I heard a roar, some screams and was enticed over to Twister.  This is a beautiful ride, although very hard to photograph because of its location.  I paid my $2 and got in line.  My wait times for the coasters were between 20 minutes and walk-on (except towards closing where Phoenix was walk-on and Twister still had a little line).  My first ride was in the back.  The red train was nice looking…I thought the teal was ugly.  As many have said before, the ride-ops here are second-to-none.  They seem to really care about getting the trains out on time.  It is going to be hard to go back to corporate parks and the lax attitudes I have seen (esp. at Six Flags St. Louis & Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom) after watching the speed at which these people get trains going…it is almost un-real.  Also, this was the first coaster I have not minded having the orange P.T.C. restraints.  The reason is that I found the restraints to have VERY strong springs and stayed in place throughout the entire ride.  Also, I could put them wherever I wanted because (get this corporate parks) the attendants pulled UP to make sure it was locked…but did not push DOWN so I got the nether region squashed.  Attendants at Cedar Point & Paramount Kings Island, please take note.

          The Twister is a cool looking coaster as double helix wraps around the station twice and dives back into itself countless times.  I must say the double lift is a lot of fun and Allen’s swoop curve provides a wonderful tease for the thrills to come.  The most fun I had on this ride is when I rode with a first-time rider who, when we reached the top of the first lift said, “That was not so bad,”…she was not happy as we ascended the second lift and screamed at me to put my hands down (the Twister has some of the best hand-choppers anywhere).  I must say, my first ride in the Twister was a disappointment…but that would change as the night went on.  Nestled in the trees, this was one very difficult coaster to photograph, but I got a few nice shots.

           I hit the midway next and saw that the Zamperla Power Surge was calling.  It replaced the Axis (which looked like it was pretty boring).  This style of ride (something that goes upside down and looks crazy-like Chaos or a Top Spin) always makes me nervous before I ride them…but all of these rides have felt more relaxing than thrilling.  The Power Surge  was no different, it was fun, gave a unique ride and has restraints which allow you to put your hands and feet up in the air as you are pushed over the top and hang by your OTSR.  There was one thing I did not like with Zamperla’s restraints was that they do not click or have stopping points.  So, if you take a breath in the restraint falls and will not move back up until the ride is over.  Much like the Top Spin, I would really like to ride this thing on a more intense setting and see what it can do.

          Power Surge represents another small complaint I have about Knoebels…they have several rides which appear to be set up like they are rides at a county fair (Power Surge, Giant Wheel, 1001 Nacht) all looked very temporary.  I have always felt if you are going to install a ride in your park, make it appear like it is a part of the park, not just passing through.

          I then took a ride on the Galleon and the Italian Trapeze…also made by Zamperla.  They are big fans of the Italian company here…kind of like at Lake Compounce where they mark out for Huss (ein tolles Machinefabrik!) in a big way.  The Italian Trapeze is especially interesting because it has drawings of topless women on the mast of this swing ride…perhaps you have to pay extra for this.

    Both of these were old hat, but I was about to add a new ride to my collection: the roll-o-plane (called the Satellite there).  This ride is exactly the opposite from the Power Surge in that its bite is a lot worse than its bark.  I got strapped in, thought, “I won’t go upside down…it cannot be than intense.”  After we made our first revolution I knew I was in trouble.  The strength this ride has is unbelievable…it is a bit intense as you do vertical circles, but it gets cooking when it goes on its side.  The laterals on this thing are insane and tossed me around the cabin like a rag doll…and this was with that tight seat belt.  I got off this ride amazed and a little dazed.

          I took another ride on Power Surge (what a fun ride) and then headed over to the Roto Jet.  This ride, like so many at the park, is kept in great shape and runs very fast, very smooth and is a lot of fun.  After my spin on the Jets (I was the oldest person on the thing by about 10 years…but they are SO fun…how can I resist?), I headed over to another classic, the Paratrooper.  Knoebels runs theirs fast and it gives a great ride.  The one thing I did notice here was that there are hydraulics which attach, above the seat, to the structure.  For some reason the other paratroopers I have been on (Camden, Canobie, Quassy & Whalom) all had hydraulics which were either non-existent or barely moved.  This movement added a whole new dimension to the ride and made it even more fun.

           I was feeling a bit thirsty so I went over & bought a soda.  This was not any soda…it was a SMALL.  I have not seen a small soda in a park in ages…and I only paid a dollar for it.  This is heaven.  I could not believe my eyes…here was a park which did not offer soda sizes in only large and XL…at $10 and $20.  A great change of pace!

           I saw a few children shaken, looked down the path and saw the ominous structure of the haunted house calling me.  I am an odd enthusiast, as two of the things which I like (dark rides and coasters), exploit two of my greatest fears (the dark and heights). 

          I believe the Haunted House was built after a flood in the 1970’s and you have to hand it to this park, they did it in the tradition of a classic dark ride.  Everything, from the great people movers to the fun and well-done insides are all top-notch.  Plus, it has one effect which many refer to as “the moment.”  I won’t spoil it, but I can say when it happened I jumped out of the chair and almost touched the ceiling.  This is one of the best dark rides I have been in and is loads of fun.  It really serves as an example of what great time, thought and care they put into their rides at Knoebels. 

          Knoebels' carousel is simply breathtaking.  I have seen few amusement rides which take your breath away, but this is one.  If I went into detail about everything on this ride it would make my report even more long-winded.  Simply put, this ride is kept in almost perfect condition.  By that, I mean that everything, from the horses, to the two organs, to the structure of the ride to the lattice work could have all come out of the shop in New York last weekend…not 88 years ago. Then I grabbed for the brass ring, the first time I have ever done this, and had came off the ride with a huge smile on my face.  (Note: the park has a gorgeous kiddie carousel, also a well-maintained classic).

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Adam Sandy, Copyright 2001.