America's Top 10 Independent Parks

[@Loopingthrills]

crazy how hershey park is such a major independent park and competes with one of six flags' top parks (great adven)

[@MrSlice2244]

Not really that surprising. Yes it is an independent but the company had plenty of money since they already sold Hershey products

[@yourmother3217]

considering they are owned by a giant conglomerate that earns billions each year from their chocolate products, it’s really not that crazy

[@Tylerff26]

Hersheypark is owned by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts not by the Hershey Co which owns the candy co.

[@briangallagher710]

Great Adventure has really become a dump thanks to years of neglect.

[@MrSlice2244]

@@briangallagher710 Great Adventure is not a dump and a few years of neglect doesn’t make it worse it just doesn’t make it better

[@ChiefScarneck]

As a Lagoon local, I'm shocked and pretty honored you placed Lagoon over Holiday World! It's an underrated park and it's awesome to see it so high!

[@southwest.air.luvflyer]

Lagoon is pretty fun honestly unfortunately every time I've been cannibal has been down for maintenance but everything else is awesome

[@thequackenscoasterchannel2927]

Hersheypark also tops my list, it's in my top 10 overall parks. Food is good, those milkshakes are incredible, operations are good, staff is reasonably friendly, I've just had amazing experiences both time I've been (2015 & 2016).

[@JVR10893]

Hersheypark benefits from being owned by a major corporation as well as being in direct competition with one of the top three Six Flags parks in the chain. What's interesting is that besides in Los Angeles where Disneyland is king, usually a Cedar Fair park is the top park in a market, but in the NYC/Philly area, Dorney Park is a very distant third behind the extremely close in quality Hersheypark and Six Flags Great Adventure.

[@MattMcIrvin]

@@hersheyparkhotspot6178 They used to own Dutch Wonderland and Lake Compounce, so I suppose it would have counted as a chain then.

[@briangallagher710]

There are rumors that expansion is coming for the park. We go to HP every summer and it never disappoints.

[@happynessinthesmallthings]

Universal Studios Hollywood California USA Travel Video Clips kzbin.info/www/bejne/anKwdoSbdpKNaJI

[@dhs0801]

Canobie is one of my home parks (I'm situated in between Canobie and SFNE) and it has a whole lot of charm. The operators are usually nice and they have some good flat rides, specifically Physcodrome (an indoor scrambler that's essentially a light show). The rollercoasters are lacking, and Yankee Cannonball's 1 train operations suck, but come here at night and it's amazing. Also the water rides (Log Flume and Boston Tea Party) are very fun, especially when you have a drunk guy sitting with you screaming that together you will liberate Vancouver.

[@MattMcIrvin]

I unreasonably love Untamed, probably because it went up right when I was getting back into riding coasters after a long hiatus and was my first vertical-lift/beyond-vertical-drop ride. The snack stands at Canobie are themed like giant popcorn boxes and hot dogs and remind everyone of Rollercoaster Tycoon. Also they have an unusually strong collection of game arcades, including what is now the biggest publicly accessible collection of pinballs in New England (there used to be a better one not far from there, Pinball Wizard in Pelham, but it is sadly gone).

[@katherinezimmerman6997]

Concur - Canobie was one of my home parks growing up as well and I love it to death. The Dragon kiddie coaster was my first ever credit, Yankee Cannonball was my first non-kiddie credit and the Corkscrew (RIP) was my first credit with inversions. The park has buckets of charm and has literally made appearances in my dreams. Here’s hoping they get something good to replace the Corkscrew; I’m hoping for a Raptor, but perhaps that’s asking too much.

[@KRPlourde1]

I grew up at Canobie and loved it so much!

[@HHPYE42]

I need to ride the flume with that experience.sounds legendary

[@zachcoastercrazy4032]

I adore waldameer. Ravine Flyer II was great, I loved Steel Dragon, and comet was great too. Their thrill rides are good, and their old rides are charming. Not to mention the water Park, and how pretty the park is.

[@627jace627]

I agree. We actually enjoyed it more than Knoebels.

[@StamfordBridge]

All parks in your top five are phenomenal, but I’m one of the people you mentioned who’d put Knoebels at number one. Then again, what really blew me away about the park was its folksy charm, and you said charm is less important to you, so we shouldn’t be surprised at the difference. For me: 1. Knoebels; 2. Hershey; 3. Holiday World.

[@AirtimeThrills]

Knoebels is legit and when you add the uniqueness in, i can see why it's tops for you

[@woodencoasterfan]

I wholeheartedly agree with this ranking even though I’ve only been to Holiday World and Lagoon. Lagoon is one of my all time favorites as it really does combine my two loves which are coasters and history. The Pioneer Village at Lagoon really blew me away and they also have two classic Bill Tracy dark rides as well and they really do a great job taking care of Roller Coaster as it is really smooth for its age. I plan on visiting Hersheypark next year and Waldameer in the next few years.

[@rcfreakeagle]

Living close to Lagoon, I've always felted I've had a bias for always keeping it high in my rankings, but I realize this is a park that truly matters on if you just want to ride good classic rides instead of big thrills. Too many people go to it expecting as many thrills as the big corporate parks or theming like Disneyland and become jaded for setting expectations too high for a family park. However, if you go just for the experience, you'll find yourself loving this place more than many of the other parks, especially if you have children. Seeing you ranking it so high goes to show that. Not that it isn't as good as other parks, but too many GP (and enthusiast snobs) expect another theme park haven or big ride central when Lagoon isn't that, but still gives a better overall experience with it's line-up than many other parks.

[@zacg_]

Hersheypark is a solid pick for number one. That said, I think Holiday World is the best value park in the country. The ride line up isn't deep but the coasters are very good. The supporting flat rides and water rides are decent but not particularly impressive. The setting is quite lovely and the theming may be minimal but it's quirky and charming. And I like some of these other odd quirks like the corn maze in the Fall. But what really makes the park stand out for me is what you get with your admission ticket. Free parking is always a plus. Free sunscreen is a decent perk. Free drinks is just awesome! The fact that you can just get another cup all day just puts a smile on my face. And free water parks are always a great perk. But it's the fact that the water park is one of the best in the country that makes Holiday World such a great value. There are many lesser water parks that cost more than a Holiday World ticket and yet Splashin' Safari is included. Splashin' Safari would be a reasonable deal if it were separately ticketed and cost the same as a Holiday World ticket. But it's included. And Holiday World tickets are cheap (at least if you buy them online.)

[@braxbro7602]

Good to see my home park at #2! I’ve been there for so many additions and I still remember the hype that Cannibal had. Memories like those is one reason why I love theme parks!

[@matthintz9468]

I still have to go with Holiday World over Hershey. Line management and ride operations are impeccable, and the first three years I visited I was able to meet Bill Koch Sr. and his lovely wife, Patricia. They were walking around talking with people, and spoke with my father and I for close to 20 minutes. The following year I ran into them again, with Patricia helping in the operation of The Legend, and Bill just hanging out on the platform. The cool part was that they remembered us, and it wasn't just lip service, they remembered key details we shared with them. You could tell Bill wasn't at his best. He looked like he lost some weight, like maybe he had surgery. The following year he had died shortly before we visited (we always went to Holiday World in September), and ran into Pat again on our trip and offered our condolences. We got a hug. We also saw the other family members around the park on our frequent visits. You just can't quantify how special those types of moments are. It's really something you can't get at many parks. This is why Holiday World is solidly at the top of my list, followed by Knoebels, then Hershey. Silverwood, and .... I'm not going to lie, I still have Kennywood on the "independent" list because It's just burned into my brain as an indie park. I've always been a big fan of Jolly Rogers in Ocean City, both the main location and pier location. It's not really about rides, more about atmosphere. Maybe go with Luna Park in that 5th spot because of the Cyclone.

[@AirtimeThrills]

Thats quite the personal service at HW

[@AirtimeProductions]

Amazing list!!! Always love to see Bay Beach being mentioned!

[@jacobsekela8691]

I grew up going to Knoebels a lot more often than Hershey Park (and I've never been to Waldemeer as I live around 45 minutes northwest of Philly, so that's a far drive for me). I also haven't been to Hershey Park in probably a good 7-8 years now. For now, Knoebels is my favorite park, and probably will remain so due to the nostalgia I have for it, but I want to try and make it a mission for me to visit Waldemeer, Kennywood, and Canobie Lake Park (and also hit up Hershey again).

[@mycobacteriem2540]

im in philly and havent been to knoebels but go to hershey often. ive been thinking about going as a daytrip tho, knoebels looks gorgeous, is it worth just going for one day or is it more a multi day experience?

[@TheBolligerMabillardLover]

​@@mycobacteriem2540you can do Knoebels in 1 day

[@plague180]

I absolutely love lagoon, it’s my favorite on this list for sure

[@crowdeddavid]

Growing up with Holiday World and Slpashin' Safari as my family go to it has a sweet spot for me with family memories, so maybe that is why I love it so much. I also haven't been to Hershey park or the Utah park, so maybe a trip out west is in order to hit that one. Hershey is on my list for 2022.

[@kelowatt]

Canobie is charming, and they have a cool haunt and a fun wierd dark ride Mine of Lost Souls. Also, if you're ever near Darien Lake hit up Seabreeze in Rochester. Jack Rabbit is the oldest continuously operating coaster in the US and the first with upstop wheels, and has a cute homebrew steel coaster.

[@justiceleaguebattleformetr9239]

Holiday World is not just my favorite independent park, but my favorite park, period.

[@recallsexplained7648]

Awesome list. I totally agree with your placements and reasoning. Great work as always!

[@6688ragnar]

I know this is a coaster channel, and I love it, but Knoebels has the best haunted house dark ride of all time, outside of Disneyland, but for an independent one it is amazing. I flew across the country 20 years ago to go to a few east coast parks and that was a huge surprise!

[@lucasseymour8710]

I think Holiday World's Water Park is unmatched when it comes to Amusement Parks. From the Mammoth to Wildebeest, to Cheetah Chase, this place's water park is unreal. Not to mention the Regular Park two world Class coaster with the Voyage And thunderbird and two great wood coasters. It evens has a kids area with a decent coaster.

[@someonethere1122]

It's really unfortunate you never got to Mt. Olympus like twenty years ago. They had a ton of charm back then. Leaned way more into the Roman theming all over the park. Medusas Drop was one of the best go kart tracks I've ever been on too.

[@AceAviations2]

The place is a shithole that doesn't deserve to be in business, dont ever visit that dump.

[@BurgerInATux]

My first knowledge of Lagoon was before I was an enthusiast (but liked coasters), and I saw a Cannibal POV and it was so insane I thought it was a Planet Coaster Creation lol

[@AmusementArchitect]

So glad to see Hershey in the number one spot! It truly deserves it! The lineup is great Especially Storm Runner!

[@ethanhcomposer]

Hersheypark is downright awesome. It’s one of the best parks in North America, period. Awesome video!

[@tannerd37]

I grew up 15 minutes away from lagoon, and I am happy to see it so high on this list. Sadly I never rode cannibal, since I didn't like roller coasters much back then, and so I chickened out. I feel like once it is done building the mountain dark ride, or whatever it is, I feel like the family rmc model would be perfect for them, as It would fit lagoon really well. (Also, I was like, 9, when cannibal came out, and we moved a couple months after it did come out, and we have never gone to lagoon again.(I had also never been to any other amusement park at the time, so I had never seen a coaster bigger than wicked, and the drop looked sooo steep to me that I couldn't get myself to do it.)

[@AirtimeThrills]

I agree an rmc would be great for Lagoon

[@Doobajig]

@@AirtimeThrills Yeah, we’re seriously lacking airtime and it would be the first family rmc ever which would also fit with Lagoon having very unique rides

[@nathangrace4680]

I’m interested to see how Primordial turns out. Could be another great addition.

[@sidvernon6343]

Lagoon will not build an RMC. They can produce a better product that no one can duplicate, In-House. The safety and comfort factor of RMC are also not up to their standards.

[@yotsubafanfan]

Holiday World is my number one. I'm pretty biased though seeing at it's my local park but it seems like it ALWAYS gets a new ride year after year. The staff are friendly, Its clean, it's not too expensive (especially for 2 parks in one plus all the free amenities) and the atmosphere is awesome!

[@shieldmansam2284]

I don’t know how you’re able to keep new content coming out regularly like you do but I thank you. Keep it up. I think I watch your stuff more that any other similar channel, also I agree with your assessments and opinions like 98% of the time…expect you like Viper at MM and I thought that ride was one of the worst lol.

[@AirtimeThrills]

I heard Viper was running like crap this year 🤕 i havent ridden it in 2 years now

[@angelalewis8539]

I love your description of mt Olympus, there is no charm but there’s some slight entertainment

[@Tylerhopkins3106]

Absolutely loved your video, and great list I thought you would have had Holiday World at number 1 but Hersheypark is a great choice for number 1!!! great video once again!!!

[@miamea2]

I'm glad you added Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk, definitely gets over looked in my opinion. I'm not sure if other independent parks do this, but I think this reason alone should increase Silverwoods ranking. Silverwood partnered with school districts in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho to encourage children to read. If a child reads 10 hours of books in the month of March, then they get a free admission to Silverwood. I mean what park does that?

[@corkscrewfoley]

Not seeing Holiday World number one is gonna trigger a whole bunch of folks, and it's not me for once. 🤣 Excellent video sir, and I love the baseball channel too, even if it's a bit Dodgers-ccentric (I'm a Halos fan). 😉😊

[@AirtimeThrills]

I should get an Angels video out there soon. But hey I only got 1 Dodger video so far

[@corkscrewfoley]

@@AirtimeThrills I know...just being an ass. Lol. I actually like the Dodgers, so it's all good for me. Do you have anything planned for the back to back Blue Jays World Series runs or anything about the Expos? (I am a hoser after all).

[@Loopingthrills]

so excited for this video! Love when you rank parks!

[@doobertscoobert]

I’m a huge Waldameer fanboy. Out of 114 coasters, Ravine Flyer II is in my top five.

[@mrasmussen90]

As a PA resident my favorite is probably Waldameer. Hersheypark and Knoebels are both great but there’s just something about Waldameer that I love.

[@njmaxrocks]

I have Knoebels at number one. My opinion is biased, I absolutely love that place. I respect your choices, and no doubt Hershey has the deepest pockets, but I'll pick going to Knoebels every time. Just waiting to see what they have planned for the 100th anniversary.

[@joshuamoore3049]

I'm glad to see Lagoon ranked as high as it is. I live very close to it and it's my home park.

[@anthonystevens2738]

I’m happy to see Hersheypark at the top of your list and that’s where I would put it. I haven’t been to any of the other parks on this list besides knoebels and I’ve loved it for years. Going there all the time in my childhood, the charm, atmosphere, food, everything. It’s perfect. But for me, I have Hershey at the top because that peaked my interest in coasters and it’s my home park.

[@pureawkwardness415]

I really thought Holiday World was going to win this ranking but I can’t blame you for putting Hersheypark here lol

[@davidcellucci1020]

Thank you for constantly putting out fresh content!

[@InsaneCoasterJunkie]

Was amazing to see a Airtime Thrills video on my birthday!!

[@StamfordBridge]

Happy birthday, Junkie!

[@SlimFury]

Hersheypark is my home park, and I agree with your ranking for the same reason. I do enjoy the coaster lineup, but they also have so much more to offer.

[@toplaycool21]

I'm from Pennsylvania and we have a great line up of parks. We have the big 4 (Hersheypark, Dorney Park, Knoebels and Kennywood), second tier (Waldameer Park, Delgrosso's Amusement Park, Lakemont Park), the children's parks (Sesame Place, Dutch Wonderland, and Idlewild Park), and the water parks (Camelbeach, Sandcastle, Splash Lagoon, Great Wolf, and Kalahari).

[@AirtimeThrills]

I was able to get to some of the smaller parks this year, but still havent been to sesame or Dutch wonderland

[@markjensen7091]

I fully agree on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the traffic and parking are terrible especially on weekends. The Big Dipper is a lot of fun and a really good ride for it's age and size. At least the park is free to enter and yes the rides are pricy but it makes it a great place to go on a limited budget.

[@theaterqueen95]

YESS!! You did say Elysburg right!! I’m so proud LOL

[@Jimmy-Mc]

Pretty much a spot on list. I haven't been to most of the smaller parks but I completely agree with the top 3. Hershey feels more like a resort to me, kind of like Universal, and I forget it's an independent park.

[@scrapplejacks8780]

Great job. Hershey at#1 is great Park... Nothing mind blowing but huge variety.

[@Lauren-bw2sj]

I'm a ride op at Canobie, its a must visit here in New England, yeah our lineup is a bit lacking especially since we just had to axe our arrow corkscrew, but the charm is top notch. Our flat ride collection is solid, and the park's theming isn't that bad for a small indie park. When you visit, make sure you get on the Mine of Lost Souls, Turkish Twist (one of the last rotors left), and Caterpillar one of the two original caterpillar rides still in operation. Along with that, the landscaping is gorgeous, especially in the north end of the park by the lake & Untamed.

[@Lovefromwcu1]

The Hershey Hotel (on property) also has one of the best spas I've ever been to! The hotel in general is awesome.

[@mitchellries256]

Of all those parks, I've only been to Arnold's Park and Mt. Olympus. I definietely plan to visit most if not all of them over the next few years. But back to Mt. Olympus very quickly when I say that I think the park was operating much better when I was there in 2008 than it is today. For one thing the go-kart tracks had the entire track running including the elevated sections, the indoor theme park was much more exciting with the now removed Opa coaster and I think turning Hades into Hades 360 may have been a mistak. I'll have my full thoughts on that if I go there thus summer but for now I think they might need to consider new ownership.

[@carriepenn4248]

“I’ve been here three times and have never gotten to ride Flying Turns.” I feel this deeply.

[@codenameu.arctos3747]

Not sure if I missed it but just some info on Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Entry is free. Food and individual rides are expensive. For rides the unlimited rider wrist band is what they want people to buy (easy to get money worth of you plan to ride the Dipper multiple times). if you are a beach goer or park walker, totally free.

[@sprinklesplash810]

Finally my home park Lagoon is mentioned!!! Cannibal is also a fav for me.

[@clairefunnell8481]

These are some really neat rides. I would ride all the woodies first. I ❤ woodies. Pretty neat. Really enjoyed the video. Thank you.

[@yokester74]

I grew up in Ogden just north of Lagoon. One summer I rode Colossus 17 times in a row. Don’t I could handle one ride now.

[@CarCar75]

When you said everyone has a mount olympus story that reminded me of the second time I went there. I got a pretty big injury in their Poseidon wave pool when I thought it would be smart to run away from the wave when it hit me. Ended up getting my knees very bloody and scraped up and I tripped a couple of people as the wave pushed and tumbled me through the crowd. It was traumatic

[@alantrotter2077]

Hershey Park and Holiday World are 1 and 1A for me. Both are easily in my 10 favorite US parks. I think Silverwood and Knoebels are the next tier down, and then Lagoon. I feel like Lagoon lacks depth after Cannibal a little bit. Those 5 are all real good parks I would put in my Top 25 parks in the USA that I've been to. I need to get to Mt Olympus and see if it can join break into the top 5.

[@RoachOverlord]

Lakemont used to be more of a traditional amusement park. They had a lot more flat rides and even one of those weird Toboggan coasters like at Little Amerricka.

[@amusementscape]

You should do something like a combination of Herschend, SeaWorld, and Palace parks Top 15 or something. That would be an interesting list. Nice video!

[@AirtimeThrills]

I think at that point its time to roll out my top 30. Gotta get that list together and mash up all of these in order

[@amusementscape]

@@AirtimeThrills that’s true. It would be a mess. I think that you should put a note what rank you have each park in the chain to keep it interesting

[@Jermeister06]

Considering lagoon is my home park its my fav because its not often that i get to go outta state because i dont make much money.

[@MagicalMachete]

Heyyy you visited Waldameer while I worked there! I hope you tried the Ravine Flyer at night or later in the day so you could get the full experience. The speed difference is very noticeable

[@AirtimeThrills]

Nah i got rides right after opening unfortunately

[@ThrillRidez]

Good list. Funny story about Mount Olympus the ride operator didn’t stop Cyclops in time and it flew by the station lol. What a crazy park. Well we made it out safe and had a great time. Think we paid $55 for 2 days and one night a the hotel. What a steal!

[@lazykatie42069]

"A lot of these small independent parks have charm. Mt. Olympus has no charm, but Mt. Olympus has some awesome rides and that's more important to me" killed me XD

[@FeaturedAttractionRT]

You should revisit Silverwood soon. Tremors got a retrack and a lot of it is now the new 208 track from RMC. It's an airtime monster now, you'll love it. Get in the back row and you're out of your seat most of the ride. That and the addition of Stunt Pilot and Silverwood is just all around wonderful. I went to both Silverwood and Lagoon this last summer and enjoyed Silverwood a lot more. Lagoon was great, but Silverwood felt really special.

[@AirtimeThrills]

Silverwood and lagoon are on my list to revisit. Theyre just kinda way out there

[@f1fan112]

Hersheypark feels like a Cedar Fair park when you enter it (in regards to how it operates).

[@zfxpedals]

As an Erie resident I really enjoy Waldameer, but it's placement on your list seems very appropriate. I would rank most of these parks in similar ways.

[@reg1m0nz83]

santa cruz boardwalk is one of my favorites cuz its close to home and i can always get my friends who dont like coasters to go with me at least to see the beach lol. giant dipper is hands down my favorite classic coaster. it always runs better than youd expect

[@TheVerruckMan]

Hersheypark is my home park (In fact me and my familly used to be able to get discounted tickets since I had an uncle who used to work there) so I'm glad to see it getting some recognition.

[@justinbrooks1709]

cool list all of these are so underrated

[@timwolfers7880]

Great list! I see I have a few places still to visit. 😎

[@Stephenp503]

Turns out that Magic Springs is owned by Premier Parks, so I've never been to an independent park!

[@ydinoh]

That ice cream cone was ridiculous lol

[@LydsTherinNotamon]

I halfway expected Stricker's Grove to make a cameo in the honorable mentions 😅

[@Wesley-76]

I'd love to visit these parks, the closest to me is Holiday World, which I may end up visiting soon alongside Kentucky Kingdom. I don't have a ranking though, as I've never been to an independent park!

[@ScottyMania313]

"Pegasus, we don't talk about this one" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@IndyCoasterCreator]

Yes

[@RennellReed]

I've been to waldameer and I have to say that it is the best independent Park I've been to. My home park is Great escape in lake George, NY... Which is part of the six flags chain. If I lived closer I would certainly take waldameer over The Great escape. Ravine flyer 2 is a great coaster!

[@Protronica]

I would say canobie park should definitely be in the lineup, untamed and yankee cannonball are very good rides and have a nice 1-2 punch, also the park has the best charm in all of parks I’ve visited

[@Danny1995100]

Love the content man! Keep it up!!

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

That's crazy that Mt Olympus was that cheap when you went. I went in July 2019, and parking was $20 & admission was $35. I stayed at one of their hotels for $85 total, which included parking & admission for 2 days, plus 3 hours of nighttime ERT & food, so that was a killer deal.

[@AirtimeThrills]

I thought there was some kinda catch with those $5 tickets but nope...thats what they cost lol

[@SupermarketSweep777]

As a PA resident I fully support Hersheypark and Knoebels as the best two. Hershey has the funds and the power to compete with the chains. Not to mention it has a free waterpark and a zoo. Knoebels is like a step back in time and it's a delight. Especially for those who may not be thrill seekers but have family who is.

[@thewintermedic2246]

I feel Dutch Wonderland at least deserved honorable mention. They only have three coasters but Merlin's Mayhem is pretty fun and they have a decent flat ride collection. Also, they have a train, sky ride and monorail which is something a lot of bigger parks can't claim. Other than that, staff were really nice and entertainment was amazing.

[@AirtimeThrills]

I havent gotten there yet, but it does look like a really good kids park

[@christophersteppat7865]

Hershey is my #2. never had a bad experience. Ranked Over Great Adventure, Cedar Point, Knoebels, Kings Dominion. Only park higher is BGW which is my #1 and I don’t think anything will ever top it.

[@Rsplays02]

My home park is Santa Cruz beach boardwalk and I love it. Giant dipper is getting a little bit it still has good airtime. The main thing I would love to get is an s&s el loco but with lap bars. It just seams so perfect for it and they could have a great number 2 coaster in the park. One thing is that I don’t know how much they cost so that might change my opinion

[@maxhagenauer24]

Thank you for putting Mt. Olympus on here.

[@shieldeddragon7828]

Skyliner at Lakemont is an airtime machine. The line for it is usually really short, I marathoned it once (24 rides in a row) it was great

[@AirtimeThrills]

I rode it front and back and i didnt get any air

[@shieldeddragon7828]

RIP

[@DankPeezy_YT]

I obviously would put Holiday World at number 1. I think if they get one more coaster, maybe an Intamin launch or something similar, they will take that spot for most thusis. That being said, Hersheypark is up there with the Herschend and Cedar Fair parks as a real full-sized theme park so I can see why you would put it at #1. Good list.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

"I'm Michael T" I approve of this ranking! Hershey & Santa Cruise RoCkS!!!! You have some cool eclectic ones in there. Ever been to Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster PA? I know it's part of Hershey Resorts. Oh! Morey's Piers & Holiday World (free soda) + fab coasters!

[@AirtimeThrills]

Never been to Dutch wonderland but hopefully i can make time for it one day

[@JSInOrbit]

So I may be a wee-bit older & winey-er than Chris, but I'd never call any RC boring. On the other hand, I grew up with HP pre-Y2K & I remember when I was sooper scared of the boomerang, which was the furthest end of this park. So think of the same lineup for >half my life and SDL being my favorite there (pre trim brakes; the last ride broke my little 💔). So the park was Tudor Sq to WC (Cyclops) to TB to GB (actually a Himalaya) and back, and a fast huss Tra[y]bant, in a concrete family park. I convinced my folks to take me to WDW, BG, dorney, knoebels, SF, & SNJ beaches so I had a better education. Finally went back in 2020, and I can now agree it might well be #1, at least in the 300-mile surrounds, indy or not, although I never used the waterpark. PS I'd probably be "G-force thrills" as my handle, and this year, I just pushed flying turns out of my top 10 woodies [suck It Chris 😁🤣][luv your vids] And I'm a thusie now!

[@AirtimeThrills]

Welcome to thusie world, and I am jealous of your flying turns credit. That thing hates me.

[@UwePieper]

I constantly have to think of Europe and Phantasialand, Europa-Park and Efteling... Toverland, Hansa-Park, Tivoli Gardens, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Energylandia... (still remembering additional independend mid to upper tier independend parks)

[@edgyboiskeliton4379]

LETSSSS GOOOO LAGOON MENTIONED LETS GOOOOOOOOO

[@floridamaddogg]

Santa Cruz Boardwalk Park was the park featured in Lost Boys, correct?

[@XscreamThrills]

I live 3hrs away from Knoebels and have only gotten one ride on Flying Turns. Good luck! 🙃

[@AirtimeThrills]

The first time it was raining pretty hard. Understood. Second time it was being torn apart. Understood. 3rd time I went on a BUSY weekend and it was closed for staffing. Rage.

[@WhatAG23]

My crazy Mount Olympus story is that one time when I was going there (I think it was my second trip) they asked me if I had a knife on me, I said no, so they said “okay, you’re good to go” without actually checking my bag or pockets

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

Hersheypark is by far in a way my # 1 independent park. In fact, it may be my overall # 1. I am an Intamin fanboy, but it also has so much to offer beyond the coasters.

[@thingsofinterest7524]

I totally agree on Hershey Park. It has a lot of everything, good lineup, but when it comes to ranking, there is so much i just feel "uhh yeah, but they could have done better" . This park could easily be much higher in my alltime list, but it just isn´t. Hard to explain, but when I visited this year I was pretty shure this park will bounce straight to my top ten, but ... no. The best way to explain could be the monorail ride, which is just an advertising tour. They did not build it to give you a relaxing ride, watching the whole park, it has been built to sell you something and this feeling you have everywhere. Pretty the same as Europa Park in Germany.

[@gerardoc5840]

Video idea! a video about coaster commercials, being a floridain growin up I remember only seeing Disney and bgt, what about other parks and their coasters, maybe if they lived up to there commercials or something

[@AC98000]

Thanks for the dinner reminder

[@timhawley3721]

Honestly, I hope Mt. Olympus gets bought out by a theme park chain, preferably not Six Flags or Cedar Fair. It has so much potential, but it's obvious the owner doesn't care that much about it.

[@kimturner282]

I will NEVER not laugh at Pegasus’ final break run jolt. It’s like watching people get smacked back and forth while they’re smiling about it. 😂😂😂

[@AirtimeThrills]

Its worth keeping pegasus around just for this