 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
Dorney Park has continued its stretch of beautiful weather weekends into the end of August, a run that went most of the summer and saw the park utilize their overflow parking lots on a regular basis. While the crowds are starting to taper off a bit, the park is getting ready for its next round of special events, including Monster Jam Thunder Alley and The Haunt.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
But first, let's take a look at the park post-Grand Carnivale. While I haven't heard any official response regarding the event, it certainly appeared to be a smash hit for Dorney Park. Guests appeared to adore the setup/decorations, food and live entertainment along with the parade, and it wasn't uncommon to see people leaving with 20+ strands of beads around their necks! Seemed like it was a blast for everyone.
The park has kept the tent in the parking lot (above) where the parade floats lived, though it is sadly empty for now.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
Along the Main Midway the parade's memory is still going strong, as many of the trees are still covered in the ribbons and streamers from the performance part of the parade. They now give the area a festive feel, even if Grand Carnivale is over.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
In fact, it's almost odd to see the Main Midway so open after having spent a good part of the summer filled with activities, food stands and stages. At least all the infrastructure for the lighting and sound remains, and should hopefully help make Halloween Haunt even better.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
I also noticed that the stage that was constructed over the former fountain/water bed for Grand Carnivale is still standing. Maybe this will be used in some way for Haunt as well?
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
Many Cedar Fair parks have been having a promotion along with Dragamonz, where the toys (appear to be dragon eggs with a character in them that can be used along with an app game) have been handed out for free at the parks. People were taking full advantage of that at Dorney Park, there had to be dozens being given out by the minute!
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
This past weekend was also the annual Food Truck Rally event inside the park, this year there were a half dozen or so different trucks to choose from. There was everything from barbeque to cheesecake on a stick, and the event always is a nice way to try to usually unexpected treats.
 |
| © Dorney Park |
Since our last updated Dorney Park has also announced the addition of
Seaside Splashworks to Wildwater Kingdom's 2020 season. The addition means that the park will retire Island Water Works, so why not check out that area one last time?
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
This view should look quite different next season, as Seaside Splashworks will not only replace the existing water play structure but also extend out into where the small splash pad is located in this photo. The area will really look totally different with the new play area installed, giving a lot of color and life to the section.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
The new Seaside Splashworks looks like a major improvement over Island Water Works in pretty much every category, so I'm a-okay with saying goodbye to this old guy.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
Onto the next series of events that will take us through the completion of the 2019 season, we have Monster Jan Thunder Alley and Halloween Haunt, which of course comes with the family friendly The Great Pumpkin Fest. The park has switched out their large advertisements on the back on the Good Time Theater to make guests aware of these events, and of course that 2020 season passes are on sale.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
Halloween Haunt will start on September 14th, just under three weeks from now. The park replaced the Grand Carnivale signage in the entrance area with Haunt signs right away, complete with Halloween bunting and other decorations. Works as a nice advertisement I suppose.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
All throughout the park the Haunt attractions are already coming to life and being installed. In the Hydra plaza the stage is being placed for the Overlord's Resurrection, which kicks off each Haunt night's events. There is also one of the food tents from Grand Carnivale that has moved over here, I expect this to become the
Pour Haus Pub & Grub, which will offer special food and adult beverages during Haunt.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
Everyone's still afraid of clowns, so naturally CarnEvil will be returning to the walkway from Hydra Plaza down to the center of the park. So far, things look similar to last year's presentation.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
Cornstalkers: Barn Bred & Blood Fed is also returning again this year. It's hard to tell because I usually see this facade in the darkness, but I think that a ton of new theming detail has been applied to the front of the structure. Always nice to see the park add even more to an attraction that's been around many years!
Additionaly returning mazes include Blackout, Blood on the Bayou, Necroplis, Tourist Trap, Trick Or Treat - Lights Out, Chamber of Horros and Urgent Scare.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
As far as what's new for Haunt in 2019, Age of Darkness is no more and replacing it is
The Lair. The outward sets from Age of Darkness are still being used, but the inside path of The Lair looks 100% new from the positioning of the walls. Hard to see exactly, but this new vampire themed scare zone should be interesting, it also comes with
Stake & Ale, a brand new stand that has beer, wine, and a selection of mixed drinks.
There will be a second new scare zone this year, named
Steamworx, which will be located on the Main Midway. I have no doubt that the park will take full advantage of their new light and sound system to make this Steampunk themed area look amazing!
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
Dorney Park is also heavily advertising Monster Jam Thunder Alley, which will also premier at the park on September 14th. Located along the Possessed midway, the special event will feature real monster trucks on display, along with interactive exhibits and more.
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
Since the event is still underway at Kings Dominion, there isn't much in the park yet for the event. The area where Stinger lived is expected to be where guests will be able to take a ride on a real monster truck, but no work has started on that quite yet. Shouldn't be long though until there is plenty of activity in this area!
That's it for now, until next time watch out for the man eating chicken!
 |
| © NewsPlusNotes |
0 comments:
Post a Comment