Battle of the PA parks in 2003

I really shouldn't call this a battle, since the PA parks aren't in direct competition with each other. What do you guys see happening in 2003? Will the competition "heat up"? With Hershey getting rides for thrill riders and the family, Kennywood getting a top spin, Knoebel's adding a wide variety, and Dorney redoing their waterpark, what's going to happen?

Is Dorney going to have a third record year in a row? Is Knoebel's family atmosphere going to pose a threat to the other parks?

One thing I noticed. Hershey is only spending 3.5 (I think) million dollars this year. Considering Roller Soaker only cost 4 million, it seems they are saving up for something in 2004. What are your opinions?

By the way, I'm not trying to start a "war" of any type. I realize how lucky I am to be a Pennsylvanian and realize the great variety of parks that we have. Just asking opinions since the amusement industry is finally getting out of the big slump that it was in.

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Enjoy the rest of your day at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom.

I want to see the ongoing Battle of Erie

Conneaut and Waldameer

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Please visit the small parks. We don't know what's happening behind the scenes
Woodencoaster.com

Conneaut will have some support if they can muddle through their legal issues. And for what it is worth, Waldameer may have a nice waterpark, but for atmosphere, history, and a great wooden coaster, Conneaut is the place.

Hershey is saving up for something big in 2004, but those who know don't tell. So just enjoy their great new pendelum ride.
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"Every Man Has Got to Know His Limitations"

I've heard rumors of an S&S Tower for Hershey. I'd like to see if Cedar Fair adds something big at Dorney to stay in competition with SFGAdv.

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Emerging from the ashes of Eric 013...

It would also be nice for Knoebels to get a double shot- I'll take that anyday over our 3 new attractions. By the way those 3 new rides are a Super Round-Up, a Chairlift-type ride, and a new kiddy ride which I've never heard of. Go to their website for more info. (http://www.knoebels.com) Also, I still say Knoebel's is Pennsylvania's version of Holiday World- two great woodies, family atmosphere, good food, nice employees, cleanliness, etc.
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The only difference between stupidity and genius is genius has limitations.

Knoebel's kiddie ride is Zamperla's new Rockin' Tug:
http://www.zamperlarides.com/main/section5/rockin'_tug.htm

-Nate

Looks interesting. Anyone know where these rides are all going? I'm assuming the Super Round up is going where 1001 Nacht was, (by Sklooosh) but where is 1001 Nacht going? Also, does anyone know where all the chairlift will go? Thanks in advance.

-MarimbaGuy87, wishing Knoebel's would have kept Axis...

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The only difference between stupidity and genius is genius has limitations.

Dick Knoebel went to the IAAPA show and liked it so much he bought it right on the spot, saying it was the best family ride at the show. It wasn't even planned. Knoebels is also completing the pool upgrades this year, with the new kids area and waterslides.

I don't think Knoebels really poses a threat to the rest of the parks, if only because it is in the middle of nowhere and still, for the most part, remains a hidden treasure.

I think Dorney may lose some ground to SFGAdv with them putting in a new coaster this year. Remember, a lot of the GP do not really go to a park more then once or twice a season, so they may be picky about the park due to new construction, and a new coaster is always bigger then any other ride. It also greatly depends on how good SFGAdv's marketing is for the new ride. I personally thought Nitro's marketing was horrible. But, I am waiting for next year when Dorney turns 120, I think they will get something big and unique.

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"If you make it too smooth, it'll be like sitting in your living room."
-Bill Cobb - Designer, Texas Cyclone

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MarimbaGuy87 said:
Looks interesting. Anyone know where these rides are all going? I'm assuming the Super Round up is going where 1001 Nacht was, (by Sklooosh) but where is 1001 Nacht going? Also, does anyone know where all the chairlift will go? Thanks in advance.

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I think 1001 Nacht is gone. At PPP it was out in the parking lot by the woods, it looked like it was ready to be loaded up and moved out.

I would assume the Tug is going in the kiddie area, and I heard a rumor that the Skyway is actually going to cross the parkway and go up the mountain there. I really wish someone from KG was at Eastcoaster, I would have liked to ask these questions as well.

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"If you make it too smooth, it'll be like sitting in your living room."
-Bill Cobb - Designer, Texas Cyclone

Black 7, I too believe Dorney is not going to do well this year. I think they made a mistake in deciding to drop all the money into the waterpark and not get even one flat ride for the park. Hopefully, the locals will enjoy their redone waterpark to give Dorney another record year. (I know I will!!)
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Enjoy the rest of your day at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom.

I don't think it was a mistake, it was needed. WWK hasn't gotten anything big since the funhouse was added. That was quite a few years ago. Dorney won't hurt too badly this year, and I am convinced something big is on the horizon.
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"If you make it too smooth, it'll be like sitting in your living room."
-Bill Cobb - Designer, Texas Cyclone

Hmm,
If you understand the type of people who go to Dorney Park in my estimation the demographics would be people who would greatly enjoy and want the new waterslides. It seems there is almost a greater demand for waterpark type rides (especially if it is the right summer heat wise.) Adding much needed capacity and interest to the waterpark side could even motivate more people to come out, as people could feel some of the wait and clutter of the water-side may be helped or even alleviated. Remember, the general public doesn't all necessarily think or perceive things the same way the coaster enthusiasts on here do. I give Dorney Park a lot of credit for the marketing they do and how they continue to firm up their foundation and achieve success. I wouldn't rule out another strong year.

I agree with JasonPSU20, when I went to DP there was absolutely no one in the park. But when I went to water park, the wave pool was packed and all the lines were at least 30 minutes. The GP will probably be more drawn to a water ride addition then a flat ride addition.

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Emerging from the ashes of Eric 013...

I think you are right, JasonPSU20. I was just afraid the people who come from New York and New Jersey would pick Great Adventure over Dorney because of Superman. I don't know if a lot of people from those two states go to the waterpark. However, Dorney has shone you don't need much to have a record year. Look at 2002. They had a very moderate budget (3 million) and they didn't advertise Meteor. Dorney deserves much credit. It has pulled through some tough times again and again in its history.

I can't wait for the big 120 in 2004.

Please let it be an Intamin rocket coaster.Please let it be an Intamin rocket coaster. Please let it be an Intamin rocket coaster. Always say it three times, it just might come true!!

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Enjoy the rest of your day at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom.

How much noise does an Intamin Rocket coaster make, because I know there is a sound limit around DP.
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Emerging from the ashes of Eric 013...

I had no idea that Dorney had a sound limit. What I do know is (and I'm pretty sure about it) that Intamin rocket coasters aren't as loud as LIM launched ones. The hydraulics equipment can be built in a room partially underground. (I think)

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Enjoy the rest of your day at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom.

Ever notice how Talon is so quiet compared to other B&M's? They have sand inside the track so it doesn't sound as loud.

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Emerging from the ashes of Eric 013...

3r1c, I noticed you are from Lebanon, PA. You must travel to Hershey a lot. What do you hope they get for their next coaster addition?

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Enjoy the rest of your day at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom.

Hmm, well I hope they receive either a B&M hyper (or any hyper really) or a flyer. Another woodie wouldn't hurt either, as they have 3 great woodies already and 4 would be even better. However I can't really think of a place off the top of my head where they could put another large coaster. I can see them putting an impulse in though, since it fits in a small area.

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Emerging from the ashes of Eric 013...

Yeah, it would be nice to have a B&M hyper coaster close to home, and I can imagine flying over those hills throughout the park. One thing is for sure. If Dorney gets something big in 2004 (please be Intamin rocket) and Hershey gets their rumored hyper, these two parks are gonna clash and be in major competition.

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Enjoy the rest of your day at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom.
*** This post was edited by bs13 2/15/2003 11:30:05 PM ***