The new Knott’s Berry Farm ride is going to be your jam! With its grand reopening May 21, 2021, Knott’s guests will be able to once again see the Bear-y Tales Bears and hopefully rescue their boysenberry pies from the crafty coyotes.
As a Knott’s Berry Farm Ambassador, I receive complimentary admission to the theme park. All thoughts, opinions, and genuine excitement are my own.
A Brief History of Knott’s Bear-y Tales
In honor of Knott’s 100th anniversary, the theme park planned an extraordinary celebration featuring the theme park’s heritage. One of the largest components is the return of the Knott’s Bear-y Tales attraction at the park.
Originally opened in 1975, the attraction introduced the pie-stealing Crafty Coyote as well as lovable Boysen Bear and Girlsen Bear. Riders enjoyed colorful scenes like Frog Forest, Fortune Teller Camp, and Weird Woods along their tour, with the ending leading you to the Country Fair. The attraction was designed by famed Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump.
Who is Rolly Crump?
Rolly Crump served as a Disney Imagineer, creating some of the most beloved attractions at the Disneyland theme park. Some of the attractions credited to Crump include: Haunted Mansion, Enchanted Tiki Room, and It’s a Small World.
Eric Nix, producer from Knott’s Berry Farm, explains that Marion Knott was the one responsible for bring Crump to the Farm to create its new attraction for the then Gypsy Camp area of the park (later the Roaring 20’s before becoming The Boardwalk).
Want to learn more about Rolly Crump? Check out his book, It’s Kind of a Cute Story.
What Replaced Knott’s Bear-y Tales?
After Knott’s Bear-y Tales was removed from the park, a time-travel ride, Kingdom of the Dinosaurs, took its place. It was later replaced by The Iron Reef, which closed in January 2020.
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The NEW Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair
34 years later the bears are back! The new 4d attraction takes guests spinning and jelly shooting back through nostalgic settings. Boysen Bear, now grown, has followed in his father’s footsteps. However, so have Crafty Coyote’s pups. They’re doing all the can to steal boysenberry pies.
Riders are equipped with a jelly blasters to take aim and fire on thieving coyotes. The more you hit, the higher your point score.
Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair Review
When Knott’s put in HangTime, it felt like they really upped their game. But this is the best ride in the park. Knott’s partnered with Triotech to combine the nostalgic attraction with 4d innovative technology. It pairs the whimsical spirit of the original ride with a modern, immersive experience that’s fun for the whole family.
Is Bear-y Tales for Kids?
Here are some things to know before you ride with kids:
- Height requirement accompanied <46 inches, 46 inches unaccompanied
- There is a dark scene that may be startling to more nervous riders. My 7-year-old falls in this category, but she wanted to ride again and again.
After riding, make sure to visit the attraction’s characters for a berry (or should I say bear-y) adorable meet and greet. Boysen Bear, Moxie, and Brawny will be available to greet guests with the Knott’s Grand Reopening.
Equal parts nostalgia and innovation, Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair is a must ride when you visit Knott’s Berry Farm.
Looking for more Knott’s Berry Farm content?
- Build-A-Bear Comes to Knott’s Berry Farm Stuff your own bear-y best friend at the Build-A-Bear location located outside park gates in the California Marketplace.
- Calico River Rapids Opens at Knott’s Splash your way through adventure on the updated Calico River Rapids. New animatronics, new scenes, and new fun!
- Start Your Visit with Dough-Knott’s Sweeten your morning with a cronut-style donut from Knott’s Berry Farm
