Knott's Berry Farm Accessibility Guide: Wheelchair, DAS, and What to Know
Knott's Berry Farm uses the Boarding Pass Program for accessibility accommodations, not DAS. Issued at Guest Services near the main entrance on the day of your visit, it allows guests with mobility restrictions, autism, or similar conditions to use exit ramps with up to three companions, bypassing standard queues. Return times may apply if exit access is not immediately available.
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.
Attraction Accessibility Program & IBCCES Accessibility Card
Under Six Flags ownership, Knott's Berry Farm has moved to the IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) system. Pre-registration is required before your visit, on-site, same-day issuance is no longer available.
Who qualifies: Guests with mobility restrictions, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or other conditions where waiting in a standard queue environment is unsafe or not possible.
How to register: Create an account at accessibilitycard.org, upload supporting documentation, and receive your digital IAC before arriving. The IAC is free and valid for one year.
At the park: Present your IAC at Guest Services (near the main entrance). Staff will discuss accommodations and provide a day pass that allows exit-ramp access at participating rides. The guest and up to 3 riding companions can access rides via the exit ramp; return times may be issued if exit access isn't immediately available.
What to Bring and What to Say
When uploading documentation for the IBCCES portal, describe your functional limitation specifically (inability to stand for long periods, sensory overload in crowded enclosed spaces, inability to navigate unpredictable wait times) rather than only naming a diagnosis. Once your IAC is approved, bring it to Guest Services on arrival. You will receive a day accommodation card to present 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 some areas of the park, including Ghost Town, may have inclines.
Renting at the park: Wheelchair and ECV rentals are available at the Stroller Shop, located in Ghost Town. ECV availability is limited; contact the park before your visit about reservation options, and plan accordingly on crowd guide.
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.
Dining 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 may have accessible counter heights at many stations.
Restrooms throughout the park generally include accessible stalls. 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 a lower-stimulation area, with more open space and typically less crowd pressure than the Boardwalk coaster area.
- GhostRider's queue may include sections that amplify the coaster's rumble and create a loud 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.
- Calico River 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 to coaster seat is typically required.
- HangTime, Silver Bullet, Xcelerator, Transfer is typically 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.
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