I worked at Knoebels for 5 seasons (90, 91, 92, 94, 95) - Back then the Phoenix was THE attraction for coaster fanatics. Impulse didn't exist, Flying Turns wasn't even a blue-print and Twister wasn't even a thought. One of the reasons why the Phoenix ranks so well is not just the Buzz Bars, it is because the park maintains this ride. When Knoebels bought the Phoenix and relocated it, they were by no stretch a park with money to burn. The phoenix costs 1.5 million dollars to disassemble, move and re-assemble. 34 trucks were used to move this thing from Texas to PA. it took 14 years before Knoebels opted to build another woodie and even then at a time when Hercules cost $6,000,000 for Dorney Park to build in 1990, Knoebels built Twister entirely in house for $3,000,000 in 1998/1999. Flying Turns, another in-house built rollercoaster took over 7 years from conception to opening because no one has built a coaster like that is 70+ years Knoebels is an experience everyone must enjoy once in their life.
I'm glad you "got" Knoebels, because I really admire, respect, and enjoy this family park. I stop there whenever I'm driving through that part of PA. And that's one difference. I can stop there for an hour, ride a couple of rides, get some lunch, and not have to spend a fortune or spend all day to get my money's worth. This is how amusement parks used to be before corporations decided that huge profits and shareholders were more important than entertaining a cross-section of Americans, not all of whom can pay $70 per person just to get through the gates. You see real families at Knoebels, from babies to grandparents, because anyone can go in even if it's just to look around. It's proof that slick, expensive parks are not the only model for amusement parks in order to be successful. I wish there were more Knoebels-style parks. Finally, the reason Phoenix is so popular is exactly because everyone can ride it and enjoy it. It's thrilling and fun for everyone. When the train comes back into the station, all the riders are smiling and laughing. You don't see that often enough.
@@juliecarlee5154 You're probably thinking of Waldameer, which also has free admission and optional pay-per-ride. I haven't been there, but their Ravine Flyer II coaster is highly rated.
You inspired me to spend some extra time here when I visit in 2020. My one and only visit was a miserably rainy day, I didnt get to enjoy it, pretty much got the credits, rode Phoenix 5 times and left. I didnt even know they had a sky ride. If I can get back here on a dry day I think I can appreciate why people love this park so much
I love knoebels, but if it just had some extreme coasters and a well rounded coaster lineup like Hershey does just a few hours away from it, it could definitely be a top 10 park in America.
@@exiledrabbit It takes you to the top of the mountain and back down again, there is no parking lot up there. It does offer great views of the park on the way back down.
Wow! Love your filmmaking and narration techniques! I too adore Knoebels. Every time I see that giant crystal pool full of people having fun, I think to myself: "That's what summer's all about."
Thank you so much!!! Me and My family have been watching your videos for years so that means a lot!!! I couldn’t agree more Knoebels has such a different but incredible feel to it that I just can’t wait to get back hopefully for a few days this time
@@Okaycoasters camping is reasonably priced I do it twice a year, and just an FYI if you like riding the Phoenix during the day/or night YOU HAVE to come to Knoebels in October for the Halloween weekend, the have all the lights turned off and you ride in pitch black. It adds a hole New experience you'll be sure to love and never forget
Thank you for understanding Knobels. I feel like all of these coaster enthusiasts only go to ride Phoenix and say it is overrated. They don’t understand that it is all about the experience and the family time. It’s about walking into the park and not having to go through a single medical detector, not just Phoenix.
Glad you had a great time at Knoebels. This is the amusement park I grew up going to being that I only lived about 1 hour 20 minutes away. Sure I went to other parks like Hershey and Dorney and always have a great time there, but they're not in the same category as Knoebels. I would go several times a year and as I got older and learned to drive, I would go down for just a few hours some days to hang out and ride some rides! You can do that on any given day with this park and that's what I love about it. Along with the value and the fact that they go for quality over quantity with their coasters and of course their unbelievably unique collection of flat rides. Some of them you never see in any other park. The Phoenix was actually my first roller coaster ever, even before a kiddy coaster! My dad took me on it when I was just 4 years old. Now I will say that The Voyage at Holiday World stole my number 1 wooden coaster spot last summer, even beating out rides like El Toro and The Beast, but Phoenix will always be up there with them and have a special place in my heart. (As will Twister which is criminally underrated!)
Air time my friend, air time, I love that old girl, I've ridden her thousands of times ever since the first year I was tall enough to ride. It is a symbol of my child hood thanks for this great video. I cried watching it sitting here in covid lock down.
This was incredibly well-written and surprisingly got me emotional at the end. Never seen a roller coaster channel so accurately express why I love these rides.
Said way too well my friend. Phoenix was my first coaster ever, I sure as hell want it to be my last too, the genuine smiles from everyone when they come rolling back into the station every time is far greater than any other coaster experience any will ever have.
Why did this make me cry!? This is my home park, the first coaster i ever rode was Phoenix. I've been going every summer since i was born and i now take my little one. Thank you for showing what Knoebels is truly about.
I grew up riding this in San Antonio, and it's still the standard by which I judge all wooden coasters, even though I haven't ridden it in 40 years. It's a straightforward, no nonsense ride that perfectly embodies the principles of classical wooden coaster design, and living proof that newer isn't always better.
@@MathewsCoasterVids that would be safe as long as you are above the height requirement. If phoenix’s airtime can keep you in, so can el toro. I think every classic woodie should have buzz bars.
You put into words so many of us that grew up going to Knoebels really relate to. It means a lot coming from an outsider. We live in Michigan, but we bring my kids to Knoebels every year, because darnit they're going to grow up with it too!
I used to live in Pennsylvania been tried to go to Knoebels whenever possible. I first rode the Phoenix in 2010 and this coaster completely blew me away. I totally agree that this coaster provides an experience that you rarely experience on the newer more intense attraction is being built by today's standards. There is no doubt in my mind that the Phoenix belongs a Golden Ticket award-winning coaster. Anyone that says this is overrated, stop and appreciate the park's vibe that it gives you. I live in Florida now so it's a little harder to visit Knoebels then when I lived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
I have to say THIS park seems to be in a class by itself. It looks like a smaller family run place that is LOST now with all those insane coasters. Yes they are AWESOME. But some coasters run millions of dollars. This place has some of that but it keeps the ambiance simple and for the family, and THAT IS RARE. I'd say the park itself deserves a bigtime nod.
TO the filmmaker/reviewer. This is by far the best review/commentary video I have seen regarding the phoenix. I have watched a lot of them and many do convey the emotion or understanding of the ride and like you said the park in which it is located. So great job, I think you NAILED IT, Grand Slam!!!
GREAT review. This park is on our bucket list. It is wonderful that a park like this still exist. Lucky us, a close friend recently move close by. Makes planning this trip even better. Thanks
Dude... this video almost had me in tears (not quite sure why). Just the story telling, the video, the narration. I think we have lost so much with parks knocking down old wooden coasters to build the RMCs or more "hip" coasters; we're losing history and classics. After seeing this video, Knobels is definitely on my list of "to do" parks. THANK YOU! Keep up the GREAT work!!!
Man...Im feeling your videos. You have a different perspective, one that makes total sense. It took me 20 years and numerous rides on Phoenix until I finally got it. I am now 55 years old and when I ride it it brings me such joy. It's not the biggest, baddest or meanest but it is one of its not the most fun coasters out there.
Thank you ! Yeah I really enjoy all coasters for what they do well. Love the really strong air some provide and also love rides like this one for what it does so well
You just broke down exactly why knoebels means so much to me in one perfect and touching video. This will be the first year since I started going regularly where I will NOT be going (due to the pandemic), and I gotta say it really hurts. So many memories were made there and continue to get made every year I come back.
Did you get to go these past couple years? It was pretty rocky bc of the pandemic, but this summer the park was operating as normal! Plus, the year is the 50th anniversary of the haunted house!
@tristamyers1910 yes I did! Of course I made sure to check out the haunted house for the anniversary. Can't wait for the park's hundredth in a couple years
great footage, editing and commentary.. best straight to the heart video ive seen about knoebels... this year is our 8th annual trip to knoebels.. I am also a aspiring videographer.. you hit it out of the ball park friend
Great video! I live about 30 minutes from Knoebels so naturally Phoenix was my first coaster and remains one of my favorites. Can't wait to see the video on the rest of the park
I Love that you are one of many but yet so few who visit this park and yet truly understand it and why it's so special. I can not WAIT for you to do a full park review. I'm 30 years old and have been going to this park 2 times a year camping out with family. It brings joy to me know that when out of state visitors come to the park, and get to enjoy and understand the in its entirety
@@Okaycoasters if you can, try and visit the park in October, their Halloween weekend are an amazing experience, especially riding the Phoenix and twister.
I just discovered your video, and I love it! Well done!! The Phoenix is my favorite woodie with its simplicity, smoothness, pacing and ultimate air-time. Seat 2.1 is my fave. And Knoebles is my favorite traditional park.
As a local of Elysburg, and a coaster enthusiast, no matter where I travel, what coasters I ride, I always enjoy coming home to ride the Phoenix. It was my first coaster as a child (opening day of the ride I might add), and it has only gotten better through the years. Living only 8 minutes from the park is great. even after a bad day, I will hope on my hog (special motorcycle parking right at the enterance just before the Impluse and the sky ride in this video) hit the park with some tickets, ride Phoenix a time or two, have an ice cream and it makes me feel better. Oh, and little secret, it is faster at night when the temperature starts dropping.
Phoenix is the coaster I sometimes dream about. It's that good. It doesn't hurt that Knoebels itself is a heavenly haven. This video is a fitting tribute to both.
See, this is what i always look for when i see videos on rides & parks like this. Phoenix is #1 because it is THE classic wood coaster, it feels consistently like it was basically just built, it's family friendly, and it's even got some good airtime and unique elements for us enthusiast types. (That double up/double down is wicked and awesome, not to mention the ending airtime run) Being in the park early when it first starts up, or late at night are some of my favorite rides on it.
Yep! This is my childhood coaster at Playland Park. I have a great POV photo I took of it back in 1972. Here it is: drive.google.com/file/d/1_OTLolf8tG1Breo17dz1qnfLfkuaE4Hg/view?usp=drivesdk
I rode the rocket the 2nd year that it opened back all the way in 1948. I was so happy in 85 when the rocket came to my home state in 85 and changed its name to the Phoenix. I go to knoebles at least twice a year and still love it all these years later.
I live an hour away from Knoebels and it is possibly my favorite place on earth. I love Cedar point, but a day with the family here is super affordable and always fun. There is so much charm to the park.
Vary, Vary, Nice work on the video. I have always loved our home town park. It is amazing this place started as a pool and picnic grove so many years ago.
It might seem silly but your review was just so spot on it gave me chills. I adore the unique and charming park that is Knoebel's and you hit it on the head with saying the Phoenix "belongs". I can see why some might not find it the absolute very best, but it's in the conversation. I'm quite a fan of the Thunderbolt at Kennywood too but Phoenix has unbeatable are.
Thank you so much for sharing that. It really was a special park with such a different feel to it that I loved. I haven't got a chance to ride Thunderbolt yet but hopefully 2020
Dang this brings back memories. The Phoenix was my first roller coaster and I rode it at night. Love Knoebels and will always cherish my summer memories there!
I sadly moved away from PA last summer, and gosh do I miss that floater airtime. I always knew there was something special about the Phoenix and her companion, the Twister. I've been to other, more coaster-centric parks like Dorney, but I think that old Phoenix will forever remain my all-time favorite, with Twister as a very close second.
Oh, the nostalgia! Thanks for not only the coaster review, but the positive overview on what makes this “little” park great. I can’t wait to revisit this park with my family, 2K miles away, this summer
This place looks wonderful. I always loved having Kings Island as my home park- but I wouldn't have been too upset to have this one either! Phoenix looks great, can't wait to get there and finally ride it for myself!
amazing review. the first coaster i ever rode and still the best! I feel that the setting adds to the coasters excitement just as much as the ride itself. It has a very nice asthetic.
awesome video! I visited this park in 2012, and it literally blew me away! the feel of the park, the combination of rides all set in a family oriented setting makes this a top park and a top destination for camping and visiting!
I discovered your channel just a few days ago. Your videos are so polished and well edited. Your unique perspective is a breath of fresh air in the genre and I appreciate what you're doing.
Really great tribute to the Phoenix and Knoebels. I've been going nearly every year since I was like 6 or 7 and it has always been the high point of my summer. Phoenix is definitely my fave wooden coaster and my favorite coaster at knoebels.
Really nice video, you did a great job capturing the essence and wonder of 5his park What a wonderfully managed and designed park. I really want to go, it looks like it would be a great day.
Excellent job with the video. Im a huge coaster fan and you introduced me to a park that I have yet to visit. And incredible way of presenting it too. #LOVEDIT
Honestly this video is so humble and so beautiful. Thank you for the treat. It really reminded me that sometimes you just have to sit back and realize how amazing life is and the people around you are. The memories that you share when we go out to a park and the ability that a park can have a making an experience unique and last a lifetime and make you feel like a kid again. No matter how the phoenix treats me I know that it’ll be a special experience that I’ll cherish forever. Cheers mate!
Finally some respect! I've been going to knobbels for years and always said the Phoenix is the best I've ever rode on! I'm 62 yrs old and still look forward to riding the official "worlds best wooden rollercoaster"!
Wow, I've never seen a park that was like this. This place seems kind of magical, and despite only watching this video it feels really homely and comfy. I would love to camp there and spend a whole weekend there. Most other parks, I go there for the day, and return home that night or the next day or whatever. But Knoebels looks like a place I'd want to visit and stay at. Camping, hiking, awesome rides; I know this video was about Phoenix but I think you sold me on wanting to go there. Thank you.
There are many great coaster enthusiast channels out there. The best have unique flavors/takes/niches, but none convey the emotional relationships people have with the parks and rides like okaycoasters. Like Phoenix, this channel is among the best. It deserves more subs.
Short but a excellent job on Knoebels and the Phoenix . You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the lap bars and the park it sits in . Wish you would have used super slow motion at 4:47 . When can we expect your full Knoebels review on RUclips ? Hope you tell your viewers that it is a FULL day type of park .
Thank you. Yea slower would have been good at that point for sure. When I went I didn't have the time I needed to really get the footage I wanted. So this year I am really hoping to get more time at the park to really do a solid review on it. This park can be a 1/2 day park but it can also be a full day or even 2 or 3 days depending on what you want to get out of your trip. So I fully agree it can be so much for that just a quick visit.
I have absolutely nothing but respect for this channel and your damn intros. If I’m not hype for a coaster before watching your video I for sure will be afterwords
Knoebels has eluded me my whole life and I'm only 3 hours away. 2020 will be the year. Not only am I excited for Phoenix, but Twister looks incredible too
Knoebels & Hersheypark are my home parks, but I do prefer Knoebels when it comes to spending time with my family and friends I visit with every year. It is definitely worth taking the trip to go there!
We go ever year at least once. Knoebels is 2 hours from my house. Dorney and hershey are no doubt nice PA parks both with great rides, but the setting and vibe of knoebels is unmatched in my book. Phoenix, twister, and impulse are all great rides. Even the kidde coaster kosmos curves will put a smile on your face. Flying turns is also quite the unique experience. There is also a great log flume.
Excellent, fantastic video of the world’s greatest amusement park and my long-time favorite roller coaster! I grew up in San Antonio and rode Rocket for many years. Great ride, but not as good as Phoenix ( for those unaware, Rocket was moved to Knoebel’s in 1985 & rebuilt as Phoenix). Playland & Rocket’s closing in 1980 is what got me into roller coasters as a hobby. In 1982 I took my first coast to coast roller coaster trip & one of our stops was at Knoebel’s. Torrential rain that day had closed the park & me & my 3 traveling companions found ourselves in Knoebel’s office chatting with Dick & Ron Knoebel. During our conversation the subject of a wooden roller coaster came up (Knoebel’s has only 3 steel coasters then) and I told Dick & Ron Knoebel that the Rocket in San Antonio was for sale & would fit wonderfully in their park. Everyone chuckled at the thought of disassembling a wooden roller coaster, moving it halfway across the country and re-erecting it. A few months later the Knoebel brothers were in San Antonio walking and inspecting the Rocket (which I have photos of). The rest is history. Knoebel’s and Phoenix will get an entire week of my vacation time this year. Knoebel’s is the greatest place on earth & Phoenix is the world’s #1 roller coaster, as this awesome video so wonderfully portrays! GO THERE! See for yourself!
Nice job capturing the essence of the park. I live in Western PA, minutes from Kennywood. Pennsylvanians are so fortunate to have many of these old trolley/picnic parks and great woodies. KW , Waldameer, Idlewild and others, plus Hershey. A lot of history and tradition. My location gives me easy access to Cedar Point Ohio too. Going there in July. I try to visit a few PA parks every year. Haven't hit Knoebels yet. It's location is off the beaten path, but planning on doing a day/night in Aug at Hershey and hit Knoebles on the way home. Looking forward to it! I suggest u go to KW, drive 2 hours north to Waldameer, then head to Cedar Point! Liked your video so much I became a subscriber.
Aside from all the great content, my favorite part was the clip of the little girl smiling from ear to ear on the wild mouse spinning coaster. That just EXUDES every single reason we become enthusiasts...for the fun and love of loving fun.
Good video! I like the take you have on it and get the park. As someone who has a family trip there every year, I hope the full review appears one day lol! I know prob not since this is from 19, but I hope!
This park is great, it’s a one and half hour drive from where I live in Pennsylvania, and knoebels takes great care and pride in their rides, the Phoenix is one of my favorite coasters and my first coaster at ten years old, it’s been years since I explored the whole park
Live 10 minutes from Hershey Park but definitely prefer Knoebels. It’s crazy but watching the POV camera it brings back memories of riding the Phoenix. It’s like looking at a painting and feeling the image in front of you. I’ve watched countless POV roller coaster rides but only Phoenix provokes feeling just from watching. Great video keep up the honest work.
3:46 Looking forward to the next video! This one was great! Knoebels is such a unique place, it's hard to put in words. I've tried and it always seems like rambling. Been going there every year with my family since I was very little. Special place.
Wow this was amazing. From start to finish this video had my jaw drop: fantastic!! You did a wonderful job on this presentation. The footage, editing, and your words were just awesome. You have a gift for sure!
I never knew about how popular Knoebels was, nor that the Phoenix was the best wooden coaster on the planet, even though I go there every summer. Thanks for putting this out there.
Okaycoasters, you stated very well how much i love parks...I am definitely a GP and the video makes me want to go to Knoebels and i live in Disney World's back yard.
On a dry warm summer day this thing hauls but also it really gives good night rides. Not only that, but I work there and every rehire meeting they show how much they care about this ride. They have retracked it multiple times and are sure to keep it very smooth. It’s also a family owned park and it’s my home park so I’m biased, but you’ll never find anything with that homey feeling and the thrills of Knoebels. Sadly this is its last year of being my home park, soon it will be Six Flags Over Texas
Another great video.the cinematography is simply stunning. The coaster is good, I personally prefer Twister better, but Knoebels is one of the most unique parks I have visited. I was just there last week. So many things to do that don't cost money. Just there to enjoy yourself
I worked at Knoebels for 5 seasons (90, 91, 92, 94, 95) - Back then the Phoenix was THE attraction for coaster fanatics. Impulse didn't exist, Flying Turns wasn't even a blue-print and Twister wasn't even a thought.
One of the reasons why the Phoenix ranks so well is not just the Buzz Bars, it is because the park maintains this ride.
When Knoebels bought the Phoenix and relocated it, they were by no stretch a park with money to burn. The phoenix costs 1.5 million dollars to disassemble, move and re-assemble. 34 trucks were used to move this thing from Texas to PA. it took 14 years before Knoebels opted to build another woodie and even then at a time when Hercules cost $6,000,000 for Dorney Park to build in 1990, Knoebels built Twister entirely in house for $3,000,000 in 1998/1999.
Flying Turns, another in-house built rollercoaster took over 7 years from conception to opening because no one has built a coaster like that is 70+ years
Knoebels is an experience everyone must enjoy once in their life.
I'm glad you "got" Knoebels, because I really admire, respect, and enjoy this family park. I stop there whenever I'm driving through that part of PA. And that's one difference. I can stop there for an hour, ride a couple of rides, get some lunch, and not have to spend a fortune or spend all day to get my money's worth. This is how amusement parks used to be before corporations decided that huge profits and shareholders were more important than entertaining a cross-section of Americans, not all of whom can pay $70 per person just to get through the gates. You see real families at Knoebels, from babies to grandparents, because anyone can go in even if it's just to look around. It's proof that slick, expensive parks are not the only model for amusement parks in order to be successful. I wish there were more Knoebels-style parks. Finally, the reason Phoenix is so popular is exactly because everyone can ride it and enjoy it. It's thrilling and fun for everyone. When the train comes back into the station, all the riders are smiling and laughing. You don't see that often enough.
Its a very special park, the only thing I've found anything even close is Kennywood when the family owned it, and Indiana Beach under its new owner
There is one near Erie, PA ( if it’s still in business)that is similar to this ❤️
@@juliecarlee5154 You're probably thinking of Waldameer, which also has free admission and optional pay-per-ride. I haven't been there, but their Ravine Flyer II coaster is highly rated.
AMEN
You inspired me to spend some extra time here when I visit in 2020. My one and only visit was a miserably rainy day, I didnt get to enjoy it, pretty much got the credits, rode Phoenix 5 times and left. I didnt even know they had a sky ride. If I can get back here on a dry day I think I can appreciate why people love this park so much
I love knoebels, but if it just had some extreme coasters and a well rounded coaster lineup like Hershey does just a few hours away from it, it could definitely be a top 10 park in America.
Thanks! Yeah I really did enjoy this park. I went on a great day and just had such a good time. Excited for you to come back in 2020
I think they need a GCI or a topper track RMC. This could happen anytime between now and 2030.
I wouldn't really call it a skyride, it's just a chair lift that takes you to the parking lot same as Kennywood. Still pretty cool though
@@exiledrabbit It takes you to the top of the mountain and back down again, there is no parking lot up there. It does offer great views of the park on the way back down.
Wow! Love your filmmaking and narration techniques! I too adore Knoebels. Every time I see that giant crystal pool full of people having fun, I think to myself: "That's what summer's all about."
Thank you so much!!! Me and My family have been watching your videos for years so that means a lot!!! I couldn’t agree more Knoebels has such a different but incredible feel to it that I just can’t wait to get back hopefully for a few days this time
@@Okaycoasters camping is reasonably priced I do it twice a year, and just an FYI if you like riding the Phoenix during the day/or night YOU HAVE to come to Knoebels in October for the Halloween weekend, the have all the lights turned off and you ride in pitch black. It adds a hole New experience you'll be sure to love and never forget
Thank you for understanding Knobels. I feel like all of these coaster enthusiasts only go to ride Phoenix and say it is overrated. They don’t understand that it is all about the experience and the family time. It’s about walking into the park and not having to go through a single medical detector, not just Phoenix.
Absolutely it was an incredible park. Thank you for the nice comment!
It actually is a pretty good coaster. I love wooden coasters.
Glad you had a great time at Knoebels. This is the amusement park I grew up going to being that I only lived about 1 hour 20 minutes away. Sure I went to other parks like Hershey and Dorney and always have a great time there, but they're not in the same category as Knoebels. I would go several times a year and as I got older and learned to drive, I would go down for just a few hours some days to hang out and ride some rides! You can do that on any given day with this park and that's what I love about it. Along with the value and the fact that they go for quality over quantity with their coasters and of course their unbelievably unique collection of flat rides. Some of them you never see in any other park. The Phoenix was actually my first roller coaster ever, even before a kiddy coaster! My dad took me on it when I was just 4 years old. Now I will say that The Voyage at Holiday World stole my number 1 wooden coaster spot last summer, even beating out rides like El Toro and The Beast, but Phoenix will always be up there with them and have a special place in my heart. (As will Twister which is criminally underrated!)
Air time my friend, air time, I love that old girl, I've ridden her thousands of times ever since the first year I was tall enough to ride. It is a symbol of my child hood thanks for this great video. I cried watching it sitting here in covid lock down.
This was incredibly well-written and surprisingly got me emotional at the end. Never seen a roller coaster channel so accurately express why I love these rides.
Wow thank you so much for that comment !!!
Said way too well my friend. Phoenix was my first coaster ever, I sure as hell want it to be my last too, the genuine smiles from everyone when they come rolling back into the station every time is far greater than any other coaster experience any will ever have.
Why did this make me cry!? This is my home park, the first coaster i ever rode was Phoenix. I've been going every summer since i was born and i now take my little one. Thank you for showing what Knoebels is truly about.
Thank You!
I'm so blessed that this is my home park, I work about 5 minutes away
Oh wow I would go EVERYDAY !!!!
I grew up riding this in San Antonio, and it's still the standard by which I judge all wooden coasters, even though I haven't ridden it in 40 years. It's a straightforward, no nonsense ride that perfectly embodies the principles of classical wooden coaster design, and living proof that newer isn't always better.
El toro with buzz bars yes.
That would be scary
YEEEEET
I don’t think that would even be safe
😵🤕
@@MathewsCoasterVids that would be safe as long as you are above the height requirement. If phoenix’s airtime can keep you in, so can el toro. I think every classic woodie should have buzz bars.
Man this is a fantastic video... Thank you!!
Thank you for watching !!!
Your narration is quite amazing man!
Thank you so much
You put into words so many of us that grew up going to Knoebels really relate to. It means a lot coming from an outsider. We live in Michigan, but we bring my kids to Knoebels every year, because darnit they're going to grow up with it too!
I used to live in Pennsylvania been tried to go to Knoebels whenever possible. I first rode the Phoenix in 2010 and this coaster completely blew me away. I totally agree that this coaster provides an experience that you rarely experience on the newer more intense attraction is being built by today's standards. There is no doubt in my mind that the Phoenix belongs a Golden Ticket award-winning coaster. Anyone that says this is overrated, stop and appreciate the park's vibe that it gives you. I live in Florida now so it's a little harder to visit Knoebels then when I lived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
I have to say THIS park seems to be in a class by itself. It looks like a smaller family run place that is LOST now with all those insane coasters. Yes they are AWESOME. But some coasters run millions of dollars. This place has some of that but it keeps the ambiance simple and for the family, and THAT IS RARE. I'd say the park itself deserves a bigtime nod.
TO the filmmaker/reviewer. This is by far the best review/commentary video I have seen regarding the phoenix. I have watched a lot of them and many do convey the emotion or understanding of the ride and like you said the park in which it is located.
So great job, I think you NAILED IT, Grand Slam!!!
GREAT review. This park is on our bucket list. It is wonderful that a park like this still exist. Lucky us, a close friend recently move close by. Makes planning this trip even better. Thanks
Dude... this video almost had me in tears (not quite sure why). Just the story telling, the video, the narration. I think we have lost so much with parks knocking down old wooden coasters to build the RMCs or more "hip" coasters; we're losing history and classics. After seeing this video, Knobels is definitely on my list of "to do" parks. THANK YOU! Keep up the GREAT work!!!
Man...Im feeling your videos. You have a different perspective, one that makes total sense. It took me 20 years and numerous rides on Phoenix until I finally got it. I am now 55 years old and when I ride it it brings me such joy. It's not the biggest, baddest or meanest but it is one of its not the most fun coasters out there.
Thank you ! Yeah I really enjoy all coasters for what they do well. Love the really strong air some provide and also love rides like this one for what it does so well
You just broke down exactly why knoebels means so much to me in one perfect and touching video.
This will be the first year since I started going regularly where I will NOT be going (due to the pandemic), and I gotta say it really hurts. So many memories were made there and continue to get made every year I come back.
Thank You !!!
Did you get to go these past couple years? It was pretty rocky bc of the pandemic, but this summer the park was operating as normal! Plus, the year is the 50th anniversary of the haunted house!
@tristamyers1910 yes I did! Of course I made sure to check out the haunted house for the anniversary. Can't wait for the park's hundredth in a couple years
@@ophiolatrix We made sure to go as well! Lots of family pics in front lol
great footage, editing and commentary.. best straight to the heart video ive seen about knoebels... this year is our 8th annual trip to knoebels.. I am also a aspiring videographer.. you hit it out of the ball park friend
Wow thank you so much !!!! Its such a great park and I enjoyed it so much !!!
Great video! I live about 30 minutes from Knoebels so naturally Phoenix was my first coaster and remains one of my favorites. Can't wait to see the video on the rest of the park
Thank you !!!!
You made me cry at the end... I have loved knoebels since I was a little kid and we would go every year as a family!
Oh wow!!! Its such a beautiful park and I really enjoyed it so much !!!
I Love that you are one of many but yet so few who visit this park and yet truly understand it and why it's so special. I can not WAIT for you to do a full park review. I'm 30 years old and have been going to this park 2 times a year camping out with family. It brings joy to me know that when out of state visitors come to the park, and get to enjoy and understand the in its entirety
Thank you. I look forward to doing one this year!
@@Okaycoasters if you can, try and visit the park in October, their Halloween weekend are an amazing experience, especially riding the Phoenix and twister.
I just discovered your video, and I love it! Well done!! The Phoenix is my favorite woodie with its simplicity, smoothness, pacing and ultimate air-time. Seat 2.1 is my fave.
And Knoebles is my favorite traditional park.
As a local of Elysburg, and a coaster enthusiast, no matter where I travel, what coasters I ride, I always enjoy coming home to ride the Phoenix. It was my first coaster as a child (opening day of the ride I might add), and it has only gotten better through the years. Living only 8 minutes from the park is great. even after a bad day, I will hope on my hog (special motorcycle parking right at the enterance just before the Impluse and the sky ride in this video) hit the park with some tickets, ride Phoenix a time or two, have an ice cream and it makes me feel better. Oh, and little secret, it is faster at night when the temperature starts dropping.
What a wonderful little video. It sounds like you really fell in love with the park. I do hope to visit one day.
I watch this one over and over again thanks man my favorite park that says something!!!
Phoenix is the coaster I sometimes dream about. It's that good. It doesn't hurt that Knoebels itself is a heavenly haven. This video is a fitting tribute to both.
See, this is what i always look for when i see videos on rides & parks like this. Phoenix is #1 because it is THE classic wood coaster, it feels consistently like it was basically just built, it's family friendly, and it's even got some good airtime and unique elements for us enthusiast types. (That double up/double down is wicked and awesome, not to mention the ending airtime run)
Being in the park early when it first starts up, or late at night are some of my favorite rides on it.
I rode this coaster as a kid - at Playland Park in San Antonio - where it was originally built. Great coaster!
Oh that is so cool !!!
Yep! This is my childhood coaster at Playland Park. I have a great POV photo I took of it back in 1972. Here it is: drive.google.com/file/d/1_OTLolf8tG1Breo17dz1qnfLfkuaE4Hg/view?usp=drivesdk
I rode the rocket the 2nd year that it opened back all the way in 1948. I was so happy in 85 when the rocket came to my home state in 85 and changed its name to the Phoenix. I go to knoebles at least twice a year and still love it all these years later.
I think I’m gonna cry.
I did cry! Who knew a video about a dang roller coaster could be so heartwarming and moving!
What a beautiful made video about an awesome woodie ! 🤩👍
i love how passionate you are about coasters and how happy they make you!
I live an hour away from Knoebels and it is possibly my favorite place on earth. I love Cedar point, but a day with the family here is super affordable and always fun. There is so much charm to the park.
Vary, Vary, Nice work on the video. I have always loved our home town park. It is amazing this place started as a pool and picnic grove so many years ago.
It might seem silly but your review was just so spot on it gave me chills. I adore the unique and charming park that is Knoebel's and you hit it on the head with saying the Phoenix "belongs". I can see why some might not find it the absolute very best, but it's in the conversation. I'm quite a fan of the Thunderbolt at Kennywood too but Phoenix has unbeatable are.
Thank you so much for sharing that. It really was a special park with such a different feel to it that I loved. I haven't got a chance to ride Thunderbolt yet but hopefully 2020
@@Okaycoasters Do please ride Thunderbolt; another great wooden coaster.
This is the park I grew up going to only 30 min away and it's kind of awesome to know how other people see it and love it too!
Dang this brings back memories. The Phoenix was my first roller coaster and I rode it at night. Love Knoebels and will always cherish my summer memories there!
I sadly moved away from PA last summer, and gosh do I miss that floater airtime. I always knew there was something special about the Phoenix and her companion, the Twister. I've been to other, more coaster-centric parks like Dorney, but I think that old Phoenix will forever remain my all-time favorite, with Twister as a very close second.
Very cool video. I'm from SoCal and would love to visit this place! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, the nostalgia! Thanks for not only the coaster review, but the positive overview on what makes this “little” park great. I can’t wait to revisit this park with my family, 2K miles away, this summer
This place looks wonderful. I always loved having Kings Island as my home park- but I wouldn't have been too upset to have this one either! Phoenix looks great, can't wait to get there and finally ride it for myself!
amazing review. the first coaster i ever rode and still the best! I feel that the setting adds to the coasters excitement just as much as the ride itself. It has a very nice asthetic.
awesome video! I visited this park in 2012, and it literally blew me away! the feel of the park, the combination of rides all set in a family oriented setting makes this a top park and a top destination for camping and visiting!
Thank you !!!
I discovered your channel just a few days ago. Your videos are so polished and well edited. Your unique perspective is a breath of fresh air in the genre and I appreciate what you're doing.
Thank you so much for that feedback I really appreciate it and also your support.
Great video! Ive always wanted to ride Phoenix but now I want to experience the whole park. Looks so nice.
Phoenix: I’m the best wooden coaster
El Toro and the Beast: ARE U SURE ABOUT THAT?
You nailed it with this video (again). This park and ride truly are special. So happy I made this my 200th coaster
I genuinely teared up during your final speech… I became an enthusiast organically from the love my mom and I shared for rollercoasters growing up ❤️
This video brightened my day - very wholesome. The speakers accent reminds me of home too.
Thank You !!!!
Really great tribute to the Phoenix and Knoebels. I've been going nearly every year since I was like 6 or 7 and it has always been the high point of my summer. Phoenix is definitely my fave wooden coaster and my favorite coaster at knoebels.
Thank You !!!!
I love me some Knoebels!! Thanks for this video!
Really nice video, you did a great job capturing the essence and wonder of 5his park What a wonderfully managed and designed park. I really want to go, it looks like it would be a great day.
Thank You !!!
Damn I had chills through the whole video... such a good cinematic experience for such a well known place, you earned this sub for sure!
Thanks!
Excellent job with the video. Im a huge coaster fan and you introduced me to a park that I have yet to visit. And incredible way of presenting it too. #LOVEDIT
Wow Thank You !!!!!!
This is a special place, has that old time charm and isn't about Generating profit but rather making memories for families.
Honestly this video is so humble and so beautiful. Thank you for the treat. It really reminded me that sometimes you just have to sit back and realize how amazing life is and the people around you are. The memories that you share when we go out to a park and the ability that a park can have a making an experience unique and last a lifetime and make you feel like a kid again. No matter how the phoenix treats me I know that it’ll be a special experience that I’ll cherish forever. Cheers mate!
What a great comment!!! Thank you for taking the time to write that!!! You are right....its all about that great experience !!!
Finally some respect! I've been going to knobbels for years and always said the Phoenix is the best I've ever rode on! I'm 62 yrs old and still look forward to riding the official "worlds best wooden rollercoaster"!
Wow, I've never seen a park that was like this. This place seems kind of magical, and despite only watching this video it feels really homely and comfy. I would love to camp there and spend a whole weekend there. Most other parks, I go there for the day, and return home that night or the next day or whatever. But Knoebels looks like a place I'd want to visit and stay at. Camping, hiking, awesome rides; I know this video was about Phoenix but I think you sold me on wanting to go there. Thank you.
Wow thanks for the comment! Yes it would be a great park for a weekend trip like that!!!
And the food there is really awesome and compared to the BIG parks very affordable.
If you need another reason to love it, dogs are allowed in the park at Knoebels.
There are many great coaster enthusiast channels out there. The best have unique flavors/takes/niches, but none convey the emotional relationships people have with the parks and rides like okaycoasters. Like Phoenix, this channel is among the best. It deserves more subs.
Thank you so much !!!!
Short but a excellent job on Knoebels and the Phoenix . You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the lap bars and the park it sits in . Wish you would have used super slow motion at 4:47 .
When can we expect your full Knoebels review on RUclips ? Hope you tell your viewers that it is a FULL day type of park .
Thank you. Yea slower would have been good at that point for sure. When I went I didn't have the time I needed to really get the footage I wanted. So this year I am really hoping to get more time at the park to really do a solid review on it. This park can be a 1/2 day park but it can also be a full day or even 2 or 3 days depending on what you want to get out of your trip. So I fully agree it can be so much for that just a quick visit.
I watch a LOT of coaster videos, and this is by far the most beautifully written video I've seen. Glad I stumbled across your channel today
Thank you so much I really appreciate that
I got engaged on the Phoenix, over 20 years ago. Back car, of course. Thanks for the video!
Wow that is one great story!!! Thanks for sharing. The park takes great care of Phoenix so hopefully it will be around for many more years
Bruh, your videos are a love story to roller coasters and amusement parks. Just...keep making videos forever.
Haha Thank you so much !!!
I have absolutely nothing but respect for this channel and your damn intros. If I’m not hype for a coaster before watching your video I for sure will be afterwords
Thank you so much !!!!!
Knoebels has eluded me my whole life and I'm only 3 hours away. 2020 will be the year. Not only am I excited for Phoenix, but Twister looks incredible too
It is very good
Knoebels & Hersheypark are my home parks, but I do prefer Knoebels when it comes to spending time with my family and friends I visit with every year. It is definitely worth taking the trip to go there!
In my opinion, Twister is a great coaster but of the two I prefer Phoenix.
Dude, your videos bring the feels.
We go ever year at least once. Knoebels is 2 hours from my house. Dorney and hershey are no doubt nice PA parks both with great rides, but the setting and vibe of knoebels is unmatched in my book. Phoenix, twister, and impulse are all great rides. Even the kidde coaster kosmos curves will put a smile on your face. Flying turns is also quite the unique experience. There is also a great log flume.
The Phoenix is a great wooden coaster and everything you've said about it is spot on...but Kings Island's The Beast is still my favorite.
My favorite coaster. Great video.
Huh. I think for the first time a review gave me tears to my eyes... “subscribed”
Thank you !!!!
What makes Knoebels my favorite park is the atmosphere. That, and the fact that they don't blast canned music throughout the park.
Excellent, fantastic video of the world’s greatest amusement park and my long-time favorite roller coaster! I grew up in San Antonio and rode Rocket for many years. Great ride, but not as good as Phoenix ( for those unaware, Rocket was moved to Knoebel’s in 1985 & rebuilt as Phoenix). Playland & Rocket’s closing in 1980 is what got me into roller coasters as a hobby. In 1982 I took my first coast to coast roller coaster trip & one of our stops was at Knoebel’s. Torrential rain that day had closed the park & me & my 3 traveling companions found ourselves in Knoebel’s office chatting with Dick & Ron Knoebel. During our conversation the subject of a wooden roller coaster came up (Knoebel’s has only 3 steel coasters then) and I told Dick & Ron Knoebel that the Rocket in San Antonio was for sale & would fit wonderfully in their park. Everyone chuckled at the thought of disassembling a wooden roller coaster, moving it halfway across the country and re-erecting it. A few months later the Knoebel brothers were in San Antonio walking and inspecting the Rocket (which I have photos of). The rest is history. Knoebel’s and Phoenix will get an entire week of my vacation time this year. Knoebel’s is the greatest place on earth & Phoenix is the world’s #1 roller coaster, as this awesome video so wonderfully portrays! GO THERE! See for yourself!
Nice job capturing the essence of the park. I live in Western PA, minutes from Kennywood. Pennsylvanians are so fortunate to have many of these old trolley/picnic parks and great woodies. KW , Waldameer, Idlewild and others, plus Hershey. A lot of history and tradition. My location gives me easy access to Cedar Point Ohio too. Going there in July. I try to visit a few PA parks every year. Haven't hit Knoebels yet. It's location is off the beaten path, but planning on doing a day/night in Aug at Hershey and hit Knoebles on the way home. Looking forward to it! I suggest u go to KW, drive 2 hours north to Waldameer, then head to Cedar Point! Liked your video so much I became a subscriber.
Wow thank you so much for the support !!!
wow... can I tell you how much I admire and respect the fact you brought up a story just to admit you were wrong.
Aside from all the great content, my favorite part was the clip of the little girl smiling from ear to ear on the wild mouse spinning coaster. That just EXUDES every single reason we become enthusiasts...for the fun and love of loving fun.
Wow thank you so much!!!
Very nice appreciation of the park and ride. Well done.
Thank You !!!
Knoebels is my happy place. Been visiting from Central New Jersey since the early 70s.
Good video! I like the take you have on it and get the park.
As someone who has a family trip there every year, I hope the full review appears one day lol!
I know prob not since this is from 19, but I hope!
This park is great, it’s a one and half hour drive from where I live in Pennsylvania, and knoebels takes great care and pride in their rides, the Phoenix is one of my favorite coasters and my first coaster at ten years old, it’s been years since I explored the whole park
Live 10 minutes from Hershey Park but definitely prefer Knoebels. It’s crazy but watching the POV camera it brings back memories of riding the Phoenix. It’s like looking at a painting and feeling the image in front of you. I’ve watched countless POV roller coaster rides but only Phoenix provokes feeling just from watching. Great video keep up the honest work.
3:46 Looking forward to the next video! This one was great! Knoebels is such a unique place, it's hard to put in words. I've tried and it always seems like rambling. Been going there every year with my family since I was very little. Special place.
It really is a special park for sure. Thank you !!!
This place looks amazing! If that GoPro footage was in real time and wasn't sped up, I'm visiting as soon as I get a chance.
Wow this was amazing. From start to finish this video had my jaw drop: fantastic!!
You did a wonderful job on this presentation. The footage, editing, and your words were just awesome. You have a gift for sure!
Thank you so much I appreciate that and thank you for watching !!!!
I never knew about how popular Knoebels was, nor that the Phoenix was the best wooden coaster on the planet, even though I go there every summer. Thanks for putting this out there.
Absolutely thank you !!!!
Your accent is so nice... I literally can’t even
Thank you
Excellent video as always! I am now even more excited to visit Knoebels next year for the first time. This definitely sounds like my kind of park.
Thanks !!!!!! Yeah it’s a great park and very different but I had a great time
I go to Knoebels every summer gosh I love this place so much, it’s a huge part of my life.
Like I've said before. Best coasters shots and editing out there keep it up. Would love u to visit the UK
Okaycoasters, you stated very well how much i love parks...I am definitely a GP and the video makes me want to go to Knoebels and i live in Disney World's back yard.
Definitely looking forward to hitting this park for our first time in June and this video is getting me hyped up in March! Nicely done!
Thank You!!! Your gonna really like the park I think
This looks so awesome! I wanna go there 😍
Seriously dude, you put some incredible, well thought videos. So glad I subscribed to your channel.
Thank you so much and also thanks for the support !!!
On a dry warm summer day this thing hauls but also it really gives good night rides. Not only that, but I work there and every rehire meeting they show how much they care about this ride. They have retracked it multiple times and are sure to keep it very smooth. It’s also a family owned park and it’s my home park so I’m biased, but you’ll never find anything with that homey feeling and the thrills of Knoebels. Sadly this is its last year of being my home park, soon it will be Six Flags Over Texas
Yeah I can tell from when I rode it that its kept it top condition. This really is an incredible park !!!
Wow, so cool, and not that far from me. And I never knew about it! Subscribed!
Thanks for the support! It’s a great park
Another great video.the cinematography is simply stunning. The coaster is good, I personally prefer Twister better, but Knoebels is one of the most unique parks I have visited. I was just there last week. So many things to do that don't cost money. Just there to enjoy yourself
Thank you !!! . Yeah I really liked Twister too. The park just feels so different and unique than most parks you go too.