adriahna
Posts: 4692
Registered: 6/4/2003
Rank: Site Moderator
Skooter Junkie
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 8/23/2004 10:09:51 AM
Hey, all - just reporting in with my experience at Keansburg, a quirky little gem along the Jersey Shore, and home of one of America's great haunted houses.
We arrived at about 3 in the afternoon, and were surprised at how crowded the little park was - folks were everywhere, many of whom had come from the beach and fishing pier just over the dunes. It's hard, however, to associate this park with the ocean - it's not much to look at, all built on blacktop and concrete. However, despite its lack of atmosphere, it offers good prices, decent food, and a laid-back nature.
First, of course, we headed to the SPOOK HOUSE, reportedly the oldest Pretzel dark ride in existence. We had to wait for the operator to finish ordering a pretzel (oddly appropriate) next door, and then were sent into one of the kookiest, wildest haunted houses imaginable (see review). Up next we followed our noses to the kebab barbecue, and had some delicious barbecued pork and corn on the cob - it was filling and tasty, and all four of us ate for about $20. Then to the kiddie rides, for photographs - Keansburg has some real treasures in its kiddie rides, including vintage Mangels boats and a sort of whip that goes in a circle. For you history buffs, this area is definitely worth a look.
Then, it was on to the SCOOTER - mainly for the rare opportunity to ride vintage Lusse Auto Skooters. These cars are suffering badly (see long, long review), and though the ride had its fun moments, it was more depressing than anything. Finally, to the FunWorld arcade, where they put a fun twist on Skeeball - a barker sets up contests every 10 minutes or so, for who can get the highest score and win raffle tickets. Vintage arcade games are there, as well, adding to the fun. After this, we had to head out, but not without picking up ice cream on the way (very tasty).
In all, Keansburg was well worth the visit - although it has an unfortunate run down air to it, the great vintage rides and friendly staff make it a nice day trip. There is also a water park alongside, for a separate fee, which looked like great fun.
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It's not a successful ride on the Flying Scooters unless you've got bruises to tell the story for you.
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Scott
Posts: 2766
Registered: 11/7/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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 11/29/2004 6:35:16 PM
Good trip report! Lakeside (outside Denver Colorado) has a flyer also. I never really knew how to work the cars and I don't even remember if I could snap. The brakes didn't work so the line was huge because it had to coast to a stop. It seemed in nice condition, I just didn't know what to do.
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001
Rank: Site Moderator
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11/29/2004 6:46:14 PM
Skeeball seems to be losing its place in Amusement Parks nowadays, its somewhat of a rarity, at least from the parks that I have been to, and it's still a sweet game.
I remember playing it when I was 6 years old, trying to show off and catch the balls before they rolled all the way down the chute, but they got rolling real quick and I wasn't -- I lost two fingernails.
Nice review, I'll have to go looking for your review of the Skooters, seeing as you said they are in bad shape, just to see if you still enjoyed them.
:thumbsup:
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Scott
Posts: 2766
Registered: 11/7/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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11/29/2004 6:57:36 PM
Not to bug you but it's actually : good : It just shouldn't have the spaces in between it.
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001
Rank: Site Moderator
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11/29/2004 7:02:17 PM
Well, actually, there is a :thumbsup: one , its just that it may only work in the reviews/comments, so I probably should have just IMG tagged it like this 
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Scott
Posts: 2766
Registered: 11/7/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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11/29/2004 8:19:12 PM
That's a completely different one then I was thinking of. I was thinking of the small one like this 
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adriahna
Posts: 4692
Registered: 6/4/2003
Rank: Site Moderator
Skooter Junkie
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12/1/2004 10:47:45 PM
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Knoebels
Posts: 854
Registered: 7/2/2003
Rank: Gold Critic
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12/2/2004 5:01:02 PM
Anyway, good review, I'll have to check that place out. Is it on the way to Morey's Pier, as we're gonna be going there in the spring (or whenever it turns warm!!)
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adriahna
Posts: 4692
Registered: 6/4/2003
Rank: Site Moderator
Skooter Junkie
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12/8/2004 11:28:32 PM
If you're heading south from North Jersey, it would be on the way. It's definitely an "on the way" kind of park - small, but not without its charms. I'd consider it an independent trip only if one were a serious dark ride fanatic - a category I fit into quite well.
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001
Rank: Site Moderator
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12/8/2004 11:33:28 PM
How far is it from SFGAdv? Im already considering quick stops in Clementon and Williams Grove, maybe a seaside park on the Wendsday before wouldn't be a bad idea.
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"I speak my mind 'cause biting my tounge hurts"
My Track Record
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larrygator
Posts: 4654
Registered: 11/7/2002
Rank: Platinum Critic
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12/9/2004 1:31:25 PM
Williams Grove is closest to HersheyPark, not sure of the approx. driving time, maybe 30-40 minutes. Keansburg is about a 30 minute drive from SFGAdv. Seaside Heights (Funtown Pier/Casino Pier) are about 20 minutes from SFGAdv, but real close to Tom's River (I think that where the motel I suggested to you in a previous post is located). Morey Piers is about 90 minutes from SFGAdv. I think Clementon is about 60 minutes from SFGAdv.
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001
Rank: Site Moderator
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 12/9/2004 1:48:13 PM
Yes, you did suggest Tom's River, and Im probably going to take that route. I'd really like to go to Clementon on the way up there, but I got to thinking, that would be on a Wednesday, and I'm not so sure that the park would be open daily by then. I do think that I may just hit Williams Grove, after I leave Hershey I can maybe add an old woodie to my count.
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adriahna
Posts: 4692
Registered: 6/4/2003
Rank: Site Moderator
Skooter Junkie
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12/13/2004 10:31:46 AM
I'm dying to hit Williams Grove - that scary old coaster is a-calling to me...
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