Park Review
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Gilroy, California June 23, 2001 On Saturday I was able to take a few hours to stop off at the newly opened Bonfante Gardens in Gilroy, CA. It has only been open a week, and much of the park is not finished yet. Because of this, they had reduced admission to $20 for adults instead of the normal 28.95, a nice touch. Bonfante Gardens is a non-profit park centered around the circus trees - oddly shaped and molded trees that are scattered throughout the park, as well as many gardens. I can honestly say this is the most beautiful park that I have ever been to, bar none. Much of it was literally breathtaking with the arrangements of plants, waterfalls, etc. Mixed in throughout this paradise are several family rides and a couple of coasters. If you haven't picked up on it yet, Bonfante Gardens is not a thrill park; it's a family park where the grandparents can ride almost everything with the toddler grandkids, with the gardens and fully-themed family fun being the important parts. Docents and guides where all over the park to answer questions about the plants, scenery, rides, food, etc, and all with maps handy to help you out, which was a wonderful touch and made a person feel very welcome. Food selection was also great, with authentic Mexican food. No Taco Bell or Del Tacos here - it was beans and shredded beef with pico and avocado on top of grilled but soft double tortillas. And very good. They won my award for best park service and best food right away. As for the coasters, there are two. Timberline Twister is a family coaster similar to Cobra at Six Flags Marine World with a train that is shorter and that goes faster. It gives a great little pop of airtime off the first drop - one that scared the two teens sitting behind me in the last car! A great fun little ride through the woods. There is also the Quicksilver Mine Coaster - a Morgan mine train with two lifts. It was a little jerky hooking onto the chains on the lifts, but otherwise was a nice mine train ride. A good fast drop off the second lift, a turn through a mist-filled building, a nice helix near the end, and lots of fun and theming. Not a huge thrill ride, but perfect for what they wanted to accomplish with it. The other rides throughout the park were also all themed to blend in with the park - the "pirate ship" was a giant banana. The "teacup spinners" were heads of garlic. There were rides for the kids (that the parents could go on with them) that were all decorated, a couple of beautiful carousels, and a car ride that kicks Autopia's tush! You can take the 50's or the 20's ride, and each is themed out to fit their time period. It was the most fun that I've ever had on one of these. Overall, Bonfante is a great family park that, while small, I felt sure hearkened back to what Disneyland was like back when it opened - a place to get away with the whole family, forget the outside world, and just have a great time together. If you're looking for thrill rides, forget it. But if you're looking for a place to relax and just have a good time, this is the place to go.
Keep on ridin'
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