My most sentimental magnet is the Coney Island Cyclone magnet. I was having a rough time when my grandmother was near the end of her life...
Coaster Collectibles is an ongoing series on We Were Inverted showcasing different enthusiasts coaster and amusement park themed collectibles. If you have a collection that you would like to share, please email me at patrick@wewereinverted.com.
Chance Knight, a coaster enthusiast from Pennsylvania, vividly remembers the Morey’s Piers magnet that clung to his refrigerator growing up. Little did he know that two decades later, his refrigerator would have about 40 different amusement park and roller coaster themed magnets on it. It was 2018 when he decided to start collecting magnets as keepsakes from each and every park he visited. It’s a tradition he keep up with on each and every park excursion.
Before 2018, however, Knight found himself purchasing numerous collectibles when visiting an amusement park. He then began to realize something. Not everything was made to last.
“I tried different types of merchandise: t-shirts, mugs, souvenir cups, and more. I began to dislike the value of these items,” he said. “Most practical merchandise gets worn or used and is eventually discarded.”
Knight especially realized this in his younger years. That’s when he found himself not caring as much for the items he purchased. That also when he discovered the benefit of collecting magnets.
Each Magnet, a Story
“When I discovered magnets, I realized I had found something that was easy for me to keep looking nice,” Knight said. “I can throw them on the refrigerator and occasionally rearrange them. I’m at my best when I keep things simple.”
While simple and long-lasting, Knight doesn’t collect just to collect. His magnet collection has a deeper meaning to him. Each magnet is a story in his life – a particular trip, a day out with someone special, or his first ride on a new coaster. Then there are magnets in his collection that hold an even more important memory.
“My most sentimental magnet is the Coney Island Cyclone magnet. I was having a rough time when my grandmother was near the end of her life. My partner and I decided to do an escapist car ride to Brooklyn on a rainy Labor Day. I had a zen rain ride on the iconic coaster and my mood instantly shifted from sad to grateful for my life and hobby,” Knight recalled. “That day was one of the most important days of my life.”
Appealing Designs
While none of his magnets have as much meaning as the Coney Island Cyclone magnet, Knight still holds other magnets in his collection in high regard. Traits such as design, artwork, and color scheme all come into play. One of his favorite magnets is the reversible Steel Vengeance magnet above. Cedar Point went all out with marketing this Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) conversion of Mean Streak, which included more merchandise than anyone could ever hope to collect.
“My favorite is my Steel Vengeance magnet because of its high quality, neat look, and it’s also reversible,” Knight said.
He has another magnet in his collection that he finds quickly becoming among his favorites, however. The magnet is of Voyage from Holiday World. You can see this magnet in photo of his fridge at the bottom.
“One that is growing on me is the Voyage magnet. Its sleek look is of the Mayflower, caught in a fierce storm and it features a sick, blue color scheme,” Knight explained.
Future Goals for the Collection
Asking Chance if there is anything he wants to add to his growing collection, Knight expressed wanting to eventually add magnets of Pantheon and Iron Gwazi. With both rides delayed until 2021. Well, unless one of the parks release some merchandise early. Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW) did that with a pair of Pantheon pins. You can find them on the We Were Inverted Pin Collection page.
While adding new magnets to his collection becomes a diary of sorts for Knight, the collector in him does have some regrets when it comes to his collection. One of his biggest thus far is when he forgot to buy a magnet from a visit to another Virginia-based park, Kings Dominion, in 2019.
“I went to Kings Dominion last year and forgot to grab a magnet,” he said. “I was highly upset.
What makes this even worse is Knight had plans to visit Kings Dominion again this year, but was unable to do so. With the park closing for the entire season for Covid-19, those plans will now have to wait until 2021.
Keeping to a Budget
Like with any collection, the danger of taking things to the extreme is always there. Knight, however, keep his collecting in check. He’s not one to buy every magnet he sees at the park. His mindset: less is more. One or two magnets from a park can tell the same story and remind him of those amazing memories. There’s no need to buy one of every magnet in the gift shop.
“Sometimes if I like certain rides, I will get two or three, but for quick day trips, I usually limit myself to one,” Knight said.
Obviously, limiting how many magnets he buys during his trips means his collecting habits aren’t putting a major dent in his bank account. If you are familiar with Knight’s YouTube channel, Cheapthusiast, you are aware of the fact that he often shows people how to save some money.
“My YouTube channel is titled ‘Cheapthusiast.’ I try to show people how to save money, therefore it would be slightly off-brand for me to spend a lot of money on merch,” Knight explained.
“I find that when you spend money on a road trip, or simply make a daily park visit, you should take something home to remember the occasion.”
Chance's Advice for Collecting
Knight, however, has never spent more than $12 on any of his magnets. He is always conscious of his spending when adding to his collection. If you are looking to start collecting magnets, Knight has some valuable advice that might help you keep your spending down as well:
- Check the Price Tags: Some of the cheapest looking magnets can be the most expensive. Other, more expensive looking magnets can actually be of a better value.
- Chain Parks vs. Independent Parks: Major parks like Six Flags tend to have the most expensive magnets, while independent parks like Knoebels and Waldameer have the most affordable.
- Save Where You Can: Make use of season pass discounts, or other deals offered by the park.
