Phoenix • Knoebels

I recently did a review on Voyage at Holiday World, and I kept saying how there's only one woodie that surpasses El Toro. Well, there might be two. El Toro has incredible airtime, but has those stapli...

I recently did a review on Voyage at Holiday World, and I kept saying how there's only one woodie that surpasses El Toro. Well, there might be two. El Toro has incredible airtime, but has those stapling lap bars which limit it's full extent. Then there's Phoenix, and old, outdated P.T.C woodie.. with some of the best airtime in the world. Phoenix has these "buzz bars" which come down on you, telling you that one size fits all. This is the only woodie besides Cornball Express at Indiana Beach, and the Cedar Fair "Woodstock Express," that have buzz bars. But this is on another level, having crazy airtime. At a theme park, you want to ride the "standout" coaster, Knoebels is in the middle of HersheyPark and Sesame Place Philly, all having a woodie. Lightning Racer is rough, Oscar's Wacky Taxi is just plain adorable (but insane,) and Knoebels has the best wooden coaster as of now. Voyage is still my #1 woodie, but the hype the Phoenix gets, let me just say that it's worth the hype.

Two words for you: Buzz. Bars. They make this ride what it is. The freedom of that restraint is actually unmatched, and they allow for some of the best airtime moments out there. Even elements that of...

Two words for you: Buzz. Bars. They make this ride what it is. The freedom of that restraint is actually unmatched, and they allow for some of the best airtime moments out there. Even elements that offer mediocre forces become highlights on this since you have some much room between the restraint. Could benefit from some different types of elements but it's electric from start to finish. My 200th coaster holds a special place in my heart.

This was the first major coaster I ever rode, and although my opinion of it has fluctuated, I've come to adore the unhinged airtime. I am SHOCKED that noone has ever fallen out of the train with how m...

This was the first major coaster I ever rode, and although my opinion of it has fluctuated, I've come to adore the unhinged airtime. I am SHOCKED that noone has ever fallen out of the train with how minimal the restraints are. The valleys are glass smooth, every turn has fantastic laterals, and the multiple airtime hills throughout the ride provide some of the scariest airtime you'll find on any coaster. Knoebels has taken great care of this 77 year old relic, let's hope it never changes.

I rode this on a bad day last year and wasn't impressed but then got a chance to ride it a bunch and I definitely appreciated the insane airtime pops all throughout the layout in both the front and ba...

I rode this on a bad day last year and wasn't impressed but then got a chance to ride it a bunch and I definitely appreciated the insane airtime pops all throughout the layout in both the front and back of the train with only buzzbars to hold me in my seat. It's also running butter smooth so Knoebels has absolutely mastered the wooden coaster art form. I still hesitate to say I prefer Phoenix to Twister (more unique design), the Beast, Thunderhead, or Mystic Timbers but it's an elite tier wood coaster.

Prenez une Buzz Bar qui ne sert à rien et des Ejectors en veut tu en voilà et vous obtenez un ride complètement nawak ou vous allez expérimenter les joies de ne quasiment jamais toucher votre siège et...

Prenez une Buzz Bar qui ne sert à rien et des Ejectors en veut tu en voilà et vous obtenez un ride complètement nawak ou vous allez expérimenter les joies de ne quasiment jamais toucher votre siège et avoir l'impression que le train ne va pas vous attendre, c'est truffé d'airtime, confortable, et tellement jouissif avec cette Buzz Bar qui offre un jeu tout simplement fou, très bon Wooden pour les Airtimes.

My favorite wooden coaster, this classic wooden coaster delivers so much airtime! From the big drops delivering floater to the epic bunny hill finale that will guarantee some slamming into the buzz ba...

My favorite wooden coaster, this classic wooden coaster delivers so much airtime! From the big drops delivering floater to the epic bunny hill finale that will guarantee some slamming into the buzz bar then to the seat! It even has surprise laterals and smoothness to boot! It deserves the hype it gets!

I'm not to sure what the hype around Phoenix is, its an okay wood coaster. I rode it once and it got stuck going up the lift hill twice as well as waiting at least 20 minutes of them cycling the carts...

I'm not to sure what the hype around Phoenix is, its an okay wood coaster. I rode it once and it got stuck going up the lift hill twice as well as waiting at least 20 minutes of them cycling the carts around with nobody inside. I feel knoebels does great for a lot of rides, but not coasters.

Phoenix is a coaster with a very simple layout, but it does what it does so damn well that there are no complaints from me. Is it like the OMG GREATEST WOODEN COASTER ALIVE OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!! ehhhh......

Phoenix is a coaster with a very simple layout, but it does what it does so damn well that there are no complaints from me. Is it like the OMG GREATEST WOODEN COASTER ALIVE OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!! ehhhh.... no... However, that does not mean it is not an amazing ride, trust me. It is. This simple old revived 40's airtime machine still contends with the best of em' in terms of the quality of airtime. Not THE BEST OF ALL TIME, but... not especially far off, which is impressive for a coaster technically nearly 80 years old. 5 Star Attraction.

Phoenix is unlike any other roller coaster I have ever ridden. I have never felt compelled to hold onto handlebars for my own safety, but this ride sincerely scared the crap out of me. I don't think y...

Phoenix is unlike any other roller coaster I have ever ridden. I have never felt compelled to hold onto handlebars for my own safety, but this ride sincerely scared the crap out of me. I don't think you've really experienced the true meaning of airtime until you ride Phoenix. When people say that these hills feature "standing airtime' they aren't lying; if you keep your feet planted to the bottom of the car it feels like you are going to fly out of the ride, and if you let them rise up with you then your knees will slam into the buzz bar. It is a marvel that this ride continues to operate with the restraints--or lack thereof--it has today. On top of that absurd ride experience, the operations on this ride are the fastest I've ever seen. A slow cycle here is anything over 30 seconds and they frequently hit dispatches in the low 20s. I sincerely hope that Knoebels never touches the restraints on this legend; I'm sure the ride would still be great, but the buzz bars make this ride the icon it is today. 10/10 - there is something beautiful about how everyone screams in the pre-lift tunnel; it's a truly freeing and joyful experience

This coaster surprised me. A wooden coaster in Pennsylvania was not on my list of pleasant surprises. So I was caught off guard. It has a nice first drop, but what really impressed me was the airtime....

This coaster surprised me. A wooden coaster in Pennsylvania was not on my list of pleasant surprises. So I was caught off guard. It has a nice first drop, but what really impressed me was the airtime. Hill after hill sent me out of my seat. The sheer volume of times I was airborne was really thrilling. I have been on a number of wooden coasters and this was one of the more exciting ones my butt has graced. Totally enjoyable and I look forward to my next visit.

Phoenix is incredible. The ride just gets better and better as it goes on. The hills towards the second half send you flying, it is some of the best airtime you can experience. The buzz bars make the ...

Phoenix is incredible. The ride just gets better and better as it goes on. The hills towards the second half send you flying, it is some of the best airtime you can experience. The buzz bars make the experience. Plus it's glass smooth.

When I was first going to ride Phoenix, I was thinking to myself that this ride would not be as great as I expected or it was going to be bad. Because every single “great” wooden coaster that I ride i...

When I was first going to ride Phoenix, I was thinking to myself that this ride would not be as great as I expected or it was going to be bad. Because every single “great” wooden coaster that I ride it ends up being a disappointment (targeted to Bolder Dash). But this was one of the greatest wooden coasters I've ever ridden, because El Toro is just better. The dispatches are not one of the fastest, but the fastest dispatches I have ever seen on a roller coaster. It takes them, I’d say, about 30 seconds to dispatch the train out of the station (Six Flags America, start taking notes). But that’s mainly because this coasters only restraint is buzz bars. Speaking of buzz bars, this roller coaster has some of the strongest airtime I have ever experienced on a wooden coaster, and since there are only buzz bars, you get flung out of your seat! I was actually standing because of how strong the airtime was. The only really bad thing about this ride is that this ride was only operating one train, for now, I hope. And also that’s it’s kind of a one-trick pony. I feel as if it only focuses on one great element, and that is obviously airtime. But I wish it kinda did something like El Toro. El Toro doesn’t just focus on its airtime, but it also focuses of laterals with those snappy turns, also the drop, El Toro’s drop is very steep (for a wooden coaster at least). But Phoenix is still great overall, and it is a must ride if you ever go to Knoebels (unless if it’s closed for some random reason).

With my home park being Great Escape and me being a big fan of Comet, I expected Phoenix to be phenomenal. It is. While it was running one train ops, the dispatches were incredible. Less than 30 secon...

With my home park being Great Escape and me being a big fan of Comet, I expected Phoenix to be phenomenal. It is. While it was running one train ops, the dispatches were incredible. Less than 30 second dispatches. Kudos to the ride ops for preventing the line to be an hour. The longest I waited was around 35 minutes. The beginning tunnel isn’t really a thematic element, but it is intriguing nevertheless. Lift hill is relatively quick, just like comet’s. Before getting into the actual layout, I want to acknowledge the absolute best restraints I’ve seen on any coaster. There’s a buzz bars, a foot above your lap, with no seatbelt and a really small seat divider. The forces are exemplified for this reason. First drop is pretty good, but nothing noteworthy. The turnarounds, especially towards the end, provide good laterals, although Twister takes the crown for the best laterals in the park. The airtime is absolutely amazing and is the real star of the show. Airtime hill after airtime hill, including a double up and double down, provide airtime that is inconceivably good. Towards the end, the buzz bar causes you to be essentially standing up because of how much airtime. True masterpiece of a ride. I’m so glad this is still in operation considering it was a relocation. I’m a huge fan of PTC, and this is the magnum opus.

The 2nd best coaster at Knoebels! Its a ton of fun but a bit of a one-trick pony. If you like airtime and airtime only then you'll love this. Just wish it did something other than 12 airtime hills in ...

The 2nd best coaster at Knoebels! Its a ton of fun but a bit of a one-trick pony. If you like airtime and airtime only then you'll love this. Just wish it did something other than 12 airtime hills in a row

I am a crazy coaster enthusiast meaning I love phoenix. In fact, I loved so much. that I did it 3 times in the back row the airtime is awesome especially because I am a kid. it was one of the best coa...

I am a crazy coaster enthusiast meaning I love phoenix. In fact, I loved so much. that I did it 3 times in the back row the airtime is awesome especially because I am a kid. it was one of the best coasters on my Pennsylvania coaster tour

This feels a bit overrated. The only part that felt "elite" was the end. The final airtime hills are outstanding, and they are easily my favorite airtime moments of any coaster. That sustained floa...

This feels a bit overrated. The only part that felt "elite" was the end. The final airtime hills are outstanding, and they are easily my favorite airtime moments of any coaster. That sustained floater is so cool, thanks to having just the buzz bar. Before that, though, I was a little bored. The first airtime hills were just OK and kind of clunky. The second hills were smooth and fun, but nothing exceptional. Capacity was horrible with one train running on a busy August weekend. Same for every coaster in the park. Why??

まず、安全バーがほぼないと言ってもいいくらい簡素なのがとても良い。これだけでこのコースターの魅力の2割くらいあります。 先頭の浮きが他のどのコースターよりも緩やかに浮いて緩やかに着地する他にない不思議な感覚を味わえる。 最後尾も結構ちゃんと浮くが（こちらは普通の浮き方）、「これくらいの規模でこれくらいはまあ浮くだろうしそこまで騒ぐことね」と思いました。しかし、いろんな木製に乗ってみるとその期待...

まず、安全バーがほぼないと言ってもいいくらい簡素なのがとても良い。これだけでこのコースターの魅力の2割くらいあります。 先頭の浮きが他のどのコースターよりも緩やかに浮いて緩やかに着地する他にない不思議な感覚を味わえる。 最後尾も結構ちゃんと浮くが（こちらは普通の浮き方）、「これくらいの規模でこれくらいはまあ浮くだろうしそこまで騒ぐことね」と思いました。しかし、いろんな木製に乗ってみるとその期待値に満たないコースターがとても多く、期待値通りに働くフェニックスの優秀さを改めて認識させられます。

I know a lot of enthusiasts say that this ride is overrated, but I can't say that! The 2 rides I got on it both blew me away. The ride itself was easily the smoothest wooden coaster I've ever been on,...

I know a lot of enthusiasts say that this ride is overrated, but I can't say that! The 2 rides I got on it both blew me away. The ride itself was easily the smoothest wooden coaster I've ever been on, and that's shocking considering it is over half a century old! Every airtime moment is unique. Sometimes, I was floating right in between the seat and the lap bar, creating a very odd sensation. Others, I was slammed up into the lap bar with no warning other than the sight of the hill in front of me. The fact that there's no seat belt amazed me as well! It just made the ride even better. It currently ranks as my #5 coaster, and for a good reason too!

Phoenix is a great ride, and an amazing headliner for the park. It gives some of the best ejector in the northeast, only challenged by skyrush, my 1, it is amazing that a coaster this old can be this ...

Phoenix is a great ride, and an amazing headliner for the park. It gives some of the best ejector in the northeast, only challenged by skyrush, my 1, it is amazing that a coaster this old can be this good, the only con is the trim break. The double down is insane, and the ride is still glass smooth(As of 5 years ago), My favorite woodie(Until I ride toro).

The ride was a great ride, especially the sequence of the ejectors in a row, the turnarounds do slow you down but may be benefitted as it prepares us for the ejector after ejector to come, a great woo...

The ride was a great ride, especially the sequence of the ejectors in a row, the turnarounds do slow you down but may be benefitted as it prepares us for the ejector after ejector to come, a great wooden coaster and although not the tallest, longest or fastest still delivers some of the best ejectors of any wooden coaster, not to mention it was taken down and rebuilt again as a relocation, great ride, solid airtime and good experience overall

While I slightly prefer Twister, Phoenix is still an excellent ride that is worthy of its great reputation. The ride is exceptionally smooth for its age, and contains fantastic airtime with its minima...

While I slightly prefer Twister, Phoenix is still an excellent ride that is worthy of its great reputation. The ride is exceptionally smooth for its age, and contains fantastic airtime with its minimalistic buzz bar restraints. The ending series of bunny hills is downright bonkers. It is a very rerideable coaster and a true crowd pleaser. I usually like more intense rides, but I totally understand why people love this ride so much.

Theme/Presentation: 4/10......Restraint: 10/10......Ascent/Launch: 6/10......Drop: 6/10......Speed: 7/10......Smoothness: 8/10......Air/Hang Time: 10/10......Elements: 7/10......Intensity: 7/10......D...

Theme/Presentation: 4/10......Restraint: 10/10......Ascent/Launch: 6/10......Drop: 6/10......Speed: 7/10......Smoothness: 8/10......Air/Hang Time: 10/10......Elements: 7/10......Intensity: 7/10......Duration: 7/10......Overall: 72/100

Phoenix is so fun, definitely one of the best wooden coasters I’ve ridden for pure ejector air. With a buzz bar and no seatbelt you go absolutely flying on 8 or 9 moments and it just feels like a bunc...

Phoenix is so fun, definitely one of the best wooden coasters I’ve ridden for pure ejector air. With a buzz bar and no seatbelt you go absolutely flying on 8 or 9 moments and it just feels like a bunch of double downs on Jack Rabbit at Kennywood. It also has some ok laterals but the airtime is the focus and highlight here, some of the moments like rising into the turnarounds are kind of weaker but still good floater and I guess it could get repetitive but still awesome. Also is in a great forest setting and is just an all around classic.

What an amazing ride. I thought it looked overrated and I wasn't going to like it that much before riding but I was totally wrong. The buzz bars make a huge difference, lots of hill give great floater...

What an amazing ride. I thought it looked overrated and I wasn't going to like it that much before riding but I was totally wrong. The buzz bars make a huge difference, lots of hill give great floater airtime but some of them have kinks in them that send you absolutely flying and you get standing ejector. The ride also has surprisingly good pacing and laterals too which I wasn't expecting. Now the ride can kind of hurt your knees but if you grab the buzz bar and push away on the airtime it won't hurt. Overall this ride may not have the most diversity but its really as good as a classic woodie can get. the airtime is amazing and the buzz bars make it feel like you are going to die its just insane.

On my first visit, I was a little bit underwhelmed by Phoenix but a year later we went back and got some wet night rides and this ride went from a great ride to a full experience. I've only had a hand...

On my first visit, I was a little bit underwhelmed by Phoenix but a year later we went back and got some wet night rides and this ride went from a great ride to a full experience. I've only had a handful of rides that get to the level of being a real experience. Multiple rides had us laughing like mad at the air we were getting. This is absolutely a top tier coaster and a ride that becomes an event unto itself.

I didn’t know what to expect from Phoenix. I classic woodie with a fairly basic layout but at the same time is a golden ticket winner. Well this thing is legit. The airtime is insane. Standing up the ...

I didn’t know what to expect from Phoenix. I classic woodie with a fairly basic layout but at the same time is a golden ticket winner. Well this thing is legit. The airtime is insane. Standing up the whole time. Easily one of the best wooden coasters in the world.

The fact that's there's only a buzz bar and no seatbelt makes this ride one of the best wooden coasters out there! If you're planning on going to Knoebels, make sure to come early and on a weekday if ...

The fact that's there's only a buzz bar and no seatbelt makes this ride one of the best wooden coasters out there! If you're planning on going to Knoebels, make sure to come early and on a weekday if they're open.