Just came back from Knoebels and i rode the new Dark ride "Black Diamond" and i must say, it is VERY well done. very well themed and just a very well remade ride. It was originally at Morey's pier in Wildwood, NJ as the golden nugget, a mainly western themed ride designed by Bill Tracey who is a Dark ride legend. The golden nugget was three stories and the top floor was outside and desert themed then you went down into the mine settings on the second and first floor. Eventually tho the ride fell to disrepair and eventually closed and sat idle for several years until December 11, 2008 when it was announced that the golden nugget would be demolished and Morey's pier would have a celebration. However a few days before the demolition "somebody" purchased all of golden nuggets track and ride vehicles. It wasn't publicly announced who had purchased it except that it was a park that "loved to rebuild and preserve old rides". then on Jan 26, 2009 it was announced that Knoebels had made the purchase and, while having the exact same track layout, the ride would be re-themed to acknowledge the areas anthracite mining history. Changes made have been, enclosing the entire ride, new effects, a Centralia section with collapsing house and "mine fire" hole, and re-built cars. I know it is labeled as a roller coaster but i wouldn't call it that per say, its mostly mild speeds with a few surprise and quick drops and turns. It IS NOT a "wild mouse" either. It;s not a scary haunted house either so little kids might be a little iffy to enter the place because it is very dim inside and there are a few dark moments but there is nothing scary about it! Knoebels really went all out with this ride and i will go as far as to say this is the most "themed ride in the park" obviously the original Haunted mansion is the favorite, Black Diamond is without a doubt, a very well done and fun look into the world of anthracite mining and i would encourage anybody who has been on the original golden nugget or anybody that loves knoebels to go and and ride this ride! Now all that's left is flying turns....
_________________ Dunder Mifflin, the people persons paper people.
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