This blog is going to mainly be about comparing and contrasting Hersheypark, Knoebels and Dorney Park. However, I also want this blog to be about what new rides and attractions may arrive in the future. As a reader of this blog, I want you to be informed of what may happen at the parks before the average amusement park guest. Therefore, I bring you The Rumor Mill, which will pop up whenever I encounter a juicy tidbit of information. Remember that anything in The Rumor Mill is just that, a rumor, and SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS FACT. Hopefully, I will get to add a new section called The Fact Mill when any rumors officially get confirmed or denied.
Hersheypark's New Coaster?
I started hearing rumors about a month ago that Hersheypark was planning on building a new roller coaster. Apparently, there are some construction markings on the ground in several places of Comet Hollow, an area near the front of the park that holds some of Hershey's oldest and most classic rides--namely roller coasters the Comet and the Sooperdooperlooper, which was the first looping coaster on the East Coast back in 1977. Of course, any news of a new Hershey coaster makes me very, very excited, but then some unpleasant rumors began to surface.
Swirling around the rumor mill of the Internet is the possibility that Hershey may remove either the Sooperdooperlooper or the Comet to make room for a new hyper coaster (a metal behemoth that rests in the 200-foot drop range). While a hyper coaster would make a great addition to Hersheypark, removing the Looper and the Comet--or both coasters--would NOT sit well with me or many other classic coaster lovers out there. These two coasters are landmark rides that paved the way for the coasters of today. The Sooperdooperlooper and the Comet are fond favorites in the hearts of many riders, and I know that getting rid of them would cause an outcry in the amusement park community.
However, don't put too much into these claims. After doing some research, I realized that the Sooperdooperlooper was Hersheypark's most popular ride last summer. Hershey would be very silly to take down their most-ridden ride in the entire park to take a gamble on a brand new coaster that may never be as beloved. As for the Comet, it is a classic old wooden coaster that usually has a nice, healthy queue, and I highly doubt they will take this ride down anytime soon. But then, what rides can come down without causing too much stir?
Hersheypark took down two water slides to make room for their record-breaking newest coaster Fahrenheit two years ago, and very few people cared. Last year, they got rid of Canyon River Rapids to make room for the lazy river and wave pool, which caused more of a stir in the community of Hershey fans, since this ride was a favorite of many (myself included). There are two other rides that I have heard rumors about the park getting rid of over the past few years. One is the Flying Falcon, which is a 100-foot tower that takes your falcon-themed cars rotating and flying through the air--and usually has no line. The other is the Sidewinder, a Boomerang coaster that shoots you through a series of loops first frontwards, then backwards--which is a cookie-cutter coaster and can be found at many parks around the country (and world--I actually saw one during a trip to Vienna, Austria!). In my personal opinion, neither of these rides would be much missed. But the fact is, the removal of one, or even both, of these rides wouldn't make enough room for a new roller coaster, much less a huge hyper one. So where would Hersheypark put a new coaster?
If the construction markings in Comet Hollow are any indication, right at the front of the park, which hasn't seen any major expansion since the thrilling Great Bear coaster smoothly fit into the area in 1998. I have not seen these markings for myself yet, but I plan on taking a trip to Hersheypark next month, and I will investigate then. Expect another edition of The Rumor Mill after my trip, complete with pictures--unless, of course, we learn enough information before then for me to write an entry entitled "The Fact Mill"!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Let Me In!
Usually, when going to an amusement park, the first things people usually think about are, "Rides! Fun! Junk food!" But after one gets their head out of the clouds, they realize that all this excitement comes with a price. Going on vacation is always a costly experience, and Hersheypark, Knoebels and Dorney are no exceptions. Interestingly, each park does admission quite differently--but which will give you the most bang for your buck?
Note: To keep this complicated topic as simple as possible, I will only be discussing regular admission tickets, since these are the basic tickets that most people will buy. For more information on anything other than regular admission, check out each park's web sites.
Hersheypark: $52.95
The price for a one-day ticket at Hersheypark is $52.95, and let's be honest, that is a hefty price for just one day at an amusement park. However, Hershey has several ways of making this price seem much more manageable. First of all, Hersheypark also offers two and three day tickets--the two-day ticket costs $70.50 while the three-day costs $99 even. Take a close look at these prices--the two day ticket is only $18 more than a one-day ticket, which means that you're really just paying $35.25 a day. That is MUCH lower than Hershey's normal one-day ticket price! Get the three-day ticket and you're paying only $33 a day. "But I don't want to spend three days in a row in Hershey!" you're exclaiming at this point. Never fear--these two and three-day tickets are FLEX tickets, meaning that you do not need to use them on consecutive days. Let's say you want to go to Hershey once in May and once in August. Most people will buy two one-day tickets right before they go to the park both times. But if they buy a two-day ticket in May, then can save their second day for August and save a bundle of money!
There are three other ways to save money at Hersheypark. First, Hershey offers a Consecutive Day ticket price of $31.95. So you only bought a one-day ticket but your kids are clambering for more? Save your ticket stub, go to a hotel and get some rest. The next morning, return to the ticket booth with your stub and pay this discounted price. You're still paying more than you would have if you bought a two-day ticket to start with, but it's better than paying over $50 for a one-day ticket two days in a row!
Second, if you just want half a day of Hershey fun, try sunset admission, which is only $26.95. When sunset admission begins depends on when the park closes, but the later the park is open, the earlier sunset admission becomes available. A great option if you don't plan on spending the whole day in Hersheypark.
Third, one of the best ways to save money--Hersheypark's Preview Plan. Whether you bought your tickets online or at the gate, or have a one, two or three-day ticket, you can go to the park the day before you plan on using it and get in FOR FREE for several hours before closing. Once again, the times you are allowed in vary depending on what time the park closes, and it's rarely more than three hours before closing, but this is still an amazing deal. Take advantage of this if you can!
Knoebels: Free Admission
I know what you're thinking--"FREE???? Hands down, I'm going to Knoebels!!!!" And yes, it is very true that Knoebels has no admission price, which automatically makes it a cheaper option than other parks. However, Knoebels does cost money, and sometimes, when you think you're saving money, you can actually be spending more. Knoebels operates on a "pay as you ride" plan, meaning that each ride costs a certain amount of money. You can buy ride tickets in $5, $10 or $20 books that cost $.50 to $.75 cents less than that, depending on the day. The rides themselves cost between $.75 and $3, so with a big family these tickets can get used up quickly. Knoebels' solution--the "pay one price" option, which costs $30.50 for basic rides and $38 if you want to ride the wooden coasters, as well. These pay-one-price plans are usually only available during the week. Knoebels also offers pay-one-price sundown plans that let you in to the park later in the day for less money. These are similar to Hershey's, costing $17.50 without coasters and $22.50 with. Finally, every once in awhile Knoebels has $9 bargain nights.
Dorney Park: $43.99
Dorney's biggest perk that is you get "two parks for the price of one": with one admission price, you can get into Dorney Park, which has all the coasters and dry rides, and Wildwater Kingdom, the large water park. This price is $43.99, which is average when it comes to theme park tickets. When the water park isn't open at the beginning and end of the season, Dorney gets even cheaper--tickets are just $27.99. However, don't think you can go to Dorney in the middle of July intending on only visiting Wildwater Kingdom for this lower ticket price. You still pay $43.99 most of the year, whether you visit both parks or just one of them. Dorney, like both Hershey and Knoebels, offers Starlight Admission, letting you into both parks later in the day for $22.99. Dorney also offers two-day flex tickets that work exactly the same as Hershey's, meaning that you do not need to use them back-to-back. These tickets cost $63, and if you crunch the numbers, that means you'll be paying $31.50 a day. This is definitely cheaper than the normal price, but be careful--regular tickets are already discounted from the $43.99 if you buy them online, so Dorney's two-day ticket isn't quite the great bargain that Hershey's is.
The Verdict
1. Hersheypark
2. Knoebels
3. Dorney
This was a very, very tough call. At first glance, it seems that with no set admission price, Knoebels must be the best deal. However, I think that Knoebels can only be cheap with a very small family of two or three people. Larger families usually do one of three things: buy piles upon piles of ride tickets (which can really add up), get the "pay one price" plan (which isn't really cheaper than other amusement parks) or use tickets, but have to limit their day to certain rides. Hersheypark has the most expensive tickets, and I have heard complaints about how expensive it is to get into the park, but I feel as if the park tries very hard to make admission accessible for everyone. Comparing the three parks, Hershey has more options and better deals on multiple-day tickets than Dorney and Knoebels. And other other reason Hersheypark is number one? You really get what you pay for! Hersheypark has more rides and entertainment than the other two parks, and--guess what, Dorney?--Hershey offers a water park in their admission price, as well. I put Knoebels in second because if you're smart, it can be a very good deal, and Dorney is third because honestly, their admission plans are nothing special. But I honestly believe, after a lot of hemming and hawing over the "safe" answer (Knoebels) or the "real" answer (Hershey), that I had to go with my gut. Yes, Hershey's one-day basic ticket price is the most expensive, but the vast money-saving options the park offers and the fact that Hershey has so much more to do than the other two parks makes it my choice for where you'll get the most bang for your buck.
Until next time!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Old Woodies
For my first "compare and contrast" entry, I decided I would start with the most popular attraction at any amusement park: roller coasters. Specifically, I will be looking at the old wooden roller coasters that are housed inside Hersheypark, Knoebels and Dorney. The COMET lives in Hersheypark, Knoebels houses the PHOENIX, while the THUNDERHAWK calls Dorney home. But which of these coasters reigns supreme?
One note before I begin--I will always give a description and personal opinion of each attraction in the order I first described the parks in my initial blog. After describing each attraction, I will then rank them from best to worst. My rankings are mainly based on my opinions, but I do try to come by my opinions objectively and to not let personal preference get in the way.
Hersheypark: THE COMET
Built in 1946, the COMET was actually a replacement for Hersheypark's first wooden coaster, the Wild Cat. It is a double out and back coaster--for all you non-coaster junkies out there, here is Wikipedia's definition: "Out and back refers to the layout of a roller coaster. An out and back coaster is one that climbs a lift hill, races out to the far end of the track, performs a 180 degree turn and then races its way back to the station." Double out and backs do this twice, and the COMET is no exception, with a long ride time that is a nice change of pace from newer, quick steel coaster rides. The COMET has an 84 foot lift hill with a 78 foot drop (which, I've heard, is actually nicknamed the "Chocolate Drop" after Hershey's sweet theme). It travels at about 50 mph, and gets some great air time on the smaller humps near the end of the ride. This coaster is well-maintained and runs two trains named "Mork" and "Halley." Overall, I believe the COMET is a great ride--it is just fast and jarring enough to be thrilling, but doesn't go overboard with either. A nice coaster for first timers!
Knoebels: THE PHOENIX
The PHOENIX is very famous, as it is the first roller coaster ever to be completely relocated from one park to another. The PHOENIX, which is another double out and back coaster, was originally called "The Rocket" when it was built in 1947, and lived at Playland Park in San Antonio, Texas. After Playland closed, Knoebels bought the coaster in 1984 and had it shipped, piece by piece, from San Antonio to Elysburg. The coaster opened at Knoebels in 1985 and was renamed the PHOENIX because it was reborn from the ashes of the closed Playland park. The history is what makes people want to ride the PHOENIX, but the ride itself is what draws people back for more. With a 78 foot lift hill, 72 foot drop and speed of 45 mph, the PHOENIX is very comparable to the COMET in many ways. However, the biggest difference in the rides is the air time. The PHOENIX hosts the greatest amount of air time on any coaster that I have ever ridden--at times during the ride, I have felt that I was actually standing in my seat rather than sitting! One reason I believe that this air time is so extreme is that the PHOENIX has no lap belts--it has only a safety bar that rests quite high above the seats. This air time makes the PHOENIX a very intense ride!
Dorney: THE THUNDERHAWK
The THUNDERHAWK is the oldest of the three coasters and was built in 1923 right on the site it sits now at Dorney Park. The ride is a single out and back that was originally just called "The Coaster" until it's fiftieth anniversary, when it was finally christened as the THUNDERHAWK. The ride has also gone through extensive remodeling, with a twisting figure eight section added in 1930. As coasters go, the THUNDERHAWK is not big--it boasts an 80 foot hill with only a 65 foot drop, with speeds of up to 45 mph. After the larger hills of other coasters, some may not be impressed by the smallness of the THUNDERHAWK's first drop, but the ride still delivers a fun ride, with good speed and air time throughout. A classic coaster that we're all very lucky Dorney still maintains and keeps around, if for nothing than the fact that it is a great example of old wooden coaster.
The Verdict:
1. Phoenix
2. Comet
3. Thunderhawk
I have to go with the PHOENIX on this one. On paper, the PHOENIX and the COMET are very, very similar rides. However, the PHOENIX's history and extreme air time are what sets it slightly above the COMET in my book. The COMET is a fantastic ride, as well, but is on the tamer side and doesn't have the amazing history the PHOENIX has. And the THUNDERHAWK? It's a great ride, but the other two coasters are leaps and bounds above it.
What are your thoughts?
Until next time!
One note before I begin--I will always give a description and personal opinion of each attraction in the order I first described the parks in my initial blog. After describing each attraction, I will then rank them from best to worst. My rankings are mainly based on my opinions, but I do try to come by my opinions objectively and to not let personal preference get in the way.
Hersheypark: THE COMET
Built in 1946, the COMET was actually a replacement for Hersheypark's first wooden coaster, the Wild Cat. It is a double out and back coaster--for all you non-coaster junkies out there, here is Wikipedia's definition: "Out and back refers to the layout of a roller coaster. An out and back coaster is one that climbs a lift hill, races out to the far end of the track, performs a 180 degree turn and then races its way back to the station." Double out and backs do this twice, and the COMET is no exception, with a long ride time that is a nice change of pace from newer, quick steel coaster rides. The COMET has an 84 foot lift hill with a 78 foot drop (which, I've heard, is actually nicknamed the "Chocolate Drop" after Hershey's sweet theme). It travels at about 50 mph, and gets some great air time on the smaller humps near the end of the ride. This coaster is well-maintained and runs two trains named "Mork" and "Halley." Overall, I believe the COMET is a great ride--it is just fast and jarring enough to be thrilling, but doesn't go overboard with either. A nice coaster for first timers!
Knoebels: THE PHOENIX
The PHOENIX is very famous, as it is the first roller coaster ever to be completely relocated from one park to another. The PHOENIX, which is another double out and back coaster, was originally called "The Rocket" when it was built in 1947, and lived at Playland Park in San Antonio, Texas. After Playland closed, Knoebels bought the coaster in 1984 and had it shipped, piece by piece, from San Antonio to Elysburg. The coaster opened at Knoebels in 1985 and was renamed the PHOENIX because it was reborn from the ashes of the closed Playland park. The history is what makes people want to ride the PHOENIX, but the ride itself is what draws people back for more. With a 78 foot lift hill, 72 foot drop and speed of 45 mph, the PHOENIX is very comparable to the COMET in many ways. However, the biggest difference in the rides is the air time. The PHOENIX hosts the greatest amount of air time on any coaster that I have ever ridden--at times during the ride, I have felt that I was actually standing in my seat rather than sitting! One reason I believe that this air time is so extreme is that the PHOENIX has no lap belts--it has only a safety bar that rests quite high above the seats. This air time makes the PHOENIX a very intense ride!
Dorney: THE THUNDERHAWK
The THUNDERHAWK is the oldest of the three coasters and was built in 1923 right on the site it sits now at Dorney Park. The ride is a single out and back that was originally just called "The Coaster" until it's fiftieth anniversary, when it was finally christened as the THUNDERHAWK. The ride has also gone through extensive remodeling, with a twisting figure eight section added in 1930. As coasters go, the THUNDERHAWK is not big--it boasts an 80 foot hill with only a 65 foot drop, with speeds of up to 45 mph. After the larger hills of other coasters, some may not be impressed by the smallness of the THUNDERHAWK's first drop, but the ride still delivers a fun ride, with good speed and air time throughout. A classic coaster that we're all very lucky Dorney still maintains and keeps around, if for nothing than the fact that it is a great example of old wooden coaster.
The Verdict:
1. Phoenix
2. Comet
3. Thunderhawk
I have to go with the PHOENIX on this one. On paper, the PHOENIX and the COMET are very, very similar rides. However, the PHOENIX's history and extreme air time are what sets it slightly above the COMET in my book. The COMET is a fantastic ride, as well, but is on the tamer side and doesn't have the amazing history the PHOENIX has. And the THUNDERHAWK? It's a great ride, but the other two coasters are leaps and bounds above it.
What are your thoughts?
Until next time!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Welcome!
Hello, family, friends, and anyone out there who loves the amusement parks of Northeastern Pennsylvania!
My name is Jessica. I have wanted to start a blog for awhile now, but the right topic never quite fell into my lap. I have many, many interests, but I wasn't sure if I was enough of an expert in any of them to blog about them. I also have a job that I love and am very good at, but, let's face it, I'd like this blog to be about something different than what brings in the bacon. I wanted this blog to be about something really FUN that I also consider myself an expert at. Then, finally, it hit me--what is my number one favorite thing to do that is nothing but pure fun? Going to the amusement parks of NEPA--Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Hersheypark and Knoebels.
I have been going to all three of these parks since I was a very young girl. The first one I attended was Hersheypark at the age of four, waaaay back in the year of 1989! Hersheypark is, naturally, located in Hershey, PA, and is only about twenty minutes from the state capital of Harrisburg. Back in 1989, Hersheypark had only three roller coasters. Today, the park boasts ELEVEN coasters, and has greatly expanded from it's beginnings in 1907, when it opened as a recreational area for Milton S. Hershey's chcolate factory workers. Going to the park at least once a year as a child--and multiple times a year as I grew into an adult--I watched as it became the park it is today. Despite all the changes, Hersheypark remains a great blend of heart-stopping rides and family favorites, and unique ambiance mixed with everything you'd normally expect from a typical amusement park. It is, and always will be, one of my favorites.
Not to say that I don't enjoy Knoebels Amusement Resort, as well! Knoebels, located in Elysburg, PA, was the second amusement park I ever attended. Sadly, I don't remember the exact year I first visited Knoebels, even though I know I was quite young. What I do remember is a small yet beautiful park that seemed to have sprung from the farmland and forest that it started as. Knoebels is privately owned, and has less attractions than your typical major theme park. However, Knoebels more than makes up for that with unique ambiance--a rustic, relaxed feeling that differs from any other amusement park I have ever been to. Just becasuse Knoebels is low-key, however, doesn't mean it doesn't pack in the screams! Knoebels has two major coasters that are both fairly famous, and a unique Haunted Mansion that has won several awards. Also, the food at Knoebels is regularly claimed to be the best amusement park food--in the COUNTRY. I will always have a soft spot for Knoebels!
I didn't go to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom until I was a little older. However, the park, which is located in Allentown, PA, immediately became a must-visit place every year. The park has had a long string of owners, but upon being bought by Cedar Fair several years back (that's the people who brought you Cedar Point, the roller coaster lovers' place of dreams come true), it really became a major player in the NEPA amusement park industry. Dorney Park smacks you with typical amusement park rides the second you walk in. It is filled with rip-roaring coasters and tons of mdiway rides. It also hosts many family rides, but the focus is really on the sceam-rippers here. Wildwater Kingdom is the water park that is included in Dorney's one-price plan, and it does not disappoint, putting many other local water attractions to shame. Dorney is a fast-paced rush of fun, and I feel empty if I don't visit it at least once a year.
Obviosuly, every one of these parks is different, and they all have their ups and downs, as well. I have barely scratched the surface when it comes to describing all that the amusement parks of NEPA have to see and do. However, keep reading this blog, and little by little, I will draw you into the heart of these parks. My goal is, with each enty, to take one aspect that all three parks share and tell you how they compare and contrast. I plan to cover everything, from rides to admission to the parks' restrooms! So sit back and get ready to delve deep into the heart of Dorney, Hershey and Knoebels...
...when I choose to write again.
Until then!
My name is Jessica. I have wanted to start a blog for awhile now, but the right topic never quite fell into my lap. I have many, many interests, but I wasn't sure if I was enough of an expert in any of them to blog about them. I also have a job that I love and am very good at, but, let's face it, I'd like this blog to be about something different than what brings in the bacon. I wanted this blog to be about something really FUN that I also consider myself an expert at. Then, finally, it hit me--what is my number one favorite thing to do that is nothing but pure fun? Going to the amusement parks of NEPA--Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Hersheypark and Knoebels.
I have been going to all three of these parks since I was a very young girl. The first one I attended was Hersheypark at the age of four, waaaay back in the year of 1989! Hersheypark is, naturally, located in Hershey, PA, and is only about twenty minutes from the state capital of Harrisburg. Back in 1989, Hersheypark had only three roller coasters. Today, the park boasts ELEVEN coasters, and has greatly expanded from it's beginnings in 1907, when it opened as a recreational area for Milton S. Hershey's chcolate factory workers. Going to the park at least once a year as a child--and multiple times a year as I grew into an adult--I watched as it became the park it is today. Despite all the changes, Hersheypark remains a great blend of heart-stopping rides and family favorites, and unique ambiance mixed with everything you'd normally expect from a typical amusement park. It is, and always will be, one of my favorites.
Not to say that I don't enjoy Knoebels Amusement Resort, as well! Knoebels, located in Elysburg, PA, was the second amusement park I ever attended. Sadly, I don't remember the exact year I first visited Knoebels, even though I know I was quite young. What I do remember is a small yet beautiful park that seemed to have sprung from the farmland and forest that it started as. Knoebels is privately owned, and has less attractions than your typical major theme park. However, Knoebels more than makes up for that with unique ambiance--a rustic, relaxed feeling that differs from any other amusement park I have ever been to. Just becasuse Knoebels is low-key, however, doesn't mean it doesn't pack in the screams! Knoebels has two major coasters that are both fairly famous, and a unique Haunted Mansion that has won several awards. Also, the food at Knoebels is regularly claimed to be the best amusement park food--in the COUNTRY. I will always have a soft spot for Knoebels!
I didn't go to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom until I was a little older. However, the park, which is located in Allentown, PA, immediately became a must-visit place every year. The park has had a long string of owners, but upon being bought by Cedar Fair several years back (that's the people who brought you Cedar Point, the roller coaster lovers' place of dreams come true), it really became a major player in the NEPA amusement park industry. Dorney Park smacks you with typical amusement park rides the second you walk in. It is filled with rip-roaring coasters and tons of mdiway rides. It also hosts many family rides, but the focus is really on the sceam-rippers here. Wildwater Kingdom is the water park that is included in Dorney's one-price plan, and it does not disappoint, putting many other local water attractions to shame. Dorney is a fast-paced rush of fun, and I feel empty if I don't visit it at least once a year.
Obviosuly, every one of these parks is different, and they all have their ups and downs, as well. I have barely scratched the surface when it comes to describing all that the amusement parks of NEPA have to see and do. However, keep reading this blog, and little by little, I will draw you into the heart of these parks. My goal is, with each enty, to take one aspect that all three parks share and tell you how they compare and contrast. I plan to cover everything, from rides to admission to the parks' restrooms! So sit back and get ready to delve deep into the heart of Dorney, Hershey and Knoebels...
...when I choose to write again.
Until then!
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