CenturyFlyer

Sorry if you glanced that extremely screwed up first version; I guess that can happen to a newbie like me. I know that some of the pictures are still mixed up, and I'm sorry about that. The second installment in this report will be better designed, I promise!

I just got back from a fun visit to one of my favorite parks, Knoebels, and figured I’d post a trip report on here. I mean, I’ve been writing them for myself for a while anyway, so why not share it with others? I hope my meager post count doesn’t hurt matters. This will probably be extremely long, so feel free to skim through if you want. Rides Closed: Italian Trapeze, Ole Smoky Enjoy the pictures and comments! The park's swings were sitting in this pavilion in multiple pieces. Not sure what the deal is here. Impulse is a good first impression for first-time visitors that is much better than the bumper boats that formerly were here. It was an awesome feeling to be walking back into this place again. This stand is one of the changes for 2019. Oh, the excitement. This picture is obligatory for everyone who visits Knoebels. The world-famous Porky the Paper-Eater! I don't remember that stick before; I later saw a kid shoving it into this thing's mouth with all his might. The ticket booths were packed, but the lines moved quickly thanks to the typically fast Knoebels service. Since it was a weekday, we both got a POP wristband. I somehow didn't do the Flyers last time, so I was excited to give them a go, but that chance would have to wait because.... But on the plus side, we got to stand and watch water be dumped on the chain. After waiting around for a bit, an employee came out and very kindly told us that it would take 20-30 minutes for the ride to “warm-up.” Oh well, someone must have called off or something. Anyway, Phoenix was right there calling our name! Let's ride! Once in the station, the shortest line was for row 3, so my dad and I queued up for perhaps the ride’s most infamous seat. Despite operating one train on both woodies (as is usual for weekdays, I assume), the coaster ops were extremely quick; the dispatches throughout the day were usually just over 30 seconds. Having fun... On my first visit to Knoebels in 2016, I remembered Phoenix as a fun ride but had no standout memories of the airtime or anything. Boy, did this visit change that! The train glides through the entire layout so smoothly, and the airtime is incredible. The double-up/double-down is my favorite part of the ride, but the air on the return trip is just insane; we were hitting the lap bar with every bunny hop! I had a camera strapped around my neck, and it was hilarious having to catch it at the top of each hill. I probably shouldn’t be surprised, but after reading people's raves about it for years, I had been thinking of Phoenix as “overrated” for a while after my lone ride three years ago. The amazing experience I had this year was truly unprecedented! Just a handful of cars were running early in the day. There's plenty of awesome Phoenix views to be had on the Antique Cars. ...we needed to get in line for Flying Turns. But wait, the queue isn't open yet. Flying Turns still wasn’t open yet, so my dad and I rejoined the line, which opened a few minutes later. Some signs tell you about this type of ride's history. It took 7 years to build, so GET EXCITED. We waited for about 20 minutes when what else… FT shut down because of some issue. Oh well, we’ll be back. Welcome to Knoebels! Empty trains were cycling by. The far turn The red-orange train was sitting on the side. The end of the return trip After this awesome “kick” to what had started out as a so-so day, we boarded the Antique Cars for a trip around and under the Phoenix structure. While waiting to get off, a guy was majorly excited, shouting “woo-hoo!” and “party!” over and over. Well, you’re at Knoebels, so why not get pumped? There were over five attendants in the station, which I thought was odd – the oversaturation of ops occurred on a lot of the rides; take the six operators in the Scenic Skyway station, for example. Coming into the station; look at all those smiles! Gotta love these homemade touches. Since it was nearing lunchtime, we walked over to the International Food Court to get a bite. I got the “Polish Platter” – haluski, kielbasa, and some potato cakes – along with some Birch Beer, a first for me. I didn’t find it to taste much different than your typical root beer, but later in the day, I got the white variety, which I found to have a much nicer taste. With a bit of sweetness, the potato cakes were also a nice surprise. More pics coming next...

Late to this, but I just wanted to say nice report and add some comments. I'm surprised you liked this Hurricane. Maybe it's just because I've only been on one, but I found it to be a painful experience. Seat dividers would sure improve this ride for me! This park has always been fascinating to me: the old-school logo and other elements, the interesting ride collection, and the fact that it's pretty much in the middle of a cornfield. Thanks for showing us around.

Had a fun visit yesterday, the first time in three years for me. I was excited to get my first rides on Flyer - what the heck just happened?! Anyway, here's Tumbling Timbers. I didn't ride, since Phoenix is right behind it. It looks like people were enjoying themselves, though. Pioneer Train seemed fine; I'm not sure what day or time the derailment happened. I might do a photo TR, you never know. -Andrew M

Pittsburgh resident here... Phipps is cool, and if you like botany it's certainly enjoyable. My personal favorite attraction is the Heinz History Center, which is a huge museum covering all aspects of the city's history, from industry to sports. I'll second the incline, too; there's two of them, but the Duquesne Incline is better because you can tour a cool little "inner-workings" museum at the top. Have fun!

Thanks, that answers all of my questions! Not to be a broken record, but since the Resort Gate isn't restricted, does that mean non-hotel guests can circle around and park in the lot next to it?

Just a couple things, since I'm planning my first trip in a little more than a month: I've heard some things about the "Magnum Gate." Assuming this is available for the general public (not just hotel guests), would it be a better option than the main gate to get SV, Maverick, etc. earlier? What is a good time to get to the park? If it opens at 10, say, do they let people in a few minutes early? We're thinking of driving to the park, staying overnight, and coming back the next day. If we stayed at an on-site hotel, would we be able to get Early Entry for that day without checking in at the hotel first? Is there a will-call or something? Any answers are greatly appreciated.

Nice report! Love long ones like this that go into a lot of detail. I'd really like to go to Camden at some point - maybe on the way to Dollywood; I love old parks like this, especially as you never know how much longer they're going to last, so I'd say that it would be worth it. From pictures I've seen, Big Dipper used to have a sign that left out the "IG" at the end. What a perfect addition to the park's other confusing signs! Anyway, I love those NAD Century Flyer trains anywhere. Did the Big Dipper train ever have four cars? I'm wondering what the deal is with that short flume drop and why the band organ in the carousel is missing its drums on the sides. Besides that, the organ looks just like the Wurlitzer 153 here at KW.

Knoebels in two weeks for the first time in three years!

I've been on Backlot Stunt at KD, and found it fun, but it looks like it was much better with the added theming during the Paramount era (during which I never visited the park). Now it's seems like a hit-and-miss whether you'll get a fireball or not.

Hoping to get there for the first time this year. Hmm... as far as B&Ms go, I haven't been on a stand-up, wing, giga, or flying. I've got some work to do!

Hi, I'm Andrew! I've been using trip reports and the park index for years as a reference, but I'm excited to finally register. My home park is Kennywood, and I've been on 78 coasters. I really enjoy park history and history in general. This looks like a nice board.

Wow! That Genie float is very cool. Here in the US, our age-old, not-as-good electrical parade refuses to die - it was just announced to be coming back to Disneyland! I like it though, so I'm not complaining.