Knoebels 5/29/2009

We decided after seeing that the temperatures were going to be in the mid 80's, combined with an all day (10-6) hand stamp being only $19 that a day out to Knoebels was long overdue. This was the start of daily operations, and the reduced prices are for school picnic days. Knowing how popular Knoebels is with school groups I called the park office, but was assured that there would be light crowds. Light crowds indeed!

We started our day off by parking five rows back, and walked to the hand stamp building. There was NO LINE AT ALL! Just walked up, got our hand stamped, and was off to start the day with what else but Phoenix. Once again, NO LINE AT ALL! Apparently the school groups that day were all preschool and elementary, as besides a few teachers/chaperones we were the only two people in our 20's. But back to Phoenix. I have to say this was one of my best rides ever on the coaster, as we sat in the front with no one else on the ride. As we arrived back in the station we noticed the queue was empty, so I asked the ride op if we could go again, so she just let us coast right through the station! We did this yet again a third time, each time the ride seemed just a bit better. Still very smooth, awesome airtime, and a GREAT ride. It is better with a full train though, as it did seem to crawl over the quad-hill at the halfway point.

We continued on to Twister, fun and forceful, but still not my favorite. There was a little track work done again in the off season, mostly the turnaround after the main drop. This section is smooth as glass, making the drop and entry into the first helix seem even more out of control. Can't believe they are planning a 10th birthday party for this ride already.

Lots of work was being done on Flying Turns, not looking like an opening date will be anytime soon. As well they were pouring the footers for Kosmos Kurves aka Family Coaster. Its rumored to be a miler, but the layout looks very much like the Zamperla Family coaster similar to Woodstock's Express at Dorney Park. Either way, it will be nice to have another started coaster back in that spot, but High Speed Thrill Coaster is definitely a loss for the park and enthusiasts. Some great memories of awesome rides during PPP.

We also hit many of the flats in the park, and noticed that while the hand stamp price for 2009 is not increasing, nor did the food prices, the ride prices definitely did. I noticed this on the Grand Carousel, when I caught the brass ring and got a $1.00 ticket. Last season it was $.80 for a ride. Still, worth every penny, and by the end of the day we both got the catch the brass ring.

Food was great as always, between the two of us we consumed a whole pie at Cesari's, and at $14.50 it was a great deal compared to pizza places here in Scranton. Also had some ice cream, and took home fudge from Stony Gables and some cotton candy. All in all we spent less than $50 for a day that neither of us will soon forget. I would definitely advise anyone to go during the school picnic days, as we never waited for anyting, just walked on all rides, no lines for food, and it was like we had the park all to ourselves. The staff was great, friendly, had a wonderful repore with guests. The highlight was definitely the ride op at Satellite, as he really knew how to get that thing running wild! Was such a great day, and reminded me why Knoebels continues to be my favorite place for summer fun.

So tell me this "future boy?" Who is President on May 29th, 2009?

~Rob

We also hit many of the flats in the park, and noticed that while the hand stamp price for 2009 is not increasing, nor did the food prices, the ride prices definitely did. I noticed this on the Grand Carousel, when I caught the brass ring and got a $1.00 ticket. Last season it was $.80 for a ride.

All prices are now multiples of $0.25. Not everything went up the same amount, it's just that nothing got rounded down instead of up. (Phoenix unfortunately must've been due for an increase, since it went from $2 to $2.25.) While this will be convenient when they get new tickets printed, they apparently have a lot of old tickets to use up. If your group is a multiple of two this works out nicely as the old tickets go as small as 10 cents so you'll always have 50 cents. I don't know what happens if you're not. I've seen one person on the boards say that they let him use last year's price, but I don't know if that's official policy. I'm half surprised that the park hasn't dredged up books of old 5-cent tickets from somewhere :)

Well the older tickets are still valid, no matter what the face value is. That is one of the thins I love most about Knoebels. The ones I am curious about are the Phoenix tickets. You could buy them for the exact amount of the ride. If these are left over I wonder if the park will still honor them.

I was pleased with the park overall, even with only the two coasters. The staff was more than friendly, although I did feel bad as some ride ops were looking very bored having no riders to tend to. I did like how they kept things cycling in an attempt to attract potential riders.