How Knoebels boosted second-gate spend
Knoebels replaces slow, inconsistent communication with a seamless mobile experience that boosts satisfaction and drives second-gate spend.
Helping guests make the most of their visit with real-time information
Knoebels Amusement Resort is America’s largest free-admission amusement park and generational destination, with families returning year after year. With more than 60 rides, award-winning food, two campgrounds and a sprawling pool complex, the team wanted a better way to help guests navigate and make the most of it all.
Before adopting a mobile app, Knoebels relied heavily on paper marketing and website updates to share information about ride statuses, wait times, new retail items and special promotions. It worked up to a point, but it wasn’t fast enough or scalable. Weather, staffing and operational changes could shift by the minute, and guests needed updates that kept pace.
“We used to mainly communicate with guests via paper marketing or our website, which was not always the most up-to-date. Things can change in an instant depending on variables like the weather and staffing schedules, and we wanted to be more responsive to that.”
Tiff KalejtaDigital Marketing Manager at Knoebels
Paper marketing and website updates
99%
Positive feedback
Working with Attractions.io, the team launched a complete guest companion app with messaging, ride times, on- and offline navigation and native purchasing, and the impact was clear.
“Whether it is rides being delayed, closing early or opening for the first time, we share real-time updates so our guests know on a minute-to-minute basis what our wait times are and can plan their day effectively.”
Tiff KalejtaDigital Marketing Manager at Knoebels
A connected guest experience
To deliver real-time updates, smoother navigation and more relevant communication, Knoebels partnered with Attractions.io to launch a connected mobile app designed to support guests throughout their entire visit.
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Before the visitNative purchasing
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First rideRide times
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Across the parkThe quickest route
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Any momentTheir next ride
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All dayAll in one place
“To me, that is a huge success story alone. It shows that our audience wanted the app, that they are using it, and that the content we are providing is valuable information for them.”
Smoother navigation and smarter communication that drives revenue
“They can look right at the app, put in the ride they want to go to, and it takes them there and gives them the best directions and the quickest way there.”
Tiff KalejtaDigital Marketing Manager at KnoebelsFor the marketing team, the ability to send targeted push notifications has been transformational. They now promote new food and retail items, spotlight buy-one-get-one-free offers, and highlight seasonal specials to guests on site.
“Having the ability to send push notifications to our guests is amazing. We promote our dining experiences and are already seeing an uptake in revenue. We can send a message to guests on site to say: ‘Hey, we have new Whirzle flavours. Check them out,’ and then see that conversion increase through the app. We’re seeing up to 20% of users engage with promotional messages.”
Tiff KalejtaDigital Marketing Manager at KnoebelsCommunication continues even after guests head home, with 35% opting in for ongoing marketing. This helps the team encourage revisitation, promote offers and maintain a strong connection with their most engaged guests.
Explore Go north_east
Stronger operations backed by behavioural insight
- 35%opt-in to marketing communications
- 99%positive feedback
The Knoebels team now has better visibility of what is happening across the park at any time. Ride operations benefit from real-time data, helping supervisors plan staffing more effectively and respond to demand faster with the app also driving more pre-purchases and streamlining entry.
“Our supervisory team now has a much better pulse on what is going on at our rides and our wait times. We are more efficient in what we do and are able to make informed choices in terms of staffing.”
Guests have embraced the experience, with 99% of users reporting a positive interaction with the app.
“We have seen an uptake in pre-purchases for tickets via the app. It helps us forecast attendance, and when guests arrive, they can scan their ticket, grab a band and head in. The app has sped up transaction times, given us a better sense of expected attendance and boosted our sales.”
Tiff KalejtaDigital Marketing Manager at KnoebelsFor the team at Knoebels, their mobile app has become a core part of how they communicate with guests, drive revenue and make operational decisions. The platform puts real-time information, navigation, retail promotions and marketing tools in one place, giving guests more control over their day while helping the team work smarter behind the scenes.
By replacing paper materials, improving communication and supporting more informed staffing and planning, Knoebels is enhancing every stage of the guest experience through a single, reliable mobile app built for attractions.
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8 weeksto launch its first app
Knoebels launched its app in eight weeks for opening weekend, then connected Gateway ticketing, payments and GTP ride photos without replacing a single existing system.
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94%user satisfaction
ROARR! uses its app to help families plan their day, find showtimes and order food across a wooded site. It runs at 94% user satisfaction, 99.9% uptime and a 4.8 App Store rating, and integrates with the park’s own EPOS, ride operations and ticketing.
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From ride updates to wayfinding and in-app promotions, Attractions.io helps parks communicate clearly and operate smarter. See how a unified mobile platform can elevate your entire guest experience:
