Pennsylvania Amusement Park 2012 Season Passes now available

Conneaut Lake Park, DelGrosso's Amusement Park, Dorney Park, Dutch Wonderland, Hersheypark, Idlewild and SoakZone, Kennywood, Knoebels, Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark, Sesame Place, Waldameer Water World No Responses »
Dec 212011

Many of the amusement parks in Pennsylvania offer season passes for their guests.  In most cases these passes can be a considerable savings over purchases single day tickets if you visit the park three or more times.  Check out each park’s website below for details on their 2012 Season Pass offerings.

Conneaut Lake Park – Season passes are not available to Conneaut Lake Park.  Check the park’s website here for ticket information.

Delgrosso’s Amusement Park – Delgrosso’s is a free admission amusement park that offers season passes for rides and the waterpark.  Pass holders can bring a buddy for free on Tuesdays. A discount is being offered on the passes but no end date is listed.  Visit the park’s website for information here.

Dorney Park and Wild Water Kingdom – Dorney has a buy now don’t pay until March plan in place for their season passes until 12/31/11.  The regular season pass includes admission to all Dorney Park and Wild Water events plus free parking. A platinum pass is available that gives you access to all Cedar Fair parks (with a few exceptions) in the US.  Platinum passes do not include seasonal events at some parks. See the Dorney Park website here for details.

Dutch Wonderland – Dutch Wonderland has discount prices prior to 1/1/12.  Dutch Wonderland season passes include entry to all Dutch Wonderland events. Dutch Wonderland and Hersheypark combo passes (Gold passes) are still available for 2012. See website here for complete season pass details.

Hersheypark – Hersheypark has discount pass prices prior to 1/1/12.  Hersheypark Season passes include entry to all Hersheypark events and free parking. Dutch Wonderland and Hersheypark combo passes (Gold passes) are still available for 2012.  A Discovery Pass upgrade is also available that includes other Hershey attractions. See website here for complete details.

Idlewild – Idlewild & Soakzone has discount pass prices if you buy 4 or more.  They also offer a bring-a-buddy free day for season pass holders.  See website for details here.

Kennywood – Season passes to Kennywood are available at a discounted price through 12-31-11 and are further discounted if you buy 4 or more.  Season passes to Kennywood include regular season events but do NOT include Phantom Fright Nights. They do include buddy discount events. Visit their website here for details.

Knoebels – Knoebels is a free entry park and they do not offer season passes.  They do offer discounts on ride tickets and wristbands at certain times.  Visit their website here for details.

Lakemont Park – No information is available at this time.

Sesame Place – Sesame Place is offering a discount on their season passes through 12/31/11.  They have different types of passes which include free admission or discounts to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and other parks or just to Sesame Place.  The passes include free parking and regular season admission only.  Choose carefully from their website here.

Waldameer – Though Waldameer is a free admission park, they do offer season passes to cover the cost of rides.  Waldameer is the only park in Pennsylvania to limit the number of season passes it sells, so make sure you get one early if you want one since they sold out last year.  Visit the website here for details.

Posted by ShawnMarie at 3:42 am Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Laff in the Dark offers new DVD of Waldameer’s two Bill Tracy designed dark rides

Waldameer Water World No Responses »
Dec 172011

Are you a fan of Waldameer Park?  Are you a fan of Bill Tracy?  Do you like to be scared out of your wits?  Ah yes, then you need to get yourself a copy of Laff in the Dark’s Behind the Scenes at Waldameer’s Whacky Shack and Pirate’s Cove.

If you aren’t familiar with Laff in the Dark, it was the first website devoted to dark rides and funhouses and continues to be a huge supported of all things dark and fun! Their goal is to gain as much information about these wonderful rides as possible since many of them have already met their demise and their history has been lost.

Laff in the Dark’s first video took us inside the making of Knoebels Haunted House and it is a must have for Knoebels fans, Haunted House fans or anyone who wants to see something great be made out of next to nothing.  Called Behind the Scenes at Knoebels Haunted House it is a classic and is now available on DVD to order from their website here.

The second installment of the Behind the Scenes library takes us to Waldameer in Millcreek Township PA, near Erie, where we find two of the less than ten remaining rides designed by the incredible Bill Tracy.  You get a walk the track experience, a full video of the ride in the dark and an interview with Perry Duncan who worked with Mr. Tracy on the construction four decades ago.  You can order the DVD and see a brief portion at the Laff in the Dark website here.

Posted by ShawnMarie at 9:54 pm Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Kids and adults to get happier at Waldameer Park in 2012

Waldameer Water World No Responses »
Dec 172011

Waldameer Park has a new ride in Kiddieland for 2012.  Called the Happy Swing, this Zamperla simple swing ride is for both children and adults so the whole family can ride together.  One of these rides has already proven very popular in Coney Island so folks at Waldameer can expect a fun time.

You can see a picture of a Happy Swing on Zamperla’s Asia Pacific site here.

Posted by ShawnMarie at 9:50 pm Tagged with: , , , , ,

Waldameer goes cashless for 2012

Waldameer Water World No Responses »
Dec 172011

In a move to the modern reality where people rarely use cash, Waldameer Park & Water World will go cashless upon opening on May 13, 2012.

Since 2010 Waldameer has been using a bar code system that allows guess to pay for things in Wally Points with a Wally Card.  Basically you put money on the Wally Card and then use that card to pay for things everywhere in the park.  This system has worked so well for Waldameer that they are making it a primary form of payment while in their park.

Beginning in 2012 Waldameer will accept Wally Cards, Credit/Debit cards and gift cards at all locations within the park. The only places where cash will still work will be the Merry-Go-Round Ticket Booths, the Arcade and the Wally Card Kiosks.  They are adding eight new Kiosks to help guests get set up and ready to spend!  You can get a card, load a card or check a balance at these Kiosks.

Want to find out more about the Wally Cards?  Check out the Waldameer website here.

Posted by ShawnMarie at 9:48 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Look at what Santa brought to Waldameer Park & Water World!!!

Waldameer Water World No Responses »
Dec 172011

Waldameer Park in Millcreek Township, PA, received an early Christmas present this year, though this one is probably bigger than what you have running under your tree.  On December 5, 2011 a new train made by Chance Rides, named appropriately the L. Ruth Express II, arrived at the park to become a sister to the L. Ruth Express I.  They will be sharing the same track.

Owner Paul Nelson said the park is gearing up for increased visitor capacity as season passes have become extremely popular and sell out early.  The second train will help keep all those guests moving as will the other changes being made at Waldameer Park, namely another car is being added to the Comet rollercoaster and the loading system of the Whacky Shack fun house is being overhauled to allow for smoother loading of guests.

You can get your first ride on the L. Ruth Express II on May 13, 2012 – Waldameer Park’s opening day next year, but until then, check out this video of Mr. Nelson enjoying his new Christmas present.

Posted by ShawnMarie at 9:46 pm Tagged with: , , , ,

2011 Golden Ticket Awards results - PA amusement parks make quite a showing!!!

Dutch Wonderland, Idlewild and SoakZone, Kennywood, Knoebels, Waldameer Water World No Responses »
Sep 232011

Knoebels is a big winner in the 2011 Golden Ticket Awards - Kennywood too!

Since 1998, the industry publication Amusement Today, has been awarding world-wide amusement parks with a coveted Golden Ticket to show they are the best of the best in the industry.

Even with the Disney giants figured in and parks in every other part of the world, our Pennsylvania Amusement parks continue to hold their own in the Top 5 of many of the categories.  You can see all the details here.

Here is a list of all the reported wins for Pennsylvania Amusement Parks in the 2011 Golden Ticket Awards – arranged by park:

Knoebels
1st Place – Best Food (They beat Epcot and Busch Gardens Williamsburg, know why? Funnel cakes, potato pancakes and waffle Ice Cream sandwiches – that’s why!)
1st Place – Best Carousel  (Still grabbing the ring!)
2nd Place – Best Park (This means little ole’ Knoebels beat out ALL the Disney parks!)
#2 Wood Roller Coaster – Phoenix
3rd Place – Friendliest Park
3rd Place – Best Halloween Event
4th Place – Best Dark ride for the Haunted Mansion (betcha the Black Diamond shows up in 2012!)
Kennywood
1st Place – Best Funhouse/Walk-Through attraction – Noah’s Ark (Classic!)
4th Place – Best Halloween Event (Be scared, be very scared!)
4th Place – Best Carousel (It’s a nice one!)
8th Place (2 way tie) – Best Park (tied with Tokyo DisneySea in case you wonder)
#5 Steel Coaster – Phantom’s Revenge
Idlewild & SoakZone
1st Place – Best Children’s Park (In the world!!! Wow!!!)
Dutch Wonderland
5th Place – Best Children’s Park (PA has 2 in the top 5 in the world, what a great place to have kids!)
Waldameer
#6 Wood Coaster – Ravine Flyer II

 

So, did you notice a few big parks in PA that were not listed?  Yep.  Hersheypark and Dorney Park didn’t make the short lists on any reported categories, but they probably were in there someplace – just not at the top.

So why are Knoebels and Kennywood so successful in this contest when Hersheypark and Dorney aren’t?  I think it is because they are unique and they have a devoted following.

In Knoebels’ case they are still family owned and they just handle things differently than a corporate run park – free parking, free admission, affordable food and a bring your own food policy, etc.  No corporate park would go for that since it leaves too many profits to chance.  They keep a stable of classic rides running when others have given up on them. But most of all they take care of their employees and their community and people love them in return.  I didn’t see anyone taking up a collection to fix Hersheypark when it flooded this year, but that is exactly what Knoebels fans did for them.  That tells you how the people love this park.

And Kennywood, though corporate owned now, had been a family owned park forever before that and is a fixture in the Western PA area.  They have classic rides found no place else and an old carnival feel that is rare in an urban setting.  Kennywood makes you wish for the good old days – except you don’t need them ’cause they are still right there, but with a healthy dose of the best of the new stuff too. Kennywood’s employees have fond memories of working there unlike some other park’s employees who would rather forget working at the park. Kennywood also has a generations old devoted following like Knoebels and people go to bat for them no matter what.

All in all I think that is the secret.  If the park loves the people, the people will love the park and it shows in every way.

Congratulations to all our parks!!!

Posted by ShawnMarie at 9:02 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Want to find some Thrills and Chills this Fall? Check out all the Halloween offerings from Pennsylvania Amusement Parks

Conneaut Lake Park, Dorney Park, Dutch Wonderland, Hersheypark, Idlewild and SoakZone, Kennywood, Knoebels, Sesame Place, Waldameer Water World No Responses »
Sep 232011

Bumper Cars re-themed for Halloween during Hersheypark in the Dark

If you like Halloween AND you like amusement parks AND you live within driving distance of the state of Pennsylvania, you are one lucky person. Our amazing Pennsylvania amusement parks have conjured up 9 different Halloween festivities encompassing parks across the entire state.

Whether you want to be a little scared, a lot scared or positively terrified – Pennsylvania has got a park for you.  Here is a complete listing of Halloween park festivities including links to the park’s websites to make it easy to get all the info you need to plan your trip.

Please BEWARE that some of the activities are not appropriate for younger children or those who frighten easily.  I’ve tagged the general audience type at the beginning of the entry to make it easy to tell what is appropriate for you.

 

Happy Halloween!!!!

 

Conneaut Lake Park
FAMILY FUN: CLP is haunting its classic amusement park this fall on September and October weekends for young and old during their Ghost Lake event.  With 8 layers of haunting and a wonderful past midnight schedule, this is not to be missed.  Check out their website here.

 

Dorney Park
FAMILY FUN: For the younger set, DP is putting on a Boo!Blast during the daytime hours on the weekends during September and October.  Meant for children 56 inches or shorter, this event features rides, crafts and special PEANUTS character activities.  Check out the website here.
13 AND OVER ONLY: For those 13 and older DP puts on a night time fright time with their Halloween Haunt during October and November.  Don’t plan to wear your costume to this one, but prepare to be scared with 8 outdoor mazes, 4 indoor mazes and 2 themed shows in addition to most of the regular park rides.  Check out the website here.

 
Dutch Wonderland
FAMILY FUN:  On weekends in October Dutch Wonderland features Happy Hauntings including trick-or-treating, themed rides and storytelling.  Dutch Wonderland’s main age group is ten and under but this truly is a family park with parents often having as much fun as the kids.  View their Happy Hauntings video at their website here.

 

Hersheypark
FAMILY FUN:  On weekends in October Hersheypark turns itself into Hersheypark in the Dark for families with all ages to enjoy.  Trick-or-treating, re-themed rides and special Halloween treats are featured throughout the park. Check out all the details on what’s going on at Hershey in and out of the park at the Halloween in Hershey website here.

 

Idlewild
FAMILY FUN: Just voted the best children’s amusement park in the world for the second year in a row by Amusement Today (Hooray!!), Idlewild is again putting on their HallowBoo event on October weekends.  With trick-or-treating in Storybook forest plus themed rides and attractions, you can be sure a good time will be had by all.  Check out their website here.

 

Kennywood
OVER 13 ONLY:  It’s Kennywood’s Phantom Fright Nights 10th anniversary beginning Sept 30th and you can bet they will pull out all the stops.  Open till 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, an amusement park at night is definitely a scary place to be – add in the ghouls, vampires and zombies and, well, bring it on!  Check out their website here.

 

Knoebels
FAMILY FUN: They survived the flood and scored a Golden Ticket for Best Amusement Park food (beating out EPCOT!!!!) and now they’re ready for some Hallow-Fun Nights on October weekends at Knoebels.  With themed rides and special snacks and crafts, Knoebels is a fun time for the entire family. Check the Knoebels website here.

 

Sesame Place
FAMILY FUN: It just so happens that my favorite muppet is hosting a Halloween party at Sesame Place beginning on Sept. 24th.  The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular takes place during Sept. and Oct. Weekends and features re-themed rides, 2 mazes, 3 Halloween shows and the Sesame Street characters dressed up in their Halloween best.  Geared toward the younger set but fun for anyone who has a soft spot for Sesame Street, it’s not too spooky, but lots of fun.  Check out the website here.

Posted by ShawnMarie at 8:09 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Opening Days at Pennsylvania's Amusement Parks

Conneaut Lake Park, DelGrosso's Amusement Park, Dorney Park, Dutch Wonderland, Hersheypark, Idlewild and SoakZone, Kennywood, Knoebels, Lakemont Park and the Island Waterpark, Sesame Place, Waldameer Water World No Responses »
Apr 282011

We’ve got the best Amusement Parks right here in Pennsylvania to visit and the season is officially starting this weekend in many parks.  To view the opening date for YOUR favorite park (or perhaps a new park you’d like to visit) check out our list below.  

Please note that parks with water features may not fully open until later in the season – usually Memorial Day weekend – so be sure to click on the name of the park to go to the calendar page on their website for more details on what activities will be available.

Posted by ShawnMarie at 8:22 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Waldameer replaces 1971 C.P Huntington train engine

Waldameer Water World No Responses »
Apr 052011

Waldameer reported on their blog that they have received delivery of their new C.P. Huntington train engine and also a wheelchair accessible coach on April 5, 2011.  The new engine will replace the old Huntington engine that has been in use since the early 70s.

Photos can be seen on their blog post here.  What a beautiful engine.

Posted by ShawnMarie at 11:03 am Tagged with: , , , , ,

Waldameer donating proceeds from 3 new rides to local PBS station - see video

Waldameer Water World No Responses »
Mar 232011

Here is a news clip showing the three new rides (not yet operational) that Waldameer will be opening in a few weeks for the 2011 season.  They are donating the proceeds to their local public television station.  What a great idea!

Posted by ShawnMarie at 8:21 pm Tagged with: , ,
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