Dorney Park offers family fun in both its theme park and water park, all conveniently located less than 90 miles from New York City and Philadelphia.
History
What began as a summer resort expanded to include rides and attractions to eventually became the theme park that it is today. In 1860, Solomen Dorney provided his park as a fishing destination with eight trout ponds and picnic groves. By 1870, Dorney expanded his concept by introducing games, playground and mechanical rides, a small zoo, a hotel, and a restaurant. By the 1900s, Dorney sold his park and more attractions were added, including a carousel in 1901, "Coaster" (later renamed ThunderHawk) in 1923, and other carnival-type rides over the years. In 1985, the park opened Wildwater Kingdom water park, and in 1989, the world's tallest wooden roller coaster at that time, Hercules, was erected (the coaster was, however, removed in 2003). In 1992, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company bought the park, and more rides and attractions were added, including the Steel Force roller coaster, Dominator, Camp Snoopy, Talon, Meteor, Hydra the Revenge, and additional water slides at Wildwater Kingdom.
Dorney Park Attractions
With 200 acres of thrill rides and family rides, water attractions, food and entertainment, families will find that this park has all the elements for a fun-filled vacation.
Rides
There's never a shortage of rides at Dorney - whether you like the thrill of one of the ten roller coasters or are looking for more family friendly fare.
- Voodoo: One of the newest roller coasters at the park, Voodoo provides plenty of opportunities for screams as it climbs 184 feet and reaches speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. This was previously located at Six Flags Ohio.
- Wildwater Kingdom: The water park includes 22 water slides, two wave pools, two lazy rivers, tube rides, and three kids' play areas.
- Camp Snoopy: Snoopy and the Peanuts gang will thrill young visitors of the park with rides like Charlie Brown's Swing, Little Convoy, Snoopy Bounce, and Woodstock's Airmail.
- The Whip: A throwback to simpler times, The Whip is the oldest ride in the park - delighting (and spinning) fans since 1920.
- Thunderhawk: The park's first roller coaster was originally named Coaster from 1923 to 1989. The ride was renamed Thunderhawk and it still continues to thrill modern day riders.
- Thunder Creek Mountain: This flume ride is a staple of the park, plunging riders down a wet and wild course.
- Talon: As one of the tallest and longest inverted coasters in the Northeast, Talon won't disappoint thrill ride fans -- with a corkscrew, vertical loop, and a zero-gravity loop.
- Cedar Creek Cannonball: Climb aboard an old-fashioned railroad ride that winds through the park.
- Hydra the Revenge: Guests can't fight the thrills from this floorless roller coaster, featuring an upside-down inversion after riders exit the launch station, a 105 foot drop, and speeds up to 53 miles per hour.
Additionally, midway games, an antique carousel, a Ferris wheel, kid-sized roller coasters, and a variety of carnival rides round out the park's offerings.
Entertainment
Live shows are always happening at the park, located at either Camp Snoopy ("Peanuts Camp Snoopy Show" and "Peanuts Meet & Greets") or at Center Stage. Center Stage features musical reviews like "Rewind," "Pulse," and "Boogie Down Band."
Food
Food is never in short supply at Dorney Park - with more than 40 food locations that serve everything from snacks to sandwiches, guests will never be far from tasty treats. Both dine-in and walk-up restaurants are on-site as well as freestanding kiosks for hungry park guests.
Visiting Dorney
The park operates from early May through late October.
Tickets
General admission and season passes provide access to both the amusement park and Wildwater Kingdom. General admission during the summer season is $37, although guests can pay considerably less if they visit earlier in the season (be aware, however, that the water park is not open during most of May). Junior or senior admission is $20, no matter what the date. Other admission plans are also available, including two-day admission rates and Starlight Admission (after 3:30 or 5:00 p.m., depending on the park's closing time).
Season Passes
Season passes offer valuable savings since guests can enjoy unlimited admission to the park for one low price. The season pass includes both Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom admission as well as parking. Regular passes for guests 48 inches or taller are $96, while Junior/Senior passes for guests three or older who are under 48 inches or guests 62 and older are $60. The Cedar Fair Platinum Pass is available at an additional cost, but provides admission to all other Cedar Fair theme parks and five separate-gate water parks.
Dorney Park Discount Coupons
Dorney Park offers plenty of opportunities for discounts, including coupons from participating area restaurants (Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, Subway) and on specially marked Pepsi products. Additionally, discounted tickets are available from participating supermarkets, such as ACME Supermarkets, Weis, Kings and Mr. Z's. AAA members can also receive discounts, but the tickets must be purchased from a participating AAA office, not at the park entrance. Military discounts are typically available when a valid military photo ID is presented.
Contact Information
For more information, including a park map, calendar and other details, interested individuals can visit the official website at DorneyPark.com, call (610) 395-3724, or write to the park at:
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
3830 Dorney Park Road
Allentown, PA 18104
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