When you look at a coaster this small, the term "Family coaster" comes to mind. The layout is nothing special and harkens back to those old days when these rides were all the rage, but the one thing any first rider will notice is how the ride has loads of these tiny, low to the ground hills. These look puny and especially considering the coaster LOOKS like a family coaster, they shouldn't be that intense, right? WRONG. Those hills on Phoenix (Most importantly, the Double Up Double Down hill and the last stretch of airtime hills) force you to STAND UP ON YOUR SEAT. And no, you can't fight it, so just enjoy the insanity for once. The first part of Phoenix is cool because you slowly turn and cruise around a tunnel that smells of any older establishment or home (You're in the pitch black darkness) and then you head up the slow chain lift hill. The height of this coaster is pathetic compared to today's standards (Even for wooden coasters!), but this ride is not meant to be tall. You go down the drop and begin to think "Oh, this is a family coaster," but after you go around that turn and down that second drop, you realize that this ride is about one thing: The airtime. The restraints don't even come close to touching you on this coaster, which means that the smallest bit of airtime will send you up, up and out of your seat. Some people may call the airtime "underwhelming", but don't go around expecting airtime that'll throw you against the restraint in a hard smack. There's a reason why those hills aren't pointy, you know. Anyway that first stretch of hills gives some okay airtime, just rising out of your seat, but a nice surprise greets you at the top of that second bend... AIR TIME! You are lifted up and out of your seat, then you turn and go down another drop into the Double Up Double Down sequence. And let me tell you, this has some of the most insane airtime on ANY ROLLER COASTER. I was fighting my instinct as hard as I could to not hold onto the lap bar during this part, as you begin to experience true STANDING airtime on all three hills. And after that third bend, oh boy, it just keeps on getting better from there. You do encounter a bit of roughness on this third turn, but after that it's airtime nirvana. Multiple small hills in a row, each with insane standing airtime. I couldn't fight my instinct now, because that's just how insane this coaster's airtime is. Up and down and up and down you go, standing up in your seat and giddy with glee, and then you end the ride. Sadly, your one-stop train to Airtime Heaven has ended. And the true insanity just started. This is one of the best roller coasters I have ever ridden (It was actually my 100th roller coaster, not counting rerides) and is a must try for ANY roller coaster enthusiast. Forget people calling this Airtime Express of Insanity overrated, if anything it's a little bit underrated now. So if you're at Knoebels right now enjoying the great deals, outstanding food and stellar rides, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! GET ON PHOENIX RIGHT NOW!!!
There is really no other ride quite like Phoenix. The first drop fools you into thinking this might be a tame old wooden rollercoaster. But somehow, with each new element the ride becomes exponentially more insane until you come screeching to a halt. It is as if the ride was specifically designed to imitate a musical crescendo. All that build up leads to what is widely considered the greatest finale of any rollercoaster ever built, period. Those final airtime hills. Try keeping your hands up in the air if you can. There’s a reason this ride (and its home park) are so beloved. Several reasons actually. An absolute must ride, and easily on the short list of the best coasters of all time.
Loved it. Rode it several times, especially enjoy the tight rings that seem to bank inward. Also fun when the nearby train ride is passing directly below, and the coaster chain of cars seems to "dive-bomb" them!
The Phoenix is probably the best coaster I've ever been on. It may not be the fastest or tallest, but it is a whole lot of fun. It's also pretty smooth for a wooden coaster and never left me feeling overly rattled afterward.
Rated one of the top wooden coasters in the country, how can you not love it?
Phoenix is a US Point Of Interest based in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. Phoenix is located at Knoebels Amusement Resort,, 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824, USA.
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