Final Notice: Knott’s Berry Farm Suspends All Operations Without Refund

Fans of haunted thrills get a scare when the attraction isn’t access granted—instead, a refund that never came. A Reddit user reported purchasing two tickets for Knott’s Scary Farm on October 29—only to be notified that the park will be closed that day.

Though the user asked for a refund, Knott’s has reportedly not responded, offering only open-dated use instead. This has reignited frustration and led to scrutiny under California’s consumer protection laws.

The Post That Unleashed the Debate

On Reddit’s r/KnottsBerryFarm, one disappointed guest shared:

“I bought 2 tickets for the Scary Farm on 29th of October. I now got an e-mail from Knott’s that the park will be closed … I requested a refund with no answer until now. I know that the sales are final, but this seems like a special case.”

Replies poured in. One pointed out that California’s Business and Professions Code § 22507 requires a full refund within 30 days if an event is canceled (and potentially even if postponed), rather than just issuing a credit.

Another user shared what seemed like a best-case anecdote:

“It’s the exception. They’ll make an announcement soon […] A friend of mine called and they already issued a refund for him.”

Other users encouraged the original poster to contact a representative directly, call guest services, or escalate with their bank if needed.

What California Law Really Says

Here’s what the law says—and why it matters.

Business and Professions Code § 22507(a): When an event is canceled, the ticket seller must issue a full refund within 30 calendar days of cancellation. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Section 22507(b): Even if the event is postponed, rescheduled, or replaced, the purchaser is entitled to a refund—upon request—within 30 days.

In this case, Knott’s isn’t just offering a rescheduled date—they’re outright closing the park on the date purchased. Under the law, that constitutes a bona fide cancellation, meaning a refund must be offered, not just offered a voucher or open-dated ticket.

Knott’s Policy vs. California Law

Knott’s ticketing terms are notoriously strict: “All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.” Guests are often left frustrated in cases of emergencies, schedule conflicts, or even closures. Many users report that the site expects you to accept a credit or ask a friend to use them instead.

But the state law clearly presents an exception—even if a company’s terms say otherwise, cancellations trigger a statutory right to refund. This is not optional; it’s the law. Courts have ruled that overly broad “no refunds” language cannot override this consumer protection.

Meanwhile, other Redditors noted success via dispute with their bank or escalation to authorities. One user dealing with tickets for another event in California cited § 22507 and succeeded after involving the Credit Card company and state agencies.

The Knott’s site states:

“I agree that all ticket sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges. Tickets are only valid for admission to Knott’s Berry Farm or Knott’s Soak City Waterpark.

Permission to Photograph or Photograph Video Image: Entry into any Six Flags Attraction constitutes consent for Six Flags to take a photographic image of Ticket Holder for yourself, or any minor children for whom you are supervising for any purpose stated in Six Flag’s Privacy Policy.

Security Screening: Prior to entering the park all guests must go through a bag check and metal detection screening, and you hereby consent to doing so.

Lost Property: Six Flags is not responsible for lost or stolen property of a Passholder or Ticket Holder.

Improper Behavior: A Ticket is the property of Six Flags and is non-transferable, non-refundable, non-exchangeable, and not valid for cash. A Ticket may also be revoked without refund, and the Ticket Holder removed from the park for any misuse, failure to abide by applicable terms and conditions or conduct detrimental to the park, including theft of property or services, violation of Federal, State, Provincial and Local laws, assisting any person to obtain unauthorized entry, violation of park rules, safety procedures, vandalism, disorderly conduct, intoxication, and possession of intoxicating liquors (except as properly purchased within the park with valid identification and used responsibly), drugs or weapons.”

Next Steps: What You Can Do if You’re Denied

If Knott’s refuses to process your refund despite this cancellation:

1. Document everything — Keep records of your purchase, the emailed closure notice, and your request for refund.

2. Call Guest Services — Use the recommended number and escalate to a manager if needed: 714‑220‑5200 (option 9).

3. Send a formal written request — Include all your documentation and reference § 22507.

4. File a claim — Submit a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Better Business Bureau, or Office of the Attorney General.

5. Contact your bank or credit card — A chargeback might succeed where the seller is ignoring your request.

6. Consider small claims court — The law imposes a misdemeanor for violations, and many ticket sellers are required to post a bond to cover refunds.

Why Knott’s Should Reconsider

Even beyond legal considerations, there’s a matter of goodwill. Scary Farm is a beloved Halloween tradition. Issuing refunds in a case like this would preserve goodwill, avoid regulatory pressure, and save reputational damage that spreads quickly online.

Ignorance of the law—or willful refusal to follow it—can cost more than a patch of guest loyalty. If enough affected patrons band together, Knott’s could face coordinated complaints or enforcement action.

A park closure shouldn’t leave paying guests out of luck. In California, legal protections have made cancellations a rare case where a refund must be offered—even against company policy.

If you’re facing this issue, don’t just let it drop. Demand what’s owed under the law, push back politely but firmly, and escalate through formal channels if needed.

Knott’s may not have intended to renege on refunds—but under CA law, choices, not tickets, are final.

Have you faced a similar refund denial at a theme park? Share your experience with us—we’re tracking trends and helping guests know their rights.