Photo TR: Password's Inaugural Stop at Dorney

[Password121]

This won't be a multiple part saga like my previous report from last month, but I took some pictures so I figured I might as well post my thoughts from my first visit to Dorney.

 

Intro

Dorney's a park that I never really had too much interest in going out of my way for (I live about 3.5 hours away) with Great Adventure having a far superior collection of rides nearby. Having a Cedar Fair platinum pass this year and a valid excuse to stop by for a morning en route to visit some family in Jersey before heading off to college, I realized the time had finally come to experience what all the lack of talk about Dorney Park was all about.

 

Trip Report

Friday, August 5, 2016

 

Harkening back to some of the long hauls between parks on my previous trip through the depths of the "Midwest," I had actually grown to enjoy the solitude and tranquility of early morning/late night driving with drivers around you being few and far between. In particular, the drive to Kennywood was quite nice, so wouldn't another drive through Pennsylvania, albeit to Dorney, be just as enjoyable?

 

No. The answer is no. Waking up at 5am to go to Dorney is not advisable.

 

Fast forward to the toll booths, I get quite a combination of extreme boredom with a dash of judgmental from the single toll attendant present at Dorney's lot at 9:10am. That's understandable though, and anyone that ever decides to visit a park alone should be prepared for at least a handful of awkward encounters. I pulled into the first row of parking and walked through what seemed like overkill security (metal detector wands) with the other 30 or so people lined up at the gates.

 

Of the ~30 people present for early entry, 25 went to Wildwater Kingdom. That meant I started the day with two solo rides on Talon, followed by three additional rides before 9:50 when I headed towards the mouse for opening. I don't know much about wild mice but I'm 99% sure Dorney's is actually an Intamin mouse because they could not figure out how to open it even with multiple guests in the dry park now. After a good 15 minutes I realized I was standing alone in the sun waiting for a wild mouse to open and I still have my life ahead of me to live, so I decided it was best to stop the damage there and move on.

 

I had never really looked at a map of Dorney for more than a minute or two, so the first two hours of the day were a lot of meandering and guessing where it seems like a nice place for an entrance would be. This lead me to Hydra first, followed by Possessed, walking by a closed Stinger (because Stinger ), and finally towards Steel Force, Thunderhawk, Dominator, and at some point Demon Drop, Thunder Creek Mountain, and Apollo (as per bolidkus' suggestion).

 

Much later in the day (in reality somewhere around 11am because it takes two hours to ride everything in the park) I found myself back at Stinger, and seeing as the ride was operating I assume indicates the park's mechanic rolled up a little before 11. Now, I didn't walk all this way (.08 miles) for just one ride, so I made the executive decision to try out Dorney's lovely "new" flying scooters. Oh, what a time!

 

Thanks to the help of the active community in the Dorney thread, I was able to grab some Chickie's and Pete's with the dining plan which I'll admit was really good. I joked (not entirely sarcastically) while at the park that lunch was the best thing about Dorney, but to be fair it was a really good buffalo chicken cheesesteak with fries so really any park would have a hard time topping that with a ride.

 

Before heading out I grabbed a couple more rides on Steel Force, a second on Hydra, and two more on Talon to cap it off, though with walk-ons to station waits at every ride other than the mouse which looked to be somewhere around 20 minutes I could've easily ridden more. On my way out around 1:30 I noticed two fine gentlemen being handcuffed in the back of a cop car, so I thought that was a nice way to cap off my impression from my inaugural Dorney visit.

 

Review

 

Now, first things first, I want to be clear that I really didn't dislike Dorney. Going to parks solo isn't something I usually do, and it's definitely not the way I would prefer to spend my time at a park--but it was solo or not at all this time and I think that might've put a slight damper on my impression. So with that said, I'm doing my best to remove that bias and discuss the park in the perspective of just Dorney, not a solo enthusiast who's travelled more than the average day guest.

 

Being in Pennsylvania, I think I had this idea in my head that despite being a Cedar Fair park there would be a possibility of some Kennywood vibes with old school charm, a nice shaded atmosphere with a lot of character and properly run attractions that are infinitely better than you might expect. Right, so... none of that happened. I kind of knew that would be the case going in, but I think I still had this young, innocent glimmer of hope that maybe I just hadn't heard the full story of today's Dorney Park. I say "today's" because I know Dorney wasn't always this was and has quite a history which is a shame given what the park is today.

 

So, what is the park "today" you ask? If it weren't for the rather extensive collection of classic and somewhat unique flats as well as what looked to be one of the better water parks out there (which was obviously the main draw this time of year), Dorney would probably be the most generic amusement parks imaginable. One of the words that came to mind for certain parts of the park (entry plaza, Stinger plaza) was "sterile," which I think actually describes the park well. Keep in mind, that's not entirely negative as the park was very clean feeling and obviously well maintained.

 

I think the real problem with Dorney is that everything is so predictable, so ordinary. And when there are parks around the country (and even nearby) that are "outstanding" in some fashion (that's Great Adventure's coasters, Kennywood's charm, and as I've heard Knoebels' everything), it's hard to really appreciate such mediocrity. Is there anything particularly "wrong" with Dorney? Absolutely not. There was no single ride or single aspect of the park that ruined my experience. That said though, there was no aspect that made an impressionable experience. All the rides simply exist, run their cycle, people get off and the common reaction seemed to be "that was kinda fun, right?", and move on with their day.

 

I should also mention the inconsistent policies present on Talon. I was allowed to find an open seat after riding the front row during early entry, but later in the back when there was nobody in line for my row I was told I had to walk around. wtf?

 

So, overall impressions? It was really a decent park. I had a good time for a few hours, and I'd rather spend four hours at Dorney than four hours at home, which is really what it comes down to. I'm not dying to come back and I can say with certainty that Cedar Fair has no business putting any kind of major capital into the dry side for quite awhile with how populated some of these stations were, but if I had a platinum pass and was in the area again I'd gladly send another few hours at the park.

 

Attractions

 

Talon (7x): This was far and away the best ride in the park, though it's not exactly stiff competition. Out of my seven rides, two or three were in the front with the rest in the back. I think I slightly prefer the back for some good pull through some of the elements, though the front is very good as well. As for the ride itself... it's very good, but not excellent. I really enjoyed the three consecutive inversions (and the first drop in the back isn't quite Banshee but not really solid) to start out, especially the zero-g roll. I love zero-g rolls, and although Talon's wasn't quite as intense or have the same snappiness as Raptor's or Batman's, it was snappier than Banshee's and I like that it's the opposite direction than most inverts.

The middle third of Talon is a really unique succession of elements for an invert, and I do appreciate the change of pace in that it seems as though the ride's focus isn't just to go upside down. That said, the intensity really lets up for this 10 second segment, which I know is really nitpicky and I don't like to do that with roller coasters, but when you're comparing such similar rides (B&M inverts) that are all really, really solid coasters overall then something like that can make a difference.

For the tail end of the course, the ride drops back down close to the ground (which is really fun in the back row) and has one of the more unique endings with a helix and a single corkscrew, which is also one of the more intense parts of the ride.

 

Overall, Talon is middle of the road in terms of intensity of the inverts I've ridden (which is a very limited number) but is definitely one of the most re-rideable inverts out there. I'd still put Talon beneath the likes of Raptor, Banshee and Batman, but these are all fantastic rides that are in my top three at their respective parks.

 

Hydra (2x): I was really interested to try this one out after hearing how this was probably the peak of B&M's mediocrity and absurd lack of intensity from the 2000's and I must say that Hydra did not disappoint on that front. It almost seems as though the reason that some of these elements are "curvy" (namely the dive loop an cobra roll) is to reduce the amount or rotation required by the train while inverting itself in an attempt to undercut forces and intensity. The first "inversion" after the lift was slow, had no "snap" whatsoever, and really didn't feel like an inversion at all. The "airtime" hills felt like the pre-lift drop on any average coaster the ride was just devoid of any sense of speed or intensity at all. The jojo roll was a complete waste of engineering work and I don't think anyone has ever come off that ride saying "I really liked when my shoulders jammed into the restraints and the blood rushed to my head before we even did anything! That was fun!"

That said, not all is lost as the ride was better than most Arrow/Vekoma loopers simply because it doesn't try to beat you up as it would require forces to move your head off-center to accommodate any sort of headbanging.

 

In all seriousness though, Hydra's not a good ride, but it's not overly rough and is probably worth one ride per visit. The elements are unique and I applaud B&M for trying something new but why did they have to do it in 2005 when they sucked? Really if they could add 30 feet to the lift and steepen the drop while leaving everything else the same it might be an interesting, somewhat intense ride (no, I'm not actually suggesting that). It definitely isn't the worst B&M though (that would be Apocalypse) as it's overall a positive experience while that ride in Maryland is almost 3000 feet of f*ck this.

 

Steel Force (3x): As per the advice given I rode this first up front, then later in the last row to compare and again in the front so didn't leave with that experience stuck in my mind. The first drop is the weakest of any hypercoaster ever (there's some serious hangtime waiting for the lift to disengage up front), the first airtime hill is weaker than any B&M hyper, and the turnaround is about 1500 feet of wasted steel that's about equivalent to driving with the windows down. The mid-course hits far too hard, but fortunately there's actually three or four really decent moments of floater airtime in the front seat (absolutely nothing in the back) on the finale hills that make up for the really just unfortunate middle third of the ride. It boggles my mind that just five years earlier the same manufacturer re-engineered Phantom's Revenge and its bunny hops which are some of the most intense ejector hills on any coaster not named Maverick or El Toro.

Overall, I'd put Steel Force just a notch beneath SFA's Superman and Magnum (I know people love this ride, sorry) but nowhere near rides like Nitro or especially Phantom's Revenge.

 

Thunderhawk (1x): This was a one train wait for the front row which is pretty telling. Unfortunately I didn't really get the ejector air that's been mentioned in the front row before the first trim (more just some awkward floater while turning) but I thought the ride was at least acceptable up until the second half. The second trim just made this ride completely laughable and I really do wish they'd properly refurb this coaster because it's easy to see that it could be a very decent/good little ride, but as is it's there's very little redeeming about it.

 

Stinger (1x): I've ridden Invertigo at Kings Island and this was pretty much exactly the same in terms of comfort/experience (and obviously layout too). Not the worst ride ever, but the long trains and facing backwards for half the ride are a little too disorienting for my tastes. I'll also say that the words "Vekoma" and "cobra roll" should never be used together.

 

Possessed (1x): I was excited to try this out with Wicked Twister being the only other impulse I've ridden, and I was interested to see how I liked the holding brake. Honestly, I wasn't a fan. The brake grabbed the train a little suddenly which was a little uncomfortable down below, and being in the last row the view didn't really do anything for me compared to Wicked Twister even with the holding brake. I also like the dual twisting spikes more, and I think the added height and speed of Wicked Twister is actually somewhat noticeable (or at least I perceived it to be). All things considered, the lesser or two impulses is still a really fun ride that I wouldn't have minded riding again, and is probably my third favorite in the park (behind Talon/Steel Force).

 

Demon Drop (1x): This was my first 1st gen freefall which was pretty exciting, and they couldn't get enough people on the ride to load the vehicles to a point where they could be dispatched. Once I finally ascended the sketchy lift, the vehicle moved in position for the drop, and... well, it wasn't as "omfg!" terrifying as I was hoping. Honestly, it was fun, it was a good freefall feeling, but I didn't get the "only ride in the world that still freaks me out" feeling that I've heard about. The ending into the unload platform was really awkward and I'm glad I remembered to tilt my head forward.

 

Thunder Creek Mountain (1x): I was fortunate enough to avoid a crotch party with random strangers on this one which made for a fun, relaxing ride. I like how it interacts with the terrain and really stays on ground level all the way through. I'd still say I like Great Adventure's and Kings Dominion's more, though those are two of the best. It was a fun ride and I didn't get overly soaked which is always nice.

 

Dominator (1x): Rode the "up" side once and thought it was fun. A split second of really strong airtime at the top, though Cedar Point's Power Tower was better/taller.

 

Cedar Creek Flyers (1x): Short cycle, hard to snap even a little bit. Not a great set of flyers, but a bad set of flyers is better than no flyers, right?

 

Apollo (1x): I mean, I guess it was kinda fun, but I'm not sure I really "get" this ride. Not a bad ride by any means, it just "happened."

 

Thanks for reading!

As you can see, the crowds really pile in to Dorney early on

This would be so badass with a roar...

I like the ride plaza, I don't like how quiet it is

Talon's kinda got that Raptor vibe of running along the midway up front, but the far end of Talon is essentially the back end of the park

From the queue. I like how the ride area is landscaped.

Is this where the top spin was? Something should go here.

There's that dive before the corkscrew on the bottom left--good fun

Just unbearable. I feel bad for Dorney locals who never get to ride anything.

It became difficult to push through the hoards of people covering the midways

And it's painted like Raptor which is really miseleading

Hydra's sign seems inviting...

Two hour queues all day

Just why is this a thing? To what benefit?

Some more landscaping and sterile midways

Hydra riders can be jealous of Thunder Creek Mountain riders while riding!

"Airtime" hill

Should've gotten fast lane

This is pretty much Dorney in one shot--concrete and relocated rides

This area had some shade at least

And I guess this was kinda nice too

I'm confused as to what color exactly they're going for with Thunderhawk

(Insert joke about Banshee/Mantis/Rougarou)

Dinos and a Morgan hyper--which is more modern?

This reminded me of the Dominator path at Kings Dominion, plus shade

I don't know if I really "get" this thing

And this train was just super weird looking. Is that like a stylistic choice or is that just... I don't know

Some lovely fresh painted track and a new train that kinda blows

The classic shot

It's all just so bland

I think my expectations were a little high for this ride, but still good fun

Back to Stinger that finally opened to everyone's dismay

I like how they say "lines" as if they have "lines" at Dorney

It looks super sketchy which adds to the appeal

Another random shot, just because

The only picture of the flyers I got which kinda suck and it's hard to say if it's worth the walk all the way down Stinger. What used to be there? Just an empty path?

Seriously, so good. Mmm.

This looked like a vomit machine. No thanks.

This was actually fairly popular, and the splash was massive.

Thanks for, well, exisiting, Dorney! Selfie on the way out.

One last shot of Talon before heading out

Edited August 12, 2016 by Password121

[Genx24]

Sterile is a perfect word to describe Dorney. Although personally, I refer to it as "stale". That's not to say it isn't a nice place, because it has some charm and never having to wait more than five minutes for some good coasters is always a nice touch. Glad you had fun.

[bert425]

Did you skip the trains?

 

we enjoyed both the smaller Zephyr train (that goes behind Stinger), and also the larger train that goes out past the waterpark.

 

I thought Dorney had an awful lot of concrete (yeah, sterile), and a terrible operations when we were there. . but we did also enjoy the Log Flume, the Monster (which aren't around that much in parks anymore), and the whip, in addition to most of the coasters and the trains).

 

oh, and the Carousel at the front.. we LOVE carousels

[boldikus]

Great pics and report, I was looking forward to seeing what you thought of Dorney.

 

I must respectfully disagree with your assessment of Possessed and Apollo. Maybe its because I am usually lit the f*ck up when I am at Dorney, but IMO those are two of the most fun rides on the planet. I really don't know what it is about the back seat of Possessed. I love it.

[Jcoaster]

Dorney is a good change of pace from Great Adventure and Dorney due to the fact that is never any lines and you can ride as much as you want. I actually enjoyed my rides on Steel Force when I visited this season and I don't think Hydra is half as bad as you're making it out to be. The Jo-Jo roll may actually be the ONLY interesting element of the ride.

[theredskull84]

Great report! I've never had the chance to visit Dorney yet, but it's always nice hearing new opinions about it. Love the pics too.

[Password121]

Sterile is a perfect word to describe Dorney. Although personally, I refer to it as "stale". That's not to say it isn't a nice place, because it has some charm and never having to wait more than five minutes for some good coasters is always a nice touch. Glad you had fun.

Stale might be a better word actually. Nothing about the park is over the top or memorable (outside of *maybe* Talon, either good or bad. I really didn't have any particular complaints about the park that worsened the experience, it was just all around very average and predictable. That said, it is nice to know you're going to ride some decent coasters without waiting anyday the park is open.

Did you skip the trains?

 

we enjoyed both the smaller Zephyr train (that goes behind Stinger), and also the larger train that goes out past the waterpark.

 

I thought Dorney had an awful lot of concrete (yeah, sterile), and a terrible operations when we were there. . but we did also enjoy the Log Flume, the Monster (which aren't around that much in parks anymore), and the whip, in addition to most of the coasters and the trains).

 

oh, and the Carousel at the front.. we LOVE carousels

I did skip the trains as this was more of a credit stop + a few flats that looked cool + get a good feel for Talon. If I had been with a friend or a group I for sure would've ridden more and stayed longer, but as it was I had somewhere to be in the afternoon and got the essentials done.

 

I disnt think operations were bottom of the barrel terrible, but they wee inconsistent as I noted and they were never particularly speedy. About as fast as the crowds warranted.

 

Thanks for reading.

Great pics and report, I was looking forward to seeing what you thought of Dorney.

 

I must respectfully disagree with your assessment of Possessed and Apollo. Maybe its because I am usually lit the f*ck up when I am at Dorney, but IMO those are two of the most fun rides on the planet. I really don't know what it is about the back seat of Possessed. I love it.

Interesting, I'm glad to hear your take and always good with a different opinion. I don't know what it was about Possessed, but the holding brake was just a little too sudden and felt forced/unnecessary/a little uncomfortable. The ride overall is still really fun and come to think of it I don't know why I didn't go back for a re-ride.

 

As for Apollo, I could see it being fun in that state ( ) but for me it was just a little dizzying (I rode right before lunch, if that means anything) and I didn't really get the point of it. Not a bad ride at all though.

 

Thanks for reading and again thanks for the tips/suggestions before the visit.

Dorney is a good change of pace from Great Adventure and Dorney due to the fact that is never any lines and you can ride as much as you want. I actually enjoyed my rides on Steel Force when I visited this season and I don't think Hydra is half as bad as you're making it out to be. The Jo-Jo roll may actually be the ONLY interesting element of the ride.

Agreed 100% about Dorney vs Great Adventure. I also enjoyed Steel Force in the front seat--for a hyper coaster I thought it was really bland but as a ride in general it's among the top 1/3 or so of coasters I've ridden, and my second favorite in the park.

I might have been a little harsh on Hydra, but since visiting Dorney I rode the hell out of Bizarro four days later and then Dominator at Kings Dominion just yesterday, so in the context of floorless coasters I think the lackluster review is deserved. I'm a fan of floorless coasters and love intense rides, and Hydra just didn't check off any boxes for me. That said, as a coaster just in general it's totally fine and there's nothing particularly "bad" about it, just outside of the visuals and weird layout there's nothing really special about it that brings it really above average. I really didn't do well with Super Loops so that might play into my dislike for the jojo roll as well.

Great report! I've never had the chance to visit Dorney yet, but it's always nice hearing new opinions about it. Love the pics too.

Thanks for reading! If you're in the area is say visit if you can, but I certainly wouldn't travel for it unless you could rack on Great Adventure (and coasterbill will yell at me if I don't say Knoebels too).

[theredskull84]

For sure. Knoebels is definitely a bucket list park for me. Hopefully I can make it out that way sooner than later. My home park is SFGAm, which is a toilet, so basically every other park I've ever been to has been a huge step up.

[Geauga Dog]

I really don't know what it is about the back seat of Possessed. I love it.

 

When the ride was Superman Ultimate Escape/Steel Venom back here in Ohio the back seat was the only place I would ride. Loved the feeling of pure freefall from the top of the straight spike. I miss this ride a lot.

 

Does Talon still have the sayings as you go up the lift hill? Thought that was a cool feature as you sat in the front seat.

 

When I visited the park during my big trip in 2005 I felt the same as most do - it did feel very CF sterile with way too much concrete and I do remember the lines being pretty much non-existent during the day when WWK was open.

[Jcoaster]

Oh believe me I've ridden Bizzaro, Dominator and they're vastly superior rides. I'd even say Dark Knight at New England is miles above it. Steel Force is usually trash but it surprised me this season.

[Password121]

I really don't know what it is about the back seat of Possessed. I love it.

 

When the ride was Superman Ultimate Escape/Steel Venom back here in Ohio the back seat was the only place I would ride. Loved the feeling of pure freefall from the top of the straight spike. I miss this ride a lot.

 

Does Talon still have the sayings as you go up the lift hill? Thought that was a cool feature as you sat in the front seat.

 

When I visited the park during my big trip in 2005 I felt the same as most do - it did feel very CF sterile with way too much concrete and I do remember the lines being pretty much non-existent during the day when WWK was open.

You mean the little signs between the stairs on either side like "getting closer" or something like that? Yes, they're still there.

And don't get me wrong--I enjoyed Possessed quite a bit. Maybe if I had ridden again I could brace for the holding brake a little bit, but it was just a little awkward and I thought the view from Wicked Twister's back spike was better as there was a better frame of view without every other car lined up directly in front of you.

Oh believe me I've ridden Bizzaro, Dominator and they're vastly superior rides. I'd even say Dark Knight at New England is miles above it. Steel Force is usually trash but it surprised me this season.

I haven't been to SF New England but add a snappy zero g roll to Dominator and it's almost perfect. I think just knowing how good Hydra *could* be lowered my opinion on the ride to an extent. Honestly the ride isn't bad, it's just very disappointing and seems like they tried really hard and flopped.

[coasterbill]

Great report! Love the captions

 

Dorney is usually my go-to in October when every other park is ridiculously busy. It's lack of lines, solid flume and Demon Drop are really it's only selling points for me. I agree with your assessment of Talon. It's a really good ride (as all inverts are) but it gets overrated because of the complete mediocrity it's surrounded by. Dorney is the kind of park that sort of has to grow on you but it can only really grow so much.

[Samuel]

Nice report!

 

I believe that the dead-end path beyond Stinger that you questioned in a caption was in the vicinity of the old Schwarzkopf Laser.

 

The sterility of the park is noticeable, but I also think that the impression works in conjunction with the dead crowds. It's always the fantasy to have a park to yourself, but an empty park on a normal operating day eventually feels a little bit hollow, regardless of how well-themed or clean it is. There's a bell curve sweet spot in between a park being dead or overcrowded, where waits are minimal but a park feels socially alive. The sense of fun and aliveness in a park is pollinated by people enjoying themselves. A big part of the magic of ERT sessions, even if the parks are otherwise closed, is in the energy and bonding created by riders having a good time together. I've initially jumped for joy in several parks on "dead" days with total walk-ons, and then by noon both the parks and I feel downtrodden by a general lack of enthusiasm in the tumbleweed atmosphere.

[Password121]

Great report! Love the captions

 

Dorney is usually my go-to in October when every other park is ridiculously busy. It's lack of lines, solid flume and Demon Drop are really it's only selling points for me. I agree with your assessment of Talon. It's a really good ride (as all inverts are) but it gets overrated because of the complete mediocrity it's surrounded by. Dorney is the kind of park that sort of has to grow on you but it can only really grow so much.

I don't think I could ever do your La Ronde report any justice (or half of your posts on that note) but I'm glad someone appreciated the attempt.

 

I had felt the same way about Six Flags America concerning its lack of lines and relatively okay selection of rides, but I have to give Dorney more credit in that they at least take full advantage of what they have and don't make you hate your life with their operations (SFA frequently makes a station wait 30 minutes). The park may be "sterile," but it is a nice place to spend time at and doesn't have anything resembling Gotham City, so that's a big plus.

I believe that the dead-end path beyond Stinger that you questioned in a caption was in the vicinity of the old Schwarzkopf Laser.

Ahh, I hadn't done much research so I assumed Laser had just been in the exact same plot as where Stinger operates/sits broken today. Thanks for that.

 

The sterility of the park is noticeable, but I also think that the impression works in conjunction with the dead crowds. It's always the fantasy to have a park to yourself, but an empty park on a normal operating day eventually feels a little bit hollow, regardless of how well-themed or clean it is. There's a bell curve sweet spot in between a park being dead or overcrowded, where waits are minimal but a park feels socially alive. The sense of fun and aliveness in a park is pollinated by people enjoying themselves. A big part of the magic of ERT sessions, even if the parks are otherwise closed, is in the energy and bonding created by riders having a good time together. I've initially jumped for joy in several parks on "dead" days with total walk-ons, and then by noon both the parks and I feel downtrodden by a general lack of enthusiasm in the tumbleweed atmosphere.

You know, I think that's a good point about the crowds. It was also a cloudy, dreary day and especially visiting alone (which I pointed out might've subconsciously lowered my opinion of the park) with such low crowds it just felt a little depressing. I love walk-ons as much as anyone but I think the perfect example of how crowds can influence the mood of a park is Millennium Force's station at closing. There's nothing else like it and I don't care if I waited three hours for that experience, it's one of my favorite memories from every visit to the park (not to gush about Millennium at night as I already did in-depth in my last report).

[jynx242]

Loved the pictures and think your description of Dorney's "okayness" was spot on.

 

I've been to Dorney twice, both times on TPR trips. After reading so much about this park, I "really" wanted to like it. I wanted everyone to be wrong and to have missed something as I kind of felt sorry about the place.

 

My first visit - Laser was there and was, by far, my favorite ride in the park. The second visit - it was gone. There really isn't anything "wrong" with the coasters in the park...but there isn't anything particularly "right" either.

 

Thanks for taking the time to post!!!

[Nitro1118]

I've always had a soft spot for Dorney. "Sterile" is a perfect word, but as you said, it has very few weaknesses. The coasters are solid for a mid-tier park, flat collection is pretty great, food is ok, operations are decent, the place is clean, theming is typical CF, etc... Every time you go you get the same experiemce, which is a huge plus compared to GAdv, which can be a crapshoot when it comes to crowds and operations.

 

I also love Talon. I think that middle section breather of the ride is actually a nice twist and beats a hard-hitting MCBR like on Montu or Alpengeist. The ending is fantastic as well. Steel Force is very inconsistent. I've had some laughably tame rides on it which killed my impression of it. Last season, I went on it around 8pm with a full train in the 3rd row and it had legitimate ejector on the return bunny hops. Easily my best ride on it in the 14 years I've gone to the park, and it probably was due to being warmed up with a full train giving it extra weight. I only visit Dorney once every few years so I can't wait to see if the same holds true next visit. Possessed is solid and I found Stinger surprisingly fun. Hydra is just an abomination as far as B&M's are concerned.

[terdferg]

The worst part about hydra is that it replaced Hercules. That ride was massive and on a great location. Surely its replacement would take advantage of the same terrain, as well as live up to its predecessor's size.

 

Nope. We went from being beat physically into unconsciousness to being bored to sleep.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[805Andrew]

Totally agree with Dorney Park being sterile and stale. It's clean and organized with alright operations, but it lacks excitement (outside the water park) and originality.

 

I've been to Dorney Park twice (both times with TPR as well). The first time I went I knew I was going to be there for half a day so I brought my swimsuit and towel. I was done with all the rides in under two hours, so after lunch I went to the water park with a few others and had a blast for a couple of hours. We went on a Saturday and the ride side was pretty much dead, but our Fast Lane Plus really came in handy in the water park bypassing 30-45 minute waits. The water park was really lively on a day that started out as dark and cloudy (it looked like it might rain) but turned sunny. I honestly could have spent another hour or two at the water park since there was plenty to do there.

 

The second time I went Dorney it was a surprise stop and we were there just to ride the six main coasters for filming and to have a group lunch at Chickie & Pete's before moving on to NJ and Six Flags Great Adventure. None of the rides are too remarkable, but none were bad either with the exception of Thunderhawk which I thought was both rough and boring which is a shame for a 1924 woodie. Talon is actually pretty good; I like Intamin impulse coasters so I like Possessed; Steel Force is a fun, light, and floaty hyper; and I actually enjoy Hydra and its jojo roll. But none of these rides make me want to get back on and ride again. Unfortunately I didn't have time to ride Demon Drop this visit, as that is probably my favorite ride on the dry side of Dorney Park and one I'd get back in line to ride again. The rotisserie chicken meal we had at Chickie & Pete's was pretty good and relatively healthy, and the Watermelon Gelati (Italian ice with frozen vanilla custard) I bought from the Rita's by Stinger was really good. After lunch we had about 10-15 minutes to kill until it was time to leave and since it wasn't enough time to get down to Demon Drop without running I was pretty much ready to leave.

 

Dorney is one of those parks that if you bring your swimsuit and go to the water park you will have a great time, but if you stick to the ride side you will be bored after two hours. I think Dorney would be liked by a lot more people if they thought of it as a water park that has an included ride side instead of the other way around, as it seems most people besides coaster enthusiasts go to Dorney for the water park anyways. For anyone who plans to visit Dorney Park, I hope you like water parks, and I would recommend doing the water park attractions along with the rollercoasters, flat rides, log flume, and Demon Drop.

 

 

I am usually lit the f*ck up when I am at Dorney

That would probably make Dorney a lot more fun.