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The Phoenix

Roller coaster
Minimum height to ride: 42 inches

By Mark Newman
Posted: June 17, 2009

One of the most storied coasters around. It was built in 1947 as the Rocket for Playland Park in San Antonio, Texas. When Playland closed in 1980, The Rocket was left to the elements. Knoebels purchased the coaster in 1984 and moved it to Pennsylvania. Knoebels then rebuilt the ride...having to mark every single board of lumber because the blueprints were not available. Renamed the Phoenix, it opened in 1985 and has consistently been on several top ten wooden coaster lists since. Probably because of the Great amount of airtime on this coaster.

Height: 78 ft Speed: 45 mph

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Reader reviews of The Phoenix

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15 votes, so far

This ACE certified Woodie has the most airtime I have ever experience on a Wooden Rollercoaster. It is often on the 10 best lists and deserves it ranking amoung my favorite woodies too. This is the kind of rollercoaster where you can have a completely different ride depending where you sit. I loved sitting in the front but the back has its moments too, be it a little rougher back there. This would be an excellent icebreaker for young children that are learning about rollercoasters. I cannot wait for my kid to be 42 inches tall! - Elizabeth Gray

This is the best coaster I've ever ridden... It's completely amazing and has a lot of -Gs! The ride is much smoother than the Twister and I highly recommend this ride. - Mike Mills