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Favorite Woodies:
1. Wildcat 2. Pheonix 3. Hurler @ PKD
Williams Grove is like a step back in time, it actually has 3 coasters 2 adult rides and a kiddie coaster. It has a dark ride, an funhouse, and several flat rides, and the most BIZARRE magic show I've ever seen!
They're only open memorial day to labor day so be sure to check their site. Many days the coaster opens later than the gates, AND they need a minimum of 6 or 7 riders to run the cyclone coaster, which is scary looking but fun to ride regardless of its condition.
Williams Grove is a 'time machine' park, it seems frozen in the 1950's.
Don't go looking for scenic, aesthetic beauty, go looking for some unique ride pieces.
Some pointers, when you arrive, chances are that they may have the main driveway and parking area barricaded off, and they will have you park at the speedway adjacent to the park and enter through a back gate. At least that is what happened on my visit. Rates are reasonable, I went on Friday which is customer appreciation day, $10 covered gate admission, a ridepass, and a hot dog.
Now, a more controversial pointer - don't take anyone who is in the 'amusement rides are dangerous' camp. The park has a run-down look to it that could scare some people.
Be sure to hit:
Allotria - walk through "German Fun House", has a lot of WORKING stunts. (rolling barrel, rocking room, moving stairs, come-and-go boards, rollerwalks, and more.
Dante's Inferno - classic style dark ride
Cyclone - Unique out and back, the return leg is UNDER the out leg in double decker fashion.
Hint: Take 10 of your closest friends with you, they like full trains.
They also have a Twister (flat ride, like a Tilt-A-Whirl but much more demented).
If you take short cuts through the grass, be sure to look out for the train tracks.
Otherwise, they have a pretty compentent selection of classic flat rides, and most recently added a Schwarzkopf Wildcat.
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David Bowers
Mayor, Coasterville
*** This post was edited by Coasterville Dave on 1/28/2003. ***
Williams Grove reminds me of a tiny rundown Knoebel but instead of gravel Williams Grove has grass. The ride ops have a carnie look to them too! It's a fun park to visit for a few hours but I wouldn't spend the entire day there!
From Hersheypark it takes about 40- 50 minutes depending on the traffic you hit on I-83 and 11-15.
Don't forget about Twin Grove park reopening in Pine Grove this year too!
http://www.williamsgrovepark.com/index_fl.html
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Visits to Knoebels in 2002: 10 and PPP!
XBox Live Gamer tag: Coasterpunk
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Emerging from the ashes of Eric 013...
Williams Grove is actually a gem in the rough. The prices are really cheap. They have a good assortment of classic flat rides, and you have to ride the Twister. On my last visit four of us went, and spent about 2-3 hours just riding that. If you have the right ride op that can spin it right its more enjoyable than a Tilt a Whirl(oh yeah they have one of those too.)
The Cyclone is pretty rough, but it does have a few good airtime moments. Plus the look of the coaster gives you that "I am going to die." kinda feeling.
The Wildcat is just like the one at CP, but just different colors. Smooth ride, and a good addition to the park.
They also have waterslides that several had fail to mention. I can see why they failed to mention them as I stayed away those too. The color of the water itself steers me away from it.
Its nice to get a group of friends or family, and make a day out of it. Cookout at the picnic grove, play some horseshoes & volleyball, and enjoy a few rides.
I grew up at that park and Willow Mills in Mechanicsburg, so my visits always bring back fond memories.
Also as coasterpunk has said here's a link to Twin Grove park.
http://www.twingroveparkcampground.com/
*** This post was edited by Coaster Fantom on 1/28/2003. ***
Yes, Williams Grove is like taking a ride on a way back machine, it has changed little in the last 30 years.
The Cyclone is the most frightning coaster I have ever been on, and I mean it. It is not really high or fast, it just looks like it is going to fall out from under you at any moment. I love it, and can't wait to go back next season. As said before, this would be a good trip to combine with Twin Grove reopening.
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"If you make it too smooth, it'll be like sitting in your living room."
-Bill Cobb - Designer, Texas Cyclone
You walk around the corner to find the Wildcat, and it's next to someone's house, very strange. The Dante's infero has a wooden barrel.
I reviewed the "Cyclone" along with 24 photos. This oughta make you want to drop in for a visit.
http://www.ultimatecoaster.com/spring.asp?cid=wgcyclone
http://www.ultimatecoaster.com/spring.asp?cid=wgwildcat
http://www.ultimatecoaster.com/spring.asp?cid=wgkiddie
Coastin' Carl
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ULTIMATECOASTER.com - In Search of the "Ultimate" Thrill
*** This post was edited by Coastin Carl 1/31/2003 1:21:35 AM ***
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"If you make it too smooth, it'll be like sitting in your living room."
-Bill Cobb - Designer, Texas Cyclone
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