Knott's Berry Farm Accessibility Guide: Wheelchair, DAS, and What to Know

Knott's Berry Farm has formal accessibility programs for guests with physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other cognitive or sensory needs. The programs are different from what Disney offers — knowing the distinction before you arrive saves time and frustration at Guest Services.

The Boarding Pass Program

Knott's does not use a DAS (Disability Access Service) system in the Disney sense. Their accommodation is called the Boarding Pass Program.

The Boarding Pass is issued at Guest Services (near the main entrance) and applies to guests with:

• Mobility restrictions that prevent standard queue waiting
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Other conditions where waiting in a standard queue environment is unsafe or not possible

How it works: Guest Services issues a Boarding Pass that allows the guest and up to 3 riding companions to access rides via the exit ramp, bypassing the main queue. Each attraction can issue a return time if the exit access isn't available immediately.

You must apply in person at Guest Services on the day of your visit. Bring any relevant documentation if your condition isn't visually apparent, though the park does not require a formal medical note — you explain your situation to a Guest Services representative.

What to Bring and What to Say

Be clear and specific about your need. Guest Services representatives are trained to assess requests, and vague requests sometimes result in limited accommodation. Describe the functional limitation (can't stand for long periods, sensory overload in crowded enclosed spaces, can't navigate unpredictable wait times due to a condition) rather than just naming a diagnosis. The park's stated standard is that the Boarding Pass is appropriate when a medical condition makes waiting in line unsafe.

Keep your Boarding Pass paper — it's your credential for the day at each ride. You'll present it at each attraction's exit access point.

Wheelchair and ECV Access

Bringing your own: You're welcome to bring your own manual wheelchair or Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV). The park is ADA-compliant with paved paths throughout. Most of the accessible routes between areas are flat, but Ghost Town and the transition from Boardwalk to Fiesta Village have some inclines.

Renting at the park: Wheelchair and ECV rentals are available at the Stroller Shop, located in Ghost Town. Some ECVs can be reserved online in advance — book early on busy days because the rental fleet is limited.

Transfer-required rides: Most of Knott's major coasters require guests to transfer from wheelchairs or ECVs into the ride vehicle. Ride operators are trained to assist with transfers, and boarding areas for accessible guests are separate from the main loading zones. Check the park's Guest Accessibility Guide (available at Guest Services or downloadable from the Knott's website) for specific transfer requirements by ride.

Restaurant and Facility Accessibility

All full-service restaurants at Knott's are wheelchair accessible. At full-service locations, Guest Service Associates will assist guests with mobility limitations in ordering and bring food to the table. Quick-service locations have accessible counter heights at most stations.

Restrooms with accessible stalls are in every restroom block throughout the park. A dedicated Baby Care Center near the main entrance has a private space that also works for guests who need a quiet, low-stimulation break.

Dropoff for guests with mobility needs is available at the main entrance. There's a designated accessible drop-off area at the front of the park — ask at the parking booth for directions.

Sensory Considerations

For guests with sensory sensitivities:

• Camp Snoopy is generally the least overwhelming area — open space, less crowd pressure, lower noise levels than the Boardwalk coaster area.
• GhostRider's queue passes through a covered wooden structure that amplifies the coaster's rumble and creates a loud enclosed environment.
• The Calico Mine Ride is dark inside the mine. Some guests with sensory sensitivities find the transition from bright exterior to dark mine space disorienting on the first ride.
• Bigfoot Rapids uses rushing water sounds throughout the queue and ride, which some guests find overwhelming.
• The park does not currently offer a formal sensory guide or map, but Guest Services can advise on specific ride environments if you ask.

Ride Accessibility Chart (Selected Rides)

• Beagle Express Railroad — Wheelchair accessible boarding. No transfer required for most chair types.
• Calico Railroad — Accessible boarding available. One of the more comfortable options for guests with mobility limitations.
• Calico Mine Ride — Transfer required to standard ride vehicle.
• Timber Mountain Log Ride — Transfer required. Log vehicle is low to the ground — transfer assistance available from operators.
• GhostRider — Transfer required to coaster seat.
• HangTime, Silver Bullet, Xcelerator — Transfer required. Over-the-shoulder or lap restraints — operators assist with seating.

Service Animals

Knott's follows ADA guidelines for service animals. Service animals are permitted throughout the park and in restaurants. For rides, service animals cannot accompany guests on the attraction itself — a member of your party must stay with the animal at ride exit while you ride. Kennels are not available at the park, so plan accordingly.

Additional Contacts

For pre-visit accessibility questions, contact Knott's Guest Services directly. The park also publishes a downloadable Guest Accessibility Guide on its website with manufacturer-required restrictions by attraction, which is the most comprehensive source for specific ride requirements.