Great Adventure Outpost

Industry => Trip Reports and Meeting Plans => Topic started by: Robert T Ackerman on March 10, 2008, 12:40:35 AM

Title: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 10, 2008, 12:40:35 AM
"Dawn of a New Season" is the name of Knoebels opening day event. For $20 you will get an hour of ERT on the 2 wooden coasters that are open, Pizza, a tour of the Haunted House (if you wish), a wristband good for all rides/coasters all day, and 2 Haunted Mansion tickets. No word on Flying Turns being open, I'm not exactly counting on it.

http://www.aceonline.org/fliers/KnoebelsApr2008.pdf (http://www.aceonline.org/fliers/KnoebelsApr2008.pdf)

I will be there on Saturday of opening weekend for the event and I am trying everything I can to have Sunday off as well, because Knoebels is just that awesome that I need to spend 2 full days there.

Rob, who can't wait to snap some Flyers!!!
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on March 10, 2008, 01:04:39 AM
Great Deal.
I have to attend this event
I missed last PPP
Now if I can talk my girl into going

what / where is the best place to stay ?

April 26th Saturday

Registration deadline April 11th
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 10, 2008, 01:21:16 AM
Matt's house ;)

The Best Western in Danville is the nicest/newest (as far as I know) place in the area unless you rent a cabin in Knoebels campground. They might be sold out by now though, I will look into it sometime this week. I might be able to score a free place in a different campground that weekend also, so that might be where I'm staying!
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: coastersue on March 10, 2008, 05:41:10 AM
Rich and I will be there Saturday but don't plan on doing the event.  For those not doing the event, Knoebels also offers buy-one-get-one free POP Saturday and Sunday of opening weekend as well.

Most people that I know staying over are staying at the Red Roof in Danville.  We'll just be driving home Saturday night to save on the hotel expense.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Bubba Z on March 10, 2008, 06:36:31 PM
The Best western is a nicer place to stay. I was at the Roof two years ago and let's just say...I'm glad Ed had an extra room for me.  Like Rob said, " It's newer so It's nicer" 

I'm not sure you'll ever make Florida if you keep going on all these trips.  :P
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on March 10, 2008, 07:11:10 PM
MY universal annual pass is good till May 15th
is he still here  ?  ;)

one moves here (Matt) and another moves away

this is where the coasters are
Orlandos not to shabby either

Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: coastersue on March 10, 2008, 07:22:28 PM
The Red Roof by Knoebels is actually a nice one.  I'd say it's above average for a Red Roof.  I can't remember what the issue was, but I know someone told me they weren't pleased with the Best Western.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: NJACERep on March 10, 2008, 11:59:09 PM
Best Western is...well...Best Western. Doesn't matter how new it is, they're all independantly owned and operated so if management is bad, it's bad. We had some rough times there during PPP weekend. Rooms not ready, not cleaned when we went in and the room we ended up with smelled really bad. They just couldn't seem to get their act together on a busy weekend.

I swear by the Red Roof in Danville. It's cheap, clean and I've never had any real problems in the 8+ years or so I've been staying there. I feel like I've tried every hotel in the Danville and Bloomsburg area and I'd say Red Roof is the best for its price. If you can afford the Hampton Inn, the room and amenities are better but Red Roof is the way to go if you're on a budget.

Is it strange when the night manager knows you by name? Man, that's how many times I've stayed there. LOL!

Adam
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: overlord on March 11, 2008, 11:11:21 AM
Pocono mountain house FTW! =]
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on March 11, 2008, 12:12:20 PM
thanks
sounds good
I normally just use a hotel for sleep
as long as it clean linens/bed its fine
I also don't like to spend a lot for a nights sleep
if they had those "sleep coffins " like they do in japan i would even rent them   :D like the rain sleepers.

I remember years ago there was a motel that had the court yard enclosed and they had a hot tub and small pool .
can't remember but that was like 1991
-----------------
anyone need a week stay at a 2 story Shawnee Villa in the Poconos for $199  sleeps 6-10 people
full kitchen
2 baths
fireplace
2 indoor pools
arcade
golf
etc.
April 12th - 19th
I own this and can't use it 
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on March 11, 2008, 02:03:34 PM

I reserved a room at the Red Roof just in case.

STANDARD 2 FULL BEDS NON-SMOKING, 19"TV  $61

Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Millennium Force 44 on March 11, 2008, 04:14:09 PM

if they had those "sleep coffins " like they do in japan i would even rent them   :D like the rain sleepers.


Do you by any chance know where I can find a picture of these little sleep coffins. I remember seeing a picture of them somewhere, but I can't remember where, and no one believes me that these exist and think it is something I saw in a dream.  :P
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on March 11, 2008, 04:21:22 PM
yes just search Capsule hotels  $16-$34 a night

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsule_hotel


(http://www.asktog.com/travel/Japan/images/60.JPG)



(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/42/87642099_036012ae6c.jpg?v=0)

(http://bp0.blogger.com/_qExcwwNvEj4/RgneZgq75qI/AAAAAAAAANk/zegggxH5Vgg/s320/Capsule_Hotels_in_Japan2.jpg)

(http://www.itravelnet.com/photos/as/japan/tokyo/capsule-inn-akihabara/capsule-tv.jpg)

A Capsule hotels is a unique style of accommodation in Japan, inspired by the pursuit of efficiency of space and functional comfort, originating from the adaptive, creative spirit of the Japanese mind.

A typical Capsule Japan Hotel is composed of two major sections; a public lounge space including bathing, and the other is a private space where the sleeping rooms (capsules) are arranged. The actual sleeping room is a capsule unit made of reinforced plastic and designed in the image of a jet airplane's cockpit. In the capsule unit, all the required amenities are provided; TV, radio, alarm clock, adjustable lighting almost everything is provided! Every device is within your reach and you can control everything in a sleeping position.

Capsule Hotels Japanese styleFor the numerous business people working hard until after midnight and who miss their train, and for all the people coming to Tokyo on a short business trip, or holiday; young and old, men and women, a wide range of people stay at Capsule hotels in Tokyo.

Everybody that travels to Japan should experience this unique accommodation, at least once! One of the most unique accommodations in the world.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 19, 2008, 12:18:06 AM
So I just found out today that I can have the entire weekend off... so I will be there Saturday and Sunday, most likely with a friend from around here who has never been there before, or out of NJ that much at all.

My friends Jim and Dave (jimvid and Flare - when they post on random sites) will be there for both days as well and I will be staying with them.

So an official roll call can go something like this...

1. Rob (plus 1 possible friend)
2. Kyle Mackey and Jenna (from CT)
3. Jimvid
4. Flare
5. PCMan
6. Sue and Rich
7. AVMatt


Anyone else... anyone.... Bueller??
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on March 19, 2008, 01:19:41 AM

I may also bring a few extra people ( hopefully )

at least Tina and Myself  if she doesn't back out. and maybe more
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 19, 2008, 01:42:24 AM
1. Rob (plus 1 possible friend)
2. Kyle Mackey and Jenna (from CT)
3. Jimvid
4. Flare
5. PCMan
6. Sue and Rich
7. AVMatt
8. Tina (PCMan's woman.)
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: AV Matt on March 22, 2008, 11:31:50 PM
1. Rob (plus 1 possible friend)
2. Kyle Mackey and Jenna (from CT)
3. Jimvid
4. Flare
5. PCMan
6. Sue and Rich
7. AVMatt
8. Tina (PCMan's woman.)

Stop posting for me! I need to up my count!  ;D  ;)

1. Rob (plus 1 possible friend)
2. Kyle Mackey and Jenna (from CT)
3. Jimvid
4. Flare
5. PCMan
6. Sue and Rich
7. AV Matt <--that's how I like it ;)
8. Tina (PCMan's woman.)

Oh yeah, see ya on the flyers! Snapping school will be in session all weekend. :)


Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 12:01:46 AM
1. Rob (plus 1 possible friend)
2. Kyle Mackey and Jenna (from CT)
3. Jimvid
4. Flare
5. PCMan
6. Sue and Rich
7. AV Matt <--that's how I like it
8. Tina (PCMan's woman.)
9. Bobby F (used to work at GADV, some of you may remember him - I talked him into going with me yesterday and he's never been there)
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: coastersue on March 23, 2008, 08:49:13 AM
Was Bobby a supervisor?  If so, I think I might know who you're talking about.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on March 23, 2008, 12:37:02 PM
Yep, that's him.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on April 03, 2008, 01:40:43 PM

FYI
registration deadline is next Friday April 11th
 8 days from today

www.aceonline.org/fliers/KnoebelsApr2008.pdf
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on April 25, 2008, 09:45:52 AM
It's been more then 10 years since I been here and never been on Twister

Roll call

1. Rob (plus 1 possible friend)
2. Kyle Mackey and Jenna (from CT)
3. Jimvid
4. Flare
5. PCMan + Tina (PCMan's woman.)
6. Sue and Rich
7. AV Matt <--that's how I like it
8. Melissa

I'm bummed out I can't stay over have a family event to attend to on Sunday
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Bubba Z on April 25, 2008, 08:05:36 PM
^ Boo...  I'll see you all @ PPP
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on April 25, 2008, 09:36:52 PM
That's what you think.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on April 25, 2008, 10:29:00 PM
Hmmm
theres a 0 to 70 percent chance of a thunderstorm mostly late in the afternoon

one thing i know is wooden coasters kick butt with wet tracks

www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/17824?begHour=10&begDay=117

my women still doesn't get why we are driving 140 to 166 miles to a park   ;)
I told her its Knoebels / she hasn't been there since she was a little kid maybe 25+ years ago
gas about $30 each way

Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: darkridedan on April 26, 2008, 05:41:06 AM
That they do! 1/2 the price of Six Flags with a dozen more rides, no parking fee, no lockers, woodies without seatbelts, no Flash Pass and reasonable food prices is worth  the drive. A haunted house too! :)
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on April 26, 2008, 09:57:16 AM
2:20 to get here  already 71 degrees
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: WadeJ on April 26, 2008, 11:17:58 AM
I'm looking forward to some trip reports :). Have fun guys.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: ChuckR on April 26, 2008, 11:42:11 AM
Wish I could of made it guys! I guess I'll just have to go on the Remix II and the KMG Fireball at the local festival in town here!
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: darkridedan on April 26, 2008, 12:16:30 PM
Phoenix and Twister are smooth!
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on April 26, 2008, 11:36:40 PM
I need to learn to remember to log out or set for one hour .

Great awesome day
70-80% chance of showers and it was sunny all day around 70 degrees just perfect.rain started on my drive home.
Great to see everyone.
Matt the Flyer killer  ;) pics will show  :D
best flyers i been on since Clemenotn parks.
took me my second flight to get back in the grove.

Twister was running like a new broken in coaster with some new track.
Phoenix is the airtime monster towards the front as always and also smooth as Twister.
Knoebels knows their woodies.

The 6:30pm Hunted house walk through was great.
we had groups of about 20 people with a few knoebel family memebers doing the tour.
we got Dick Knoebel as our tour guide and he alwyas has some great stories of where and how the attrations cames from.
Tina and I talked with him at the conclusion of the tour and I asked him if he had any Clementon park items in the park he said the Hourses from the carosel. Tina gave him a kiss and we thanked him for a great day.
It Dicks birthday Monday and during lunch we all sang happy birthday to him and had him blow out candles on a cake.

I just wish i could have stayed for another day like half the people attending., next time

pictures and video to follow late tomorrow Sunday





 
 
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: darkridedan on April 27, 2008, 09:16:43 AM
My pants are still wet from the Flume! It might be too cold to replicate what we did to the people in the Flume queue. We rode the Looper and Rob and I laughed through 20 to 30 flips. The Haunted House tour was the highlight of a fun day. It was funny to watch people avoid the trip wires for the props and it was hilarious when people would accidently trip one. The bookshelf in the library almost feel on an ACEr. Today we will ride the rest of the flats. Matt has bought stock in Dramamine. I c ant wait to see your pics of the Flying Turns tour Tom. Rich, Sue and our ACE reps Adam and twisterBret were there. TR and pics to come soon!
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: coastersue on April 27, 2008, 09:39:02 AM
Nice to see you Tom and meet Tina for the first time.  These weather forecasters never know what they're talking about!

Does anyone know why they took the second train off Phoenix?  We were impressed that they were actually running 2 on a POP day, but I guess that was short lived unless they took it off for a mechanical reason.

Dan actually wasn't sick for once!  :)
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: ChuckR on April 27, 2008, 04:21:47 PM
I'm jealous.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on April 27, 2008, 05:27:01 PM
the rain came down hard on the way home for about an hour.
yes one train.
tina cant stop talking about the park it was her first visit since see was around ten.
we have to do this again.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: coastersue on April 27, 2008, 06:48:48 PM
Next year the ACE Spring Con is supposed to be held at Hershey and Knoebels.  Maybe the Flying Turns will actually be open by then?
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on April 28, 2008, 09:42:38 AM
Cool

Also they let us walk the track of flying Turns
i took video and pics to be posted soon

Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Millennium Force 44 on April 28, 2008, 01:25:59 PM
^ That's awesome. Can't wait to see the pictures.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: AV Matt on April 29, 2008, 01:14:05 PM
On my first flyer ride of the season (at Knoebels anyway), I hooked the cables around the bolts. It was sweet.  Can't wait to see Dan's pics.

-The Flyer Killer
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on May 01, 2008, 04:30:14 PM
Here are some unedited pics
shows the Turns walkon
and i got a picture after the Matt Flyer cable thingy
haunted house walk through

www.techhi.net/k/index.html

We got to the park in 2:20 minuts about an hour early
i tried a different way and it was 26 miles shorter then route 80 and about the same about or less time
from here in Camden County South Jersey



Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Bubba Z on May 01, 2008, 07:57:33 PM
Tom nice pictures, wish I could of made the Haunted Mansion tour  : (
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: AV Matt on May 01, 2008, 08:57:00 PM
Awesome pics. Now how 'bout Dan shares his? ;)
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Millennium Force 44 on May 02, 2008, 12:16:42 AM
Great pictures Tom.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: Robert T Ackerman on May 02, 2008, 12:45:52 AM
Nice pictures Tom.

I am hoping to have time on Saturday night to write up a TR, or Monday night. I've been pretty busy since we got back. It was certainly an awesome time though!

I might have had my best Twister ride ever, and it may have even broken into my top 10 after the rides I had this weekend. Phoenix was awesome as always, I did good at Mini Golf until the last 3 or 4 holes, I still have a bruise on my back from the Flyers, The Looper was "loopy" as Dan stated, and seeing a lot of good friends that I don't get to see often made it the best weekend I've had in a long time. Those of you who are friends with me on Facebook can see some of my pictures already, but I should have them online on Saturday night, with a TR to follow shortly after.

Rob
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on May 02, 2008, 10:00:15 AM

Yep
I'm pissed I couldn't go on Sunday. :'(
To many Family events with a big family.
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: coastersue on May 16, 2008, 06:00:25 PM
Hey, Dan, are we ever going to see the Updates group picture???
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: AV Matt on May 16, 2008, 06:14:51 PM
It's on the Internet!
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: coastersue on May 16, 2008, 07:33:43 PM
Huh?
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: AV Matt on May 16, 2008, 08:00:54 PM
http://www.darkridedan.smugmug.com/gallery/4826131_WaYom#288034857_XAjdJ-X3-LB
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: darkridedan on May 16, 2008, 09:03:15 PM
I can do you one better Sue. Here is a trip report... (don't forget to use those three dots at the top right)

Dawn of a new Season was an event held at Knoebels a few weeks ago. Knoebels is a park-in-the-woods amongst the mountains, with an attached campground and free parking and admission. It is located two and a half hours northwest of Philadelphia, between Allentown and Harrisburg and Scranton and Williamsport, (home of The Little League Headquarters.) It was a beautiful 70 degrees on opening day, and it cost only $20 for an hour of ERT on the two wooden coasters (Phoenix and Twister,) a lunch with the park?s owners, a free ride on The Haunted House and Sky Ride, a walking tour of The Haunted House and an all day wristband to ride 17 spin-and pukes and 19 other flat rides, water rides and coasters.

I left my house at 6:45am, met up with Matt at 8:15, and made it to the park to meet up with (Kingda)Kevin and his fianc? Emily before 10:30.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287137340_VQWwy-M.jpg)
 
Tom (PCMan) jumped out of his truck to greet us. Here he is with girlfriend Tina.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287162729_VoLAt-M.jpg)

The ride in the background is Skloosh. It would be closed for the weekend, but it had nothing to do with the weather or Mr. Skloosh. He was pretty warmed up and ready to go.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287138678_kZ6ke-M.jpg)

The park has a four-armed scrambler named Merry Mixer
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287139267_CXBXm-M.jpg)

Here are the park?s waterslides and the Crystal Pool in the foreground.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287141888_B5sfA-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287141396_KnXGy-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287142132_zLYFd-M.jpg)

The park has a few houses which are rented by visitors. Here is one by Twister:
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287143287_2LDnW-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287143450_Jbym2-M.jpg)
 
We began our hour of ERT on the Twister. Coastin? Steve and former Great Adventure ride employee Adam rode in the front seat; Matt and Tom rode 1-2.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287148495_sZjyN-L.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287150979_JWfQ3-L.jpg)

I rode in the back seat. I used to like the back seat, but it was kind of sluggish.

Kevin, Matt and Tom rode again in the back row.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287154039_PSTe8-L.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287156198_orpaQ-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287156356_dateF-M.jpg)

llama
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287157288_H6YRH-M.jpg)

The Flyers are a Knoebels institution.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288019315_q3TAV-M.jpg)

Tom likes institutions.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288019490_kZf9A-M.jpg)

We walked over to ride the Phoenix
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288020002_4FhbT-M.jpg)

I rode in the back seat. I never really cared for the back. Waaa

It?s like Holiday World, but fun.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288020273_tF9cN-M.jpg)

Matt, Kevin and Emily waited for the Flying Turns to open
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288020648_5pP87-M.jpg)

Everybody began queuing for ride bracelets
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288021321_kKotU-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288021181_sENGS-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288021023_w6gve-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288021426_nn8dz-M.jpg)

Tom doing the trough thing
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288021483_K7oWZ-M.jpg)

Flyer Tyme!
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288021590_WWB8W-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288023275_3orJ8-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288023386_5BzDY-M.jpg)
Here are Matt, Kevin and Emily
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288023884_dEL3p-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288023645_zSaG2-M.jpg)

At this point, Matt started bobbing up and down when he hooked his cable.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288023763_JhnaG-M.jpg)

which looks like this
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288024299_xxDL4-M.jpg)

but is supposed to look like this
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/295355910_iQE8S-M.jpg)

and makes you look like this
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288023989_BdvPL-M.jpg)

and you get out like this
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/295361509_fRpSq-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288024118_ssnce-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/295362051_Evu9X-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288024470_bv9LH-M.jpg)

Meanwhile at the Alamo?
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/287140983_wQqPp-M.jpg)

Matt and Kevin posed with the prickly pickle
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288025037_PJnNf-M.jpg)

We sat down for a pretty ok lunch inside
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288025149_rFDeE-M.jpg)
(I?m not stoned.)

Their Round Up goes up a full 70 degrees and has a 5-minute ride cycle. But we just ate.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288025314_YogUH-M.jpg)

We went for a gentle ride after lunch on the Flume. The queue takes us past the final drop of the ride. Kevin and Emily rode along with Matt and me in a log. We climbed up the first lift hill and came down the drop, splashing into the cave. We were shocked how wet we got. When I went to cheer, I took in a mouthful of water. They use chlorine; It?s ok. We went through the trough and leaned to the left and took in water. We went to the right and took in more water. Then we climbed the second lift and all the water rushed towards the back of the boat. Then we crested the hill and coasted to the bottom. We heard all sorts of cheering when we soaked the crowd in the queue. We got a little wet too.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288025537_xhhbx-M.jpg)
You might be able to tell where I was sitting. By the way, I'm not bloated, I'm wet.

Knoebel?s Best of The West
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288033082_FuPDQ-M.jpg)

Hi Dainan

We went over to Kiddie Land and took a ?small? trip on the Ole Smokey Train. The steam train takes us past the staples of childhood rides.

Some of us have ridden the kiddie cars and the slide.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288033371_aVT56-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288033952_qyuJK-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288034383_P2saR-M.jpg)

We went over to the ACE and DAFE pavilion for some pizza to listen to a pleasant update from Dick Knoebel about the park. Kevin, Emily, Matt and I sat with Tom, Tina, Rich and Sue. Mr. Knoebel talked to us about the ride he had on the Flying Turns in January. A few rough spots were found and workers were smoothing them out. He apologized for not having the ride ready for the start of the season. The park bought the flyer cars from Coney Island to study their construction. The park also bought a Wipe Out ride for 2008 and will be placing it by Fandango (a floorless Frisbee-type ride,) opposite of the campground. The campground received a new bridge and the 1000 Nachts flying carpet ride received a new lighting package. It was also Mr. Knoebel?s birthday.

Here are three generations of the Knoebel?s family on their 1940?s era fire truck.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288034537_o6pXQ-M.jpg)
   
A group photo of some Updates members in attendance
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288034970_EAkAy-M.jpg)
Left to Right: Tina, Tom, Rich, Sue and myself, Matt and Kevin and Emily (standing in for Rob and Melissa.)

Knoebels has so many rides throughout the woods, it?s easy to forget which rides we may have ridden or re-ridden.

More of my favorite people joined us for a ride on the Grand Carousel. Here are Rob and Melissa with Matt in the background.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288086928_xeY9a-M.jpg)   
While sitting on an outside horse, you reach for the brass ring at the sound of the bell. You can accumulate anywhere from 13 to 25 rings depending on the ride cycle and your level of skill.

We went back to the Flyers, and we teamed up! This was one wild ride as Mel and Matt are two of the craziest flyer drivers ever.
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288087123_mfggD-M.jpg)

Here?s Mel?s BiF
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288088699_MrwLW-M.jpg)

This is what Flyers look like in action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP3F1P5Q66g

We rode the Looper. Rob and I sat together for a 20-flippin? good time!
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288109772_MNHv4-M.jpg)

Later in the evening, Matt, Melissa and Rob went back to ride the Flyers. Tom, Tina, Kevin, Emily and I went on the Haunted House walk-through tour. Dick and his son talked to us about the history of the ride. The base of the attraction was planned as a skating rink and props came from local parks. The ride opened on the day that his son was born.

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288089130_5f36J-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288089281_cekX9-M.jpg)

WEEEELCOOOOME!
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288089520_bUVGV-M.jpg)

Mr. Knoebel?s son in the Library
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288089687_cFziM-M.jpg)

The Haunted House sound system
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288089823_MQzzx-M.jpg)

Here is a trip wire that activates the props
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288089997_gd3xM-M.jpg)

This scene had not been tripped
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288090144_KXzMT-M.jpg)

(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288090301_VcPBo-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288092962_9S7my-M.jpg)

The anti-rollbacks for the lift into the attic
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288093425_pJiAJ-M.jpg)

Spider webs!
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288093608_eUxRr-M.jpg)

A new witch prop
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288093700_BtyXg-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288093780_Pk4jA-M.jpg)

What a nightmare!
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288093893_EJtmu-M.jpg)

The things you see with the lights on?
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288094031_kcAfW-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288094224_YB6Ez-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288094117_ymsR2-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288094324_WWLg8-M.jpg)
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288094417_bY4jm-M.jpg)

Knoebels has a Houdini that is 10-7 too:
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288094593_9FAhJ-M.jpg)

That truck!
(http://darkridedan.smugmug.com/photos/288094679_Xy53y-M.jpg)
Some Philadelphians have the spit scared out of them

I took a video inside of the ride. Matt is riding with me. It?s very dark inside. This won?t ruin the ride for you if you haven?t been in it before.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvxn6ZZz0a8

Rob, Mel and Matt waited in the car patiently for us to go through the tour. (Thank you guys!)  We went over to OIP (Original Italian Pizza) and then to the hotel for some fun time in the pool.
 
Thank you for reading. Day Two coming soon? 
 
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: AV Matt on May 16, 2008, 09:26:49 PM
Wow, you got some awesome shots of the flyers! Well done, my friend!
Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: PcMan on May 16, 2008, 10:26:31 PM
One of the best Trip reports I read. Everything went smoothly along

And I was wondering where / how Matt fudged up the cable.
It's funny how you got on ride pics and then progression pics of the cable tie-up

I love those Flyers best around.
Next time I will be riding them many more times.It was a tossup a personal haunted Mansion tour by the Owner of the park or non-stop Flyer action.
We opted for the tour and Tina Surprised me when she gave Dick Knoebel a kiss after the tour. (her first visit to the park -this is the magic of the park)  :)
He told some great old story's along the tour.



Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: darkridedan on May 18, 2008, 02:25:56 PM
Thank you Matt and Tom. There was no toss up between Flyers and a walk through a dark ride for me. ;)

Title: Re: Knoebels opening day event.
Post by: coastersue on May 18, 2008, 03:17:48 PM
Thanks for posting the pics, Dan!