Review: Pony Express coaster at Knott’s Berry Farm meets high expectations

I had high expectations for Pony Express at Knott’s Berry Farm and the horseback roller coaster didn’t let me down Thursday on my test-ride.

Pony Express (now open to the public) is a beautifully themed, mildly thrilling kids coaster designed for the “tween” set — as evidenced by the high-pitch screams emitted by the riders heretofore found only at a Hannah Montana concert. It’s the perfect ride for the grade-schooler and his or her grandparents.

The out-and-back figure-eight Pony X is certainly not the fastest, tallest or longest coaster in the world — in fact, it very well may be the shortest at a mere 36 seconds from launch to brakes. But the feeling of riding on horseback is incomparable to any other coaster experience.

I expected much freer upper-body movement, akin to riding on a bicycle. Instead, the T-shaped back support that pressed comfortably against my kidneys and the leg bar that kept my knees pinned to a pair of hidden pads gave the sensation of riding pitched forward on a racing motorcycle while wearing a body cast, giving me a sense of security that removed any fear of falling off my galloping steed. I recommend the front row — it’s worth the wait.

For me, Pony Express is the perfect companion to Knott’s Sierra Sidewinder — another family coaster that’s a must-ride every time I visit the park.

Complete coverage:
> Knott’s to add horseback Pony Express coaster
> First look: Knott’s Pony Express concept artwork
> Sneak peek: Knott’s Pony Express coaster photos

Find the latest amusement and theme park news at the
Los Angeles Times Funland blog: www.latimes.com/funland.

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

[Image: Knott’s Berry Farm]

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This entry was posted on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 6:30 pm by Brady MacDonald and is filed under Family & Kids, Knott's, Orange County, Theme Parks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.