Overview
Knott's Berry Farm provides an Attraction Access Program for guests whose disabilities prevent them from waiting in a standard queue. Like other major theme parks, Knott's uses a return-time system - guests receive a designated time to return to a ride rather than waiting in the traditional queue. The program is designed to allow guests with disabilities to experience attractions while managing the physical or cognitive demands of extended queue waiting.
How to Register
- Enter through the main gates on Beach Blvd. Once inside, turn left - Guest Services is near Security and First Aid, across from the exit of the GhostRider attraction.
- Let the team know you're requesting an accessibility accommodation. Staff are trained to assist - you don't need to share a diagnosis.
- A Guest Services representative will ask questions about how your disability affects your ability to wait in a standard queue.
- Based on the conversation, they'll issue an Attraction Access Pass. This is a physical card you'll carry for the day.
- At each attraction, present your card at the accessibility entrance and receive a return time based on the current wait.
What Documentation Is Typically Required
Following the Six Flags/Cedar Fair merger, Knott's now uses the IBCCES system which requires documentation as part of the pre-registration process. Always confirm current requirements at sixflags.com/knotts/accessibility before your visit, as policies have evolved.
How the Return Time System Works
- When you approach a ride, you'll show your Attraction Access Pass at the accessibility entrance.
- The ride team member will note the current standby wait and give you a return time equivalent to that wait.
- You then spend that time anywhere in the park - eating, visiting other areas, resting - rather than standing in the queue.
- When your return window arrives, you return to the accessibility entrance and board with minimal additional waiting.
- Typically one return time is held per group at a time.
Ride Transfer Requirements
Many of Knott's major coasters require guests to transfer from mobility devices into the ride vehicle:
- HangTime, GhostRider, and Xcelerator require transfers. These are high-clearance coasters with fixed seat configurations.
- Some flat rides and family attractions may be wheelchair-accessible with no transfer.
- Timber Mountain Log Ride and Calico Mine Ride have more accessible boarding options.
- Request the full ride accessibility guide from Guest Services - it lists specific transfer requirements for each attraction.
Tips for Planning an Accessible Visit to Knott's
Planning Tips
- Head to Guest Services before going anywhere else - it's worth the 5–10 minutes at open to have your pass ready all day.
- Use the Knott's app to monitor live wait times and plan your return time windows strategically.
- Knott's is more compact than Magic Mountain - less walking between attractions.
- Weekday visits significantly reduce wait times across the board, making return times shorter.
- Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant in the main entrance area provides a comfortable, air-conditioned break during return time windows. (Reservation recommended.)
- The Ghost Town area, Indian Trails, and Camp Snoopy sections have more sensory-friendly, lower-intensity attractions if you need breaks from thrill rides.
- Confirm the current structure of the accessibility program directly with Knott's before your visit.
A few things that help - especially when you're spending park time waiting between return windows rather than standing in queue:
Gear That Makes a Difference
Useful gear
A few practical items for managing a return-time visit.
- Noise-canceling headphones - see options
- Cooling towel - see options
- Hip pack / hands-free bag - see options
Official Accessibility Resources
For authoritative, current information on Knott's accessibility program:
Official Knott's Accessibility Page →