Buena Park, CA, USA (May 15, 2015) — On Wednesday, May 13, Knott’s Berry Farm held its opening ceremony for Voyage to the Iron Reef, the park’s new 4D dark ride shooter designed by Knott’s in conjunction with TRIOTECH. InPark News Editor Joe Kleiman was there and here are some of his photos of the event. A behind the scenes look at the design of the new attraction will appear in an upcoming issue of InPark Magazine.
Knott’s General Manager Raffi Kaprelyan speaks with Disney Legend and former Imagineer Bob Gurr before the ceremony. Gurr recounted to the crowd his experience working on Kingdom of the Dinosaurs in the 1980’s, a dark ride which occupied the same space as Voyage to the Iron Reef. He also gave high accolades to the new attraction from Knott’s and TRIOTECH.
The opening ceremony begins.
Knott’s GM Rafi Kaprelyan welcomes the crowd.
The captain and his friend prepare to christen the new ride.
Costumed characters welcomed us onto the ride and encouraged us to destroy the Kraken Queen and her minions.
The forgotten heroes of opening ceremony confetti blasts.
Christian Martin of TRIOTECH (Right) is interviewed for a podcast.
Steampunk inspired nautical costumes were created by Lara Hanneman, Knott’s Director of Entertainment Production, and her team, who also came up with the concept for Voyage to the Iron Reef.