Start planning summer amusement
By JASON COX
For Smart
It took long enough, but with spring two-thirds over, the warm weather has finally arrived, just in time for amusement parks across America to open their doors.
Of all the parks we're covering this year, the one with the biggest celebrations and announcements also happens to be the closest for most York County residents. This year is the 100th anniversary not only of Hersheypark, but also of the Hershey's Kiss itself.
The park will introduce a new $21 million attraction, The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, a 200,000-square-foot area with water attractions, food vendors and recreations of famous beach spots. One of the attractions, East Coast Waterworks, will become the largest water-play structure in the world at seven stories high. The Boardwalk at Hersheypark opens May 26.
"What we looked at are two of people's favorite trips in the Northeast - going to an amusement park and going to the beach - so this way we got to combine the best of both," said Kathy Burrows, public relations manager for Hersheypark.
Also be on the lookout for a new menu addition - Hershey founder Milton Hershey's rumored favorite meal, chicken and waffles. Yes, you read that right. Don't worry, though, the park still promises to offer all the staples like hot dogs, burgers and pizza.
Hersheypark is not the only theme park in the region with something new going on this season. Every one of the parks below has at least one significant new offering this year for those considering traveling a little farther from home.
Hersheypark
Location: Hershey
Main attractions: Hersheypark features 10 roller coasters, live concerts at the amphitheater, Zoo America and more.
New for 2007: As previously mentioned, the major new attraction is The Boardwalk at Hersheypark, an 8-acre beach-themed area with water attractions and food. The park will also feature new live shows and a new coffee shop called Latte'Tude.
Hours: The park is already open weekends. The park will open daily for the summer season May 23. Hours vary, so check its Web site for details.
Admission: $45.95 for regular admission. Junior (ages 3 to 8) and senior (55 to 69) tickets go for $26.95. Senior-plus (70 and older) admission is $18.95. Children under 2 years old get in free. Season passes, consecutive-day and combination passes with Dutch Wonderland are also available.
Directions: Take Interstate 83 north to U.S. Route 322. Follow U.S. 322 for seven miles. Exit onto Hersheypark Drive/state Route 39 west. Take Hersheypark Drive for four miles. The park is on the right.
Parking: $8
Overnight stays: The Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center are nearby.
For details: Call 800-437-7439 or 534-3900 or visit http://www.hersheypark.com
Dutch Wonderland
Location: Lancaster
Main attractions: In 2004, industry magazine Amusement Today voted the park one of the top five kids' parks in the world. Check out the two roller coasters, Joust and Sky Princess, and cool off in Duke's Lagoon water park. This past year, Dutch Wonderland received an award for Best Amusement Park Souvenir from the International Association of Amusement Parks for its hardbound storybook, "Beyond the Castle Walls."
New for 2007: Kids should dig the new Turtle Whirl, a "spin" on the traditional tilt-a-whirl ride. Families sit inside a giant spinning turtle shell while the rest of the ride spins as well. Treehouse Terrace is a new eatery. The park will also be introducing the Kid's Healthy Fare Proclomation, a healthy eating initiative at the park.
Hours: The park is already open on weekends. It opens daily May 26. Hours vary, so check its Web site for exact times.
Admission: $28.95 for ages 3 to 59, $23.95 for ages 60 to 69 and $16.95 for ages 70 and older. Children ages 2 and under get in free. Group rates and combination tickets with Hersheypark are available. Season passes are also available: $90 for ages 3 to 59 and $75 for seniors.
Directions: Take state Route 30 west to Lancaster for about 30 miles. The park is on the left.
Parking: Free
Overnight stays: Located in the heart of Lancaster's Amish Country, there are a variety of hotels and campgrounds nearby. Call 800-PADUTCH for lodging and prices.
For details: Call 866-386-2839 or visit http://www.dutchwonderland.com.
Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
Location: Allentown
Main attractions: Steel Force is always a hit, as are the other roller coasters, such as the Laser and Hydra: The Revenge. But let's not forget about Wildwater Kingdom for those looking to get a little wet.
New for 2007: The new Capital Blue Cross AquaRacer slide attraction will feature six lanes with each lane measuring 300 feet long. Six riders will take their places at their respective lanes with their mats in-hand, then it's a race to the finish line. Wildwater Kingdom is going entirely smoke-free in 2007, and designated smoking areas will be made available throughout Dorney Park.
Hours: Dorney Park is already open on weekends. Dorney opens daily starting May 25 and Wildwater Kingdom opens daily May 26. Hours vary, so make sure to check its Web site for more details.
Admission: Regular summer adult admission is $37.95 during summer season and $15.95 for juniors (under 48 inches tall) and seniors (ages 62 and older). Two-day and evening passes also available. Season passes are available for $96.95 for adults and $52.95 for juniors/seniors.
Directions: Take Interstate 83 north to Interstate 81 north. From I-81, take I-78 east and follow to Exit 16, Hamilton Boulevard. Follow the signs to Dorney Park.
Parking: $9 per vehicle; buses park free. Free parking for season-pass holders.
Overnight stays: Visit the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site at http://www.lehighvalleypa.org, or call 800-747-0561.
For details: Call 610-395-3724 or visit http://www.dorneypark.com.
Kennywood
Location: West Mifflin, about 10 miles east of Pittsburgh
Main attractions: For scaredy-cats, there's Garfield's Nightmare, an old-mill-style ride through a dream sequence of everyone's favorite fat feline. For the real thrill seekers, there's the Sky Coaster, where one to three fliers are strapped in and hoisted 180 feet in the air toward the launch tower. The fliers release themselves with a parachute-style rip cord to begin the flight.
New for 2007: Mega Disk'O seats 24 people on a giant disk (or a UFO, rather). From a top height of 50 feet, the space ship begins its flight along the 120-foot concave track while its passengers spin around in a circle. The flat ride has a unique design that sits riders on a motorcyclelike pedestal seat. Arms and legs are free from restraint and the rider looks outward.
Hours: The park is already open weekends and opens daily Wednesday, but hours vary, so check its Web site before you visit.
Admission: A standard FunDay Pass is $31, $19 for juniors (46 inches or shorter) and $15 for seniors 55 and older. Evening passes, which start at 5 p.m., are $16 and $9 for seniors 55 and older.
Directions: Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 76 west, and get off at Exit 57 to Interstate 376 west toward Pittsburgh. Take Exit 7, and follow the arrows for Kennywood to the park entrance.
Parking: Free.
Overnight stays: Days Inn, 2750 Mosside Blvd., Monroeville; Radisson, 101 Mall Blvd., Monroeville.
For details: Call 412-461-0500 or visit http://www.kennywood.com.
Knoebels
Location: Elysburg, about an hour north of Harrisburg
Main attractions: Knoebels specializes in wooden roller coasters and offers family, kiddy and thrill rides. The Phoenix, a wooden roller coaster that measures 78 feet high and 3,000 feet long, was originally a roller coaster in Texas before Knoebels bought, shipped and rebuilt it at its current site. The Twister, also a wooden coaster, stands at 101 feet and moves laterally.
New for 2007: Knoebels is building its own version of a classic wooden ride called Flying Turns. Riders sit in a train and roll down a wood track much like a bobsled run. It will open this summer.
Hours: Knoebels is already open on weekends. The park opens daily on May 23. For a complete schedule, visit the park's Web site.
Admission: Admission is free. The park is pay as you go with a pay-one-price option during the week. All-day prices are $28 for basic rides and $34.50 for basic rides and wooden coasters. For those under 48 inches tall, all-day prices are $18.50 for basic rides and $23 for basic rides and wood coasters. The park also offers bargain nights and sundown plans. Check its Web site for details.
Directions: Take Interstate 81 north out of Harrisburg to Exit 35. Turn left on to state Route 901, and follow that to state Route 54 west, which eventually hits state Route 487. Go north on Route 487 for about three miles and watch for the Knoebels' signs.
Parking: Free
Overnight stays: The park offers a 500-site campground. There are a number of hotels within 15 miles of the park.
For details: Call 800-ITS-4FUN or visit http://www.knoebels.com.
Sesame Place
Location: Langhorne, north of Philadelphia
Main attractions: Big Bird's Beach Party takes the Sesame Street characters to the beach for an impromptu party. And bring some towels for the park's several water attractions, such as Sky Splash, Slimey's Chutes and the Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave.
New for 2007: This year, Sesame Place introduces a new character for park patrons to meet - fairy-in-training Abby Cadabby. Abby will also have her own stage show, "Abby Cadabby's Treasure Hunt." The stage show "Elmo's World Live" will feature a new Elmo-centric sketch about fishing.
Hours: Sesame Place is already open weekends and opens daily May 25. Hours vary, so check its Web site for more info.
Admission: General admission is $44.50 and gets you Elmo's Any two-day ticket, allowing re-entry to the park any other day in the summer. Admission is $39.50 for seniors 55 and older. Children under 2 enter free. There are discounts for groups, birthday parties and evening admission.
Directions: Take U.S. Route 30 east to U.S. Route 222 north to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76). Follow the turnpike to Exit 28/U.S. Route 1 north. Take U.S. 1 to the Oxford Valley exit and turn right onto Oxford Valley Road. Turn right at the third traffic light.
Parking: $13 for general parking; $16 for preferred parking
Overnight stays: Courtyard by Marriott, 5 Cabot Blvd., Langhorne; Sheraton Bucks County Hotel, 400 Oxford Valley Road, Langhorne; Comfort Inn, 6401 Bristol Pike, Levittown
For details: Call 215-752-7070 or visit http://www.sesameplace.com.
Six Flags America
Location: Largo, Md., outside of Washington D.C.
Main attractions: This is the place for comic fans. The Batwing, the Joker's Jinx, the Penguin's Blizzard River and Superman Ride of Steel are must-sees.
New for 2007: Six Flags America is offering a new patriotic park parade this year as well as seven new stage shows, including a new concert series bringing young, national music artists such as Ne-Yo, Cheyenne, Jordan Pruitt and the Jonas Brothers to the park on occasional Thursday evenings.
Hours: Six Flags is already open on weekends. The park opens daily May 25. Hours vary, so make sure to check its Web site.
Admission: Day passes are $39.99 if bought online and $10 more if purchased at the gate. $34.99 for kids 54 inches and under; free for children 3 and younger. Special passes are also available online.
Directions: The park is about 90 minutes south of York. Take Interstate 83 south to Interstate 695 west to Interstate 97 south (Exit 7). Follow signs for state Route 3/301 South to state Route 214 west. The park is three miles ahead on the right.
Parking: $15
Overnight stays: Hampton Inn, 9421 Largo Drive West, Landover, Md.; Radisson Hotel Largo, 9100 Basil Court, Largo, Md.
For details: Call 301-249-1500 or visit http://www.sixflags.com/parks/america.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Location: Jackson, N.J.
Main attractions: This park is all about roller coasters, with the count coming in at 14. There's the Superman Ultimate Flight, which fastens its riders lying down, or Medusa, the floorless coaster, where riders are strapped into a flying chair and dropped 13 stories. There's also a number of water rides and stunt shows worth seeing.
New for 2007: Six Flags Wild Safari, home to more than 1,200 animals from around the globe, now offers guests a new educational journey with Wild Safari Exploration Station, a new center featuring daily Safari interactive adventures. Also make sure to check out the "Looney Tunes Talent Show" to see Bugs, Daffy and others compete to see who is the most talented toon.
Hours: The park is already open weekends and will openly daily May 24. Hours vary, so check its Web site for details.
Admission: Buying tickets online is the way to go here. Passes are $45.99 online and $59.99 if bought at the gate. It's an easy choice. For seniors or those under 54 inches, tickets are $29.99. Season passes are $89.99. Other ticket packages are offered on the Web site
Directions: Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 76, east through Philadelphia and follow signs for the Ben Franklin Bridge. Take the bridge to state Route 38 east. Proceed to Interstate 295 north to the New Jersey Turnpike north to Exit 7A. Take Interstate 195 east to Exit 16A, then one mile west on state Route 534 to Six Flags.
Parking: $15
Overnight stays: Holiday Inn East Windsor, 399 Monmouth St., East Windsor, N.J.
For details: Call 732-928-1821 or visit http://www.sixflags.com/parks/greatadventure.
Kings Dominion
Location: Doswell, Va.
Main attractions: This 400-acre park has a little bit of everything with kids' rides, thrill rides, live shows and a water park. The 305-foot Drop Zone Stunt Tower features a 272-foot descent at 72 mph and simulates the feel of skydiving. Also check out the water park, WaterWorks.
New for 2007: WaterWorks park has been expanded to include three new water attractions: a new wave pool called Tidal Wave Bay, a four-person raft slide called Zoom Flume and a new slide known as the Tornado.
Hours: The park is already open weekends and opens daily May 26. Hours vary, so check its Web site before your visit.
Admission: General admission is $39.99. For children under 48 inches tall and for seniors 62 years old or older, tickets are $24.95. Season passes range between $49.95 and $159.95.
Directions: Take Interstate 83 south to Interstate 695 west to Interstate 95 south. The park is located right off Exit 98 on I-95, about 75 miles south of Washington, D.C.
Parking: Autos and vans, $10 per vehicle. Disabled parking and season parking passes available.
Overnight stays: Kings Dominion campground offers tents, cabins and RV parking. Hotels and motels are nearby.
For details: Call 804-876-5000 or visit http://www.kingsdominion.com.
Busch Gardens Europe
Location: Williamsburg, Va.
Main attractions: The Alpengeist, a 195-foot and 67-mph Alpine ski-themed steel coaster, takes "skiers" up on a lift and drops them through six inversions and a 170-foot drop. Apollo's Chariot, another top-10 steel coaster, boasts nine drops, the first of which plummets down 210 feet of track.
New for 2007: This year, Busch Gardens will unveil a new roller coaster called Griffon. The Griffon boasts a 205-foot, 71-mph, 90-degree drop. Whoa. The heart-stopping coaster opens May 25.
Hours: The park is already open weekends and opens daily May 18. Hours vary, so check its Web site before your visit.
Admission: $54.95 general admission, $47.95 for children ages 3 to 9. Group and senior citizen discounts are available. A vacation pass that gives visitors weeklong access to both Busch Gardens and Water Country USA are available for $79.95.
Directions: Take Interstate 83 south to Interstate 695 west to Interstate 95 south. In the Washington, D.C., area, take Interstate 295 south to the Richmond, Va., area. Then take Interstate 64 east. To enter Williamsburg, follow I-64 east to Exit 242. To get to Busch Gardens, take Exit 242A and follow state Route 199 for two miles to U.S. Route 60. Follow Route 60 about 1 miles to the park entrance.
Parking: $10 ($8 if bought in advance online)
Overnight stays: For the park's own Kingsmill Resort lodging arrangements, call 800-832-5665 or 757-253-1703. Or call the Williamsburg Hotel/Motel Association at 800-446-9244.
For details: Call 800-343-7946 or visit http://www.buschgardens.com.
Reach Jason Cox at 771-2051 or jcox@ydr.com.
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