Dutch Wonderland questions

[justintime]

Can someone tell me what Dutch Wonderland is like? DS is almost 7 and DD is almost 5. DS is pretty adventurous - loves Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, etc, so I'm wondering if he will find Dutch Wonderland to be a little boring. My husband wants to go to the Lancaster area. Also, about how long would it be to see the park? Just one day, or two? Are there any other parks around there?

 

[mcglaughlins]

Yessers, I can help you seeing we were just there 3 weeks ago.

Our children range in age from 1 to 9. Now, the park is defintely geared to the younger crowd and there is only one rollercoaster that is "thrilling" but even my 3 year old was able to ride it. However, everyone had a GREAT day and the 9 year olds loved it ( and they are both rollercoaster lovers, did the tower of terror and rockin' rollercoaster and test track and all the scrary rides at disney last year ). However, I do think you can do the whole park in one day. Towards the last 2 hours our baby napped and my hubby took the other 4 on the roller coaster repeatedly.

Oh, and there's a neat water area. Seeing you have the two, you and your husband would probably have an easy time keeping a good eye on them. We have 5 and after about 10 minutes it was just a little overwhelming to keep track of each one, so we ended up going back to the park side.

But all in all, it's a really cute park and I think your kids will enjoy it.
I'm not sure where you're from, but how about Hershey Park? It's geared towards the little ones and the oldedr ones, just stay away from the new Boardwalk unless you're going to do Hershey in 2 days.

Have a great time if you decide to go!

 

[disneynewbee]

We went to Dutch Wonderland last season and we enjoyed it. It is nothing like the amusement parks you are probably used to though. It is more slow pace and geared toward the younger kids. The shows were so cheesy it was comical but the kids liked them. The oldest kid we had with us at the time was my 5yo though. She loves coasters and stuff but was perfectly content with what they had to offer. I guess the best way I would describe Dutch Wonderland is like a big county fair with carnival rides, but clean. My kids enjoyed the day but I would also suggest Hershey for a more exciting experience for the older kiddo. Dutch Wonderland is only a one day park, if you did Hershey I would allow two especially if they want to do the Boardwalk area.

 

[RMulieri]

I live in the area and go to Dutch Wonderland often.It is definitely geared toward the younger set and children that are more into 'tamer' rides.If you have a bunch of daredevils in your house, they may be bored.My 5 yr old loves it, but she is very timid with rides.I would venture into Hershey and do hersheypark if you are concerned

 

[mommyk8]

Def you want Hersheypark. Dutch Wonderland is geared towards young kids. The singled roller coaster is a wooden coaster that is tame compared to WDW coasters.

 

[Dancing Queen]

Can someone tell me what Dutch Wonderland is like? DS is almost 7 and DD is almost 5. DS is pretty adventurous - loves Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, etc, so I'm wondering if he will find Dutch Wonderland to be a little boring. My husband wants to go to the Lancaster area. Also, about how long would it be to see the park? Just one day, or two? Are there any other parks around there?

We've been to Dutch Wonderland the past two years.

Dutch Wonderland is definately geared for smaller ones - your 7 year old may not have as much fun as the 5 year old. That being said, my 5 year old keeps asking when we can go again.

Hershey Park is probably a good alternative - they also have a waterpark so bring your bathing suits.

And just a random piece of info: Dutch Wonderland is owned by Hershey Entertainment.

 

[MKB419]

Where are you staying ? We were at Dutch Wonderland 2 weeks ago. My kids are 4&5 and not very adventurous.so it is a great park for them. They have some shows and the waterpark is tame but fun. We stay at Willow Valley which the kids love . Hope you have a great time.
Mary Kay

 

[ffemtmomof4]

My son and I both work at DW. You can do it in one day with no problems. It is mainly a park for chldren under 10. My 5 and 2 yos love it. They do have a small waterpark. There is also a bunch of joint tickets you can get for other attractions in the area.

You can get :
- Hershyepark and Dutch Wonderland
- DW, Strasburg Railroad and Railroad Museum of PA (I highly recommend this one but I am biased, dh works at the RRM)

 

[justintime]

Where are you staying ? We were at Dutch Wonderland 2 weeks ago. My kids are 4&5 and not very adventurous.so it is a great park for them. They have some shows and the waterpark is tame but fun. We stay at Willow Valley which the kids love . Hope you have a great time.
Mary Kay

We don't know where we are going to stay yet. That is the next thing to look into. I saw a commercial for Willow valley, and it looked pretty nice.
My DH had mentioned the Red Caboose Motel, but I have seen mixed reviews on that.

 

[justintime]

My son and I both work at DW. You can do it in one day with no problems. It is mainly a park for chldren under 10. My 5 and 2 yos love it. They do have a small waterpark. There is also a bunch of joint tickets you can get for other attractions in the area.

You can get :
- Hershyepark and Dutch Wonderland
- DW, Strasburg Railroad and Railroad Museum of PA (I highly recommend this one but I am biased, dh works at the RRM)

Thanks for the info. A joint ticket may be a good option for us, since I think we may be going for a few days.
How are the crowds at DW? Are certain days better than others, or are they about equal? Are the weekends superbusy? We were thinking about going toward the end of August.

 

[lillykat]

From what I have heard from friends DW is more geared to younger kids and that those with kids who want more action should check out Hershey park.

Sorry can I chime in here?

We are going Labor day weekend - with a 26 month old and a 15 week old. What is the water park area like at DW? How long would we need for DD to do the rides and water area that are appropriate for her age (she is about 33 or 34 inches). Is there shade where I or DH can sit with the baby while DD#1 goes on rides? Is there somewhere in the park where I can nurse in private? Will they let me bring in a soft side cooler with pumped milk?

We will be there from Friday until Sunday (my bday). Aside from DW what else should we try to do with the girls? We are staying at the Best Western Eden Resort and suites b.c we wanted 2 rooms so that the baby doesn't wake DD#1 up at night when she wakes for feedings.

Any restaurants you recommend for an easy meal?

 

[snubie]

From what I have heard from friends DW is more geared to younger kids and that those with kids who want more action should check out Hershey park.

Sorry can I chime in here?

We are going Labor day weekend - with a 26 month old and a 15 week old. What is the water park area like at DW? How long would we need for DD to do the rides and water area that are appropriate for her age (she is about 33 or 34 inches). Is there shade where I or DH can sit with the baby while DD#1 goes on rides? Is there somewhere in the park where I can nurse in private? Will they let me bring in a soft side cooler with pumped milk?

We will be there from Friday until Sunday (my bday). Aside from DW what else should we try to do with the girls? We are staying at the Best Western Eden Resort and suites b.c we wanted 2 rooms so that the baby doesn't wake DD#1 up at night when she wakes for feedings.

Any restaurants you recommend for an easy meal?

The water park area is not too large and for your DD's age the area has some sprinkler type things and some very small water slides (think a few feet long and open). I'll try to find some pics from a few weeks ago.

There is lots of shade at DW so no worries there. I think there is a nursing station but I am pretty sure it is not too big and at the front of the park. I would think you could bring in pumped milk for the baby.

Water area photos:
This is the little kids area and you can sort of see the little slides in the background

 

[Mkrop]

DW is for much littler kids. We tried to go several years ago and DS11(now his age) was bored out of his mind. We were going to Hershey after and he kept asking when we were leaving DW. He was just too much of a thrill junkie for that place.

Now my family loves Hershey bc it has the little kid rides and the big thrill rides.

It is a shame bc my friend keeps begging me to go with her and her kids to DW and she just can not seem to understand why I cant bring DS11. Her oldest is 6.

 

[cntrygal]

Lapp's right across the street from Dutch Wonderland is our favorite place in lancaster to eat. Isaac's Deli there are several location s in the area is great too!

 

[noahdove]

Bird in Hand family restaurant as well as the Family Cupboard are our 2 favorite places to eat close to Rt. 30. Both are on Rt.340 and children under 3 eat free We just ate there last week.Also on Rt.340 is a new diner called DJ's..great food and service and prices The first 2 are east of Rt. 896 and the diner is left on 340 from 896...We stay at Smoketown Motor Lodge...great place..I feel like I am home when I arrive. Mike and his staff are great If you decide to stay there, tell Mike I sent you

 

[ljcrochet]

We took my 3 year olds to dutch wonderland last year. They were bored. We stayed at a bed and breakfast on a working dairy farm. We wound up going to Hershey park for the afternoon the next day. Since we did the twilight ticket it cost us less then dutch wonderland and my girls enjoyed it more. In fact they keep on asking when we are going back to Hershey but never mention Dutch Wonderland.

 

[bjakmom]

We took my 3 year olds to dutch wonderland last year. They were bored. We stayed at a bed and breakfast on a working dairy farm. We wound up going to Hershey park for the afternoon the next day. Since we did the twilight ticket it cost us less then dutch wonderland and my girls enjoyed it more. In fact they keep on asking when we are going back to Hershey but never mention Dutch Wonderland.

Was thinking of taking DGrD(5) to Lancaster for a few days in Aug (I watch her every day while DD works). What B&B did you stay at and did you like it? We always took the girls when they were little and often thought staying at on a working farm would be fun, but never did it. I know she would love choo choo barn and the Strasburg RR - maybe I will check out DW, too - haven't been there in over 20 years - so long ago that Chief Halftown was there!!!

 

[ljcrochet]

Was thinking of taking DGrD(5) to Lancaster for a few days in Aug (I watch her every day while DD works). What B&B did you stay at and did you like it? We always took the girls when they were little and often thought staying at on a working farm would be fun, but never did it. I know she would love choo choo barn and the Strasburg RR - maybe I will check out DW, too - haven't been there in over 20 years - so long ago that Chief Halftown was there!!!

We stayed at Rocky Acre farm. We loved it. One of my girls is still talking about going into the chicken coop and collecting the eggs over a year later. I think we are going back again next spring. Would have stayed there when we go to hershey next, but we are going to be 9 people and they didn't have the space on a weekend for us.

 

[mikehn]

I think 5 and 7 year olds would enjoy Hershey Park much more than Dutch.

 

[jcc0621]

My son and I both work at DW. You can do it in one day with no problems. It is mainly a park for chldren under 10. My 5 and 2 yos love it. They do have a small waterpark. There is also a bunch of joint tickets you can get for other attractions in the area.

Oooh, we are going to be in your area this weekend. We are doing the Railroad Museum and Strasburg on Saturday Morning and then coming in to DW for the Twilight Preview and the DW all day Sunday.

What can you tell me about the Knights in on Rt. 30 (about a block away from DW) Most recent reviews I have read said it is clean, and that is all I am really looking for in a place to stay over night.

ETA - My Ds is 5 and HATED Hersheypark. He loves rollercoasters and stuff, but the big coaster he wanted to ride he wasn't tall enough for