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Author Park w/the Best Atmosphere
RCGenius
Posts: 1180
Registered: 12/23/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/21/2005 6:54:48 AM
Which amusement park do ya'll think has the best atmosphere? I think that Knoebels has a great atmosphere b/c of Knoebels being an old-fashioned amusement park w/that laid-back setting hidden deep in the valley & how Knoebel's basically surrounded by trees.
darkridrMD
Posts: 720
Registered: 7/12/2004

Rank: Gold Critic
7/21/2005 8:15:49 AM
For a classic or smaller type park, I wholeheartedly agree. You can't beat the atmosphere at Knoebels. For theme parks, it's a little tougher. I always felt that Hersheypark was very well run and has a fun, family type atmosphere. I wouldn't pick a Six Flags park for that. It's also tough to beat Disney but you have to be in the proper mood or a fan. The Magic Kingdom still makes me feel like a kid.
john398
Posts: 39
Registered: 6/15/2005

Rank: Coaster Critic
7/21/2005 8:53:51 AM
I think the Magic Kingdom at WDW has the best atsmosphere.
coaster05
Posts: 6207
Registered: 2/29/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/21/2005 9:50:47 AM
I agree Magic Kingdom, the mix of service and theming make it hard to beat.
therock
Posts: 127
Registered: 6/8/2005

Rank: Bronze Critic
7/21/2005 11:51:01 AM
I think that Busch Gardens Williamsburg has the best atmosphere of the parks that I have visited. The food is far above par for a theme park, and the theming is intertwined with every ride and show. DaVinci's garden of inventions is a good example of this. The theme is a blend of European cultures, which is very exciting, and they stick to the theme in every respect.
mrceagle
Posts: 13804
Registered: 6/9/2001

Rank: TPC News Minister
7/21/2005 2:27:45 PM
It's hard for me to chose from LAke Conounce and Canobie.

LC - hase a fantastic atmosphere and a classic park feel combined with a good mix of modern rides

Canobie also has amazign atmospher and good themeing in the areas that are to be themed. ther eride solection is fare more varied then SFNE or LC. they have a large mix of Old and new atractions. not t mention enteratainmant, flower gardens, and fountains scatered throughout the park.
john398
Posts: 39
Registered: 6/15/2005

Rank: Coaster Critic
7/21/2005 2:36:08 PM
going back to the magic kingdom on atsmosphere, I forgot to say that even the employees who are called "Cast Members" are part of the atmosphere, and I can't think of any other park (other than disney)where the employees fit that well into the theming
WAR2174
Posts: 1067
Registered: 3/6/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/21/2005 2:52:56 PM
While I agree that Disney is very inticate with it's theme and excellent staff, what kills it is the sheer number of people. People are annoying and ignorant. Line cutting, throwing trash around, and overall rudeness is everywhere, but since Disney is packed to the brim almost all the time; it makes the park kind of annoying. Maybe I feel that way because I have kids.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a very good staff as well, and they will close the park to more people when it gets to a certain level. Not too many parks will do that. The overall experience is very important to the Busch Entertainment Corp.
larrygator
Posts: 4654
Registered: 11/7/2002

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/21/2005 3:39:01 PM
Knoebels, Cedar Point, BGW, Indiana Beach, Magic Kingdom

those are in no particular order

oh I forgot IoA

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Mom always said, "Don't play ball in the house".
Message updated 7/22/2005 1:04:41 AM by larrygator
benleibo
Posts: 781
Registered: 6/25/2003

Rank: Gold Critic
7/21/2005 5:41:07 PM
Lake Compounce and Coney Island (Astroland) for the classic atmosphere.

Islands Adventure for the themed atmosphere.

Cedar Point for the thrill-seeking atmoshphere.

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"...for New York City, birthplace of the modern rollercoaster and the greatest city in the world."
-Robert Coker, Roller Coaster:A Thrill-Seeker's Guide to the Ultimate Scream Machines

Yeah NYC.
Message updated 7/21/2005 7:56:03 PM by benleibo
coaster05
Posts: 6207
Registered: 2/29/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/21/2005 7:09:58 PM
WAR2174 Disney also closes their park when it has a certain amount of people.

It is also unfair to blame disney for their customers idiotic levels. Line jumping is so minimal there compared to most and they keep the park clean even if customers don't. Rudeness of staff could be their fault but rudeness of guests is society's fault.
Danny
Posts: 6316
Registered: 5/23/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/21/2005 7:57:12 PM
Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Cedar Point, and the Universal parks all have amazing atmospheres. At BGW, the old European theme is evident everywhere (except New France), and at Cedar Point, there are coasters everywhere, but still plenty of trees and nice landscaping. IOA has the second best theming I've ever seen. There is beauty in Port of Entry, Lost Continent, and Jurassic Park, action in Marvel Superhero Island, and whimsy in Seuss Landing. The park is full of little details and great theming most people don't even notice.

Magic Kingdom is overall the best themed park I've ever been to, and there's not one part of the park where the atmosphere is lacking. The whole park has a great nostalgic feel to it, and makes you feel a way that Universal can't.
tacoking
Posts: 9914
Registered: 2/19/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/21/2005 8:28:16 PM
Best atmoshpere has got to be Universal. You just can't describe it.
Scott
Posts: 2766
Registered: 11/7/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/21/2005 9:24:38 PM
Eh - A little too much concrete for me.

I'd pick the original disney land.
Message updated 7/21/2005 9:25:19 PM by Scott
WAR2174
Posts: 1067
Registered: 3/6/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/21/2005 9:48:22 PM
Quote:
coaster05 said:
WAR2174 Disney also closes their park when it has a certain amount of people.

It is also unfair to blame disney for their customers idiotic levels. Line jumping is so minimal there compared to most and they keep the park clean even if customers don't. Rudeness of staff could be their fault but rudeness of guests is society's fault.


I didn't know they closed too. Thanks for the info. That must be some number though, I have seen that place absolutely packed.

Trust me, I am not blaming Disney for anything. Disney is popular, there is no way around it. But perhaps one day when you have children of your own and you take them there you will understand what I am talking about. When there is so many people wanted to get pictures of Mickey or whoever, the fun is sucked out real quick. It becomes more of a pain than any fun.
coaster05
Posts: 6207
Registered: 2/29/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/21/2005 11:26:54 PM
IOA had very good atmosphere, studios sucks IMO

WAR The number is large but my sister has been there on a day they cut off people. I see your point on that, but they are some good ways around the crowds surrounding characters. Lunch at Garden Grill, staying on site things like that so your children don't have to see them in park. I am not discounting your opinion on that with kids because I know I will go crazy waiting in line to get a picture of a dude in a freaking suit. I also know I have several character pictures as an adult and trust me I would never wait in a line so I was just lucky or saw the characters in less crowded spots. EPCOT is so much better for character opportunities.
CoastrGlxy
Posts: 358
Registered: 5/23/2005

Rank: Silver Critic
7/22/2005 11:57:41 AM
IOA is hands down the best themed park. The super-long highly-themed queue for Dueling Dragons is a trip back in time. About all they were missing was dragon droppings. Busch Gardens Williamsburg definitely wins for best atmosphere. It's been voted the world's "Most Beautiful Theme Park"
for fifteen consecutive years. That must mean something. If you've never been ya gotta go! None of the Paramount or Six Flags parks should even be mentioned in the same sentence.
The quality food, the foliage, the Rhine River, the employees. It can't be beat.

For smaller parks Knoebels is cool, but I think I'd go with Kennywood. It's got that traditional amusement park feel and Lost Kennywood at night looks really cool. Morey's Piers is awesome if you like the boardwalk scene. The view of the ocean from the top of the Great White is unforgettable.
Danny
Posts: 6316
Registered: 5/23/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/22/2005 4:30:52 PM
Quote:
coaster05 said:
IOA had very good atmosphere, studios sucks IMO


The Production Central area looks fine when you're in it, but when you look at it from other sections of the park, it looks very unattractive. The park needs more trees too.
Cyclonic
Posts: 2636
Registered: 7/19/2002

Rank: Experiment 626
7/22/2005 5:40:29 PM
Knoebels, period, the end...well, maybe Indiana Beach too

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coaster05
Posts: 6207
Registered: 2/29/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/22/2005 6:15:00 PM
I have been to IB like six times, I really enjoy it but I have no idea what atmospere you guys see. Plese explain.
Cyclonic
Posts: 2636
Registered: 7/19/2002

Rank: Experiment 626
7/22/2005 6:22:50 PM
For me, I think it is a quirkyness of the park, it is kinda clinging to the edge of the lake, with rides built upon rides. There is just something I really like about the place, I don't know what it is really (OK, it is the tacos, I love the tacos).
coaster05
Posts: 6207
Registered: 2/29/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/22/2005 6:28:41 PM
I love the tacos and I love the rides just packed in I guess atmosphere for me is also Customer service, overall food and shopping quality and beauty. None of this register particulary high for me, but I do appreciate your explanation.
Danny
Posts: 6316
Registered: 5/23/2003

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/22/2005 6:57:25 PM
Quote:
FTPC said:
they have one section of the park between ET and hollywood with a nice little shady part,but i dont think they could add to many trees in universal,most of universal studious is all populated with buildings and themeing.

I also wouldnt say universals atmosphere sucks,the new york setting is good.


They should add more trees in World Expo. The Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Amity, and KidZone sections are all awesomely themed, but when you're standing in World Expo looking at the rest of the park, Production Central looks horrible. Don't get me wrong though, the park is one of my favorites, I just like being nitpicky.
larrygator
Posts: 4654
Registered: 11/7/2002

Rank: Platinum Critic
7/23/2005 12:28:46 AM
I love the atmosphere at IB. All the ride ops were cordially as were the guests. The setting on the Lake with a wonderful breeze the whole time, accessible games and video games. Every flat run with care with a beautiful view and a long cycle. The tacos, YES. It just feels like a getaway, completely away from the hustle and bustle of life and seems to take you back in time (ie: some of the vintage signage still on the buildings). It was just an utter joy to be there.
thinkdif
Posts: 112
Registered: 7/21/2005

Rank: Bronze Critic
7/23/2005 11:23:05 AM
I find that the big parks are far too commercial. I enjoy the feel of smaller to midsized parks like Lake Compounce.
Canobie Coaster
Posts: 2694
Registered: 7/26/2005

Rank: Platinum Critic
8/25/2005 9:34:42 AM
Out of the parks I have visited, the parks with the best atmospheres, are Canobie Lake Park, and Knoebels. They both are old, traditional parks, that add modern rides, and mix them together. Both of them have classic wooden roller coasters, and modern day thrillers.
coasterwom
Posts: 1446
Registered: 3/23/2001

Rank: Platinum Critic
5/12/2006 11:34:46 PM
WDW, CF, Paramount, and Busch
Sephiroth7
Posts: 2421
Registered: 4/4/2001

Rank: Platinum Critic
5/13/2006 2:51:28 AM
Quote:
Scott said:
Eh - A little too much concrete for me.

I'd pick the original disney land.


Yea, not a popular choice...but after just visiting for the first time....I compeltely agree. DL has AMAZING theming, better than MK. MK has the "Disneyworld" effect, in that you feel like ur somehwere else. The actual park atmosphere though, Disneyland roxers my boxers.

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"I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I have ever known." -Walt Disney
Scott
Posts: 2766
Registered: 11/7/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
5/13/2006 1:18:19 PM
Exactly. A trip to Disneyland is guaranteed to make you smile. This park has so much to offer its guests - rides that totally immerse you in the Disney experience, and child-like memories that you can't find at any other park. I like the intimate, more traditional setting of Disneyland a bit more than the Magic Kingdom in Orlando's vast, more contemporary layout. And unlike Walt Disney World, which spreads its best rides among the four Florida parks, everything at Disneyland is concentrated into one park. What I don't like is Disney's use of the "FastPass" virtual queue system. It was meant to reduce waiting times on Disney's more popular attractions, but when the park is crowded it punishes those who wait in the standby line and only serves to clog an already overcrowded midway. Disneyland sets the standard for great rides. Splash Mountain, Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion are the best of their kind, and Indiana Jones and the Matterhorn Bobsleds cannot be found in any other Disney park. Pirates of the Caribbean (the longer, better Disneyland version) is still my favorite ride in the park, and there is no better way to end the day at Disneyland than to watch the awesome show "Fantasmic!" On top of all that good food, friendly employees, and a clean, fantasy-like environment ensure an enjoyable experience for all - provided the park isn't too crowded! Regardless of your age, Disneyland will make you feel young!
nyeboy9
Posts: 950
Registered: 4/19/2006

Rank: Gold Critic
5/13/2006 4:57:48 PM
WDW and Dollywood
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