Knoebels/FT question

I've never had the pleasure of visiting Knoebels. I hope to fix that this season.

Ever considered Phunphest in October?

Yes, actually. It may be when I make my inaugural visit. Is it a good opportunity to see the park for the first time or would it be better to go during the regular season to "meet" the park?

My opinion is that PPP is a great time to visit the park for the first time. You get a new park, and you get to share it with people who understand our goofy obsession. It's an especially good time to visit if you enjoy the Halloween season!

I never did "get" Knoebels until I visited it during PPP.

I agree. My first visit to the park was for PPP, and I must say it's a wonderful time of year to go. The autumnal atmosphere is just right in that beautiful setting, and the weather that time of year can be perfect. I think there's also something about a first visit to a great park at the end of the season that is endearing - it leaves great memories to last through the winter!

The food is great, the Covered Bridge Festival runs concurrently,(which adds a quaint street fair quality to the park), you can stay in a cottage, the rides are fabulous, and the crowd is totally in the groove, complete with a costume parade. It's always very hard to leave!

Hey! I think this is my earliest legitimate use of the word autumnal (one of my favorites) in any given year. How 'bout that?

That's cool. There really are some parks I would not recommend visiting for the first time during their fall/Halloween events. I was hoping that PPP would be an exception. Thanks.

PPP is a lot busier than it was when I first started going, but it's certainly not insane/nuts busy like,say, Cedar Point or Kings Island at Halloween. A good tip is to get your band early in the day and have at it while the crowds are light-plenty of rides can be had and the GP is there for the festival, mainly, not so much the park itself. Once the event's evening activities commence you can just relax and enjoy - even if the lines are long you miss the stress of having to get it all done in a short time.

You would love it, Carrie! Phunfest is one of those "must do" events for me. This year will be my sixth I believe. The atmosphere is just amazing, especially when you are with friends you rarely see. :) Plus there is nothing more invigorating than riding Phoenix and snapping the Flyers in the crisp, cool fall weather. :) I have also visited Knoebels in the summer months, but it's still not the same as visiting in the fall. :)

The whole event itself is very relaxed, just like the park. Everytime I go to Knoebels I discover something new. :) Heck, I could spend the whole day at the park without riding anything and still have the time of my life! It's one of those parks where you have to experience everything, not just the coasters. In other words I feel sorry for anyone who just goes to the park to credit ho and leave. :)

-Tina

Well, you guys certainly have me sold on the idea of PPP. Thanks for the info.

RCMAC, I was even thinking more along the lines of Kennywood's Fright Nights. It's a really cool experience, but the park is completely transformed and you definitely do not get the same experience as you do at KW on a regular operating day.

PPP sounds like it's a little different than that. And I would definitely go for the day and take in as much as I could. You guys have me actually getting excited about the idea! :)

Carrie - best thing about Phunphest: you'll finally get mooshed! ;)

Not everyone though! :)

PPP is super fun, only been once but had a great time even though it rained the entire time. Will hopefully make it this year.

Oh, I see, Carrie M. No, no total transformation at Knoebel's, except in the beautiful fall leaves, which are really, positively autumnal. (two!) In fact you get the feeling that they're definitely winding down for the season, and PPP is the final hurrah. Some of the food outlets aren't open, but that's ok because the food at the festival is great. Hot sandwiches, homemade ice cream, and fresh-pressed cider.

The Covered Bridge Festival includes a big arts and crafts show, with more crafts than arts, really, but we usually come home with something nice. You'll find there's plenty of time to explore. And you can count the big hair, which is always fun.

How long you been in Harrisburg? I can't believe you've never been!

Mamoosh said:
Carrie - best thing about Phunphest: you'll finally get mooshed! ;)

Can't wait! :)

Best mooshing opportunity at Knoebels: Twister, front seat, right side ;)

Mooshing and autumnal splendor aside, I'm going to be contrary here and suggest you "meet the park" earlier in the season, then go to PPP.

Not a knock on PPP, but there are some things you'll miss out on in early October-- The Flume, Skloosh (even watching everyone else get drenched is fun), enjoying the shade on the Pioneer train ride or Ski lift when it's 85 or 90 in the sun. Olde Mill ice cream, dining at the Alamo (indoor) or Oasis. The International Food Court is open only for breakfast during PPP weekend.

The other thing for me is I absolutely can't stand the crowds of the craft fair-- something about too many close calls with overweight women with beehive hairdos carrying cinnamon brooms and grapevine wreaths, not to mention the car crawl along the parkway if you get there at the wrong time. IMO, that doesn't make the best impression on a first timer.

I just think PPP is not a typical Knoebels experience-- both are great, but in their own ways. Both need to be experienced. And as a noob, you are required to submit TRs on both. :)

So to summarize:

Knoebels during the season? Flume, Skloosh, no moosh.
Knoebels for PPP? No flume, no Skloosh, but moosh!

Perhaps I'm a bit biased but the second option sounds better ;)

I hear if you know Mamoosh well enough you can get a Skloosh from Moosh. But not on the flume.

RCMAC said:

How long you been in Harrisburg? I can't believe you've never been!

Sorry, I missed this post earlier some how. That's what I get when I sneak in stealth like during the work day. :) I've only lived in the area for a couple of years. Last year I made it to Dorney for the first time. This year it will be Knoebels.

Well... I'm not really a fan of water, but I am a fan of the Moosh-meister. And then there's the autumnal awesomeness. It looks like PPP is definitely on the hit list. Whether I make it an additional time this summer will remain to be seen. But your point is well taken, RGB.

I'm thinking he saves those for you, Gonch. ;)