Ride the first and only dive coaster in California, HangTime, now open at Knott’s Berry Farm! With a vertical lift over 150 feet, mid-air suspensions, and speeds of 57 mph, HangTime is a beyond thrilling addition to the Knott’s Boardwalk.
I received complimentary admission to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Knott’s HangTime Review
First, we should get into the statistics of the ride. HangTime is a steel dive coaster located within the Boardwalk Area of Knott’s Berry Farm, on the previous site for Boomerang. It is credited as the first and only dive coaster in California with a steepness unmatched.
The surf-inspired line queue celebrates the SoCal spirit. Headrests are even painted surfboards mimicking the welcoming boards on the ride entrance. Riders strap in with a seat belt and lap bar. You read that right! No harness!
Curious about the HangTime height requirements? Riders must be 48″ or taller to ride. Check the official Knott’s app for height requirements on their coasters.
The ride begins with a vertical lift pulling riders to the top of a 150+ foot tower. As you lay flat on your back you realize how tall 15 stories really are. Once at the crest, the ride halts leaving riders suspended for seven seconds. Looking straight down at the tracks and the depths below is insanely thrilling (and frightening).
Insider tip: If you’re looking for the biggest thrill, ride in the first row.
How fast is HangTime? The car then descends at speeds up to 57 miles per hour through the 2,189 feet of steel track and five thrilling inversions. I adore roller coasters, from GhostRider to Xcelerator The Ride®. One thing that stood out after riding HangTime six times (yup, I’ve ridden it six times so far) is how incredibly smooth it is. If you’re not a fan of the bumpiness that comes with a wooden coaster, then HangTime is for you.
I was invited to ride the coaster in advance as an extra for commercial filming. After the first ride, I was in love with the thrills HangTime provides. Next, we rode four times in a row without getting off of the ride. Definitely a moment when this blogger was grateful her “work” meant having fun. The ride got better after each trip through the tracks. The vertical lift and suspension stayed slightly scary each trip, but it’s the inversions that really surprised me. You don’t feel like you’re being lifted out of your seat while twisting and hanging upside down through the loops. There are elements where you don’t see the track in front of you, like in Silver Bullet, making it imperative you keep your eyes open the whole time.
When it was time to celebrate the opening of HangTime, I was thrilled to be able to ride again. The celebration included hula hoop performers, surf-themed food items prepared by the amazing Knott’s chefs, music, and photo opportunities. Special guests included a beach-ready Snoopy that I’m calling Shaka Snoopy and legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk.
The moment we all had been waiting for did not disappoint. HangTime was christened with a live band playing Beach Boys’ hits as the sun set. The nighttime chase lighting and fireworks display was in perfect sync with the music, making that opening moment grand. After it officially opened, guests were invited to catch a wave and climb aboard HangTime.
Having ridden previously, I was impressed how gorgeous the views are at night. The ride itself is pretty, as are the views of the park while you’re hanging at the top of HangTime screaming for your life!
If you’re looking for surf-related souvenirs while visiting the park, you can check out the brand new store, Boardwalk Surf Shop. There’s a ton of HangTime merch, plus everything you’d need to stay cool while hanging at the Boardwalk.
I definitely recommend riding HangTime more than once. The easiest way to do in one day that is to purchase Fast Lane passes. The cost varies, but you can save on these line-skipping bracelets by purchasing them online. If you’re looking for a year long of fun, consider a season pass. That way you’ll be able to check out all of the seasons of fun, from Ghost Town Alive to PEANUTS Celebration.
Have you ridden HangTime? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Tags:Knott's Berry Farm
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T his looks so fun! A little scary too— I am a big fan of theme parks, but haven’t been to one in ages. I am putting this on the list. I really love the view at night. Thanks for the review!
I have never ridden HangTime but this sounds like so much fun! I love theme parks and rides! Thanks for the tips about day passes etc. Great post 🙂 🙂
This is such a nice place for a great bonding and experience. I would love to be their with my families and friends and I am sure they will definitely like this amazing place.
Been to California last Decemeber and saw some of the fun roller coaster ride on the side of the highway to Las Vegas. Looks like US has so many fun ride. Great review on Hang time! The night view is stunning too.
Wow! That looks like a stomach-churning ride but I would love to try it nonetheless. Haha! 🙂
This place looks toooo fun! Can I just say those cupcakes look super delicious too?! I love it! What a fun outing. x
This place looks like a lot of fun for all the family. Even with the scary rides. I hope you had the best time visiting.
I love roller coasters but I’m not sure I could handle this one. 15 stories is a LOT! I do love the smoother steel coasters though as the really bumpy wooden ones make me a little nauseated.
I guess I’ll have to try it sometime! Looks like fun. Thanks for sharing.
Mama | http://www.mamawritesreviews.com
Oh how fun…it looks like you had a blast. This is definitely a place worth visiting.
This is the first time I’ve heard of HangTime and Knottsberry Farms. I’m too old, although, I’d have been scared to death at any age. Because it frightens me my grandchildren will love it! It is a beauty to see especially when all lit up.
OMG, I am screaming at the vertical drop just at the site!! What a great looking roller coaster, it is sure to get adrenaline pumping in the heart beating!
That coaster looks like it would be insane! Knott’s looks like an awesome place for the family.
Wow! That’s a crazy roller coaster! I think I’d go on based on your experience alone!
Yes, I love roller coasters. I would try this in a heartbeat.
So cool that you were able to ride this before it’s official opening! I adore roller coasters but haven’t gotten the chance to check this one out yet (despite living all of 15 minutes away). It sounds like a blast though, and so pretty lit up at night!
The name of the place really sums it up. I want to ride in one of these but I’m not so sure I can handle both the thrill and fear. But this post is really good at pushing people to try the excitement!
Roller Coasters & Cupcakes? Yes! I’m in! This looks like so much fun! My kids would love this place!
Omg, looks like so much fun! What a ride! I need to go on a rollercoaster – it’s been ages!
I would love to visit this place, it looks like such an incredible place with so much activities.
The Dive coaster looks fun and at the same time look scary o me. I don’t dare to try it. If I have opportunity, I won’t mind to try it out.
We love roller coasters! This place looks awesome!
Oh wow! What a fun ride! Knotts is definitely on our list of places to go this Summer! Definitely looks like there’s quite a lot going on!
That is one scary ride! I think it’s awesome that you had the courage to try it and share your experience! I’m not sure if I can handle it but it would be nice to experience!
very nice and more in family