Dutch Wonderland or Knoebels?

[npmommie]

If you had to pick one of these which would you pick and why? We have been to Hersheypark and want to do something different.

 

[Sunobo]

If it was just for the kids and they are young, I would pick DW. If it was for older kids and the adults, I would pick Knoebels.

I've never been to Knoebels but the girls loved Dutch Wonderland and Dukes Lagoon. My dh and I didn't ride much there but we really liked the idea that it was geared toward kids and not adults.

Now that my younger dd is tall enough to ride more thrill rides, they would rather go to HersheyPark (it's closer to us than Knoebel).

 

[Cristy]

Knoebels. They have rides but you don't have to pay if you're not riding- free admission. It is a clean park with lots of shade and places to sit down. They are the #1 amusement park (per the industry awards) for food!

Where else can you ride a carousel and still get to try to catch the brass ring? I did that when I was a kid, my kids did it, and I look forward to taking my grandkids... and how about the hand crank "train" ride- kids use their own energy. That was a blast!

 

[Mickeys.friend]

Knoebels is a gazillion times better than Dutch Wonderland.....

 

[CherCrazy]

I have friends who camp right outside of Knoebels every year. Big group of kids and adults. They love it and have a blast. I've never been, but it really sounds nice.

I have been to Dutch Wonderland. It's ok. That's all, just ok. Very slow paced, quiet park.

 

[MeggerasMa]

Been to both. Knoebels, Knoebels, Knoebels. Great food. Great rides for all ages. Great little kids section (that is always crowded). The swimming pool is very clean and large enough to handle the crowds. Lots of shaded areas and benches to sit and people watch. Oh, I could go on and on. Even an adjacent campground for folks who like that. It was an annual event before the beginning of the school year for my tribe and what wonderful memories!

 

[java]

Knoebel's hands down.
Dutch Wonderland is cute if you are in that area and have little kids. Anyone else - and if you are making a trip just for the park go to KNOEBELS!

 

[klineyqueen]

Knoebels - without out even a slight doubt!!!!

 

[GraysMom]

I totally agree with PP's-go to Knoebels! Delicious food, free admission, free parking, you can bring your own food if you want to save money (they have shaded picnic tables-but trust me their food is inexpensive and yummy), free music at the bandshell, mini golf in the park, the Crystal Pool, etc. I highly recommend trying Cesari's Pizza, funnel cakes, carmel corn, and the fresh cut french fries near the front of the Alamo Restaurant.

We drove past Dutch Wonderland again last week when we were in the area for Day Out With Thomas, and I had absolutely no desire to go there. The parking lot was packed on a Wed afternoon, so I'm guessing there lines were fairly long for the rides. Not to mention, if DH and I are paying admission to the park, we expect to have some big coasters to ride.

 

[addicted2dizney]

Knoebels! For all the reasons the PP's listed. It's just a wonderful old time park that makes you feel like there are good people in the world and that you are not being taken for every penny while you are there! It's true Americana at it's best!

 

[mrsschlep]

Another vote for Knoebels!!!!!! I love this place... I am planning a trip there this summer! I live 45 mins from Dutch Wonderland and almost 3 hours from Knoebles... definitely worth the drive!

 

[HelenePA]

Knoebles. I'm hungry with all this talk of the park lately!!

 

[bcuinohio]

It may be farther than you want to drive but Kennywood park is awesome. If you have younger ones, Idlewild park is another good choice. IMO is is the best park for kids seven and under. They have rides for adults and big kids too bit their kiddie land is the best.

 

[npmommie]

Thanks everyone!! I think it may be Knoebels.

 

[disneymarie]

Been to both. Knoebels, Knoebels, Knoebels. Great food. Great rides for all ages. Great little kids section (that is always crowded). The swimming pool is very clean and large enough to handle the crowds. Lots of shaded areas and benches to sit and people watch. Oh, I could go on and on. Even an adjacent campground for folks who like that. It was an annual event before the beginning of the school year for my tribe and what wonderful memories!

I whole heartedly agree!
The free parking and admission is great. Also buying seperate coupon books vs the handstamp option is there for wimps like me. We go several times a summer. I like it much better then Hershey for price, food, rides. There is a seperate little ones water play area up near the one roller coaster.

If your in Lancaster visiting other sites and have small ones you may want to go there. I have not been back in almost 20 years...I was not impressed.
di

 

[jcwishes]

We are thinking of stopping and Knoebels on are way back to Chicago from Maine. Can anyone recommend a good place to spend the night?

 

[disneymarie]

We are thinking of stopping and Knoebels on are way back to Chicago from Maine. Can anyone recommend a good place to spend the night?

Check on Hotels.com and other sites for rates for your dates. The Super 8 is close by, just off the Interstate I 80 If I remember correctly. I would say that is most confienant.

Super 8 Mifflinville Pa Guest Rating 4.5 2 Reviews
from $60.00
Mifflinville / Mifflinville
Hotel Info: 866-538-0251 + Show Amenities & Rates



Econo Lodge And Suites Guest Rating 3.3 3 Reviews
from $60.00
Selinsgrove Speedway 5 Miles / Selinsgrove
Hotel Info: 866-538-1314

 

[addicted2dizney]

I always stay at a Hampton Inn in Shamokin Dam. It's about 12 miles from the park but the ride is on country roads. To me it's worth the drive to have a chain that I know the hotel will be clean and reliable. There are places nearby for dinner as well and breakfast, (continental) is included with your stay. They have a small indoor pool as well.

 

[tammyandtommy]

we all vote for Knoebels here, mainly because of the cost and the family friendliness

 

[scimom]

Definitely Knoebels. We've been going there every year since our son was 1 (he's 24 now) and it's the perfect place for all ages. There are lots of things to do for the little ones, enough "thrill" rides to keep teens busy, and lots of shade and benches for those who are just along for a nice day.

We love the free admission since DH is not a ride person. the food is great too!