Tornado coming to Knoebels

Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is adding a Tornado by Wisdom Rides for the 2020 season. The eight car 32-passenger ride is expected to be ready for the park’s 94th opening day, this year on April 25.

“Eight cars hold four passengers each in individual seats facing the inside of the car,” offered park spokesperson Stacy Ososkie. “Once the ride reaches speed moving in a circle, it tilts 20º and lifts the cars up to 15 feet from ground level.”

According to Knoebels’ park president, Richard ‘Dick’ Knoebel, there’s another aspect of the ride that will likely be the favourite for many guests. “Controlling part of a ride provides a really unique and exciting experience,” said Knoebel. “Riders will be able to spin the cars of our new ride themselves, choosing their thrill level.”

This year will also see the removal of a ride that has been at the park for more than 20 years. Debuting at Knoebels in 1998, 1001 Nacht from Weber Maschinenbau GMBH took guests on a magic carpet ride reaching 85 feet in height.

“The ride is nearing the end of its operational life and ridership isn’t strong,” said Ososkie, “meaning it makes sense for us to remove it to help with future planning for the park.”