Striking the balance between tradition and technology at Knoebels Amusement Resort

The traditional amusement park has joined forces with Attractions.io to launch a  guest experience app that features interactive wayfinding and a new queue management system.
Ellen Wilkinson
April 2022

We're excited to share the details of our new partnership with America’s largest free-admission amusement resort, Knoebels. 

Centrally located in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, the family-owned and operated resort features more than 60 rides and attractions for all ages, including a waterpark and an 18-hole golf course. Guests can also extend their visit with an overnight stay in a traditional log cabin, or for the more adventurous, enjoy a rustic campout in one of the park's fully equipped campgrounds.

An authentic digital experience for one of America's oldest amusement parks

Knoebels ride at park with mobile app

Knoebels prides itself on providing a traditional amusement park experience for the modern visitor. The resort offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but with so much to offer, helping guests navigate the large site and make the most of its activities is a key priority for its guest services team. 

By partnering with Attractions.io, the guest experience platform powering the mobile apps of Merlin Entertainments, San Diego Zoo and Butlin’s, the 96-year old attraction has been able to take advantage of best of breed mobile technology while still delivering a fully-branded experience that feels authentic to the Knoebels brand. As Attractions.io’s tried and trusted platform is purpose-built for the attractions industry, Knoebels’ new smartphone app complements the physical resort experience by drawing attention to the adventures taking place on-site. 

The new app will launch on the App Stores on April 30th, just in time for the summer season. Knoebels have opted for Attractions.io’s core solution, which comprises interactive wayfinding, real-time messaging and itinerary planning, and added Attractions.io’s queue management system to help guests beat the lines. 

Knoebels mobile app supplier

Mary Helwig, Director of Marketing and Advertising at Knoebels, said:

“Attractions.io caught our team’s attention at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando. They assured us they could deliver a quality product that met our guests’ needs within eight weeks, and we’re happy to say they have upheld that promise. The new app will be ready to launch in time for our opening day, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome."
"We pride ourselves on maintaining tradition and nostalgia while at the same time being able to adapt to guest expectations. The guest experience is paramount to our operation, and we feel confident that the new app will help our guests make the most of their visit. Itinerary planning, entertainment schedules, ride queue times, exclusive offers and wayfinding are just a few of the perks our guests can look forward to experiencing with our app.” 
How to launch a mobile app for my theme park guide

Mark Locker, Founder and CEO of Attractions.io, said:

“It’s been a pleasure working with Knoebels on the release of their new mobile app. We’ve worked closely with their marketing team to build a digital experience that feels authentic for the 96-year-old amusement park whilst still delivering the experience enhancers that today’s digitally native guests expect."
"Navigating the nearly 50-acre park will no longer be a challenge for guests, who can instead use our interactive wayfinding and rotating maps to orient themselves and get directions anywhere on-site. At the same time, live ride updates will help guests make the most of their time at the amusement park. We’re excited to continue developing the guest journey at Knoebels over the coming months so that the resort can leverage mobile app technology in a way that feels authentic to their traditional attraction.” 

Interested in learning more about launching a guest-facing mobile app for your attraction? We've put together a free launch guide for operators, available here.

About Knoebels

Knoebels Amusement Resort is America's largest free-admission amusement park and offers free parking, entertainment and picnic facilities. While visiting the park, take a dip in the 900,000 gallon Crystal Pool filled with refreshing mountain stream water. The pool area includes waterslides, diving boards, and a children's play area. And why not stay overnight at one of two campgrounds that include cabins and over 800 campsites for tents and campers. In addition to more than 60 rides, award-winning food, swimming, games, and shopping, add a round of golf at Three Ponds Golf Course next door to the park.

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Ellen Wilkinson

Head of Marketing
April 2022
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