Dorney and Hershey trip suggestions

As to what Tommytheduck said, Talon hasn't roughened up. Last year I had a season pass to Dorney and probably spent 70% of my time riding Talon, it's that good. As to what ApolloAndy said about the walk to Lightning Racer being a freakin' marathon, is that ever a fact! It's way at the back of the park and such a trek that I've been tempted to skip it although I never do, b/c it's such a fun ride and wait times are minimal to nil. Travis' suggestion about spending half a day at Dorney and half at Knoebels is an excellent one, as it's easily doable. I've done Knoebels in 3 hrs. and usually have my fill of Dorney in 3 or 4 hrs.

I've done Knoebels in as little as three hours, and as much as three days.

Hershey I can always fill the day easily...not leaving that place until they close, SO beautiful with the lights. (Yes, Lightning Racer) :-P

Talon is one of my favorite B&M inverts, so quiet without going overboard on inversions. Other than the variable waits for Haunt, Dorney is usually a pretty quick stop.

Skip Dorney and spend that day at Knoebels.

Like rollergator, I've spent as much as 3 (or 4 at times) days at Knoebels. Usually during PPP (Phoenix Phall Phunfest) and still leave wanting more. My last visit to Dorney was a 90 minute "credit stop" for a friend on our way to Hersheypark.

If you want to jet into Knoebels just to "get credits," a few hours is fine. If you want the Knoebels experience, a full day is barely enough. Once that bug gets in you, it's hard to get out!

I would even pick a 2nd day at Hershey over Dorney, it's very nice too!

On a side note, there is that occasional oddball who simply doesn't get into Knoebels. Weird, but it happens.

Schwarzkopf76 said:

On a side note, there is that occasional oddball who simply doesn't get into Knoebels. Weird, but it happens.

Been to Dorney a bajillion times, Hershey a half-dozen, and Knoebels once...15 years ago.

Related: https://coasterbuzz.com/Forums/Topic/is-knoebels-a-snoozefest

^Well there you go! It's good we all have different opinions. I'm slowly speed reading through that thread...

Hey, Brian! You gettin all this?

Anyway, he's clearly not about to skip Dorney. As mentioned, he's expanding his horizons and he's the proud holder of a CF Platinum Pass for a free get-in.

Me, I could go to KG, get a handstamp, and cycle through those bumper cars ALL.DAY.LONG....I've gotten a few blisters from aggressive handling of the wheel, but they go away eventually...

Im with you, Mr. Gator. When Dorney's went away I was sad, but we'll always have Knoebels.
When I was there, 2 PPP's ago, I had the biggest time ever on their bumper cars. The guys were scruffy, one was actually crusty, but they gave me a tour of the ride, and the cars they so lovingly maintain. They've picked up or inherited various styles of vintage bumper cars and they're all so awesome. In other words, those guys really have a line on what they own. Thankfully.

I suppose we should get excited when places like Cedar Point, Mi Adv, and Dorney get brand new, sleek Cobras, but for me? Meh. I'll take those high front cars with the hard bumpers any day. Long oval, one way, spinning tires down the center? To me, it's all the things.

RCMAC said:

he's the proud holder of a CF Platinum Pass for a free get-in.

You mean "included with price."

I will admit I like Steel Force, with it's odd-shaped hills and strange pacing. Variety!

Lord Gonchar said:

Schwarzkopf76 said:

On a side note, there is that occasional oddball who simply doesn't get into Knoebels. Weird, but it happens.

Related: https://coasterbuzz.com/Forums/Topic/is-knoebels-a-snoozefest

Awwww. Gonch missed me when I was gone. :-P

On the Knoebels subject, I didn't really like it my first visit. Last year I had a blast. Phoenix can be amazing and I rank it highly.

But the park is overrated.

I think a huge part of the nostalgia factor for me is the idea that if you were suddenly transported back 100 years ago, it still feels like the park would "fit." Yes, Impulse does break it up a bit, but the covered bridges, water wheel, the trees, the recycled wood and steel in use everywhere, the band organs....the band organs. The smell of the campfires. I've always felt the Quaker/Amish/Mennonite "simple life" attachment.

"Oh, but the cellphone reception sucks." Yes, yes it does. Relax..."Knoebels and Chill". :~)

^^Tek. That was a good flashback. Where did all those other people that used to post here go? I noticed on Wooden coaster connoisseurs and Steel coaster connoisseurs groups on Facebook that some of those people post on there.

I love Knoebels. I'm with the group that says skip Dorney, but in your case I tell you to go at opening. When everyone is rushing to the Waterpark go ride the coasters and you can be out of there in 2 hours. Then drive to knoebels around 2 or 3 to ride and eat dinner at the Alamo restaurant.

We have Cedar Fair Platinum Passes, and are an hour and a half from Dorney. We still don't visit there every season. It's been 2 to 3 years because it's gotten so bad with the rude clientele they attract from the northeast.

I am surprised SFA hasn't come up in the discussion. Of course it's just like Dorney and that's why we don't visit there much either.

Hersheypark is my home park. Like everyone else has said spend at least one day. Two days if possible.

There is also Dutch Wonderland park in Lancaster that is opening a new S&S Family suspended along with the first CCI wooden coaster.

If you have any other questions you can PM me.

Coasterfantom2 said:

^^Tek. That was a good flashback.

You're welcome. ;)

Anyway, since my first post in this topic was all about Knoebels, I totally forgot about the other two parks. :)

Hershey is more than a day park for sure, at minimum take advantage of the free preview with every ticket. Don't forget to go to chocolate world and buy ludicrous amount of stuff that you can buy from your local grocer, but since it's from Hershey, that makes it more fun! Coasters are great at Hershey, don't miss SkyRush, SDL, or Great Bear. They have a great log flume, and a couple good flats, nothing truly standout in the flats though.

Dorney can easily be done in a day, or less if you simply coaster hop. Don't miss Talon or Hydra if you are into loops. I also enjoy Possessed. Got a couple great rides on Thunderhawk, but that depends on how maintenance as been since those were some time ago. Don't miss Dorney's whip, it is one of the oldest, it might be the oldest.

Have fun!