Dorney Park - got any tips for me?

[Kallison]

I'm going later this week, haven't been there since I was about 10.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I went with my 4 kids last summer and had a blast! We did dry rides first, then the water park, took a break to change clothes at the hotel, and then back for the dry rides. By the time we got to the water park area it ws crowded and decided that next time we'd do things differently.

Next time we'll go to the water area, already in our swimsuits, and get a locker. We'll go on the raft ride that is in the regular part of the park (might need to wear shirts on that ride, don't remember for sure), but near the water area and any other wet type rides. Then we'd head to the water park and play there for a few hours. There is a wonderful interactive area, like the Curious George area at Universal, but better. We had a lot of fun there (and I had a blast squirting unsuspecting people ).

Then we'll change into dry clothes (either there or at the hotel if it's close) and have the rest of the day for dry rides.

We went on a Friday in early August last year and, except for the water slides, didn't have to wait in many lines.

BTW, my kids were 3, almost 10, almost 13, and 15 and there were plenty of activities for all of us.

Have a blast and if you have any other questions ask away!

T&B

 

[Kallison]

I was figuring water parks first also. Where should we EAT!??

 

[Otto's Doll]

We ate at Denny's before we went to Dorney Park. Parking is $7. As you enter the park, head immediately to the right. There are lockers there, or you can head further right, and enter Wildwater Kingdom, there are more lockers there. If you wear your suits (recommended) you can go through Wildwater Kingdom, past the wave pool, and go out to Thunder Creek Mountain that way (Water rapid ride). Caution... YOU WILL GET SOAKED. No way out on that one, and there is NO dry storage, so leave your camera in the locker. Lockers are $1 every time you open one for the small ones or you can get a big one for $6 for the day. There is also the Log Flume in the regular park, but we didn't get too wet on that one. (Just DH who sat in the back). A hint from him, put your wallet/money into a small ziplock bag, that way even if you get soaked, your money will be dry.
We found the water park to be the best to do first (less crowded, by 2pm you will be waiting a lot longer for the rides) and then we dried off and went to the dry rides. Other than the major roller coasters, we had no waits at all. We went on August 9 (Monday) and it was not bad.
The food is expensive, there is a Subway right in Camp Snoopy or a pizza place around the corner from there. There are other places to eat as well, but we didn't check them out. There is a frozen custard stand as you walk down the center area (behind the Carousel) on the right, across from the parked car in front of the diner, I believe, that was good, and the small cones were quite big.
We ended up leaving around 7pm and headed to Applebees one exit away (Airport Road South, across the light, and down 2 blocks.) for dinner.
PM me if you have any questions! Have a wonderful time!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I don't remember food in the park. We must have eaten something, though, and since I had my middle son with me it was more than likely pizza. We ate at our hotel before going into the part. When we broke to change clothes we went to Rita's and had LOTS of custard and mistos. That was about 10 minutes away and very good.

When we returned we stayed until closing since we like rides at night.

T&B

 

[Breezy_Carol]

We have been to Dorney Park before but this year when my company picnic was there (I wasn't able to go) there were complaints about the large groups of people that were bussed in and were very rude. Anyone else had this complaint? Or was it just a bad day for them. I didn't see this.

 

[ckay87]

Yes, the busses full of rude people are becomming a more and more common complaint. We are very close to Dorney Park so we tend to go quite frequently. All of our kind of local parks - like Hershey - seem to be getting out of hand with the crowds. I don't get it. And the crowd control - well, it aint Disney for sure.

I'd suggest going on a weekday at all costs. Weekday nights are the best, but not always possible. Plus they've shortened the hours by now.

There is tons and tons of good stuff to do, so you'll have a lot of fun. Steel Force just the greatest roller coaster. Let us know how you like it.

 

[puffkin]

We stopped going there in the summer because it it jam packed with busses of (please don't flame me) inner city kids. They are rude and loud and travel in big packs through the park. However I wouldn't expect it to be a problem any longer since school is back in session. We usually take a cooler and buy sandwiches at the Wawa near the park and then just eat those for lunch. We just snack in the park.

 

[ckay87]

Puffkin-No flames here. You said exactly what I was afraid to say (about inner-city people.)

This year when we were craving a waterpark visit, we chose a longer drive to drive to the Poconos to Camelbeach instead of visiting Dorney. Believe it or not, it was even more crowded than Dorney but a million times more pleasant. People were considerate - as packed as it was there was always an available chair. Lines moved, people smiled, chatted, etc. Didn't have to cover my kids' eyes or ears at any point in the day. Imagine that.

 

[Cindy B]

I have a season pass there, and we utilize it to go there, and to the Towncrier Memorial Day Picnic/Park at Cedar Point.

We are planning to go this weekend.

It does get busy with the busloads. We tend to not go until school is in session. Unfortunately, you will get this problem anywhere (Great Adventure, Clementon Lake, Dorney, any attraction in Philly like the Zoo, or the Camden Aquarium) until school is back in session.

Wildwater kingdom closes soon, I wasnt to say next week. I would check the schedule.

The park itself is fairly small, but big enough to do in a day. There are some larger coasters like Steel Force (semi intense), to Talon (short but sweet coaster), and a few small wooden ones. (Thunderhawk). They tore down Hercules, and are builidng a B & M in 2005. The wild mouse coaster is cute, but the employees have no idea how to load it correctly.. some cars go out empty, or only 2 people in it. (it seats four). If you can get on early, go on, its not worth the wait.

There are tame rides like the Whip, Scrambler, Musik Express, Pirate Ship, etc. IF you have younger kids, the Camp Snoopy area is cute. --if you have older kids (I think you do), they will concentrate their time on bigger rides. There is also bumper cars, some upside rides, and other things.

As for eating we leave the park, and hit the McD's across the street. This McDonalds has a NASCAR theme, and its fun. If you drive down the road Dorney is on, there is also a Wendy's and other things--Friendly's and something else.

 

[lrmillen]

WEAR WATER SHOES. I've definitely been to cleaner water parks. Ditto about the rude busloads problem. Stay away from weekends.

 

[puffkin]

They tore down Hercules, and are builidng a B & M in 2005.

I haven't been there in almost two years and was sorry to hear this. I remember when it opened, how thrilling it was to head straight for the water and then bank at the last moment. It had gotten pretty rough and bumpy the last couple years, but I still enjoyed it. Curious to know what a B&M is though?

 

[Cindy B]

B & M -- Bollinger and Malliabard (Spelling may be off). Its a Swiss (I think), company that manufactures some very decent coasters.


I think Kraken at Sea World, Mantis at Cedar Point, and a few others. --there are a ton of them in the NE.

 

[Cindy B]

Here's a list of the B & M coasters that have been built.

Dorney Park actually needs a fun, intense coaster. Talon is cute, but not really intense.

http://www.rcdb.com/installationres...y=&column=1,10,6,7,8,3,26,4,5&order=1,2,8,7,6

sorry about the long link.

 

[puffkin]

Cindy B-
Thanks for the link. Turns out I have been on all the M&B roller coasters in Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Six Flags (NJ), and Universal Orlando. I hope it is something along the lines of the hulk or Apollo's chariot though!