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Author Knoebels 5/25 (first solo trip)
primogen18
Posts: 2983
Registered: 2/19/2001

Rank: Mansion Welcomer
5/27/2007 10:43:56 AM
Hey, just got to thinking I should probably write a quick TR of my trip to Knoebels earlier.

I've never done the solo trip thing before, I guess I have never thought of it until this summer so I planned to do a couple, and this was pretty last minute actually, not deciding to go until the day before, so I roughly planned the times forgetting exactly how long it took to get to the park. I live sort of close to King Of Prussia, right along route 73, so getting to the park itself was not very hard at all, it was just shoot right down 73 west to 61 north, which intercepts 487 not too far from the park. Overall it turned out to be about 2.5 hours or so.

I got up at around 9:30, but I had to get to my work first to get my check and take out some cash and put about 30 in the tank, which took unexpectedly longer and i actually didn't really head out to the park until around 11, getting there around 2 PM.

It was really nice, went up to 90 or around there, no real clouds, but the parking lot seemed full. Inside the park, the crowds were actually pretty lite, but I saw the groups of kids and figured they scared some of the crowds away. It got somewhat more crowded later in the day, but never too much and there weren't really lines. I just walked around mostly at first, checked out the flying turns which is larger in person btw, and looks great! but also a decent amount to go, they were working on the 3rd lift when I was there and I kept checking all day). I first headed to Twister, which was riding well, then to Phoenix which was flying fast as always. No waits and I just walked onto the middle of both trains.

Most of my day consisted of hanging around the park, people watching, and getting some snacks here and there. The food consisted of Fancy Fries from the Wharf (heart attack fries anyone?) which is one of my favorites actually... Its a plate full of waffle fries loaded with melted cheese, REAL bacon (like, no bacos or anything), and then they give you ranch dressing to drizzle over. SO good lol, and it actually just about filled me up, $3. Other then that I also got a fudge covered apple (from Stony Gables, another favorite, and something I get every time), cheese on a stick (same lol) and a small soda. The flume geysers also ate about 3 bucks from me as well LOL (they have to be making some bucks from these, they're alot of fun and there were always people doing them) I also snagged another ride on Twister which was INSANE. It was fun earlier, but this was when it was starting to get dark out, and was riding incredibly fast, was in the middle of the train for that one as well.

Overall it was a great trip, and my first solo as well. It did seem odd at first, but I got the hang of doing what I wanted when I wanted. Obviously some rides are better with others, and I'm planning to go back soon, this was just a starter to the season for me. I figured Knoebels is one of my favorite parks, so why not start with it as my first trip alone. It was somewhat "lonely" I guess, but not as much as I thought it would be and it was still fun. I ended up leaving around 10 or so, long day. Overall, I only spent about $20 all day, and still had a great time. -Thanks for reading!

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hrrytraver
Posts: 1270
Registered: 7/16/2005

Rank: Platinum Critic
5/28/2007 10:13:20 AM
i've done a few parks solo, and i can say without hesitation that i prefer the experience duo and up vs solitary.

however, knoebel's may become the exception for me, if i ever try it. i think the pervasive shade, the economics of cost, and what is easily the most laid back atmosphere of any park could actually make a solo trip there kind of meditative and enlightening. people at knoebel's may notice you and smile, but you never get long stares or wierd judgemental attitude when there.

on another topic, i'm still waiting for my "insane" ride on twister. that coaster lets me down almost every time. i really want to drive home beaming after a twister ride and run to my computer and put up a frothy "9" or "10" review on TPC, but as of yet i can barely even think about that ride with phoenix calling my name.

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Message updated 5/28/2007 10:16:04 AM by hrrytraver
primogen18
Posts: 2983
Registered: 2/19/2001

Rank: Mansion Welcomer
5/28/2007 2:26:11 PM
Twister was just average the first ride, fun, but average. I don't know how a ride can have such different sides to it, but wow, that second ride. The firs time I saw kids coming off "wow that was fun!!" the second time was more "wow, that was crazy/scary" lol. It just tore right through the track, just like ever other "real" ride on Twister I've had after it's warmed up quite a bit. There was even a few spots of airtime at the top of the second hill and at that little bump after the tunnel.

I'm so glad I decided to try out the solo experience though, it was worth it. I think the laid back atmosphere at Knoebels definitely helped.
adriahna
Posts: 4692
Registered: 6/4/2003

Rank: Site Moderator
Skooter Junkie
5/29/2007 8:17:10 PM
Very cool TR, primogen - makes sense that you enjoyed the place solo.

I used to go to Kings Island solo for years, and always enjoyed myself immensely. Taking things at my own pace, along with any amount of time I chose to indulge in my veritable obsession with research, detailed observation and just plain listening-to-the-band-organ on the carousel - it was sheer heaven for me. I imagine Knoebels to be highly conducive to this, as well - likely one of the better parks for it.
darkridrMD
Posts: 720
Registered: 7/12/2004

Rank: Gold Critic
6/1/2007 7:44:07 PM
I've done the Knoebel's thing many times by myself but I agree with Hrry-most parks are more enjoyable with company. However, it is much nicer to stroll around solo than say, Six Flags. Somehow you just don't feel as lonely. Also, if you are doing tickets, you can take your time and just do the things you want to do.
RCGenius
Posts: 1180
Registered: 12/23/2004

Rank: Platinum Critic
6/4/2007 7:10:44 AM
Nice review primogen & it must've been great going to the park solo. I was just up there yesterday with my family because of my mom's job renting out a catering gig there. I had a lot of fun, but I really wished that the Flying Turns would've been running so I could test that bad boy out. I knew beforehand that it wasn't going to open that day, but c'mon now. That thing's probably not going to open until next year which is sad to deal with.
primogen18
Posts: 2983
Registered: 2/19/2001

Rank: Mansion Welcomer
6/5/2007 8:25:46 PM
Thanks for the comments guys I hope possibly to meet someone up there sometime as well.
CoastrGlxy
Posts: 358
Registered: 5/23/2005

Rank: Silver Critic
6/15/2007 12:44:34 PM
You could almost say I live by solo trips. Come to think of it I've been doing it for a decade. There's no way I would've been to as many parks as I have if I needed to go with somebody. The only time it really stinks is during super long waits. I definitely prefer solo trips to big groups or even foursomes. I think I've done it so much that I rarely feel lonely.

Just give me my coaster fix. I'll hang out w/ my friends and family when I'm home. Besides they usually don't want to hit theme parks like I do every summer. Or travel as far as I do. CoasterRadio did a podcast on Solo Trips, listen here:
http://archive-c01.libsyn.com/podcasts/11983c3d8041c47cc707657fae23cb21/4672c241/coasterradio/coasterradio_146.mp3

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Message updated 6/15/2007 12:46:58 PM by CoastrGlxy
Knoebels
Posts: 854
Registered: 7/2/2003

Rank: Gold Critic
7/18/2007 1:13:33 AM
Still havent gone this year! Man i miss it. Oh well, should be coming up, i think my parents were talking about it once or twice.
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