Knoebels Amusement Resort announced a new ride today in advance of the 2020 season and also announced the closure of a longstanding ride at the park.
Knoebels is celebrating the new year with a new ride, called “Tornado.” The ride is expected to be ready and in place for riders on opening day – April 25, 2020.
Tornado will be capable of holding 32-passengers. According to Stacy Ososkie, Director of Public Relations for Knoebels, “Eight cars hold four passengers each in individual seats facing the inside of the car. Once the ride reaches speed moving in a circle, it tilts 20 degrees and lifts the cars up to 15 feet from ground level.”
Dick Knoebel, president of the park, said riders will be able to control how much the cars spin.
“Controlling part of a ride provides a really unique and exciting experience,” Knoebel said. “Riders will be able to spin the cars of our new ride themselves, choosing their thrill level.”
Visitors will need to be 38 inches tall to ride Tornado with an adult, and 48 inches to ride alone. It will be located near StratosFEAR drop tower ride and Kreeper’s Pumpkin Patch game.
Ride Removed for 2020
This year will also see the removal of a ride that has been at the park for more than 20 years. 1001 Nacht sent guests soaring high above the park on a magic carpet ride reaching 85 feet.
“The ride is nearing the end of its operational life and ridership isn’t strong, meaning it makes sense for us to remove it to help with future planning for the park,” Ososkie said.
Ososkie said more details on changes and additions will be made available as Knoebels’ 94th season approaches.