Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom Discussion Thread

[cal1br3tto]

^I'm not sure how I feel about the idea, myself. It does seem like a modest park, and I know it's generally easy to finish within a few hours. But in a way, I do think of the park as somewhat well-rounded, with some desirable thrill and family rides. It helps that I'm a pretty major fan of not just Talon, but also the less popular Steel Force and Hydra.

 

As for what I'd add, I only have one concrete idea. I usually don't like to make random suggestions, but I think a GCI would fit well (hey, wouldn't be the first time they've had two woodies at once, and a GCI would surely be a drastic improvement). I have no idea what their next steel should be, though.

[Tanks4me05]

^The issue is that they are almost landlocked. They just recently purchased six acres just west of Stinger, Thunderhawk and Steel Force, but that's not a lot of land for an expansion; Mean Streak takes up about six acres. So, if they got another wooden coaster, my guess is that it would be around the size of Boardwalk Bullet or Thunderbird at best, (though you can fit plenty in that amount of space) and they would only be able to put a few more rides in, probably half a dozen or less is my best guess. And they need a sit down restaurant on that side of the park; most of the food options are between Talon, Wild Mouse and Hydra (the eastern half of the park for those who never went there before) and there's only one or two fast food stations near the west end.

[jzoole]

There are plenty of parks which are landlocked but still manage to add major new coasters again again (cough*Hersheypark). But anyway, six ecres is GREAT. Mean Streak is HUGE and takes up way more space than would be necessary. Boardwalk Bullet sits on ONE acre (and is definitely a better coaster than Mean Streak). I think a compact GCI would be a PERFECT addition for Dorney.

 

Another idea I had for Dorney would be some kind of full circuit launch coaster that flies around over Thunder Canyon. Maybe something along the lines of Cheetah Hunt, Rita, or Manta? I don't know, just a fantasy.

[noregrets]

Hmm when I went to Dorney in 2008 I actually remember thinking it was very well rounded. They've got a great collection of flats, drop towers, thrill rides, kiddie rides, and coasters. The only thing I think they were lacking was a real wooden twister coaster. I guess my demographic and my judgment of the park as a result was more geared toward a family experience at the time.

[cal1br3tto]

^I do appreciate their flat ride collection. It's great that they've preserved an Intamin Freefall, and though Pennsylvania isn't exactly short on Whip rides, they are rare in general.

 

...So, if they got another wooden coaster, my guess is that it would be around the size of Boardwalk Bullet or Thunderbird at best, (though you can fit plenty in that amount of space)...

With Boardwalk Bullet as an example I have no worries about the ability to fit a good coaster in that amount of space! I love the layout of that ride (how it runs is a different story, though).

[coasterbill]

Here are some semi-new pictures from Dorney's Facebook.

 

Dorney is for some reason putting canopies over the que area even though it's Dorney so there will probably never be lines anyway.

 

A close up of the station (which now has electricity).

[Ccron10]

Here's a news story that I just came across:

http://www.wfmz.com/news/Woman-claims-amusement-park-workers-assaulted-daughter/-/121458/8616580/-/5i7896z/-/index.html

 

SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. -

A New York woman is suing Dorney Park, claiming her daughter was assaulted by three park employees.

 

Lorana Hamilton of Brooklyn, New York, said it happened at the park in 2009. She claims the employees beat up her daughter and then held her against her will.

 

Hamilton is seeking punitive damages.

 

The three employees are not facing any criminal charges.

I don't seeing this holding any water.

[Intimidator305]

said it happened at the park in 2009.

 

Yes, if my daughter was assulted I'd wait almost 3 years to report it too... What a joke.

[PhantomNick]

Sounds like someone trying to make a quick buck to me.....

 

As for Stinger, I have to say I'm really impressed with how it looks! The colors are vibrant and nice, and Dorney did a great job making it fit right in at Lazer's old spot. Granted, I would've preferred Lazer staying put, but Stinger does look really good. I've actually still yet to ride an inverted boomerang. I've always been a fan of Dorney, so this one may be the first. Oh yeah, and the logo is pretty kick-ass!

[cfc]

said it happened at the park in 2009.

 

Yes, if my daughter was assulted I'd wait almost 3 years to report it too... What a joke.

 

I don't know if I'd call it a joke, based on the limited amount of information we have. The daughter may not have come forward about being assaulted because she felt threatened or because of the trauma she experienced.

 

We simply don't know enough about the case to make a judgment about its merits.

Edited February 19, 2012 by cfc

[Intimidator305]

^ True, I suppose we all should respect that just in case it actually did occur.

 

People just do not understand that in the courts of the US, the longer you wait to report something, the harder it will be to convict somebody as evidence and "stories" lose their reliability.

[omgitsmatt93]

This ride seems incredibly sexy for a coaster that is a simple boomerang clone.

[coasterbill]

The new sign is in place.

 

 

From Dorney's Facebook

[BaMiTsPaT]

That's a good looking entrance sign, though I still don't get the blue paint with the scorpion theme, but whatever floats Dorney's boat I suppose.

[SharkTums]

^I'm sure with all the terrible insects out there that there's some sort of terrible blue scorpion!

[CoasterCreator9]

^I'm sure with all the terrible insects out there that there's some sort of terrible blue scorpion!

 

 

 

In all seriousness.. Even if this is a Vekoma, still wish they had chosen Valleyfair as the spot for it... Maybe next year (or two) we'll get something..

Edited February 27, 2012 by CoasterCreator9

[BaMiTsPaT]

^A quick Google search shows that you are indeed right. Now I'm quite concerned about coming across one of these blue scorpions... good marketing Dorney!

[UrbanLegend]

^Doesn't that particular type of scorpion only glow blue underneath a UV light? So is this a "scorpion at a blacklight party" themed ride?

[BaMiTsPaT]

^Apparently there is a "blue scorpion" and a "giant blue scorpion." In order to accommodate both species, Dorney Park will be adding a Vekoma GIB to go next to Stinger!

[CoasterCreator9]

^Apparently there is a "blue scorpion" and a "giant blue scorpion." In order to accommodate both species, Dorney Park will be adding a Vekoma GIB to go next to Stinger!

 

I see what you did there.

[SharkTums]

You can always count on the insect world finding more ways to freak us out.

[Intimidator305]

I was already impressed by Dorney's choice of paint colors and name/logo, but this sign really looks great too! Although this is your standard Vekoma boomerang, I must admit that Dorney did a good job making the best out of it to make it seem exciting.

[Devious]

You can always count on the insect world finding more ways to freak us out.

 

But scorpions are so cute and evil!

 

that said, the entrance sign makes the logo look a heck of a lot better.

[XYZ]

^Apparently there is a "blue scorpion" and a "giant blue scorpion." In order to accommodate both species, Dorney Park will be adding a Vekoma GIB to go next to Stinger!

 

I believe there is a junior blue scorpion.

 

The new sign for Scorpion is OK, it reminds me too much of the Green Lantern's Ring statue in front of the Green Lantern coasters in SFMM & SFGAdv, it looks cheap.

[TheAmazingCP]

Being my hometown park, I have a season pass to this place. Most often, I go up with a group of friends to just hang out and have fun. I have mixed feelings on Stinger, but there is one major issue that no one's really brought up...

 

The people. The people at Dorney have to be some of the shadiest crowds you'll see anyway. Buses from Philly are common, and many poor urban families get their first coaster rides here. However, they're also obnoxious, loud, foul-mouthed, and love to line-jump. I'm not saying it'll ruin your day, but you can only hear someone scream "OH F*@K!!!! HOLY S#^T!!!!" so many times before it gets to you.