Knoebels Discussion Thread

[mpmbee]

^ and ^^ Thanks very much.

[coasterbill]

I am heading to Knoebels this summer and really looking forward to it, but i'm a bit concerned we won't have enough time there really.

 

There's no such thing as having "enough time" at Knoebels, it's one of those places where there's so much to see and do that you could spend a few days there and still miss things (I just found out they have an Eagle sanctuary). That being said, if you have 4,5,6 hours there you'll manage to get a lot of the top tier rides in. Besides the coasters, the rides you absolutely 100% have to do are the Scooters (Bumper Cars), Flyers and maybe the Carousel just because the brass ring aspect is really cool. They have a ton of other awesome rides / flats like the Flume, Downdraft, Stratosfear and the Chairlift but those 2 are the ones you should make sure you get on first, especially because the Bumper Cars always have a line.

[coneyislandchris]

My family's summer vacation is coming up soon, and we're going to be staying out in the Poconos. I have fond, fun memories of Knoebels as a kid, both going up for the day as well as camping on the grounds, and so I managed to talk my wife (who is sadly not much of an amusement park/thrill ride fan) into spending one day out there. Hoping it hasn't lost any of its charm, as I haven't been there in... hmm... wow, almost ten years to the day!

 

Also, a huge reason why I want to go there is because of my son. He's turning four in September, but is already 42" tall, and has gone on several of the rides over at Luna Park and Deno's. He also keeps bugging me to go on more roller coasters, but unfortunately due to his height the selection is kind of limited around here. Luckily, it seems the majority of the rides at Knoebels are right up his alley as far as height restrictions go! I can't wait for him to experience the pure wooden joy of Phoenix.

 

Anything there that's a can't miss these days, other than the good old standbys?

[njcoasterguy34]

If Impulse has re-opened by the time you get there, definitely ride it. Flying Turns is also a pretty neat coaster. I didn't get to ride Kosmo's Curves when I went, but the word on this forum is that it's a pretty good coaster for a kiddie coaster.

[Rai Fox]

Okay, got a tough choice to make here so let's see what anyone else thinks.

 

Second weekend in August, I'm taking a long weekend to hit Knoebels. I'll be driving from RI into Philly to pick up a friend who's never been there, flying in on Saturday morning. I'm checking into Knoebels campground Sunday evening and staying through Tuesday, can't wait to show them around the place...

 

But, I'll be in the eastern PA area for most of Saturday and the first half of Sunday, and I can't just let that go to waste! This is where I'm having a hard time making a decision though!

 

Option A - Dorney! Some definite advantages here, not least among them the Cedar Fair Platinum pass I'm carrying around. Usually low crowds, plenty of decent, cheap hotels in the area, and, really, I like Dorney a lot more than most seem to; anyway. I've been there four times in four years now though, so it's hard to be as excited about it.

 

Option B - Morey's Piers! I've yet to actually make it to Wildwood, so I'd love to get here. I have no idea what the crowds will be like on an August weekend though. It's a bit further out of the way, it's more expensive, and so far the only hotels I can find that aren't booked out (which does make me worry more about crowds) are quite expensive. However, new credits are hard to resist...

 

Option C - SFGA. Well, my last couple experiences here were downright miserable and I expect the crowds there to be insane on a Saturday in August...but, it's an option.

 

Whatever I decide to do Saturday, I might also just check into Knoebels earlier Sunday and get in some extra time there, especially in the pool and with the waterslides and all.

 

Are there any other worthwhile options I'm missing? What would you do with an extra day and a half in the area?

[agerikson]

Okay, got a tough choice to make here so let's see what anyone else thinks.

 

Second weekend in August, I'm taking a long weekend to hit Knoebels. I'll be driving from RI into Philly to pick up a friend who's never been there, flying in on Saturday morning. I'm checking into Knoebels campground Sunday evening and staying through Tuesday, can't wait to show them around the place...

 

But, I'll be in the eastern PA area for most of Saturday and the first half of Sunday, and I can't just let that go to waste! This is where I'm having a hard time making a decision though!

 

Option A - Dorney! Some definite advantages here, not least among them the Cedar Fair Platinum pass I'm carrying around. Usually low crowds, plenty of decent, cheap hotels in the area, and, really, I like Dorney a lot more than most seem to; anyway. I've been there four times in four years now though, so it's hard to be as excited about it.

 

Option B - Morey's Piers! I've yet to actually make it to Wildwood, so I'd love to get here. I have no idea what the crowds will be like on an August weekend though. It's a bit further out of the way, it's more expensive, and so far the only hotels I can find that aren't booked out (which does make me worry more about crowds) are quite expensive. However, new credits are hard to resist...

 

Option C - SFGA. Well, my last couple experiences here were downright miserable and I expect the crowds there to be insane on a Saturday in August...but, it's an option.

 

Whatever I decide to do Saturday, I might also just check into Knoebels earlier Sunday and get in some extra time there, especially in the pool and with the waterslides and all.

 

Are there any other worthwhile options I'm missing? What would you do with an extra day and a half in the area?

It is a bit further south than some of the other options but have you thought of Hersheypark?

[coasterbill]

I'd lean towards going to Morey's and getting the new credits. I still haven't made it there either which is kind of ridiculous since we live so close.

[Rai Fox]

It is a bit further south than some of the other options but have you thought of Hersheypark?

 

Hah. Actually, no, I think I'd blocked it out of my mind. On one hand, I DO need to get on Skyrush sometime, and they do have some coasters I like, but overall, Hershey is just that one park everyone likes that I absolutely can't stand. Every time I've been there, operations have been terrible, lines are crazy, staff are rude. Last time I was there, stayed open to close and got on four rides. I'm quite sure that was a fluke, but I just can't make myself want to go back yet.

 

I guess the thing is, I'm trying to drag a friend who's pretty new to amusement parks in general, trying to get him into it all, so I definitely want to make sure it's somewhere that will be a pleasant all around experience, not just something for an enthusiast willing to wait hours in line for a top-ten coaster. Knoebels is of course going to be great for that, but picking another is a bit harder.

[Rai Fox]

I'd lean towards going to Morey's and getting the new credits. I still haven't made it there either which is kind of ridiculous since we live so close.

 

I'm leaning that way, but a bit less so after looking into the hotel situation. Maybe I can find one an hour away or so, though, that'd be tolerable enough.

[bert425]

Whatever I decide to do Saturday, I might also just check into Knoebels earlier Sunday and get in some extra time there, especially in the pool and with the waterslides and all.

 

Are there any other worthwhile options I'm missing? What would you do with an extra day and a half in the area?

 

it's a 4 hour drive (yeah, I know. . yech). . but with a day an a 1/2 free? I'd absolutely make the drive to Kennywood.

 

especially with a Theme Park Newbie?. . the Old Kennywood section selection of classic rides cannot be beat.

 

(and they have a Kangaroo, Turtle, Bayern Curve, Noah's arc, and a few other classic rides you can't get anywhere else (in addition to three classic woodies, JACKRABBIT! that your friend would love. . as well as a Hyper coaster in Phantom's revenge).

 

well worth the drive in my opinion to spend 1/2 a day there.

[Rai Fox]

Tempting, and normally I'd not turn Kennywood down, but we have half a day, and we'd have to drive there and back...a lot of driving for half a day, probably not worth it this time. Especially since we'll almost certainly be in Pittsburgh again next summer, so we can check that one off then. (Or sooner, as I'm beginning to look into moving there depending on the job market!)

[coneyislandchris]

Tempting, and normally I'd not turn Kennywood down, but we have half a day, and we'd have to drive there and back...a lot of driving for half a day, probably not worth it this time. Especially since we'll almost certainly be in Pittsburgh again next summer, so we can check that one off then. (Or sooner, as I'm beginning to look into moving there depending on the job market!)

If a four hour drive from Knoebels is too much, you might not want to do Morey's Piers then, because apparently that's a four hour drive on a good day.

 

As familiar as it is, maybe Dorney Park is your best bet? Or perhaps if you feel like checking out even more nostalgia, Lakemont Park in Altoona, if you haven't hit it up yet?

[Rai Fox]

Tempting, and normally I'd not turn Kennywood down, but we have half a day, and we'd have to drive there and back...a lot of driving for half a day, probably not worth it this time. Especially since we'll almost certainly be in Pittsburgh again next summer, so we can check that one off then. (Or sooner, as I'm beginning to look into moving there depending on the job market!)

If a four hour drive from Knoebels is too much, you might not want to do Morey's Piers then, because apparently that's a four hour drive on a good day.

 

As familiar as it is, maybe Dorney Park is your best bet? Or perhaps if you feel like checking out even more nostalgia, Lakemont Park in Altoona, if you haven't hit it up yet?

 

 

well, the thing is, the first day I'll be starting in Philly. So it would be about an hour and a half to Morey's Piers. From there, a four hour drive to Knoebels the second day. If we did Kennywood, it'd be six hours to there, four hours back.

 

Still, I am leaning towards Dorney. While the selfish part of me is flailing about new credits at Morey's, Dorney's sorta the safe bet for me, as far as bringing a friend new to this stuff. I know it's a decent, clean, well kept park that might not have the -greatest- rides but someone who doesn't have lots to compare them to is still going to enjoy them. Never really long lines, a couple smaller coasters to start things out, and then Talon and Steel Force to test him out a bit...plus, it's a good point of comparison as far as "okay, he's a halfway decent chain park...and then, here's Knoebels." Not that Knoebels needs the help, but, you know...let's make it memorable as possible, right?

[coneyislandchris]

well, the thing is, the first day I'll be starting in Philly. So it would be about an hour and a half to Morey's Piers. From there, a four hour drive to Knoebels the second day. If we did Kennywood, it'd be six hours to there, four hours back.

Ah, I misunderstood. Then yes, either Morey's or Dorney should work just fine! Really, I guess it depends if you want to spend a day on the boardwalk or landlocked.

[Mossed]

Why did nobody tell me how amazing Phoenix is?! That ride made Knoebels for me, by far the best wooden coaster I've ever been on, and I have ranked in my top 5 overall behind only I305, Maverick, and Fury.

[larrygator]

RaiFox - based on all you wrote Dorney Park is your safest bet to minimize crowds and driving

 

 

Why did nobody tell me how amazing Phoenix is?! That ride made Knoebels for me, by far the best wooden coaster I've ever been on, and I have ranked in my top 5 overall behind only I305, Maverick, and Fury.

Not sure who you are listening to, but many people who post regularly in this thread think it is the world's best coaster and have been saying it for years.

[Rai Fox]

Yeah, decided on Dorney; just seems wiser to go with parks I know when it comes to showing a friend around them. I'll try to make a weekend trip to Morey's myself before the end of the season. Got everything booked now...nothing to do now but slog through a couple more weeks of work until I can get back to Phoenix and Twister! (And Dorney, but...really now. Priorities)

[coasterbill]

Why did nobody tell me how amazing Phoenix is?! That ride made Knoebels for me, by far the best wooden coaster I've ever been on, and I have ranked in my top 5 overall behind only I305, Maverick, and Fury.

 

I guess you don't read too many of my posts. I pretty much just gush over Phoenix on a daily basis to the point where I'm sure everyone here is probably sick of hearing about it. lol

[boldikus]

I'd lean towards going to Morey's and getting the new credits. I still haven't made it there either which is kind of ridiculous since we live so close.

 

WHAT. Dude, you need to come for a visit, I'm always there. I think you would like it. The Great White is worth a trip and there's tons of awesome flats and great food. And lines are generally similar to Dorney except weekend nights in mid summer and even then they are totally manageable. I could talk up Morey's all day, I spent the last two weekends there.

Edited July 23, 2015 by boldikus

[michaellynn4]

I'd lean towards going to Morey's and getting the new credits. I still haven't made it there either which is kind of ridiculous since we live so close.

 

WHAT. Dude, you need to come for a visit, I'm always there. I think you would like it. The Great White is worth a trip and there's tons of awesome flats and great food. I could talk up Morey's all day, I spent the last two weekends there.

 

I can second this statement. Just wish I had more time to spend there.

[coasterbill]

I'd lean towards going to Morey's and getting the new credits. I still haven't made it there either which is kind of ridiculous since we live so close.

 

WHAT. Dude, you need to come for a visit, I'm always there. I think you would like it. The Great White is worth a trip and there's tons of awesome flats and great food. And lines are generally similar to Dorney except weekend nights in mid summer and even then they are totally manageable. I could talk up Morey's all day, I spent the last two weekends there.

 

That would be awesome. We'll probably head down there finally either later this year or next year. We'll absolutely hit you up when we do.

[boldikus]

I'd lean towards going to Morey's and getting the new credits. I still haven't made it there either which is kind of ridiculous since we live so close.

 

WHAT. Dude, you need to come for a visit, I'm always there. I think you would like it. The Great White is worth a trip and there's tons of awesome flats and great food. And lines are generally similar to Dorney except weekend nights in mid summer and even then they are totally manageable. I could talk up Morey's all day, I spent the last two weekends there.

 

That would be awesome. We'll probably head down there finally either later this year or next year. We'll absolutely hit you up when we do.

 

DUDE. Seriously. I would love to show you guys around the island. It is absolutely, no question, the best Jersey boardwalk/shore town for rides, location, atmosphere, and food. Now that they have bars on the boardwalk its even better. Heavy family atmosphere with very little riffraff. You can get relatively cheap rooms if you shop around, moreso after mid-August when the crowds really die down. Give me a heads up when you think you'll be headed that way and I'll make arrangements to be down there. Just keep in mind the piers start to close down after Labor Day in a staggered fashion. For instance Adventure Pier (with Great White) tends to close first in the fall and opens last in the spring - like mid-May). Mariners Pier (the central one with the boomerang and giant wheel) stays open the longest - til late September and opens first in the spring, in April around Easter. Definitely hit me up, you guys will dig it for sure.

 

edit: Sorry to threadjack - back to your regularly scheduled Knoebels thread.

[Mossed]

Why did nobody tell me how amazing Phoenix is?! That ride made Knoebels for me, by far the best wooden coaster I've ever been on, and I have ranked in my top 5 overall behind only I305, Maverick, and Fury.

 

I guess you don't read too many of my posts. I pretty much just gush over Phoenix on a daily basis to the point where I'm sure everyone here is probably sick of hearing about it. lol

 

I don't think I enter this thread enough. That coaster is classic, and was easily the shock of my trip (which included 7 Cedar Fair parks). Everyone I was with kept praising Beast, but I thought Phoenix was a much better coaster.

[cfc]

I was checking out the park's Web site and came across this photo of Flying Turns.

 

 

It looks like some terrifying contraption from a Saw flick. Well, at least it does to me.

[A.J.]

They've been using that image on all sorts of media, including a few particularly distracting roadside billboards.