Favorite Knoebels Flats.

We are planning on heading to Elysburg for Mother's Day. Since this park is flat ride heaven, I was wondering what your favorites are? What is not to be missed?

Our trip last year was pretty short and we only did a few flats besides the coasters (Power Surge, Carousel, Looper & the Haunted House).

I am really looking forward to riding the flyers as they were down last year for our visit.

DaveStroem said:
Our trip last year was pretty short and we only did a few flats besides the coasters (Power Surge, Carousel, Looper & the Haunted House). /quote]

You skipped the best bumper cars on the PLANET? Don't miss 'em. Are they even considered a "flat?"

It was packed the days that we went last year. KK had a 30+ minute wait.

Bumper Cars, Flyers, Pioneer Train (awesome trip through the woods and under Twister), Motor Boats (such a unique attraction), Antique Cars, Down Draft, Tea Cups, Carousel, Haunted Mansion, Spiral Slide, The Flume, Looper, Wipeout.

^ He took my answers!

I'll second the Flume, Flyers, Antique Cars, Carousel, and Pioneer Train. And I'll add Fandango, Ferris Wheel, Paratrooper, Italian Trapeze, Merry Mixer, Cosmotron, and the Skyride. Most of the flats aren't that different from what you find at different parks, but the ride cycles are longer, and the siting/surroundings are different. For example, you get great views on the Ferris Wheel, the Trapeze swings just above the boat canal, and on the Paratrooper, you swear you're going to smack some trees.

Unfortunately, if you'll be at the park on Sunday, they'll close too early for you to ride the Skyride at dusk, which I think is the best time because you descend the mountain seeing all the lights on the rides and buildings.

Yea the hours are listed at Noon to ? WTF does that mean. I would guess 7 or later but I have no idea.

12 Noon - ?, 9 May 2010 12:00 pm
12 Noon - ?
Special Pay-One-Price Plans
Ride from noon - 7:00 pm
Wooden Coasters included,
$20.00
$15.00 child under 48" tall

Haunted mansion, Scenic Skyway not included in POP plans

Use individual ride tickets any day

Hawaiian Bandshell:
Cruisin' Down Memory Lane
Showtimes at 2:00 & 6:00pm

Roaring Creek Saloon:
Lee Germaine & Judy Comedy/Magic
First Show at 1pm

Basically it means that if they still have a decent amount of people, they'll keep rides and stands open for a few minutes more and not close at a certain hour. They won't cut a line short. If you're in line at whatever time announced closing is, you'll get your ride even if it takes an extra 10-15 minutes.

I was there this past Sunday. The time listed for handstamps was 6:00, but it was more like 6:20 or 6:25 till I headed toward the parking lot. That included a solo ride on the Flyers sometime after 6-- but some people showed up after me, so there was at least one more ride.

The park also closes from the far end (Phoenix) toward the parking lot. The soft ice cream stand usually stays open 5-10 minutes past posted closing. The "outdoor" Alamo is open at least 20 minutes after. On Sunday, even the French Fry stand next to Power Surge was still open when I was leaving.

Spiral slide = <3

Bumper cars and flyers are also considered non-optional, multiple-trip rides.

The Crazy Daisy is also very rare and special.

The Flyers and Power Surge. :) I like most of Knoebels flats, though. Heck, even the boat thing is fun, even if you have trouble steering it. ;)

-Tina

I love the Spiral Slide too. And the Sky Ride is crazy scary, yet breathtaking.

Ensign Smith said:
I love the Spiral Slide too. And the Sky Ride is crazy scary, yet breathtaking.

Quite scary, indeed, but pales in comparison to the one at Lake Compounce.

LC's Skyride is amazing. I forgot that Knoebel's ride is pretty sweet too. And Cosmotron is definitely worth a spin. I think the neatest/quirkiest ride they have though is the Motor Boats. I think I visited the park five times before I ever knew about them.

Haven't made it to Lake Compounce to experience it for myself. But I've heard tell it's impressive.

I will echo the bumper cars and flyers. I would go back to Knoebels just for those two.

I still have dreams about the bumper cars and drilling people from all sides.

About Knoebels boats. On Sunday, either I hadn't noticed before, or this is the first year they're doing it, but they had 2 guys permanently stationed along the canal whose only duties are to get boats unstuck (like when they go sideways across the canal), and to keep them properly spaced.

^Block brakes. ;)

^^Those guys have been there every year since I can remember. I always ride the boats, miss the ones that used to be at Dorney. :(

They usually have to help little kids that are driving the boats and have no idea what they are doing. Even some of the adults have a tough time as those suckers are hard to steer. I've seen as many as 3 boats pass a little kid who didn't know how to steer away from the wall. He finally got out with an employees help.

They will actually jump on the back of the boats sometimes too to stop them from crashing into each other, even going under the bridges on them!

Am I the only one that tries to catch the boat in front of me so I can flip them around! All you need to do is get your nose on the back side and turn your boat. So much fun.

Mike Gallagher said:
You skipped the best bumper cars on the PLANET? Don't miss 'em. Are they even considered a "flat?"

Not the way some people drive them... If you see a young guy wearing a Flying Turns shirt, look out, because flying turns are exactly what you'll get!

When I'm on the Skooters, my objective is always to see how many times I can make someone spin around. I need to try that on the boats now! :)