Xcelerator • Knott's Berry Farm

Oh. My. God. I LOVE Xcelerator! The ride is beautifully presented in the corner of the park, and the views offered from the midways and queue are fantastic. Furthermore, the ride has extremely comfort...

Oh. My. God. I LOVE Xcelerator! The ride is beautifully presented in the corner of the park, and the views offered from the midways and queue are fantastic. Furthermore, the ride has extremely comfortable seats and restraints. The ride begins with the launch: WOW! It is so intense and genuinely feels insane every time. You rise into the tophat giving fantastic airtime, once through the tophat; you will whiz through two overbanked turns. The speed alone causes me to greyout on the first one, while the second one gives good whip through it. From there you head into the brakes, which finishes your ride. I honestly consider the brakes a ride element just because of how fast you slow down, it’s awesome. Xcelerator is AMAZING; every time I ride it I come off with a huge smile on my face and the desire to ride again because it is just pure joy for me, which is not a feeling I get on any other ride. This is all why Xcelerator is my #1! :)

From the insane launch, to the airtime filled tophat, and the fast overbanked turns, this ride is just badass all around. I will never forget my first ride, as I was incredibly scared waiting in line ...

From the insane launch, to the airtime filled tophat, and the fast overbanked turns, this ride is just badass all around. I will never forget my first ride, as I was incredibly scared waiting in line for the ride. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to get in the front row. I grayed out like crazy on the first launch, and then experienced some of the best airtime on that tophat. The two overbanked turns were really fast, and combined with the head chopper on the second turn, it made for a really intense but enjoyable experience. That launch is the best I think I’ll ever experience, which easily makes this one of my favorite rides ever.

I really enjoy this ride and it has always been one of my favorites at Knott’s Berry Farm. I just wish that it was longer but the initial launch is always fun and it’s a great ride for people who love...

I really enjoy this ride and it has always been one of my favorites at Knott’s Berry Farm. I just wish that it was longer but the initial launch is always fun and it’s a great ride for people who love thrill!

xcelerator is a fun ride. wouldn't queue more than 30 minutes for it but that launch is the most intense out of every intamin accelerator i've ever ridden, and i've also done kingda ka, red force and ...

xcelerator is a fun ride. wouldn't queue more than 30 minutes for it but that launch is the most intense out of every intamin accelerator i've ever ridden, and i've also done kingda ka, red force and more.

This is by far the best launch in the country. Not the fastest acceleration any means but man is that launch intense. I have it ranked above the original top thrill dragster because the launch is shor...

This is by far the best launch in the country. Not the fastest acceleration any means but man is that launch intense. I have it ranked above the original top thrill dragster because the launch is shorter and way more intense/punchy.

I really enjoyed Xcelerator, especially once the wait time got really short at the end of the day. It’s got that wonderful launch out of the station, top hat, and couple of overbanked turns. Of course...

I really enjoyed Xcelerator, especially once the wait time got really short at the end of the day. It’s got that wonderful launch out of the station, top hat, and couple of overbanked turns. Of course it’s too short and the launch is not as punchy as either of their Stratacoasters or Stormrunner, but it’s still a very punchy launch and the whole ride is very smooth and lots of fun.

Xcelerator really ought to be the top rated coaster at Knott's Berry. The launch is so incomprehensibly fast, it nearly knocks the wind out of you. I enjoyed back row best, makes the airtime over the ...

Xcelerator really ought to be the top rated coaster at Knott's Berry. The launch is so incomprehensibly fast, it nearly knocks the wind out of you. I enjoyed back row best, makes the airtime over the hi hat better. Front row is good too but not worth the extra wait. I think I could spend an entire day at Knott's Berry Farm just riding only Xcelerator and I'd be happy. This may be one of my top 3 coasters.

Xcelerator: The Ride is the aptly named Intamin Xcelerator located at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. To be honest, I think a more fitting name of this ride is Xcelerator: The Launch, be...

Xcelerator: The Ride is the aptly named Intamin Xcelerator located at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. To be honest, I think a more fitting name of this ride is Xcelerator: The Launch, because this ride is basically all about the launch. Sure, there are a couple banked turns, but they don't last long or do much. But the launch makes up for that. This launch is INSANE. It's currently the 5th fastest accelerating coaster in the world and you feel it. This is a stomach dropping launch; it presses you back into your seat as you launch out of the station, knocking the wind out of you. It's an intense launch, too much for a lot of the GP to handle, but for a coaster enthusiast? This launch is a DREAM. Smooth but forceful. Afterwards, you rocket up the BEAUTIFUL top hat, especially at night. This coaster is such a spectacle, and it works SO well into the skyline. There is no pro for beauty, but pretend I put one. When you rocket over the crest, you get lifted out of your seat and stay out for the remainder of the drop. It's a great pop of airtime, and it drops your stomach just a bit. It is definitely a highlight (besides the launch, of course). In the valley, I notice that it does get a little bit rattly, but not enough to make it a con. The overbanked turns don't do much, but it does add to the beauty and off-rideability of this coaster. If I could just sit back, relax, and watch Xcelerator run I would be happy. My current wallpaper on my phone is literally Xcelerator's top hat. Anyway, after these high-banked turns comes the brakes. That is the main con everybody talks about: the length. This coaster's ride time is only 22 SECONDS. That is ridiculously short for a coaster. I said the same thing for my Stunt Pilot review: I feel like I've barely gotten on before I've gotten off. Another con for this coaster is the capacity, at least when I went. They were running one train and the dispatch times were atrocious. Over 2 minutes dispatch times while waiting for the front row is not very fun. All in all, Xcelerator: The Ride is an outstanding coaster that innovated the coaster industry by introducing hydraulic launches. Final score: 4 stars; if you are in the area, get to Knotts because not only is Xcelerator a great ride, GhostRider, Silver Bullet, and Hangtime are all outstanding as well.

The hydraulic launch is bonkers. There's really nothing else like this ride in California. The ride is very short and simple, but the top hat has a nice drop, and the turns have some high positives. T...

The hydraulic launch is bonkers. There's really nothing else like this ride in California. The ride is very short and simple, but the top hat has a nice drop, and the turns have some high positives. The restraints and seats are also very comfortable. Unfortunately, this ride only ever runs one train (and honestly a second train wouldn't even help the capacity issues that much). The setup of the air gates (one gate for every 2 rows) confuses a lot of people and causes there to be empty seats on each train. The ride itself, though, is top tier.

"Still the best launch i've experienced today." - Airtime Thrills. I take his word for it. Best launch in the world. Plus it has lap bars and not those nasty hard straps like ISpeed at Mirabilan...

"Still the best launch i've experienced today." - Airtime Thrills. I take his word for it. Best launch in the world. Plus it has lap bars and not those nasty hard straps like ISpeed at Mirabilandia. It has had some rough times, facing a terrible accident before I rode it, but Knott's has not give up on it yet. When I went on my first trip to Knotts with my dad, we saw Xcelerator do some test runs out of nowhere. It had to mean that Cedar Fair has put some money into it and refurbished the one coaster which has the craziest launch in America. Plus throw in some 56' Chevy Bel Air trains with lap bars which look fantastic and call it a day. Much better version of Stealth at Thorpe Park. I can only think that this coaster is cursed, I mean it was placed on Windjammer's old area, which was a HORRIBLE coaster. Is this plot cursed? Maybe. But, still amazing ride and worth Cedar Fair's time.

One of my favorite launches on any coaster. Good airtime rising up/falling down the top hat depending on where you sit. Intamin T-Bars are great restraints. Could use a couple extra elements of course...

One of my favorite launches on any coaster. Good airtime rising up/falling down the top hat depending on where you sit. Intamin T-Bars are great restraints. Could use a couple extra elements of course.

Intense, smooth, great launch. There are positives as you get launched up the top hat, and you get ejected in the back row. The two banked turns add a lot to the layout, despite seeming pointless. It ...

Intense, smooth, great launch. There are positives as you get launched up the top hat, and you get ejected in the back row. The two banked turns add a lot to the layout, despite seeming pointless. It lets you embrace the speed for longer. The only downside was the operations that day. Dispatches took 4-6 minutes! It was worth it, though.

As my first hydralic launch, this definitely lived up to the hype! It was pretty short but still gives quite the rush. I was a bit worried that the hydralic launch would be uncomfortable but thankfull...

As my first hydralic launch, this definitely lived up to the hype! It was pretty short but still gives quite the rush. I was a bit worried that the hydralic launch would be uncomfortable but thankfully it wasnt painful at all, just really fast. Also, the tracks and ride vehicle look super cool.

Xcelerator has the best launch of any ride i have ever ridden. This thing launches you so fast that it feels like you teleport from the station to the highest point of the top hat. It's a very short r...

Xcelerator has the best launch of any ride i have ever ridden. This thing launches you so fast that it feels like you teleport from the station to the highest point of the top hat. It's a very short ride but i'll take it after one hell of a launch.

the best launcged coaster i rode so far,the launch is something unbelivable,very strong,intense and fun. the top hat also is very powerful with a lot of airtime and g force. it's too short unfortuna...

the best launcged coaster i rode so far,the launch is something unbelivable,very strong,intense and fun. the top hat also is very powerful with a lot of airtime and g force. it's too short unfortunatly,with some meter more of track i would appreciate this coaster more

Xcelerator, easily the best launch coaster in California, is a beast. That launch is absolutely no joke, its so forceful that it feels like you teleported down the track. The following element is abso...

Xcelerator, easily the best launch coaster in California, is a beast. That launch is absolutely no joke, its so forceful that it feels like you teleported down the track. The following element is absolutely bonkers as well. The 200ft+ tophat gives some absolutely violent ejector airtime in the backrow. Paired with the crazy laterals, the moment is even more amplified. The following overbanks, although pretty forceless really highlight the speed of the coaster. The overbank through the tophat also has an underrated handchopper on the right. I know everyone complains that the coaster is too short, but I really don't see a reason for it too be longer. These accelerators are all about that launch and Xcelerator no doubt does not disappoint.

This ride is intense when you launch out of the station at like 80 mph in like 2 seconds. The lap bars are so comfortable too. This thing breaks down a lot, so be prepared. It's very short so they add...

This ride is intense when you launch out of the station at like 80 mph in like 2 seconds. The lap bars are so comfortable too. This thing breaks down a lot, so be prepared. It's very short so they added two overbanked turns, but that shows you how rattley the ride is as chances are, you were too distracted by the launch. The view of Anaheim is nice too; try to spot things you recognize up there in the one second you're up there. The airtime over the hill is awesome too. It also pulls positive G's. This ride was a prototype for the original Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, and this ride outlived that one.

This is easily the craziest launch I've ever experienced. For whatever reason, Stealth at Thorpe Park, which has similar stats on the launch itself, felt less intense (the top hat felt much more inten...

This is easily the craziest launch I've ever experienced. For whatever reason, Stealth at Thorpe Park, which has similar stats on the launch itself, felt less intense (the top hat felt much more intense though, I feel like I didn't get much airtime on this tophat). This one felt like it was trying to push me through the back of the train, it was insane. Never felt anything like it. Velocicoaster has "better" launches in terms of their pacing and the continuity of the ride, but in terms of pure intensity, Xcelerator takes the cake. So great that it's finally open to the public again!

Xcelerator is one of the few Intamin Accelerators to get a lapbar, and it definitely benefits from it. Doing "something" with the power rather than bleeding it off needlessly is a big plus. Theming is...

Xcelerator is one of the few Intamin Accelerators to get a lapbar, and it definitely benefits from it. Doing "something" with the power rather than bleeding it off needlessly is a big plus. Theming is effective and looks great lit up at sunset. Big minus however for capacity; by Cedar Fair standards turnarounds are extremely slow even on a dead quiet day (5-min despatch is not unusual). I assume the additional paranoid cross checking stem from the incidents on Perilous Plunge & Hydro that shared similar restraints.

The launch is amazing. The acceleration and force behind it is so much fun and intense. But it is just so short. Like I get it was basically a prototype, but I feel like Intamin could have done a bit ...

The launch is amazing. The acceleration and force behind it is so much fun and intense. But it is just so short. Like I get it was basically a prototype, but I feel like Intamin could have done a bit more than a couple of turns after the top hat. But still, it is really, really fun, and I can not wait till I can go back to Knott’s and experience that amazing launch again.

Hard to say a bad thing about this coaster. The 0-82 launch in just seconds is wild, and the intensity through to the end of the drop is definitely present. I also like that on this ride, unlike other...

Hard to say a bad thing about this coaster. The 0-82 launch in just seconds is wild, and the intensity through to the end of the drop is definitely present. I also like that on this ride, unlike others of its kind, you go around the hill a little bit and the ride doesn’t just end. It’s enjoyable, it’s fast, and it towers over the park and Buena Park. Great coaster all the way around.

Quelle patate ! Wow ! Xcelerator nous fout une grosse claque comme on aime niveau launch. L'ayant fait ainsi que d'autre launch hydraulique (pas Do-Dodonpa), j'en ai franchement marre de ces launchs L...

Quelle patate ! Wow ! Xcelerator nous fout une grosse claque comme on aime niveau launch. L'ayant fait ainsi que d'autre launch hydraulique (pas Do-Dodonpa), j'en ai franchement marre de ces launchs LSM qui sortent en ce moment, d'une mollesse honteuse (coucou Taron et consort). Une fois le launch passé il reste une belle vue sur la banlieue de LA, une drop à la EGF et une spirale pas inutile. Bref un très bon coaster qui fait plaisir.

This ride is a blast. The reason you ride is that beautiful 82 mile per hour launch, that accelerates to full speed in 2 seconds, that gives you a gut punch unlike no other... and is on LAP BARS! Even...

This ride is a blast. The reason you ride is that beautiful 82 mile per hour launch, that accelerates to full speed in 2 seconds, that gives you a gut punch unlike no other... and is on LAP BARS! Even though this ride suffers thanks to its forceless overbooks and slow pacing at the end, the launch alone makes this ride amazing.

Very forceful launch to start with good airtime on the top hat. The overbanks provide some good positives as well. The lap bars are comfy and an improvement compared to Kingda Ka’s harness. Smooth and...

Very forceful launch to start with good airtime on the top hat. The overbanks provide some good positives as well. The lap bars are comfy and an improvement compared to Kingda Ka’s harness. Smooth and just fun like most accelerators.

This is my second favorite coaster at knotts and my 7th favorite overall. The launch is crazy and the lap bar is very confortable. I do not give it 5 stars because it is so short and lines can get rea...

This is my second favorite coaster at knotts and my 7th favorite overall. The launch is crazy and the lap bar is very confortable. I do not give it 5 stars because it is so short and lines can get really long on weekends due to low capacity.

Xcelerator has the best launch I've ever done. The top hat delivers a great view of Buena Park, and some surprising airtime. Xcelerator, while an extraordinarily intense ride, just doesn't have much l...

Xcelerator has the best launch I've ever done. The top hat delivers a great view of Buena Park, and some surprising airtime. Xcelerator, while an extraordinarily intense ride, just doesn't have much layout, as is standard on Intamin Accelerators. Xcelerator is a quick punch of adrenaline that is absolutely worth a shot.

The prototype Intamin Accelerator, Xcelerator still has a lot to offer when compared to its bigger brothers that it helped spawn. While it might not be as tall or fast as Top Thrill Dragster or Kingd...

The prototype Intamin Accelerator, Xcelerator still has a lot to offer when compared to its bigger brothers that it helped spawn. While it might not be as tall or fast as Top Thrill Dragster or Kingda Ka, Xcelerator can still keep up. Not only is the launch still one of the most intense out there, but the ride doesn't just end after the top hat, instead going through a course of banked turns where you can really feel the speed. Plus you get that Accelerator signature ejector on that top hat, which is made even better by the lapbars. Unfortunately you can expect this ride to be running just 1 train most of the time, so lines stack up pretty quickly on most days.

WOW. This has one of the best launches I've ever experienced. It's glassy smooth, intense, and has more than just a top hat. The restraints just being lap bars amplifies the psychological intensity an...

WOW. This has one of the best launches I've ever experienced. It's glassy smooth, intense, and has more than just a top hat. The restraints just being lap bars amplifies the psychological intensity and fear factor, which for some reason on this ride makes a huge difference. There's just something about being whipped right out of the station by a hydraulic launch that gets to me.