Parks are quietly adding opening dates.

Amusement parks are quietly adding opening dates and times online.  

While most amusement parks don't rate the attention Disney and Universal collect, you would still expect some kind of notice about them reopening after COVID19. However, you'd be wrong.

 It seems amusement and theme parks across the east coast are quietly updating their websites to show opening dates and hours without a big to-do. We've been keeping an eye on things and it seems this week, dates and times are appearing on websites with little or no fanfare.

Just today we discovered the following have opening dates:

Busch Gardens Williamsburg: June 25th.
Kennywood: July 1st.
Idlewild Park: July 3rd.
Waldameer Park: June 22nd.
Dollywood: June 15th
Knoebels: July 3rd.


Ceder Fair parks still show no opening dates, but it has been discussed about Carowinds reopening soon (July 27th) according to various news articles. This would put Cedar Fair behind the eight ball of collecting what is left of the 2020 season.

Seaworld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa have also dropped opening dates in the last few days, with both parks set to open to the public again on June 11th.

Please note, all these parks will have limited capacity and various ticket rules. Plan accordingly by seeing what rules each park has and if they require a reservation system, ticket sales rules and modified hours.

Impulse POV Released as Testing Begins at Knoebels!

The wait is coming to a close, as Knoebels newest, and first all steel coaster, has begun testing! Yesterday, via the park's Facebook page, they announced that the testing phase for Impulse has begun and only a few hours later, video was posted up as well.

It should be noted, that the footage they provided was from a camera mounted on a test car, but they have promised additional footage from the actual trains at a later point. Once they have that up, we'll be sure to share it with you right here. For now? Here's a ride on the newest coaster at Knoebels!

Post by Knoebels Amusement Resort.

Really curious to see what the lift is like, since that's not featured in this video but the rest of the ride looks great and definitely should be a blast to ride. Not much longer until that date comes, either and with the looks of things around the ride, they should make their opening date without an issue at all.

Stay tuned for more info on Impulse at Knoebels and everywhere else that's building for 2015 right here and be sure to follow along with us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the latest!

Knoebels Moving at Light Speed with Impulse Construction

Well, it hasn't been too long since our last look at what was going on up at Knoebels Grove but in just the past couple of weeks a lot has changed since our last update. Construction has been flying on this one and I really don't know how they're doing it. We thought that Thunderbird at Holiday World went up quick, but holy crap.

As of earlier today Knoebels has managed to finish off the coaster's helix, loop, and cobra roll. That's not all though, the highest point of the track has also gone in, finishing the 90degree drop. It's mind boggling how they've managed to get this done so quickly with all the weather. There's still a lot to do but they're definitely well on their way.

So, enough of me yammering on. Let's get to the latest pictures!

Impulse Construction at Knoebels Goes Vertical

Well, the folks at Holiday World aren't the only ones to be getting their first all steel coaster this year. Knoebels Family Resort have been working on their latest addition to the park this winter and things are finally getting interesting. This past week they've been sharing a ton of photos of the construction progress and it looks like, despite the weather, things are moving forward a pretty good pace!

Impluse, in spite of it's name, will not be a launch coaster as they've opted for a traditional chain lift to build the anticipation as riders are pulled up the 90 degree lift hill before the first 90degree drop. An interesting move, in name and practice, but should be a fun experience regardless. For more info on the ride, check out our coverage of the announcement last February. 

As of January 27th, the park had recieved 20 of 51 containers, and here's all of that steel laid out in the snow covered parking lot. Looks like some kind of insane model kit for giants when it's all spread out like this. At least they don't have to deal with the plastic tabs and things holding the pieces in, right?

Next up, work on the supports for Impulse being done and at least it's not snowing or raining so they can get some work done!

First Track Pieces Arrive at Knoebels' for their Newest Coaster: Impulse

Adding to the mayhem of coaster construction, Pennsylvania's very own Knoebels! Last year, Knoebels announced their first all steel coaster in quite a while, Impulse, that will be debuting in just a few months.

While there has been plenty of site preparation and other work going on at the small Central Pennsylvania park, today marked the arrival of the first sections of coaster track! Now the real fun begins.

Built by Zieir, the newest coaster to the Knoebels landscape will feature a vertical lift hill and a 90 degree vertical drop down the other side and reach speeds of more than 55mph. For more on all the details, check out our coverage of the announcement.

Now, let's get down to the pictures that were sent on Twitter by the park. Not only do we have a couple from the grand unboxing of Knoebels' newest toy, but also a few other shots of the site being prepped as well!

Travel Notice- PA Small Parks Tour

Travel Notice- Pennsylvania Small Parks Tour.

 Hey folks, just a quick travel notice so you don't wonder why we're quiet for a few days!

 The ISI team is heading back on the road. This time we're going around our home state of Pennsylvania and doing our own "Small Parks Tour". Meaning we're skipping most of the 'big' parks and we'll be traveling around to the smaller, independent amusement parks in the state. So far on the list- Conneaut Lake Park, Waldameer Park, Lakemont Park and Knoebels! 

So make sure you check out our "Where to Follow" section to catch us on the various social media networks and follow the adventures!

Knoebels- New Steel Coaster for 2015

Image from Screamscape

 Knoebels Amusement Resort Announces New Steel Coaster as Project 2015.


 HOLY CRAP!

 Knoebel's Amusement Resort shocked fans when they just dropped their "Project 2015" plans on them out of the blue. No more rumors or speculation- the park has said "Impulse" (working project name) a new steel roller coaster is what the park's 4th generation is adding in.

 This new ride is a Zierer Tower Coaster, with a vertical  lift hill. The ride will have a full chain lift and not the launch as Knoebels has stated like they the "building of anticipation" which comes with a chain lifted roller coaster.

 Full numbers for the coaster haven't been released yet but we do know the ride will be 98 feet tall and have four full inversions, with a max angle of a full 90 degrees on the lift hill.

 More News has it becomes available!

Construction at Knoebels- Project 2015?

Construction at Knoebels- Part of Project 2015?

 News today that something is going on over at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

 All-American Thrills has reported that construction is going on at Knoebels, including a rather mysterious posted permit filed for a new substation for the park.

 This mystery construction us currently taking place around the entrance of the park, one big rumor about the "Project 2015" included a possible new "main entrance" for the park. Which before didn't have a well defined entrance area. However, no one is currently sure if this construction is linked to "Project 2015".

Image from All-American Thrills

 This big question is, what could require a new power sub-station to be added to the parks lines? Something Large? Something that will over-tax the current grid is rather obvious but right now there aren't any answers to be found. All-American Thrills has more images on their website, you can see them all by clicking HERE.

 Just mystery construction and an interesting new permit!

 We'll post updates whenever more news or rumors come to light about Project 2015 and Knoebels.

Rumor Alert- Knoebels 2015 Project News

 Rumor Alert- Knoebels 2015 Project News

 New Rumors Today about the mystery "Knoebels 2015" project the park has been dropping hints about throughout the week.

 Screamscape is reporting some element of the new project will included a new "grand entrance" to the park, giving guests a "sense of arrival" at the park.  Currently the park has no real set 'entrance' point and is rather wide open as they work off a ticket or wristband system.

 Many are still trying to dig up sources and rumors about what else may be involved in the new Knoebels 2015 Project, so far, not much else has come to light. There is currently know way to know if a new ride or attraction will be involved.. yet!

 We'll keep you posted as rumors surface.

Knobels Amusement Resort- Something in the Air for 2015

 Something's in the Air at Knoebels Amusement Resort in 2015.

 Well with Knoebels finally getting to open their 7 year headache, Flying Turns, in time for the end of the 2013 season. Something new is in the air...

 Today on the park's Facebook Page this image appeared. They park states the 4rd generation was sent out during the summer to bring in the next "big thing" for the park in 2015.

 What did they find?

 Well no one knows for sure right now. However, fans of the park are speculating on everything from the park finally putting in a flood wall to a new roller coaster and possibly a next generation thrill ride. Right now, the park is being quiet on the matter but it'll be interesting to watch thought the 2014 season.

 We'll keep our eyes open and ears to the ground, bringing you any updates that drop from Knoebels Amusement Resort!

Flying Turns- A Disability Nightmare?

News today about Flying Turns, the long awaited and finally open wooden bobsled coaster at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

Screamscape has an interesting report from Knoebels regarding Flying Turns.  Apparently the ride has some accessibility issues which the park has put into place in regards to wheelchair bound guests or guests with disabilities. It also has a 'rider weight limit' in place.

Image from Screamscape

 Disabled access to the ride is via the exit ramp. However, according to a sign posted by Knoebels, the ride will only accommodate wheelchairs when running one or two ride trains.  This means that guests will need to be able to walk without assistance to board the ride, no wheelchairs allowed at the gate.

 They also state only the disabled person and one guest may board the ride through the exit ramp. Which means if you're more then a party of two people the rest of your group must wait in the normal line if you wish to ride together.

 This becomes a problem because Flying Turns is currently running three ride trains and may add a fourth before the 2014 season. It's rather unlikely, with this being a new ride, it won't run only 1-2 ride trains anytime soon.

 Now while I have no issue with those in wheelchairs or with any form of disability, I can see how this will become an issue.  I've been in a wheelchair before at an amusement park (broken foot, don't ask), it sucks trying to get onto anything and I was fully able to hobble around for short periods of time. Others may not be able to stand or hobble as much or as easily as I could. That's going to limit their ability to ride Flying Turns. This will also limit those unable to walk at all. It will probably also cause problems in the realm of children with disabilities riding with parents.

But Wait! It gets worse!

 They also state that the ride trains have a maximum weight limit of 400 pounds per train car. Each train has a total of five rows, allowing a max weight limit of 2,000 pounds. This is rather small for a roller coaster. You will be weighed before boarding the ride and if your party exceeds the weight limit your group will need to be split up in order to ride.   The seats are arranged like other bobsled coasters where it's two riders per seat, one in front the other in back.

 Now to give you a perspective on this weight thing.

 I'm 5'1" and weight around 120 pounds soaking wet. I'm your typical normal-ass American. I'm not fat nor am I skinny, I've provided a picture for reference.
 See? Typical carbon based life form at an amusement park. My husband is 5'11" and around 190 pounds, he may or may not be human- the jury is still out on that. Either way, he's an average weight also.. neither fat nor thin.

  My #1 Head Minion Alex is 5'2" and 140 pounds. Her boyfriend is 6'2" and weighs 195. That puts them together at 335 pounds.

 I went so far as to ask my parents- after the 'my child is made of evil' look, I got answers.  My dad is 5'10" and 200 pounds. My mother is 5'9" and 170. That puts them at a total of 370 pounds, very close to that magic "400 pound" limit.  Don't ask why I'm short, genetics weren't kind to me.

 Are you following my drift here? While we may be 'average' all you need to do is look around to figure out that we're the minority weight-wise... and two of us are damn short. While this won't trouble those of us listed here, imagine if you had just a taller couple together! Two people at 6 foot will nearly push that weight factor over. Nevermind the fact a lot of folks these days are heavy set. 

 I can understand these are safety restrictions and need to be followed but at the same time, this is going to bruise a LOT of feelings.  It won't take long until someone starts yelling discrimination or some other fancy legal term which boils down to "you won't let me ride EVEN if it is for my safety and I'm gonna sue you now cause your a meanie head".

BREAKING NEWS- Flying Turns has OPENED!

!!BREAKING NEWS!!  

FLYING TURNS HAS OPENED

This is NOT a Drill. 

 After 8 long years and unlimited problems, we've recieved news today that Knoebel's Amusement Resort has finally opened Flying Turns! Yesterday Knoebel's posted this video of a private event in which Flying Turns had it's first non-family/non-employee riders. Today at Noon the ride opened to the public!

THIS IS NOT A DRILL- FLYING TURNS IS OPEN! 

 Information hasn't hit the Knoebel's website yet but on their Facebook back we spotted this post today. 

 Honestly, I'd be in the car and on my way right now but I've just returned from 12 days in Orlando and a 18 hour car ride. However, We here at InSanity lurks Inside will be there and reporting live as soon as we possibly can.  

 Now, if you'll excuse me I need to go squeal with pure coaster fan-girl joy.

FLYING TURNS IS OPEN

Rumor Round-Up for Late August 2013

Rumor Round-Up

Late August 2013 Edition

 Holy Crap!

 Rumors have been thick on the ground lately in the theme park and amusement park world, everyone is making announcements and most of us are speculating wildly about what's really going on!  So I've tired to compile a decent collection so you can keep up-to-date with who may be doing what for 2014 and beyond!

Flying Turns Status Update: Possible Labor Day Weekend Opening? NOPE! -UPDATE

Flying Turns Status Update

 at Knoebels Amusement Resort

UPDATE 8/27/13:

Yesterday on Facebook I inquired of Knoebels if they planned to have the long awaited 'Flying Turns' coaster open for Labor Day Weekend as rumor has been suggesting.  This was the response I got...

It's NOT HAPPENING folks. Straight from Knoebels on Facebook, the question was answered. We won't be seeing the opening this weekend and possibly not this season.

The Status of Flying Turns

The Status of Flying Turns

 The simple fact of the matter is this: No One Knows.

 In 2006 Knoebels Amusement Resort began building one of the most enthusiastic and anticipated roller coasters to date, giving it the name "Flying Turns". To understand, Flying Turns is style of roller coaster, a bobsled but made entirely of wood. One hasn't been built since 1940 and currently there are no operating wooden coasters of this style left in the world. So you can imagine the hype that Knoebels got when they announced they planned to build an antique coaster in this style.

 The problem is this, no one alive today has knowledge of how to build this ride. Only the plans which are from a ride designed by John Miller and John Bartlett from the 1920's. 

Photo Report: Knoebels Amusement Resort

Knoebels Amusement Resort

Photo Report

 Below you'll find more of the many photos we took during our trip to Knoebels including additional ride photos and night shots of the various attractions offered at the park. If you use these please make sure to link back to the blog! 

 All photo's were taken by Kitsune Hazard of Kitsuneverse on a Sony NEX-3N (as I'm not allowed to play with the expensive camera).

Park Review- Knoebels Amusement Resort

Park Review of Knoebels Amusement Resort

Day: Wednesday

Date: July 24th, 2013

Weather: Perfect (Mid 70's and Partly Cloudy)

Overall Rating: Good

Ride Rating: Okay 

Opinion: Worth it within a 3-4 hour drive.

Staff: Carrie and Kitsune

Overview:  Knoebels is a small, family owned amusement park set in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania. It's not the most widely known park and tends to be frequented by folks from the area or those who know about this hidden little gem. While not known for building their own rides, Knobels has a rich history of taking other folks 'unwanted/old' rides and moving them into the park, giving them a new life for folks to enjoy. The park boasts three relocated roller coasters, a classic 'pretzel car' haunted house and carousel that still has it's brass ring. The parks biggest claim to fame (and also their current embarrassment) is that they are attempting to build a wooden bobsled coaster, which hasn't been done since the 1920's. They've won the Golden Ticket award in 2012 for 'Best Carousel' and in 2011 for 'Best Food' and 'Best Carousel'.

Quick Update- Traveling delays Posts!

Hey Folks,

 I'm sorry for the delay in posts that's been this week. It's rather hard to update when your on the road! However, never fear! We will be home tomorrow and work on the picture processing will begin. I expect to have new park reviews, ride reviews and even a few special "around the area" guides coming to you as soon as possible!

 Cause unlike some other sites, I like to give the readers (that means you) something worth reading! So I take a little bit longer but as you can see from previous reviews, if we ride it/look at it/saw it, we report on it! So nothing is left out and you know what opinions we have on what, without a doubt!

 So, hang tight just a little longer. We're traveling home tomorrow (Saturday) and I promise I'll spend most of Sunday chained to my laptop, typing away for you.

 What do you have to look forward to?
 Well, I'll certainly tell you! We've got a review of Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysbug, PA as well as a review of Hershey Park coming. That's what I've been doing all week, well that and being stuck in the car on Pennsylvania highways ENTIRELY too long!

 Until then, please enjoy a picture of yours truly being entirely random..

Floods are bad, I would have drowned!

Roadside America- Knoebels Grove

Good Morning!
We're still working our way threw the fun little roadside parks of America, those that are off the beaten path. The fun places often overshadowed by the industry GIANTS.

Today we're taking a peak at one of my FAVORITE little hidden gems. Knoebels Park is tucked into the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania in a small town called Elysburg. Which is off Interstate 80, about 3 hours north of Philadelphia!

Knoebels began life in 1775 as "Peggy's Farm" and was offering things like "Tally-Ho" which is a destination Hayride happening on Sunday afternoons. They had a wonderful swimming hole and beautiful areas of picnics before the rides really moved in. Jumping to 1926 they put in a large swimming pool called "The Crystal Pool" which was really just a large area of the filtered stream water. They even offered up high dives for those daring enough. The same year the grand carousel moved in and since they've kept adding rides! You can read the full history on their website, which is far more in-depth then I can give!

Knoebels currently offers some amazing classic attractions including two world class wooden roller coasters: The Phoenix (Previously the Rocket from San Antonio Texas) and Twister (Based off the original Mr. Twister from Colorado). Knoebels is also the only park crazy enough to build a new "Flying Turns" coaster from scratch, the first built in 50 years! If that isn't enough to get you excited, well I can't help you!

They also have an orignal dark ride "The Haunted Mansion" which was relocated from another park and is recognized as the best traditional haunted house currently standing today!
The Grand Carousel still has the "Brass Ring" which you can take a grab at from their outside horses, to my knowledge this is the only carousel left in the country with this blast from the past our parents remember. I can't tell you how much silly fun it is, even as an adult, to try and catch that golden ring for a free ride!

In case you didn't notice, Knoebels loves to take the cast-offs from other parks and give them the beauty and life these attractions deserve. Not replace them with the newest thing. Their newest addition is "Black Diamond" which was relocated from Morey's Peirs in Wildwood, NJ.

If your ever near by, Knoebels is a classic park with attractions for all ages. They still run off a ticket system or you can purchase an unlimited ride band. So you can ride as much or as little as you really want! So make sure you swing by and enjoy this hidden gem!

 

Knoebels Grove  

News around the Theme Park Circuit- East Coast Edition

Greetings Again!

I hope your all getting ready for a wonderful summer of traveling and theme park attendance, I know that I'm certainly looking forward to the trips I've got planned.  Was it just me or was this winter entirely weird? Time for some warm weather and a look at what's new and exciting around the east coast theme park circuit.

 Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Verbolten Opening
Rumors are flying threw the air about a soft open for Verbolten starting sometime around March 31 with the full opening coming late this spring, projected for sometime late April.

Flying Turns at Knoebels: 2012 Opening?
Well rumors are once again saying that Flying Turns may possibly have a late 2012 season opening. Knoebels has been very closed mouthed in regards to updates on the ride since late 2011.

SkyRush at Hershey Park: 5/2012
Slated to open in May 2012
Construction is nearing completion on the new Intamin psycho-coaster to open up. I'm starting to wonder if Hershey is going to run out of places to stuff these things in!

Dorney Park: Stinger
Another relocation from Six Flags Cedar Point is coming to Dorney Park this year. Yet another obnoxious Vekoma Boomerang, moved from California's Great America.

Dollywood: Wild Eagle 3/2012
Set to start testing in late March (if not already) this will be the first Wing Coaster from our friends at B&M built on the east coast.  Looks to be a truly awesome ride once it gets open.  Plus I doubt Dollywood will try to pull the same kind of stunt that the nutters over at Thorpe Park did!

Kennywood: Black Widow 2012
Well it seems Kennywood really is doing the "boxed attractions" route now with new owners. Seems those of us out here in Pittsburgh are the proud new owners of a (augh) swinging, spinning pendulum ride.
Wonder how much they'll raise ticket prices for this lawn ornament?

 Six Flags: Fiesta Texas, Great Adventure
Sky Screamer 2012.

Not to be outdone by their not-so-creative-now competition Six Flags has gone and made an answer to Cedar Fairs "Wind Seeker". Get this, same concept only we're gonna do it with CHAINS like a classic wave swinger! Sounds ever so safe with your feet dangling 100+ feet in the air. These have already had problems but forget that! We'll keep installing them, Great Idea!

Cedar Point: 2012
Yup, you guessed it. Cause it was so massively popular? Anyway, rather then doing some cool (stick to coasters) our friends over at Cedar Point have gone and installed yet another clone of the Dinosaurs Alive attraction. This time Cedar Point its-self has gotten this one. Are we spotting the Six Flags trend here yet?

Six Flags New England: 2012
Six Flags is moving Deja Vu from Magic Mountain (it never worked right) to Six Flags New England for the 2012 season. Wonder if they needed a new lawn ornament?

Six Flag Great America: 2012
Looks like they are getting a B&M X-Flight flying style coaster for the 2012 season. A fresh built B&M at that,  I've forgotten Six Flag could do fresh builds!

Six Flags America: 2012 Apocalypse
Six Flags is moving the former "Iron Wolf" coaster from Great America and is coming to Maryland under the name of Apocalypse. A large, old stand-up coaster. Might be a nice change?

 Seaworld Adventure Park Orlando: 2012
TurtleTrek (Augh) is replacing Manatee Encounter. Supposedly to have a 360 degree, 3D movie theather added into the attraction of a Sea Turtles journey. Followed by an exhibit of (get this) Turtles!

Freestyle Music Park: Sold?!
Rumors are that a Russian company is currently in talks to purchase the (badly placed) Freestyle Music Park in Myrtle Beach, NC.  There is no current news as to if this has fallen threw or may really happen, sad to see anything rusting away like this place currently is.

Bluegrass Boardwalk: 2013
Formerly Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
It's official! The amazing people of the Koch Family who own and operate Holiday World in Santa Clause, IN have signed a deal with the state of Kentucky to re-open the former Six Flags park.  You can follow all the updates of the Koch family putting this park back together at http://bluegrassboardwalk.com/




Well, I hope this keeps you all up-to-date in the current news and openings.  I've probably missed some or several that are going on around the east coast, so please feel free to comment on them!