Taylor Finn

I won't leave this here with any sort of comment. But I was curious if folks had any opinions/thoughts on this video.

15 years is plenty long for that ride. I am just grateful the ride system is here to stay long term again. A new lease on life! This is really exciting!

Got it. Yeah, I am reading a few more comments online that seem to support what you are saying. I think it just isn't being captured properly in videos. Thanks for the reply and as usual, for the great coverage! Honestly, this park is getting fleshed out really well and I am excited about that!

Having watched other posted POV's (for whatever reason, I was cool spoiling this for myself, but not Rise of the Resistance), it seems like a pretty solid ride and I am super excited about the continuing transformation of this park! My one question is: early in the ride, the cabinet in the back of train opens, revealing Goofy on a screen. However, there is a fairly obvious black gap above the rectangular screen that cuts off Goofy a bit, because the cabinet itself isn't just a rectangle. This isn't intentional is it? Was wondering if you guys even noticed it. I absolutely realize this is nitpicky, the reason I ask is only because I know Disney IS that particular when they design things, it would surprise me if this wasn't just a technical glitch that needs worked and not an oversight.

I will just echo that KD is far superior to SFA. I realize you'd basically get into SFA for free if you already bought a membership, so it is certainly a consideration. But SFA really has very little in the way of quality coasters. Wild One is good fun and so is Superman, but that's about it. KD is cleaner and overall much better. If you go to Hershey and don't bake in time to go to Knoebels, you are doing it wrong. It isn't something that can be captured via videos. Certainly you could read reports here on TPR. But at the same time, part of the fun would be going there a bit less educated (beyond what flats and rides not to miss) and just having a ball. POP wristbands are not available on weekends, but the individual ride tickets are good fun to use IMO and can be purchased for 20% off (ie- $20 in tickets for $16). For just one person, if you plan to ride a ton, you could do 3 $20 ticket books and be in solid shape. This works out to be about the same price as a wristband, so if you go during the week when the wristbands are offered, certainly go that route, so you can ride Phoenix over and over. It will be the best park food you eat the whole trip and that is an experience unto itself. Don't miss Pierogies, potato pancakes, sweet tea slushes, fresh roasted peanuts (they're still warm), waffle ice cream sandwiches, the breakfast at the international food court (while not insanely good is still a fun and unique way to experience the park before rides open), and Cesari's Pizza (pretty solid stuff). Really, you can't go wrong. Just poke around and don't just eat hot dogs and burgers and you'll be just fine. If there are two things TPR is very fond of, it is Knoebels and Japan. You'll never hear anyone knock the park and it's warranted. The rides run efficiently, the staff is friendly, the food is great, the flats are great, Phoenix is omfg, and the charm is undeniable. It is like entering a park from yesteryear.

I mean each train can fit up to 32 people, right? 4 individual cars with two rows of up to 4... if they can dispatch them every 30 seconds or so, that would be a pretty great capacity. I read there is a single rider line? I assume it isn't running today, though.

Undergrove Cavern sounds about right. There were a couple more that sounded a lot more generic, because they included Wildwood Grove in the name (e.g. Quest at Wildwood Grove or something like that). You aren't missing much by not having the names.

So, the log flume, coaster, this water ride, and the ropes course are opening all in April? Has anyone been down there to see what the place has looked like/where they are on any of it?

Yeah, I got a survey that basically asks for opinions on naming the ride. Quest for the Hidden Cavern was the best name option they offered. None of them were especially inspired. Seems like a shooting dark ride. 6 person vehicles. Definitely going into Wildwood Grove area. Didn't copy over the specific ride experience description and theme, because I would have had to type it out word for word.

Well, I guess I am glad I visited a few years ago on a whim. Didn't think much of it at the time. Got in for dirt cheap though. The rides side of the park wasn't too crowded, really. But it was not a ghost town, by any means. Silver Comet was a fine ride! And the water park looked to be a big hit. Maybe they would keep the wet side open?

I really had a nice time at Lakeside, but was very sad about my visit, too. More potential than practically any park I've been to. Honest to goodness, $500k-$1 mil would probably turn the park around overnight. -Fix the rides with missing vehicles and remove Starride structure -Replace any broken lights -Landscaping and sidewalk repair -Remove the hoarded old parts/games/vending machines -TLC on the Tower of Jewels -Add a basic gift shop in an existing building (remove some of the arcade, e.g.) Instead of purchasing the Pinfari, if they had done all of these things, the park would be looking great!

I am super grateful Robb and Elissa thought to take us here. I worry about some of the other parks we visited that trip (Washuzan Highland, Benyland, Lina World, and maybe even Parque Espana). They were all such unique parks. I know we visited the slow season, so it is difficult to know exactly what the crowds looked like the rest of the year.

Got it, yeah. We definitely would avoid Saturday then. Are Sundays still *pretty* crowded then? Like 30-60 minute waits for stuff is more expected than 0-30 minute waits?

I am thinking of visiting the park next Saturday or Sunday. A few questions: It will still be a good bit quieter on Sunday vs. Saturday? I've been to the park before, but my girlfriend hasn't, so we'll likely wanna try to hit all the coasters. Is that possible without Flash Pass during this slow time? I know they'll be running one train ops, but what should my strategy be, exactly? Also, website shows Roadrunner Express and Superman as being down. Have these been down all winter? Is this just an ops thing or could they open back up?

Totally forgot about the skyride! Whoops. Yeah. Updated. One more thought I had: The Motor Boats and Antique Cars stayed at $2 for a driver, but the passenger price went up from $1.25 to $1.50. I assume folks will just drive themselves if they want to drive themselves. But might there be more people opting to do that, as opposed to going together as the cost difference between these two decreases? This would lower the rides capacity... If Knoebels could send out each car/boat with two people, they would prefer that right? I know this is... really getting into the weeds. The economics of Knoebels fascinates me, is all.

My annual comparison (aided by the wayback machine) of ride prices. Around 1/3 (23/64 at my quick count) of the rides saw a 25 cent increase this year. Skyride is $4. Coasters are $3-3.50 (Flying Turns is 3.50, the rest are 3) Flats are mostly $2-2.25 Exceptions: Ferris Wheel and Stratosfear are $2.50, Carousel, Roto Jets, and Tea Cups are $1.75 Kiddie Rides are mostly $1.25-1.50 (most at $1.50). A couple exceptions: Track based rides and the kiddie coaster are $1.75-2.00). For Taylor, personally, about 5 rides that we would typically ride (Bumper Cars, Looper, Paratrooper, Stratosfear, and Whip) went up 25 cents. We buy tickets at the Weis Market. So $1.25 increase in our cost for a visit with 20% discount on tickets is $1 increase. Yeah, that seems pretty solid compared to most parks admission increases. Overall: $1.25: 8 rides $1.50: 13 rides $1.75 8 rides $2.00 18 rides $2.25: 8 rides $2.50: 3 rides $3.00: 4 rides $3.50: 1 ride $4.00: 1 ride Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk and sorry if I bored you all!

Will eventually visit this park. I am sure I'd have a great time. I actually have a free ticket via the Lego Rewards system (bought a few larger sets). Thanks for the look!

The comments are pretty solid on that post, too. This is certainly a valid criticism of the park. If all bathrooms were modern and nice like the ones they put in near Impulse, Knoebels would be a better place.

Thinking about visiting on Sunday April 26th. Park is open 10:30-8 PM. Anyone speak to the crowd level this time of year? Reckon it shouldn't be too bad, but can get two tickets, parking, and two meal deals for $90, which seems unbeatable. We won't be purchasing fast lane. Possible to hit the coasters up in one day? Ate at Country Kitchen last time, would like to try something different for our meals. Thanks!

Here we go! 1. How many parks did you visit in 2019? Eh, maybe like 10 or so? Some carnivals and small ones, on top of that. 2. Best new-for-2019 (or new-to-you-in-2019) ride? Hmm, Steel Curtain? Didn't do too many brand new great coasters last year. 3. Name the first 3 coasters that come to mind. Phoenix, Lightning Rod, Phantom's Revenge 4. What was the best flat ride you rode in 2019? Hmm. Knoebel's Flyers 5. What is your favorite RMC under 130 feet? (cheat sheet) I've only been on Steel Vengeance and Lightning Rod, so that's a no. 6. What was the last Premier coaster that you rode? Sky Rocket 7. Name a park you've been to that you're already planning to revisit. Dollywood and Knoebels are already locked and loaded. 8. What is your home park and how many times did you visit in 2019? Kennywood: 2 9. What park are you most looking forward to visiting in 2020? 10. Kennywood or Dollywood? Pick one Oh, that's tough. Oddly enough, never had a Kennywood Season Pass despite them being super affordable and living within 30 minutes of it. I currently have a Dollywood Season pass. I guess that maybe answers the question? I love em both. 11. What ride/coaster disappointed you the most in 2019? I would say Jack Rabbit at Seabreeze. It wasn't like a massive disappointment, but it certainly fell short. The trains just seem so heavy and clunky and the ride just kind of didn't do much for me. 12. You're at Great Adventure. You play that racist-ish gong game and win a one hour ERT session for you and your friends on ONE coaster of your choice. But damn! El Toro, Kingda Ka and Nitro are all down! So you ride... Batman! 13. What is the last coaster that changed your top 10? Oh, probably Steel Vengeance 14. Most recent park food you ate. Last park I went to was Dollywood, so it was probably Cinnamon Bread. 15. What park do you wish was your home park? Knoebels. No question. I would honest to goodness be there like all the time. 16. What 2020 attraction do you have the biggest boner for? Hmm. I dunno if I'm going to ride anything that's new for 2020, to be honest. Maybe Jersey Devil. 17. What park will you visit next? Maybe King's Dominion in April? 18. Favorite breakfast before a day at a park? International Food Court at Knoebels. 19. Cedar Fair park you visited most recently? Knott's Berry Farm 20. Was it awesome? Absolutely! First time visit. Went in November and did everything! Wonderful time. 21. Skyrush or Candymonium? Probably Skyrush. But it has been a minute since I've been to Hershey. Hoping to change that this year once Candymonium opens. 22. What 2 overseas parks do you want to visit the most? Hmm. Europa and Phantasialand. 23. The best B&M coaster you rode in 2019 was? Don't think I went on that, that many. Maybe Diamondback? 24. What is the saddest/dirtiest credit whore thing you've ever done? Got in line for a kiddie coaster, asked a small child to ride (w/o approaching the parents), rode in the front seat with kid, and walked past the parents. I regret it and... it won't happen again. 25. Last time you bought fast pass? I haven't. I don't begrudge folks for doing so. I generally don't go on days where it is truly warranted. 26. What was the longest you waited for a ride/coaster in 2019? Hmm. Maybe 75 minutes for Steel Curtain? 27. What season passes/membership do you currently have? Dollywood Gold Pass 28. If you could go to a park with anyone on this forum for a day who would it be and to what park? Tough to say. Probably CoasterBill. We, along with others, share in a love for Knoebels. 29. Battle of the Busch 2020: Iron Gwazi or Pantheon - which would you rather ride? Iran Gwazi 30. Most times you've ridden one coaster (rough estimate or exact if you're a super nerd) I couldn't tell ya. 31. Congrats! You just won passes to spend A WEEK at the park of your choice! Dorney Park or Valley Fair? Pick one and why. Valley Fair; never been 32. Talk about a park food that knocked your socks off Disney Sea had some really fun stuff! 33. Pick one: Kumba or Montu KUMBA 34. What are your three least favorite woodies? Off the top of my head; I hated Predator, Mighty Canadian Minebuster, and maybe Hurler at Carowinds. 35. Best sweet snack at a park (degree of difficulty: not Dollywoods cinnamon bread) Knoebels Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich 36. Kings Island is on the phone and they want you to decide what is going in the old Vortex spot. What do you add? Probably another woodie, but that's clearly not going to happen. 37. What roller coaster currently sits at the top of your bucketlist? (degree of difficulty: NOT a new-for-2020 ride) Olympia Looping, without a doubt. 38. Name 3 parks you want to visit in the next 3 years. Europa, Phantasialand, Six Flags Great America 39. Name 3 other forum members you hope fill this out. 40. Show us how cool you are by posting a picture of yourself on a coaster or in front of coaster. Bonus points if you're holding a sign with a number on it like the nerd you are. Maybe I will update later with one. Got nothing for ya at the moment!

Andy, Thanks for all the great pictures! You certainly captured hanging lake much better than I did while I was there. We certainly intend to head back that way, if nothing else to do some of the more scenic drives west of Denver. The Hot Springs were a pleasant way to wind down the night. We did the after 9 pass (really just a 1 hour pass). The place is quite pricey imo, but we felt it was worth doing for an hour.

Let me put it this way. We visited Denver this past summer for a week. We did like three days in the Rockies, a day in Boulder, a day in Colorado Springs, and a day in Glenwood Springs, and it was well worth it. We used hotel points, so I was a bit locked into the same hotel in the Denver area; otherwise, would have certainly stayed a night in Glenwood just for ease of travel; however, doing what we did in one day felt really worth it. Casey Brewery is a world class Sours Brewery that some people make the trip just to do, Hanging Lake was one of the best hikes we did all trip, this park is awesome and can easily be done comprehensively in 4-5 hours (including both cave tours), and it is one of the closest places to visit a world class hot springs. It has a lot to offer and we didn't even get to bike down the canyon which was in our original plans!

Lots of great pictures and info here! Interested to hear what you did in your visit otherwise. We had a hell of a day. Drove over from Denver and did the Hanging Lake Hike (were trying to bike down the path you mentioned but they closed it a week before our visit due to peak run off), went to an awesome brewery for a tour, visited the park, and went to the Hot Springs... and drove back to Denver that night, like crazy people. I really enjoyed my time at Glenwood Caverns and didn't even notice the Speleobox. I would've likely done it! Girlfriend was also terrified of the Screamin' Swing but we had a great time once she got on.

I would just say that they're going to be open the whole long Memorial Day weekend, but that those next two Tuesday/Wednesdays are still considered too slow to justify opening (school still in, etc.). It is a bit unusual, but that's gotta be the reason. Because the hours also shift during the week starting June 8th to 9 PM close.

Yeah, I would doubt Ole Smokey. Trains are nice and unless they replaced it with another train, that space can't be used for much else. Unlike Delgrosso's Park, which has a train that takes up an otherwise entirely empty field. They insist on removing rides to put new ones in, for lack of space... I mean, I guess it could be the swings. It seems unlike them to remove it for this period of time and leave that plot there if it was just going to be replaced by something else. Why not just put something new in there last year?