Photo TR: Dorney Park

[BRTeller]

Well my mom, and me decided we would head up to Dorney this weekend. I had a pretty good time, but it was very hot. It was 95 and humid all, day, so that wasn't fun. But still had a good time and I do like Dorney. We left for the park around 11:30 and got there at 2:30. Once we got there we went and got are season passes processed, then off to the park we went. First I went over to Talon, luckily it broke down and opened right when I got to the entrance. So I was able to get on with no wait. Then again the whole day the main park was pretty empty, the water park not so much.

 

Next we headed over to Hydra, that twist out of the station is insane. I really enjoyed this baby floorless coaster. It's so tiny, but still pretty fun. Again another walk on, I think I waited no more then 10 minutes for any ride once the water park let out, and 10 for voodoo. So the lines were pretty awesome all day. Lines were all empty before the water park let out, except Voodoo, like I said.

 

Next we went over to Thunderhawk. I really enjoy this woodie. If they didn't have those trim brakes, it would be easily my favorite. There was five I think through out the whole ride. It did still produce some good airtime, but I would love to ride with the trims off. Next up was Steel Force, meh.

 

Next up was Voodoo, I still think of it back when it was Superman. But that was the last time I rode it. It's a good ride, and the operators made the experience more unique. They had fun launching you, they went 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, the launch. Didn't expect it, also they slowed it down, then let it go up the back spike a little bit then stuck it in the station. Never experienced that before. It's a nice addition at least I think so. Then Laser, Wow, what a ride. I think it was a mixture of the heat, but during the loops I had a minor black out. It really packs a punch, and I forgot how much. Please don't sell it, its kind of ugly, but still fun. A paint job is needed.

 

I really don't want Dorney to be like Geauga Lake. I noticed it had a lot of the same characteristics. The water park was full and the park was empty, on a Saturday. It was also like that last time I went. Which is why I think it could be done for. I've lost Big Dipper, don't take away Thunderhawk. But it has more hope, it was still a little more crowded, and also they got two new coasters, and it isn't in competition with there star park. So it's probably just me, but it worries me, they already got rid of Geauga Lake. Anyone else have that feeling of Dorney? Again, I doubt it, but after Geauga Lake I don't trust Cedar Fair completely. Well I had a pretty good day, liked the coasters. I don't get the chance to go to Dorney that much, so it was fun to get back to it. Hope you enjoyed my report, now on to the photo's.

 

Is that train empty?

Why, yes it is!

Apparently it broke down, and now its testing. So I'll get a few pictures then head over to it.

It's open now, I still like this coaster. Smooth, a bit short, but a lot of fun.

Next up....Hydra!

Look at how tiny it is, merely 95 feet.

I don't see how this brought down Hercules..... It's just so tiny, how could it take that down?

Cobra Roll, yum.

Next up Thunderhawk. Really is a great coaster, but without the trims it could be 20 times better.

Ok first drop.

I can just imagine how much airtime would be here without trims.

Pretty.

I think this was my favorite picture of the day. Now only if there was a train going down Thunder hawk and one on Steel Force to.

Steel Force, the force that is made out of steel! Horrible captions as always.

Lift hill shot.

This reminds me of a mini Steel Dragon 2000.

I'll get to you soon Laser.

But Superman..., I mean Steel Ve..., Um..Voodoo is first.

This got about half of what I wanted to do. I wanted the train to look like a blur going past, but didn't work. Have to learn more about my camera. Still kind of blurry, lol.

Why is this one so dark? It was very bright out.

Best picture of Voodoo.

I really like this sign a lot, those candles add a awesome effect alone.

Ok laser, I'm here!

A bit rough, but the forces are awesome.

Both loops, and a crooked picture, yay!

Best Line Jumping sign ever!

I don't know why, but I noticed this. Since when was Intamin a Vekoma. I don't "think" I would like Voodoo as much if it had SLC trains, or track for that matter.

Already have it.

This one also, even though its powered.

Oh, and this one.

Sunset picture.

Ahh, night time!

This had a small wait every time I passed it. Most likely longest wait in the park. So I skipped it.

Good old Cedar fair. Soon all trash cans won't be able to be out of a 2 feet radius of each other. If you litter at a Cedar Fair park, your a bad person, simple as that, lol.

One last ride on Talon, then I'm out.

Thanks Dorney, for a fun day.

 

Hope you enjoyed the report everyone.

 

-Brandon

[DBru]

Great TR!

 

Thanks for sharing the pics, and hopefully Dorney won't be the next Geauga Lake...

[NewsPlusNotes]

I don't agree that the popularity of the water park makes DP fair game for a comparison to Geauga Lake.

 

For one, DP's attendance is at least double what Geauga Lake's was. Second, it's a smaller property so operating costs are in line. Third, when the water park closes on summer days the amusement park is flooded and packed in the evening and into the night.

 

It's just really ... not the same situation.

 

Mike

[BRTeller]

I don't agree that the popularity of the water park makes DP fair game for a comparison to Geauga Lake.

 

For one, DP's attendance is at least double what Geauga Lake's was. Second, it's a smaller property so operating costs are in line. Third, when the water park closes on summer days the amusement park is flooded and packed in the evening and into the night.

 

It's just really ... not the same situation.

 

Mike

I said it was probably just me. I don't know I just had a feeling. I also said why it most likely wouldn't happen . Also, the last point you stated didn't happen, I was expecting it to be flooded, and it wasn't. Everything was still close to a walk on. It was just a small feeling I had, and no more then that. Just something I noticed each time I go there, and so did my mom.

[NewsPlusNotes]

I guess that varies from day to day, I just read that last night Voodoo's queue was almost all the way full after the waterpark closed!

 

Mike

[Jayjay719]

So Voodoo is back open? Thankfully, I was there last week and it was closed the entire day doing test runs teasing me. I'm going to go on Wednesday if Voodoo is open. I really want to get on it! Great pictures though!

[bspellx5]

Those are some great pictures you took! Just one question about VooDoo though. Does it hold you on the back spike for a few seconds like SFGA's impulse does? That always looked like it would be very uncomfortable, but I've never been on one so I don't know.

[BRTeller]

It holds you for about a second, just like it did before. I find it enjoyable, and its not to long, so its a nice effect. Voodoo was closed when we pulled up to the park, but did open within an hour after we got there. I don't know if its been down for a couple of days, but it did open fortunately.

 

Also thanks guys, I'm glad you liked the pictures.

 

-Brandon

[yankees15]

Great report and pictures! Sounds like you had a very enjoyable day at Dorney.

 

I doubt Dorney will be closed down just for a water park like Geauga Lake was. I mean, Dorney just put Voodoo in this year! I doubt the park would add a major coaster if they are planning on closing it. The park does get crowded quite often. I am not worried about Dorney closing anytime soon.

[johnusername]

Voodoo, is it better or worse than Wicked Twister without the other twisty side? I noticed they break you and keep you hanging on the straight side, does that add a lot?

[Immelman]

Cool trip report... I was in PA last week but decided to go to other parks in the state.

 

I've heard Laser is for sale...if that's true it makes me kind of sad. I love looping coasters without shoulder restraints.

[Superman06]

I just rode Voodoo for the 1st time today 7-2-08.

 

It was closed all day except for 1 brief time. I got lucky and at least got 1 ride on it. Front row and i kinda liked it. Something different anyway. I thought it was quite interesting. Then it was shut down again for the day.