Photo TR: KNOEBELS!!....with a side of WDW

[BeemerBoy]

Yep, time again to make the grueling drive north up the east coast. Fortunately, the trip usually allows me to hit up a park or two along the way. This time around, there was a little someplace special I'd been dying to get to...Knoebels!

 

Before we get to that though, there was the business of flying into Ft. Lauderdale, picking up my ride (stop laughing, Larry), and swinging by Orlando for a little WDW love. The idea was to hopefully catch TSM at MGM, and then begin production for next year's entry into the TPR video contest. I'm already guaranteeing victory.....for someone else.

 

Okay, for starters, I was hoping to catch the soft opening of TSM, but that wasn't to be. No big deal. When you don't place to much hope in it, you can't be let down.

 

Now for my thoughts on the rest of the park. I hadn't been here for several years, and after 30 minutes in the park, it was clear why. I used to really enjoy this place, but now.....it just really sucks. Yeah, I hate to be that harsh, but in my mind, there's no getting around it. After a ride on Tower, there really wasn't too much to keep my interest anymore. I skipped RnRC, and wandered around for a little while before anxiously leaving for the MK and Epcot.

 

Oh, one other thing. It pains me to say it, but The Great Movie Ride either has to go, or be overhauled tremendously. Seriously, I used to be a real movie buff, and had always appreciated that ride, but this time around, it was glaringly apparent that *something* needs to be done there.

 

I'm sure TSM will help the place a bit, but I left with a really meh feeling this time, and I hate feeling that way. Heck, I'd almost rather spend a full day at AK now....and that's saying something. Disney, if you're listening, please give Lucas a call. Help us, George. You're our only hope!

 

Okay, on to the pics.....

 

Page 1- MGM

Page 2- Knoebels

Page 3- Knoebels part 2

Page 7- A few more WDW and Fenway Park

Well, that's it for MGM. I couldn't agree more, Calina.

 

Up next, Team Larry assembles at Knoebels. Stay tuned.

....and reestablish my "manliness" by watching Star Wars, drinking beer, talking sports, and being with my wife.

Okay, time to leave the overly stereotypical cliche land.....

If all gay guys like musicals, and Singin' in the Rain is a musical, then chalk me up as gay for this moment in time. lol

 

Seriously, the way Gene Kelley dances almost effortlessly is amazing. And for the jocks reading this and shaking their heads, I challenge you to try it.....it's not as easy as it appears.

 

Yes, Dancing with the Stars has made many husbands submit to ballroom dancing classes over the last few years (shakes fist at ABC).

 

There, got that off my chest. lol

.....The portal to overly stereotypical cliches. (Feel free to add any sci-fi portal special FX sounds here.)

Okay, I'm confident in my sexuality as a straight man, so it was time to venture into a different realm to admit something."

FAIL.

Okay, now this is still cool.

But hey, with awesome programming like this, why am I so down on the place, right?

Blurry pic quota.....filled.

Oh how I used to really enjoy thee.

Damn straight.

 

And no, the hat is not #1.

"I'm tired of this mother f'ing hat in front of my mother f'ing hand print."

The once Great Movie Ride.

Wii: The Ride.....denied.

And this will always be a cool exhibit.

It'll always be MGM to me. Deal with it.

Once again, details.

But this one....well, it's now a TPR exclusive!!

And I gave up counting how many times this one was taken.

I spent last night checking the site. This is officially the 10,005th time you've seen this shot.

Detail.

To

Attention

No people to this point = Even Better.

No people to this point = Good.

Good Tower still delivers.

Wait, I found something else about this place that I still love.

I do still appreciate the "streetmosphere" at the park. A nice touch.

Meh, this view used to be a nice one.

Don't show this to CP's trash cans. I don't want them getting jealous.

You know, after all those Ferrari pics, you'd think I'd be interested in something like this.

 

Yaaaawn.

Fine, you've waited patiently enough for the meat of the TR.

Then it was time for some poker at one of the newer casinos down there. You hardly ever see moms in TRs, so I'm bucking the trend.

 

Hi Mom, Love ya!

Time to grab one of the best hoagies on earth.

Another gentleman was there picking up his F430 from servicing, and then promptly tossed the keys to his wife. This would never happen in my house. NO ONE, I repeat, NO ONE would ever touch that steering wheel but me.

I feel just like Thomas Magnum now.

"In the Ferrari or Jaguar, switching fo' lanes, with the top down, screamin' out money ain't a thing...."

For the racing fans out there.

I'm sorry, but the color yellow belongs on bananas, the Boston Bruins sweater, and anything else besides sports cars....especially Ferraris.

That black Scag looked great, but there's really no substitute for the traditional Ferrari red.

Mmmmmm, F430 interior.

Oh yeah, if you're not a car enthusiast, you might as well take a break or something for the next ten pics or so.

So many beauties to chose from.

mmmmmm, 612 Scaglietti.

Before dropping in here to pick up my new ride.

Then it was time to stop by my old stomping grounds.

I repelled down from the chopper to downtown Ft. Lauderdale.

At the Chattanooga Airport, it was a crappy Delta connector, or a Blackhawk. I'll take the Blackhawk, thank you.

[lil jimmy norton]

Nice pictures. What Ferrar did you end up getting?

[mcjaco]

I for one, have always liked yellow on Ferrari's. That's just me though, and perhaps it's because I'm a little bananas.

 

[Shockwave]

Matt, I don't mind the yellow either. It looks nicer on Ferraris than almost all other cars.

 

Nice photos so far Scott! I didn't spend too long in the Studios when I was there a couple of years ago, and even in the few hours I spent there with R&E, it was enough to get almost all the park done, including lunch!

[bigstevet07]

Awesome report so far as usual Scott! I love the somewhat obscure hip hop stuff you throw into them. Even if its not Jay-Z's best work teaming with Mr. Janet Jackson. On another note, I agree with the Not-So-Great Movie ride. It just seems like nothing but a time waster now.

[Meteornotes]

The Great Movie Ride is a hive of satanic evil, and should be removed immediately for the safety of all humanity. Horrible, horrible attraction.

 

And yeah, MGM really needs some upgrading. Not sure that Wii The Ride is that, but we'll see...

 

dt

[ebl]

Funny...when I was at MGM a year and a half ago, I really enjoyed The Great Movie Ride. Perhaps because it was the first time I rode it.

 

The only problem with such attractions, however, is that unless they're upgraded frequently, they become dated very quickly. Sort of like the old America Sings attraction at Disneyland---in the mid-'80s, the newest song in the production was Three Dog Night's Joy to the World from the early '70s.

 

Otherwise, great update. I wasn't aware that you could just go into a Ferrari dealership and sit in the cars. Surely they'd *pfft* sniff at you riff-raff. Well, they would at me anyway.

 

Eric

[BeemerBoy]

Nice pictures. What Ferrari did you end up getting?

None. Consider that a "dream sequence" if you will. Heck, I couldn't even afford the steering wheel on one of those bad boys! However, if I had my choice, it'd be an Enzo (not pictured), hands down.

 

I wasn't aware that you could just go into a Ferrari dealership and sit in the cars. Surely they'd *pfft* sniff at you riff-raff. Well, they would at me anyway.

Actually, normally, you can't. I used to drop in there every once in awhile to drool on my way home from the beach. Occasionally I'd talk with a mechanic or one of the dealers, but they'd never let me even breathe on the cars the wrong way. This time I got got lucky. I ran into a very nice salesman who actually encouraged me to jump in and take pics. I think he immediately recognized that I was there in complete appreciation for the vehicles, rather than some clumsy tourist who'd end up carelessly denting or scratching one.

 

I love the somewhat obscure hip hop stuff you throw into them.

Thanks. It's cool that someone catches 'em!

 

The only problem with such attractions, however, is that unless they're upgraded frequently, they become dated very quickly.

Exactly. Even moreso, our "driver/tour guide/whatever they're called" pretty much half-a$$ed it. During the Raiders switchover scene, he could care less about the smoke screen, as we watched him casually sidestep it, take the robe off, comb his hair, and then step forward with the big "ta-da" crap. LAME.

 

 

Matt & Tom - You probably both like "Yellow" Powerade too, right?

 

 

Thanks for the nice words. More to come this afternoon.

[Moose]

sh1t.... that stereotypical dimension seems to be spreading.

 

If all gays like musicals and not football and beer, then add me to the list of str8s.

But wait, does that mean i need to start liking women?

[BeemerBoy]

^ lol. If that's the case, is Lou first in line?

[ParkTrips]

None. Consider that a "dream sequence" if you will. Heck, I couldn't even afford the steering wheel on one of those bad boys! However, if I had my choice, it'd be an Enzo (not pictured), hands down.

considering all the carbon fibre, I wouldn't even buy the steering wheel! Keep that crap on the outside of the car!

 

<<-- awaiting Knoebels + Skooters photos

[Swimace]

hahaha, your Singin in the Rain vortex made me die laughing!!!

 

I can't wait to see your Knoebels update, I hope you had an awesome time

[ginzo]

<<-- awaiting Knoebels + Skooters photos

 

Yeah, Scott. Give us the goods.

[BeemerBoy]

Okay, because of the overwhelming response to show Knoebels, we'll skip ahead in our regular scheduled programming.

 

Knoebels. It's quite simply my new favorite non-Disney park. Those of you who've been here already understand. For those who haven't, it's really hard to explain. For starters, there's the Phoenix.....sick, demented airtime galore. Then throw in the awesome Flyers, the unbelievable Skooters, a second woodie that'd be a good showcase coaster in many other small parks, a classic brass ring carousel, a kick arse reasonably priced food selection, and an overall amazing vibe to the place, and you've got a world-class park.

 

I absolutely love the weird quirkiness to this place. Although so much of the place seems like it was just plopped down randomly, it works in a strange, charming way. The location doesn't hurt either. Tucked into the PA woods, the atmosphere is perfect.

 

Honestly, I could go on and on about this joint, but you don't wanna hear that. You wanna see pictures, and I can't blame you. I had a great day there as part of "Team Larry." It was great meeting a couple of special guests you'll soon see.

 

Enjoy!

...as Derek demonstrates here.

 

 

More to come later. Yes, Joe, including the Skooters.

So prepare your children to be scared....

Good to know.

I like a good dark ride.....and this one certainly didn't disappoint.

This would be another one of those random shots.

This guy was sanding his wood.

I missed out on the slide that day. Stupid rain!

And a blurry Nicole. I'm really on a role with these, I tell ya.

Where you first get to look at the "other" carousel.

Time for an even smaller train ride.

Mmmmmm, cheese on a stick! The wonderful simplicity of this artery clogger cannot be undermined.

And speaking of Derek, his first food suggestion was spot on. Oh, and this picture is not crooked, and you're not drunk.

 

 

Okay, maybe Matt is.

Up next, food! But wait, holy crap, that last flood level was half a Derek!

The free-floating boats were cool too. Man, I dig this place.

A kiddie coaster with air? You betcha....if, of course, you survive the spine adjustment first.

Hey Matt.

Okay, I'm going beyond my call of duty with these blurry pics today. Hi Elissa! No random postcards, but blurry squirrels instead.

POV through Twister!!

Never trust these people, especially the two in the front....they will soon both have two first names.

I was too impatient to wait for a train to fly past. That's what happens when there's a hundred better things to do here.

Okay, here's a pic of the train too.

This is a generic structural picture of Twister. Contain yourselves.

I really liked this one. Unfortunately, it plays the role of redheaded stepchild to Phoenix. Poor Twister.

Then it was time to walk past Knoebel's new lawn ornament. My great grandkids are gonna love the day this finally opens.

Let the airtime commence. I now consider this the world's only "standup woodie."

I love you, Phoenix.

Which brings us to this wonderful piece of awesomeness.

And now since we're all here, Team Larry powers activate!

Suddenly, Derek and Nicole appeared....almost as if they were pm'd weeks in advance and asked to join me. Knoebels has the ability to bring TPR members together like that.

Indeed.

Mmmmm, but why did I never step foot in here? Odd.

Then it was time to meet up with the man, himself....doing what he does best - practicing for the day Flyers become an Olympic sport.

Whew, no flooding today!

Great park sign in the middle of the place.

They're be a bunch of random pics that probably have no meaning, and no great caption either. This is one of them.

Anywhere else, if this was the first thing I saw upon entry, I'd be frightened.

The "Grand Entrance."

Yay for free parking!

No argument here.

[ginzo]

Glad you enjoyed yourself at Knoebels. I'm still kicking myself for only allocating 2 hours there last year. I should have just skipped Hershey that day because we all know who wears the pants as far as easternish PA parks goes.

[TheStig]

I would have posted earlier, but I had to take a rather long break after the Ferrari pictures!

 

This is an awesome report just from the combo of cars, WDW and Knobels! I really need to get to Knobels, but I guess I can wait until FT opens (unless I die first).

[larrygator]

Team Larry starts with "Team" and it was great having you join. It was a blast hanging out with you again along with Derek and Nicole. Now I know why you wore the Ferrari hat.

[Hobbesx2]

can't believe no one said this yet:

 

bench: the ride!

[cfc]

I finally went to Knoebel's for the first (or should that be "phirst"?) time last year at Phall Phunfest. I have been kicking myself since for not visiting the place for years. Long live Phoenix, the Scooters, and that classic haunted house!

[BeemerBoy]

Knoebel's seems interesting. I am still so baffled by the amazing reviews this place gets. I don't really have a desire to go there, but will be open minded when I first go in August.

 

Believe the hype.

 

 

Team Larry starts with "Team" and it was great having you join. It was a blast hanging out with you again along with Derek and Nicole.

 

Right on, Larry. Glad to be a member, and great to have met Derek and Nicole as well!

 

 

I would have posted earlier, but I had to take a rather long break after the Ferrari pictures!

 

I figured that's what happened.

 

 

 

 

Okay, let's finish up this lovefest with Knoebels, shall we?

You're welcome.

 

I did.

 

I will.

Sadly, it was about that time to ship out, but I had an awesome time with some great company!

Remind me never to apply for Skooter mechanic here.

Coincidence? I think not. Damn you, Knoebels!!!

 

Kids, burn those history books. WWII was Knoebels' fault.

There was a great timeline of the park's attractions.

A look at the old skating rink clock thingy.

Next door was this nice little exhibit showcasing the history of the park.

Hi Micole.

....the T-Rex???? WFT??? LOL.

Miners face many challenges and obstacles while doing this demanding job. Here you see some of the older equipment used all the while keeping constant concern for collapses, faulty equipment, bad air, and apparently.....

Then it was on to the Mining Museum, where I learned many fascinating facts about the perils of mining. Apparatus like this was used in the Sago (?) Mine tragedy a couple years back.

See?

This was easily the coolest one on the Grand Carousel.

The rains came, so it was time for a museum tour or two. First up, the Carousel Museum. I think it was meant to be a roller coaster museum, but the family realized they had their own attraction that wouldn't open for years.

You know, when the only other flyers you've been on were Holiday World's, it's impossible to know just how fun these things can be. I was blown away by 'em!

Then back to Phoenix....just because.

There was no licking of the pole in this group.

But he did make himself useful, and help snap a good in-action pic of yours truly.

This is what an outside horse looks like, Larry.

Larry took his sweet arse time getting to a horse, and therefore lost out to a 9 year old. LOL.

Which features boobs!

On to the Grand Carousel.

More flood level signs.

I think I did this wrong. Perhaps I should've been IN the picture?

If this were at Lake Winnie, there'd be a ton of broke rednecks. Okay, let me rephrase that.......there'd be a ton more broke rednecks.

Seriously, I only played several games, but I can understand how easy it'd be to sit here for hours.

And then onto the most mindnumbingly simple stupid, and addictive game ever.

After some hard fought skooter action, it was time for what else? More food, or course. Mmmmm, good pizza.

One more for ya, Joe.

And no applying directly to forehead either.

He looks laid back, but there's a devilish grin there too.

Hey Joe.

Let the trash talking begin.

Anytime an injury is a distinct possibility on bumper cars, you know they're good!

[DenDen]

Great TR!!!!!!!

 

As I was starting to go through the 1st set of pictures, and saw Downtown FLL, it took me for a loop.

 

Also loved the Portal of Cliches.

[krazekiddd]

Great trip report! In Fort Lauderdale, where is that Hoagie shop at?

 

 

Fascination After the midwest trip, I know Im going to have to bring a lot more cash so I can play longer.

[Immelman]

Very cool trip report... I'm doing a big amusement park road trip in a couple weeks and even though there's bigger parks like Cedar Point and Six Flags NJ on the agenda, I think I'm most looking forward to Knoebel's.

[SharkTums]

Knoebels

[BRTeller]

Very cool trip report... I'm doing a big amusement park road trip in a couple weeks and even though there's bigger parks like Cedar Point and Six Flags NJ on the agenda, I think I'm most looking forward to Knoebel's.

 

Good call, Knobels is a one of a kind awesome park. I haven't been to one like it. Have fun, and Knoebels is my favorite park for a reason.

 

Also thanks for sharing pictures of one of the best parks ever. Great photo TR.