this ride and park. Thank you for making this video!
This was great. Excellent job.
Great video. Knott's Berry Farm is my favorite theme park
Hope to see more Knott's!
The ride is no longer prerecorded as of last week when I rode it
logan D thanks for the update!
Yup we just went about two weeks ago and it kinda reminded me of Jungle Cruise. I like the change. Old school was cool too
this was a fascinating video!!!
Thank you!