Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is a 200-acre amusement and water park in the town of South Whitehall, outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most popular amusement parks on the east coast and is famous for its many roller coasters and one of the largest water parks in the region. The active park hosts more than 100 rides, games, restaurants, attractions.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is two parks in one. Their motto is “two great parks for the price of one”. One price under $40 covers admission to both parks. Much better times pass under $100 that you will receive all the time. *Note: There is a small fee charged for parking.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is a great spot for a summer getaway for the whole family. It has something for everyone. It’s just one of the many affordable summer activities in the Lehigh Valley.
Dorney Park Roller Coasters
Dorney Park has five original coasters that are some of the most famous coasters in the world.
The Thunderhawk is a wooden coaster that was built in 1923, one of the oldest roller coasters still operating in North America. The other four are steel coasters and include Laser, Steel Force, Talon: Grip of Fear, and Hydra: Revenge, Hydra is a boardwalk, a half-mile long roller coaster that opened in 2005 for $13 million. This Dorney Park produces nine roller coasters.
Wildwater Kingdom
In 1985, Dorney Park opened Wildwater Kingdom, one of the largest water parks in the country. It boasts more than a dozen water rides and lakes. In this part of the garden there are eighteen water slides, three children’s water plays, a water funhouse, two river tubes; and another water is brought in.
The Wildwater Kingdom pool was so popular that a second pool was added in 2006. And in 2007, six lane mat water courses were added.
History
Dorney Park is over 140 years and has a long and rich history. I won’t go into it in too much detail, but I will list a few highlights.
Founded in 1860 by Solomon Dorney as a fish hatchery, he sold fish to markets throughout the country. He started eight trout hatcheries.
In 1870, Dorney added ditch rides, a concession stand, a zoo, mechanical rides, amusement rides, archery, rifle ranges, guided tours, gardens and conservatories.
It wasn’t until 1884 that Dorney Park really began on its way to where it is today when the hatchery was called Dorney’s Trout Nursery and Resort. Then some rides and lures were added.
In 1983, a fire destroyed many of Dorney Park’s attractions. Fortunately, it happened after the park was temporarily closed to prevent visitors from getting hurt.
In 1985, Wildwater Kingdom was opened, which is one of only seasonal water parks aquavit.
In 1989, Dorney Park added the Hercules coaster, which at the time was the tallest wooden coaster in the world. This addition got Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is internationally acclaimed.
Dorney Park was purchased in 1992 by Cedar Fair Entertainment Co, a large company that now owns thirteen amusement parks across the country. country Cedar Point (OH), Knott’s Berry Farm (CA), Michigan Adventure in Muskegon (MI), Vallisfair (MN), Fun World (MO), Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom (OH), Kingdom of Kings (VA), Carowinds (NC), Islands of Kings (OH), Great America (CA), Canada in Wonderland (Toronto), and Gilroy Gardens Theme Park (CA). They also have six water parks, including Indoor Waterpark Resorts (OH), Soak City (OH), Ocean of Fun ( MO), and three Soak Cities (CA).
In 1997, Steel Force, the longest, longest and fastest of the North Seas, was added.
In 2000, Dorney Park entered into partnership with the Peanuts franchise characters by adding Camp Snoopy, a two-acre playground for kids to meet Peanuts characters.
In 2001, Dorney Park added Talon, the tallest and longest inverted coaster in the Northeast.
In 2003, Wildwater Kingdom added ten new water slides, making it one of the largest water attractions in the country.
In 2005 Hydra’s Revenge, the only coaster in Pennsylvania, was added.
In Movies & See
Dorney Park has been seen in a few films and videos over the years. Some include “Where Angels Go” (1968), “Hairspray” (1988), and the Kidz Bop music video “All-American Rejects” in 2006.
Working time
Dorney Park is open from late May through August and on select days in September and October. On most days, they are open from 10 AM to 7:30 PM or later.
Wildwater Kingdom is open from the end of May through August and a few days in September. They are open most days from 10 AM to 7 PM or 8 PM.
Admissions costs
2007 One-Day Admission
Regular $25.99 – $37.95
Junior/Senior $15.95
2007 Two-Day Admission
Regular $58.95
Junior/Senior $24.95
2007 Season Passes
Regular $99.95
Junior/Senior $55.95
2007 Parking Fees
Daily $9.00
RVs, Limousines, Semi-Tractors $11.00
Time is a FREE attitude
Admission to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom includes unlimited access to all rides, attractions and entertainment throughout Ork.
Cedar Fair has added a new feature package. For $110, you can purchase a Fair Maxx Cedar Pass, which is good for admission to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom and 12 other Cedar Fair amusement parks, including Cedar Point (OH), Knott’s Berry Farm (CA), Michigan Adventure (MI), Valleyfair! (MN), Fun World (MO), Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom (OH), Kingdom of Kings (VA), Carowinds (NC), Islands of Kings (OH), Great America (CA), Canada Wonder (Toronto), and Gilroy Gardens Theme Park (CA).
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
201233 Dorney Park Road
Allentown, PA 18104
610-395-3724
http://www.dorneypark.com
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- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom: www.dorneypark.com
