Treasure Hunting in Monterey

Ready to hunt for some undersea treasure in Monterey?

Treasure Hunt: The Ride will soon open on Cannery Row, taking riders on an interactive, pirate-themed adventure as they battle not only friends and family to score the most booty, but also against ghosts, skeletons and other creatures that lurk in the “newly discovered” caverns.

Located near the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the ride will feature hand-crafted set pieces, animatronics and special effects blended with interactive media. Riders will use onboard interactive “Treasure Collector” devices (think Ghost Blasters at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk) to rack up a score.

Treasure Hunt is the brainchild of manufacturer Sally Dark Rides, known for its attractions such as the Haunted Castle at the Boardwalk and Justice League at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and fabrication experts Daniels Wood Land, who were involved with the architecture on the Boardwalk’s new main entrance in 2017.

The ride at 700 Cannery Row is squeezed into an 8,145-square-foot area, which includes the queue and maintenance areas. Six four-passenger vehicles will traverse a track, which is expected to take about four-and-a-half minutes. A six-minute pre-show is also planned, featuring an animatronic pirate and parrot hoping to entice passersby.

“Cannery Row is an incredible destination, and it provides the perfect setting for us to weave a new story about a legendary pirate captain, hidden treasure, spooky caverns, a mythical kraken and even the rising tide of the Bay,” said Ron Daniels, president of Daniels Wood Land, in a press release. “Artisans have been working around the clock to craft the perfect environment for the experience. Wooden planks, cave walls, stalactites, skeleton bones, canons, treasure chests and countless gold coins have been strategically placed. The track is completed, and the ride vehicles are exploring the twists and turns. Thematic lighting is complete and we are well on our way to soon welcome our first guests.”

Treasure hunters can keep track of the ride’s progress and opening date by visiting treasurehuntride.com.

Summer Rush Begins

It’s June, so that means summer is heating up and getting loud at the Boardwalk.

On Thursdays from June 15 to Aug. 10, bands from across the Bay Area will bring the party to the Colonnade Stage in front of the Pirate Ship. On tap to perform from 8:30-10pm are Santa Cruz favorite Extra Large, Man in Black, Tsunami Band and others.

The summer movie series kicks off June 16 with the screening of “The Lost Boys.” The series runs every Friday at 9pm through Aug. 11, featuring “Space Jam,” “Selena, “Top Gun: Maverick” and more.
Daily entertainment is also on tap from June 19 through Aug. 11, featuring two performances from magicians, acrobats, jugglers and comedians. Performances will take place on the Colonnade Stage in front of the Pirate Ship and near Logger’s Revenge.

More information on the summer entertainment lineup can be found at beachboardwalk.com/events.

Chaperone Policy Now in Effect

Parents and guardians of younger teens, be aware of this change in operations at California’s Great America.

In late April, a new chaperone policy went into effect in an effort to curb the number of “unruly” incidents that have plagued theme parks nationwide over the past two years, according to the park.

Under the policy, all guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old in order to be admitted to, or remain in, the park after 4pm to closing time. The chaperone must show a government-issued photo identification with date of birth at ticket entry. One chaperone may accompany no more than 10 guests ages 15 or younger per day, the policy states.
For information on the policy, visit cagreatamerica.com/code-of-conduct.

Save the Dates
Lakeside Splash: Gilroy Gardens is debuting a new water area this summer. Taking over the former Bonfante Falls section, the area is equipped with new water slides, interactive features, upgraded cabanas and a new restaurant, The Smokehouse BBQ.

Carnivale at Orleans Place: California’s Great America’s annual celebration of Mardi Gras returns July 19.
Fiesta en la Playa: The Boardwalk will celebrate the Latino community with mariachi performances, folklorico dancers and a free beach concert on Sept. 9.

Fall Campout: Set up your tents overnight at the Boardwalk from Sept. 29-30. Registration will be available soon at beachboardwalk.com/Boardwalk-Overnights.

By Erik Chalhoub