Knoebels - 7/5/23

We stopped at Knoebels, since it was nearby.

Some highlights:

• Flying Turns is a unique experience. I’ve always been a fan of bobsled coasters except for the rough transition from trough to track. Fortunately Flying Turns didn’t have that issue and had some out of control swaying. I only wish the ride was a bit longer. We got a lap at the beginning of the day and towards the end of our day.
• Phoenix is outstanding! The train tracks very well giving a buttery smooth ride. The double up double down hill is an element I haven’t seen before. Off the seat airtime in the bunny hop section was what really won me over though. Since my daughter didn’t want to ride my son got two laps.
• The log ride is very well done. Two nice drops with a bit of wetness. We rode twice as a family while the kids did a third lap.
• Alamo had excellent food and was extremely affordable. I had the hot turkey sandwich, with gravy of course. The four of us ate for $55, including tip.
• Twister was a very different experience than Phoenix. More lateral forces and not as much air. I enjoyed it but didn’t want to pay to ride it again.
• Is Black Diamond really a coaster? I don’t know. The scenery was well done but I didn’t really have enough time to enjoy it. Also, what is the story? Anyone else have Black Diamond by KISS stuck in your head now? Just me?
• Haunted Mansion was a major improvement over Spook-A-Rama but was a bit disappointing. It seemed like they just threw a bunch of practical effects out there to see what would stick.
• My wife and son rode Impulse. I took a pass since I am not a fan of the vertical lifts. My daughter and I took another lap on Black Diamond instead. My son thinks Impulse is the best ride in the park.
• I ended up buying a shirt. I enjoyed the park and $12 for a shirt is tough to beat.
• It’s much tougher to spend $150 in credits at Knoebels than at Coney Island.

Knoebels is a true treasure. It has a sense of nostalgia and a great collection of rides without being over the top. I don’t know if we’ll be making a return trip anytime soon but I here there are a lot of parks nearby!

To me Black Diamond 100% fits the dictionary definition of coaster, but is more dark ride than anything else. The theme and story I believe is based on the Centralia PA mine fire, and you are taking a trip though the scary remnants of the mine. Centralia is pretty close to Knoebels and has National lore (there have been a few documentary's on it)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wi..._mine_fire

Pretty fun ride, and with the good ops the line moves at a decent pace for it's low capacity. Our niece loved it and we rode it twice as well last visit. Looking to go back this year.

I only spent a few hours there the one time I went to the park. I also remember absolutely loving the log flume in addition to Phoenix. Thanks for the report!

Nice TR!

We love Knoebels. Typically visit opening day and phunfest. Every visit we ride all the coasters(Phoenix at least 2X,)and eat at the Alamo. We love their food and their prices are cheaper than a lot of places outside of an amusement park.

Black Diamond is a coaster(https://rcdb.com/4454.htm) I love it. I liked it even better in Wildwood NJ as the Golden Nugget( https://rcdb.com/400.htm) Mine Ride on Hunts Pier. Grew up on it and was happy when they announced moving it.

Mulfinator:

Off the seat airtime in the bunny hop section was what really won me over though.

My first ride on Phoenix was after a rain and I remember just giggling my heart out while getting tossed every which way from those bunny hills.

Thanks for the TR. I'm thinking about hitting a couple parks next summer on a short trip, and looking at a Hershey Park - Knoebels combo. I just wish this area was closer to a major airport (no, I don't count Harrisburg as a major airport).

If we're headed to Hershey first, which airport route would likely have less traffic? BWI or PHL? I would think BWI?

Just fly into LAX - Knoebels is on the way to Knott’s.

The drivetime and distance are relatively the same from both but 76 (coming from PHL) will hit you with tolls. So if you're looking to save $8 or however much it is then go to BWI. I've used both airports several times and it's always hit or miss on how much hold up you'll get. So ideally, just fly to whichever is cheaper.

If you're just going airport-Hershey-Knoebels-airport, Newark may be the best: longer on the way out, shorter on the return. You may have to contend with traffic, but in my experience it's generally not too bad up to the airport. (Unless things go horribly wrong.)

Price and availability of direct flights are considerations, of course, but otherwise I don't know why you wouldn't fly into Harrisburg. It's a perfectly nice airport and surely a way better experience than getting in and out of any of the others.

No direct flights to Harrisburg. Otherwise it would be a no brainer.

Been to Knoebels twice so far, really enjoyed it both times.