Welcome One and All!

Hi there! If you're here, chances are you're looking to learn about my very favorite character from Knott's Bear-y Tales!

That character is the dragon. He has no official name, although some fans have nicknamed him "Puff", which I personally enjoy. He was located in the carnival scene, where he would appear and disappear within the tent of Madam Wong, via the Pepper's ghost effect, at the bang of her gong. When visible, he would wiggle around while laughing hysterically. His laughter could still be heard even after he disappeared.

Concept art of the dragon by Rolly Crump.

The dragon's prop in the ride being built.

The dragon's completed prop, ready for installation!

From 1975 to 1986, the dragon entertained guests along with his many, many friends. After 11 years, however, Knott's Bear-y Tales was closed to be replaced by Kingdom of the Dinosaurs. This was not the end of the dragon's entertainment career, however. In 1987, the Peanuts Playhouse was turned into the Bear-y Tales Funhouse, and many of the props from the ride were reused for the new attraction. Among them was the dragon; however, his prop was heavily altered as part of a design overhaul that affected several other characters as well. His friendly, soft demeanor was replaced with a much more fierce, scary look.

The dragon, freshly redesigned.

The dragon installed in the Funhouse.

From 1987 to 1997, after 10 years of use in the Funhouse, the dragon had become severely decayed and damaged. His limbs, teeth, and eyes were either missing or coming loose, giving him a disturbing and ghoulish appearance. After the closure of the Funhouse, many of the props were obtained by employees and still exist to this day. It seems, though, that the dragon was not as lucky, as he hasn't turned up since closure. Given his heavily damaged state, it is most likely he was thrown away.

The dragon in the Funhouse, in very, very bad shape.

Despite this depressing outcome, this may not be the end of the dragon; in 2019, a 4D ride titled Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair was announced for installation, intended as a sequel to the original ride. It will feature many of the characters from the original attraction, and with any luck, this may indicate the return of our scaly friend.

Listen to him giggle!