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!

Waldameer's Water Park Expansion Construction Update

Well, it might be cold and snowy in Western Pennsylvania right now, but the folks at Waldameer are thinking ahead to summer. Construction on their massive wave pool and water park expansion is well under way and thanks to a recent post from the park, we've got some pictures of the project so far.

For those that may have missed the announcement last year, the $10 million dollar expansion will include, in addition to the wave pool;  a new food concession building, a new restroom facility (including family restrooms), more ticket booths, new lockers for the water park and even the purchase of 1,000+ lounge chairs for the wave pool and eating areas. That's a lot going on here for the first part of a multi-year expansion they have in the works.

We really enjoyed our quick visit last year to review the park, and get some awesome time on Ravine Flyer II and The Comet as well as their classic dark attractions too. We'll definitely be making another trip back this summer and can't wait to see how the improvements look first hand and for a proper review of things as

Anyway, let's get on with the photos from the latest WaldaBlog post, might not look like much, but it's getting there and I'm sure soon we'll see even more progress. That said, they are doing quite a lot to the area that was once a parking lot.

Wave Pool Progress!

Hershey Park- Laff Trakk Construction Update

Image from All American Thrills

Laff Trakk Construction at Hershey Park

 Well, it looks like Hershey Park is bound and determined to get the building which will contain their newest roller coaster/dark ride up before the winter weather comes home to Pennsylvania. Which would allow the park to continue building during the bad weather, likely getting the ride complete and tested for the anticipated "Summer of 2015" opening date. 

Image from All American Thrills

 So far however, it looks like we've only got basic construction of the ride's building and possibly some ride footers being planned or placed. 

 Either way, nice to see some progress happening so quickly with Hershey Park! We'll keep an eye on things and update as needed! 

Haunt Review- Hundred Acres Manor

 Haunt Review of Hundred Acres Manor, They Did It Again!

 It's rare that I say I truly love a haunted house, it's even more difficult to get me to admit to this in public. It's only happened maybe five times in the last few years but Hundred Acres Manor has defended their right to be on that list, with some amazingly twisted goodies which make my dark little heart sing with absolute joy. It's rare that a haunt gets everything right, they take that envelope of "Basic Accepted Level" and "Lines Not to Be Crossed" and burn it on a pyre while giggling like lunatics. Hundred Acres Manor is simply deliciously evil in the show they create and present, it's Love at first Scream.

This season Hundred Acres Manor has 6 delightfully twisted houses for your terror and enjoyment, included an all new house called "Torture Tank". Which is something spewed directly from some hellish nightmares of a lunatic, we call him Ethan. Several of the houses have seen new improvements and additions, plus again this season they've changed 'The Maze' completely. Plus this season we've seen the addition of "Zombie Paintball" which is likely the best iteration of this theme I've seen done yet.

...but you can read more about that below, let's get this slaughter moving!

Haunt: Hundred Acres Manor
Location: Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Date: September 19th, 2014
Review Team: Kitsune Hazard and Carrie 
Cost: Between $18 and $35 (Online)
Overall Rating: Excellent
Opinion: Stop Reading. Go. Now.
Website: http://www.hundredacresmanor.com

!Disclaimer!

We where invited again this season to visit Hundred Acres Manor. This has in no way effected our opinion or the haunts rating, they earned that entirely on their own! 

Conneaut Lake Park- Bankruptcy to Avoid Sheriffs Sale

 Conneaut Lake Park moves to file Bankruptcy to avoid Sheriffs Sale.

 In a surprise move, the new Board of Trustee's at Conneaut Lake Park are fighting to keep the doors open in light of the county moving to liquidate the park in hopes of a quick profit.


 Today the park hired an attorney to files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy with the State of Pennsylvania in order to avoid Crawford County for pushing the park into closing and dividing the bones for quick money by Sheriff's Sale. With the move, they Board of Trustees and The Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County hope to stop the sale and revitalize, redevelop and expand the park for the future good of both Conneaut Lake Park and the County as a whole.

 Although I must admit, I'm getting confused as the reported numbers of Conneaut Lake Park's 'debt' keep changing. It appears to be around $910,00 due in back-taxes to the area schools and county but another number of $2.5 million has shown up now, simply listed as 'creditors'. Perhaps WTAE is making up numbers or using a different source than those of the Meadville Tribune.

 Either way, we're glad to see this new board is actually fighting for their park!

Expansion Plans Revealed as Waldameer's 2015 Wave Pool Project Gets One Step Closer

In article from GoErie.com, the details behind the anticipated 2015 expansion of Waldameer Water World's water park are finally out there.

We knew that they were working on the wave pool for next year, but now we have the location and other information surrounding this massive project as well!

The $10 million expansion will include a new food concession building, a new restroom facility (including family restrooms), more ticket booths, new lockers for the water park and even the purchase of 1,000+ lounge chairs for the wave pool and eating areas.

So, where's this all going and what else is planned? Well, as you can see by the image on the left, there's quite a bit of change that's coming. For starters, the parking lot will be expanded to include a former cottage area and mobile home park to the Southeast. This is necessary due to the placement of the wave pool, restrooms and new restaurant.

Also pictured where 8 of the 16 new ticket booths will be located. Part of the plan is for a brand new entrance to the park to be constructed as well. The other 8 will go at the West parking lot entrance.

Additionally, further expansion will be made possible by the laying of new water lines and there's the hint a kids play structure in the park's future as well. Interestingly enough, they also announced that the park will be open 7 days a week in 2015, instead of it's current Tuesday-Sunday operation schedule.

So, while construction hasn't started yet, the process is sure to be approved by the Millcreek supervisors as the Millcreek Planning Commission has recommended the approval for the expansion.

"It's the first step in the process of getting approval to begin our water park expansion, so we're very excited," said Steve Gorman, the park's president, referring to the planning commission recommendation. "We're excited and pleased that they agree with our plan," he said.

Here's to hoping that things go smoothly in the next phase for Waldameer and that construction goes off without a hitch as well! We recently visited Waldameer as part of our Pennsylvania Small Parks Tour in July, if you're curious of what we thought, check out our review of the park here!

Hershey Park Announces Laff Trakk - First Indoor Spinning Glow Coaster!

Looks like our earlier hunch of an indoor spinning coaster was correct. After weeks of teasing, Hersheypark finally announced that the world's first indoor spinning glow coaster, Laff Trakk, will be coming to the park in 2015!

Built by German coaster manufacturer, Maurer & Söhne, the ride will honor the long and storied fun house history at Hersheypark. The ride cars will hold four riders in a back to back configuration and will be a true 360 degree experience as they spin their way through the madness.

The coaster itself will reach speeds of up to 45mph on the first drop and is being touted as a great family coaster by Maurer & Söhne. How so? The spinning motion is being described as "gentle" and not to severe like other spinning coasters out there.

Laff Trakk will be the 13th coaster for Hersheypark and is set to open in May of 2015 in the park's Midway America section.

Curious of what it'll look like? Here's the animation POV straight from Hersheypark!


For those curious of what it could actually feel like to ride Laff Trakk, check out Maurer & Söhne's Winjas at Phantasialand below!


Stay tuned for more details as the information comes out and be sure to follow us on Twitter, Google+, Tumblr and Facebook for all the news out of Hersheypark and everyone else that's building in 2015!

Park Review- Waldameer Park

Park Review- Waldameer Park


Over the last year or so we've been working on a project, one which will bring the smaller and more local amusement parks into the limelight. Often these small parks surpass the service of the larger ones, leaving them a true hidden gem.

As part of this project, we've been touring smaller parks and giving them the attention they so rightfully deserve.

We've heard about Waldameer, we knew it was up in Erie and that they had a world-class coaster.. but that was it. What we walked into was a happy surprise!

Day: Sunday
Date: July 6th, 2014
Weather: Warm and Windy
Overall Rating: Very Good
Rides Rating: Very Good
Overall Opinion:  Totally Worth It!
Website: www.waldameer.com
Review Team: Carrie, Kitsune and Alex

**NOTE: We where invited by Waldameer to do a park review, this has in no way altered or changed our opinions of the park. All opinions are our own.**

Like many small parks, Waldameer started life as a picnic and scenic spot at the end of a trolly line. The name is German and means "wood by the sea" and needless to say, the park still follows that with plenty of shade and lots of beauty from the lake.

Over the years, the park grew and added attractions to keep guests coming long after the trolleys had ended service.



Along with the amusement park and rides, they also boast a large water park called "Water World" and are currently adding in the largest wave pool in the tri-state area for 2015.

Today, it's what I'd consider a 'hidden gem' park. Meaning it's known but not widely outside of the Western Pennsylvania, North-East Ohio and Western New York areas. While small, it's enchanting and has it's own kind of life. That isn't to say you won't find some classic rides as well as plenty of thrills to keep yourself busy... but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Our visit to Waldameer was packed into an already over-full week of driving and park reviewing. Since it was small we figured we would likely only need a few hours, WRONG.  We arrived around 4pm and easily spent the rest of the night, right up till 10pm in the park and wished for more time. We're also already making plans to go back and visit again, easily spending an entire day or possibly two between the amusement park and the water park.

Hershey Park- New Teaser and More Info on 2015 Attraction

Hershey Park- New Teaser Image and More Info on the 2015 Expansion

 Well on Tuesday Hershey Park released another teaser image to go with the new attraction which will be coming to the park in 2015.

 Although I'm still leaning towards from of dark ride (simply based on the bright and neon colors) I have to admit, the theme is rather confusing at this point. The park has also launched a "Clue" webpage where they will post up all the hints for the attraction as their published. They are also giving away a 2015 season pass, which you can register for on the same webpage- Hershey Park 2015 Attraction Clues

  In other news from Hershey Park, a reader to Screamscape reports that they spoke to park management, expression concerns about the possible removal of both 'The Whip' and 'Music Express'. Management responded. They told the guest not to worry, the rides would either be relocated within the park or another site for the new attraction would be found.

Hershey Park- New Dark Ride for 2015?

Image from All-American Thrills, User ShinyBloo

 Hershey Park Building a Dark Ride for 2015?!

 Something fishy is going on at Hershey Park and it involves blueprints!

 Spotted in the area of the park known as Midway America, where folks pointing at some of the kiddie-land rides and tents. The rumor mill has gone bonks since the images where posted by a user of All-American Thrills.

 Word on the ground right now is that this could be a large building, which may house either a dark ride or possibly some form of an indoor coaster. Which would mean removing and relocating several rides including the parks Music Express and Whip.

 On the parks Facebook page, they are also running a new teaser campaign for this new 2015 attraction. They will be posting up a new clue every Tuesday until August 12th.

 Now, I'm going to go out on a limb here and take a guess. From the teaser poster and the knowledge this is going to be a large, indoor attraction.. I'm going to bet we're looking at a shooter style dark-ride. Think about it, Neon Colors. Indoors and Darkride rumors all put together? Seems to scream 'indoor, shooter style dark ride' to me!

 Never fear, we'll keep on top of the rumors and let you know what's coming!

Fright Farm at Rich Farms to Host 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular!

Sure, Halloween is a long way off and many haunts out there are doing events all summer but Fright Farm at Rich Farms in Smithfield, PA is doing things a bit differently this weekend.

Instead of scares, they're going to light up the sky with fireworks on Friday, July 4th. That's not all though, they'll have live entertainment that starts at 8pm with The Aristotle Jones Experience performing on stage.

During that, up until the fireworks at 9:30pm, attendees can enjoy bounce houses, various activities for kids, and food and drinks from the concession stands. Seriously, who doesn't love a bounce house, right?

Best of all? It's all free, well not the food, but everything else is! So, if you're looking for something other than heading down to Pittsburgh or your local town's fireworks (of if they were on the 3rd like so many in the area) and want more, definitely check out what Fright Farm is putting on this year!

According to Dan Hower, Fright Farms director, "For fireworks, guests can park in the front lot or watch from picnic tables in the midway area for a great view! You may also bring your own chairs and snacks. Everything offered is FREE with the exception of food and drinks, which can be purchased at the midway."

For an idea of what to expect? Here's a video of last year's fireworks and holy crap, do they go all out with 'em!

Fright Farm Fireworks Spectacular 2013 from @DanHower on Vimeo.
For more information check out Fright Farm's official website or give them a call at 724.564.7644!

Conneaut Lake Park- Survival and Settlement Plans

Conneaut Lake Park's Survival and Settlement Plans! 

 Well, finally some good news in regards to Conneaut Lake Park! While the park has had endless problems, mostly due to the board of trustees and mismanagement, allowing the park to fall into trouble both with maintenance and money,  there is some light at the end of this tunnel!

 The Court of Common Pleas in Crawford County, Pennsylvania has approved a settlement between Conneaut Lake Park and PA's Attorney General.  In this new deal the board of trustees which is responsible for this problem has been sacked, with a new board put into place to take care of managing the park. Included in this is a clean-up effort for the park, such things as fixes old fences, uprooting stray trees and a long term development plan.

 In addition the park will work with Pennsylvania's "Economic Progress Alliance" to keep the park moving forward and get them out of the heavy debt.

 Now, this new board is still not completely in the clear- They must come up with an action plan to pay back the nearly $900,000 in back taxes which the park owes to the state and county. Right now, they seem positive and appear to already be working on a game plan to keep the park open and operating-

Castle Blood- Kickstarter for New Location!

Castle Blood begins Kickstarter Campaign for New Location!

 Folks, it's rare that I come to you as nothing but a humble haunted house fan. It's even more rare you will ever hear me personally ask you all for help and support.

 That's exactly what I'm doing.

 Castle Blood is one of the most amazing and unique haunted houses I've ever had the joy to visit. Both theatrical and comedic, kooky and fun this haunted attraction has all of it. If you haven't' read the review, you should. (It's right here Haunt Review: Castle Blood). Well Castle Blood has been forced to once again move locations, while the new place will  be amazing it needs some work. Which means the Castle needs our support, in the form of a Kickstarter campaign to updates to electrical and plumbing.

The NEW Castle Blood Location

 Castle Blood isn't just unique, the amount of experience this collective group of people have is simply mind boggling. They've consulted and help build dozens of other haunted attractions across the United States.

 The castle is moving into a more fitting home, a former funeral parlor in Monsessen, Pennsylvania. As I said, this has a lot more room and plenty of potential, it needs some love. Master Gravely needs help to update things like plumbing and electrical, fix some loose flooring and other goodies which makes the castle a safe place for all us silly mortals to visit.

 Over the last several months I've gotten to known many of the Denizens of the Castle, which only makes me respect them and their attraction more. They may be local to me but I've never come across a crazier or more devoted group of people. So dig into your pocket or couch and find a little bit to donate!

 They have several donation levels with all kinds of perks. Ranging from Stickers, T-Shirts, Castle Tickets and Monster Makeovers. If you've got some heavy money to drop, the castle is even willing to come in an re-design (monsterize) your personal man-cave!

Castle Blood Kickstarter 

You can also check the Castle Blood Facebook Page for information and updates! 

Conneaut :Lake Park- Only Paying Taxes Will Save Park..

 County States "Only Paying Back-taxes Will Save Conneaut Lake Park".

 In a not very surprising move Crawford County has stated that the only thing to spot the sale of Conneaut Lake Park is for them to establish.. and actually PAY their back taxes.

 The not-very-trustworthy board of trustees has been hunting for a way out of their un-paid back taxes for a while and in the process, maybe save the park which is deeded to the public. The park, which owes more the $900,000 in public and school taxes to the county has been quietly not paying the last several years, making the sum astronomical.  The counties 'Economic Progress Alliance" has worked out and submitted a way out for the worthless trustees, provided they establish a new board to oversee the amusement park and make sure these overdue taxes get re-paid over the next five years.  This new group would consist of three people for the current board and three members of the Alliance, to make sure things get done correctly.

 Judging by how bad things have gotten under the over-site of the current board of trustees, I'm not very faithful that this plan will be enacted. While I hope they will move in the right direction to save the park, I'd still suggest every visit this season after they open on May 23rd.

 ...it may likely be your last chance.


Information from: The Meadville Tribune

Kennywood Park- Images of New Phanton's Revenge Cars

Kennywood Park- New Images of Phantom's Revenge Cars.

 Today on the Facebook Page, Kennywood Connection, images surfaced of what the new cars for Phantoms Revenge will look like.

 The new trains will be solid green and purple rather than a combination of the two colors.The new trains have more a "vintage" look, many are equated them to the original 'Steel Phantoms" trains. Honestly this look far more angular and retro than the original trains. 

Image from RCDB, Ric Turner,1991

This image from RCDB show the original trains from Phantom, there is a rather obvious difference in the styling. I also think the new shade of green appears far closer to teal than "green".. but that's just me.

 The one downside I can see, it doesn't appear that Phantom's Revenge will be getting new restraints. 

 Either way it's nice to see Kennywood finally getting some upgrades!

Update on Conneaut Lake Park

Update on the Status of Conneaut Lake Park.

 Conneaut Lake Park's fate has been under the axe the last few years due to poor management by the parks board of trustees. It was announced that the park's land and attractions will be sold by sheriff's sale in September of 2014 to cover a massive debt of unpaid taxes.

 The only shining light here is that I have finally confirmed, via email with the park, that they will open for the 2014 season.  The dates haven't been announced yet but it's likely to be middle or late May.

 This will be your final and last chance to visit the park. You last possible chance to ride "Blue Streak" which is a classic wooden coaster, currently 76 years old. It will also be the last chance to visit the new "haunted house" the park just opened last season called "Hostile Hostel".

 So start making you plans now if you wish to get in on the parks final season. Let's try to give this old friend a fond, if heart-breaking, farewell.

Idlewild Park- Replacing Mr. Rogers Neighborhood

Idlewild Park to Replace "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood" in 2015.

The iconic ride of Idlewild Park, "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood of Make Believe" will be replaced in 2015. The park no longer feels that the current attraction is enough for today's children, adding in the fact the ride hasn't been up-kept very well with broken or faded animatronics, they've decided to replace the current attraction which they quietly closed at the end of 2013 season. 

 The good news is that it will still have some form of a Mr. Rogers theme, using the new show "Daniel Tigers Neighborhood" currently on PBS as the inspiration. Idlewild has also stated that the Trolley will still be in place at the park, using it as the main form of transpiration for the new attraction.

 Currently the trolley ride is completely closed. The park currently is offering a "Meet and Greet" with Daniel Tiger but in 2015 they expect the new ride to launch into success as well as adding in a stage show involving Daniel Tiger.