Knott's Summer Fun Battling Robots and Seeing Hollywood

Every local in LA knows summer means a time to visit the theme parks and Knott's isn't shy about wanting you to visit with brand new shows and a new ride, Voyage to the Iron Reef. TTDILA visited the theme park right before E3 took over downtown LA. With it gone, we could spend another weekend day at the park panning for gold or having geodes being cut open for us. Really, we would just get on Voyage to the Iron Reef again.

Voyage to the Iron Reef is Knott's newest ride and it's definitely good for the gamer in us all and the whole family. Taking place under the ocean of Knott's -there is no real ocean under Knott's- you and three other members of your crew must freeze steam-punk under water creatures. You'll be firing a freeze-ray and wearing some protective goggles that look like 3D glasses. In the briny brink you'll do battle with nefarious automatons much like a video game.

My crew and I had to battle an octopus, the mid-boss. Some of my crew hadn't play games before. I shouted, "Aim for the pads on the tentacles, before trying to take the head!" The battles play much like a quick shooter in the arcade, which you end up in at the end of the ride. Don't forget to get in a game of Lazer Tag in there too. Your crews achievements in scores are displayed at the end of the ride. Another Captain, not so subtly told me his score was higher than mine at lunch. I had to go back for another round in the ride after that.

Not far from the ride my crew and I caught "Blockbuster Beagle!," a new show featuring Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts, set on the ice and in Hollywood. Let's be straight, it's a silly show about the ups and downs of Hollywood featuring exceptional ice skaters with songs straight out of classic tracks. If this was anymore family friendly... really it couldn't be.

It's joined by the following new shows at the park

(NEW) Vertical Impact – Calico Square Stage: The show presents the ultimate blend of extreme stunts with high flying acrobats performing a one of a kind performance perfect for the entire family! This high energy show is set to the most popular songs of today, combining everything from trampoline stunts, BMX riders,  skaters, dancers, and aerialists. Every show ends with an informal meet & greet for the guests with the entire cast on stage. June 13 - August 23. No shows on Mondays & Tuesdays

(NEW) Vertical Impact: Geared Up! – Calico Square Stage:  The fun continues after dark as the cast pumps up the volume with the latest hits, the biggest tricks and awesome special effects. The pace is intensified, the stunts are electrified, and the cast is breaking down the walls, defying gravity, and taking it all to the next level. "DJ Nytemadness” keeps the party going mixing all the best of current EDM, dance & pop hits after each show while the gleeful cast invites guests become a part of the fun. June 13 - August 23; no shows on Mondays & Tuesdays

(NEW) Big Band Swingin’ Sundays – Boardwalk Circle: The timeless allure of swing dancing is something guests won’t want to miss this summer! Jump, Jive & Swing to the sounds of Orange County’s best local Big Bands. Sundays, June 14 – August 30

(NEW) Salsa Bands – Fiesta Plaza Stage: Fiesta Plaza stage heats up this summer with the infectious energy created by some of Orange County’s most popular salsa bands. See Knott’s website for show dates and times

Knott's will put a smile on your face and if you can handle the roller coasters, maybe a big gaping hole for screaming out of.

Let us not forget the delicious food, including their special famous Country Fried Chicken. It was so good, and it's the only place to get it!

Knott's you a classic hang out for the summer.

Knott's was kind enough to invite TTDILA and it's crew for a day to the park.