The countdown is on: Dorney Park will open for its 135th season of operation on April 28, 2018! Since we closed for the 2017 season at the end of October our staff has been hard at work planning and preparing for the upcoming season. You will notice that we are making some changes, with a focus on improving the parks food & beverage infrastructure and other enhancements that will improve the guest experience.

Here is an update on our major projects that we will be working on over the winter:

First, we are giving some additional TLC to Thunderhawk, our classic wooden coaster. About 150 feet of track will be replaced from the exit of the "figure 8" to the final approach. Thunderhawk is our second oldest ride at 94 years young, and it remains a favorite for guests of all ages.

Second, construction is moving along according to schedule for the new Tidal Wave Café in Wildwater Kingdom. Demolition and grading are completed, and footers for the building are in-progress. We will also be adding a new, larger shaded seating area to the project. Tidal Wave Café is expected to be open and ready to serve guests when Wildwater Kingdom opens over Memorial Day Weekend. Guests can look forward to customizing their meals with items such as Build Your Own Mac & Cheese Bowls. Options will include buffalo chicken or Carolina BBQ, just to name a few.

Third, we have also recently welcomed a new executive chef, Donald Stauffer, to our staff. Chef Stauffer has jumped right in, and is working on the menu for the Tidal Wave Café, as well as adding new items to the menu at the Chef's Grill.

The Chef’s Grill will feature weekly specials based off of popular food truck menus. The menu is still being finalized, but these special items will be made to eat on the go so guests can their maximize park experience.

To round out F&B enhancements, we will also be upgrading two Coke Refresh Stations - one in the dry park and one in the waterpark. An additional Refresh Station will be attached to the Tidal Wave Café in the Wildwater Kingdom as well. The ease of the Refresh Stations makes it much more convenient for guests to take advantage of our Souvenir Bottle drink program by being able to refill quicker and at more locations throughout the park.

A little less thrilling (but needed, nonetheless), are renovations and upgrades to the main restroom facilities in Wildwater Kingdom.

Finally, from time to time we have to move things around or even remove them completely in order to look to the future. Stinger, which came to us from our sister park California's Great America in 2012, will be removed to make room for future planning opportunities. We don’t have details to share right now, but we are working on future planning and development of the park.

More info will surface about our 2018 season throughout the winter, so stay connected with us on our social media channels and through our e-newsletter for the latest updates.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!!!