Former Imagineer Proposes Disneyland Acquisition of Knott’s Berry Farm to Solve Space Issues
Disneyland’s Expansion Dilemma
Disneyland faces a unique challenge as it seeks to expand its offerings while constrained by historical land usage. When Walt Disney opened Disneyland 70 years ago, he likely did not foresee the park’s limitations regarding space. The rapid development surrounding Disneyland has significantly restricted any potential expansions, contrasting sharply with the land acquisition strategies employed in the establishment of Disney World.
The park’s location in Anaheim has meant that it remains tightly surrounded by commercial and residential developments. Unlike its sister park in Florida, Disneyland has little room to grow, creating a pressing need for innovative solutions to accommodate the increasing visitor demand. This situation compels Disneyland to explore creative avenues for expansion, including collaborations or acquisitions that might offer relief from its space issues.
Proposal for Knott’s Berry Farm Sale
In light of these challenges, former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull has proposed a bold solution: Disneyland should consider acquiring Knott’s Berry Farm, America’s oldest theme park. This sale could represent a mutually beneficial remedy amid Six Flags Entertainment’s ongoing financial difficulties post-merger with Cedar Fair.
Recent reports indicate that Six Flags has been grappling with dwindling attendance and revenue, necessitating urgent financial recovery strategies. Selling Knott’s Berry Farm, located just over six miles from Disneyland, could provide an infusion of cash for Six Flags, granting it the resources needed to improve other parks in its portfolio. This scenario presents a unique opportunity for both Disneyland and Six Flags amid their respective challenges.
Strategic Advantages of Acquisition
Acquiring Knott’s Berry Farm offers Disneyland the chance to establish a third gate, addressing its space issues while simultaneously diversifying its attractions. The 57-acre park includes not only traditional amusement park offerings but also a water park, hotel, and a marketplace filled with shopping and dining options. This additional space could allow Disneyland to enhance its overall visitor experience significantly.
Furthermore, the integration of Knott’s Berry Farm could facilitate improved transportation links between Disneyland and the new park. Offering shuttle services could streamline access for guests, making both parks more attractive to visitors. This seamless connection could help Disneyland attract even more visitors while distributing foot traffic and potentially boosting overall attendance figures.
Potential Impact on Theme Park Landscape
The implications of such a deal could significantly reshape the theme park landscape in the greater Los Angeles area. Should Disneyland successfully acquire Knott’s Berry Farm, it could set a precedent for acquisitions in the industry, prompting a reevaluation of operational strategies among competing parks. Such a merger could spur economic growth for Six Flags by providing financial stability while also increasing Disneyland’s market share.
In conclusion, Jim Shull’s suggestion to consider the acquisition of Knott’s Berry Farm presents a viable solution for Disneyland’s space issues and a potential lifeline for Six Flags amid its financial woes. It could facilitate new attractions, improve transportation options, and ultimately change the landscape of Southern California’s amusement offerings. This proposal represents a rare opportunity where both parties could benefit from a well-timed and strategically sound collaboration.
How about no?
Where does the Disney corporation get off thinking that they have the right to be the only place for people to go in southern California. They have already priced the middle class families out of being able to enjoy a day at Disneyland and if they get their hands on knotts berry farm they will do the same thing there as well. I say absolutely not. They do not need knotts berry farm.
Heck no! this is the opinion of 1 former or current imagineer. I hope knotts is never bought out by anyone ever again! leave knotts alone!
It doesn’t solve space and land use area issues. Knotts is surrounded by neighborhoods and commercial areas. You would have to tear down existing Knotts rides to build Disney rides. What would Disney do with scary farm?
It doesn’t make sense for cedar Fair to sell it, since it’s the second best performing theme park they have.
Even if they get a quick infusion of cash, in the long run they’ll be hurting big time by selling it.
I would like to see Disney buy it and put updated versions of the old attractions back in like the Haunted Shack, Mystery Lodge, Mellodramas, covered wagon show, some dark rides, and other stuff like stage shows that made Knotts unique when it was bought by an amusement park and not a theme park company. Too bad Disney didn’t have it from when the Knott family first sold, maybe the park would still have its charm and have the good attractions like it used to instead of just being Magic Mountain lite.
That would be a stupid idea. And you’re kind of done for agreeing with it
If you had asked me years ago, I’ve would’ve been like “yeah, sure!” If you ask me now, the answer would be “Ehh, no…” I love both parks, and I grew up going to both. They’re fairly different and that’s why I like the option of going to either, they whet different palates of my theme park obsession. Plus, nowadays Knott’s is a nice, cozy, and affordable alternative to the Disney…! They might say otherwise, but I don’t believe them, Disney acquiring Knott’s could spell the entire obliteration of that park as it is. Cedar’s acquisition kinda did that back when they purchased Knott’s too, to a “lesser” extent. A Disney acquisition I could imagine spelling certain doom to a long storied and historic theme park. I guess ever since they got rid of Muppets, everything seems like fair game to them now… for better or worse…! 😅
How about no, we need Knott berry farm. They throw the wildest Halloween bashes, they are a historic theme park. Sure they’re not fancy like Disney. But, it got charm, character. We need this knott’s berry farm. Tell Disney to find somewhere else to expand.
Terrible idea. My family and I really enjoy being able to splurge a little on a season pass, and the vibe is so cozy, it feels so warm and homey. Disneyland doesnt need to ruin it. Keep Knotts as it is.
I love the idea as both parks shaped Amusement Parks history in Southern California….I still prefer Disneyland and go there before Knott’s Everytime. The condition of some rides that I’ve seen on YouTube is shocking….I thought Cedar Fair would address the issues. I’ve only gone to Magic Mountain twice as theyve had concerning security issues . Knott’s has some areas and events I remember Mrs. Knott’s, panning for gold, Hall of Presidents and an event I’d like to take my wife to…. Boysenberry Festival. Make it happen Disney!
How about no!!! maybe you have all the money but it will take away from us middle class