1) Is Batman The Chiller and Skyride at Knoebel's in operation yet for the season? Do you know of any other rides closed at any of the parks?
2) What non-coaster attractions are must-see or must-ride? I've heard good things about Houdini at SFGAdv. I'm a big fan of water rides, but some spin-n-pukes are hard for me to handle. =p
3) Do you know of any discounts to any of these parks and where can I find them?
4) Can you do Knoebel's and Dorney in one day without feeling rush? If yes (since we would then have an extra day), would you highly recommend visiting the Jersey Shore or Coney Island or is it best for a full day at Knoebel's?
5) What food stops at the park or hotels do you recommend for any of these parks?
Any other tips would be excellent!! Thanks in advance.
-Danny
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Coaster Insomniacs
3) Plan on a week day for Knoebels. Not only will it be less crowded, but you can also buy an all day wrist band ($28 or so with the "Wood Coater Option"). If you would go on a weekend, I believe it is all tickets with no POP band available. For Hersheypark, various stores around the area have discount coupons. Not sure exactly which ones, but check out Giant food stores and Turkey Hill convience stores. Also, not sure if they still are doing this, but there were coupons on the bags at near by Wendy's fast food restaurants.
4) Even though I have been to both park's before and they are not new to me, I wouldn't personally attempt to do both in one day. During our last visit to Knoebels, my wife and I stayed for about 5 hours, and there were still things that we did not do that we would have liked to. When we visited Dorney two years ago, we also stayed for 5 hours, only leaving when the park closed. However, we could have easily stayed a few more hours. It would be easy to spend a day at each park. If you ABSOLUTELY have to do both in one day, keep in mind that it is a good 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive between parks. Should you chose to do both on one day and would opt on another park, I would highly recomend the Jersey Shore, more specifically Wildwood and Morey's Piers. While the old Cyclone at Coney Island could arguably considered famous and historic coaster in existance today, Morey's would win out by sheer volume. Their two largest coasters, Great White (CCI) and Great Nor'Easter (Vekoma SLC) are two good coasters in tehir own right. Even though the Nor'Easter is an SLC, it is unique in its setting and does have some custome work done on it to make it fit the pier so it doesn't seem like a clone. It is also very smooth... for an SLC. A quick stop off at Ocean City, NJ while on the way to Wildwood may be in order if you want to pad your count with 4 more coasters.
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Kind of hard to take a post as objective if a park or coaster name is part of the "user name"
*** This post was edited by SLFAKE 6/9/2003 2:42:45 PM ***
And Even though you're not good with the whirl&hurls, if you get a chance, @ GAdv ride the HUSS jump "Jumping Jack Flash" (though it reads 'Freefall' on the side).
5. At Hershey, leave the park for lunch and eat at Pippin's right outside the maingate. Nothing like good old fashioned table service. If you just *have* to eat in the park, try the food court like place across from Great Bear and Coal Cracker. The pizza there is actually edible, unlike most park fare. @ GAdv, try eating in the Boardwalk area. Last year there were many 'specialty' places like a Jamacan stall. You can probably get some atypical park food there (along with my favorite park staple...the corn dog).
hope this helps: lata, jeremy
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The world's next Miss Universe?
In Hershey, don't pass on Chocolate World.
At Knoebel's, The Haunted Mansion is a must, as are the Flyers.
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--Maddie--
"yes I am on the online street team"
Wha? Online. . .street. Online. . . street.
edit: Thanks Maddie. I love skyrides and dark rides too, so I plan on riding both of those. I'm not sure if we'll have time to do Chocolate World, but that's another thing I hope to do.
-Danny
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Coaster Insomniacs
*** This post was edited by Koaster King 6/9/2003 3:13:10 PM ***
I've gone to Hershey on summer Saturdays, special events and weekdays, and while sometimes the park has been crowded, the lines are not intolerable. You'l have plenty of time.
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The world's next Miss Universe?
Weekdays and evenings are good for lack of lines, and things do tend to clear out on Sunday evenings as well.
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Kind of hard to take a post as objective if a park or coaster name is part of the "user name"
You could do Knoebels and Dorney in one day, but you will be rushing it. There is plenty to do at Knoebels (at least 5-6 hours worth with re-rides). However, if you do not want to hit Dorney's waterpark and are only planing on hitting the major coasters at night it could be done. (I would choose to do both parks on seperate days however).
Discounts- SFGadv has the typical coke can discount. In the past Hershey has sold discounted one day passes at Giant Foods in Hershey PA. Its worth a stop.
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-Sean Newman
Houdini's Great Escape at Great Adventure is a great but simple ride. It may be overated, but it sure is fun seeing the room turn upside down.
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If you have a problem with clones, the solution is real simple—Stop traveling.
The Robin side of the Chiller is open. The Batman track is closed.
Houdini's Great Escape is a Vekoma Mad House. In my opinion it isn't the most thrilling ride.
I don't think the Jumpin' Jack Flash is open. SFGAdv never has much flats open.
Hershey Help:
They have a good rapid ride. Other fun wet rides are Roller Soaker and Tital Force. My favorite flat there used to be Conestoga, but sadly that got taken out.
-Danny
Well, when we go to Knoebels, we'll only be there for about 4-5 hours, and I dont think its possible to go for any longer than that :( .
So my question is.....
Is it worth the money to get a day pass for only 4-5 hours, I was only planning on getting about 5 rides on Phoenix, and about one on everything else that may be worth it. So would it be worth the $28? Or would ride tickets be better for the situation....
By the way, how much are the ride tickets? And how are the rates for the rides?
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"Love can sweep you off your feet and carry you along in a way you've never known before. But the ride always ends, and you end up feeling lonely and bitter. Wait. It's not love I'm describing. I'm thinking of a monorail" -Jack Handey
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Eastcoaster Field of 64
3) If you are a member of AAA, give them a call. I got $15 off Dorney tickets for my friends last year.
4) Just do what everyone else said, you will be suprised by Knoebels.
5) Not sure about the food at Knoebels, but hit the French Fries at Dorney, right near Dominator and across from the Burger Barn. SFGAdv, I would suggest Nathan's Hot Dogs, a little pricy, but its good food. And I would have to concer with the others for Hersheypark.
Overall, all the PA parks you picked do not have bad lines at all. I haven't been to SFGAdv this year, so I cant tell you anything. Also, if you go in the pool at Knoebels, be ware, its really cold.
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Coasterdom.com
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If at first don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.
If you have a set plan, perhaps tickets would be better. However, when I get there I get impluslive and re-ride alot of things. Last time we were there I had hoped to get at least 2 rides on Phoenix and Twister... and it turned into 8 on Phoenix and 6 on Twister... those two rides alone would have cost $24.80 in tickets (maybe more... I don't remember if Twister still costs $2 or if they raised it... its been that long since I bought individual tickets there).
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Kind of hard to take a post as objective if a park or coaster name is part of the "user name"
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