This time of year is usually reserved for scares amid the fog at Dorney Park, but 2019 has brought a second special event to the park: Monster Jam Thunder Alley. The limited time event will run through the end of the season, and is the result of a recent partnership between Cedar Fair and Feld Entertainment. The production has traveled to two different Cedar Fair parks earlier in the 2019 season, and during the fall it's Dorney Park's turn. Considering the number of people that can be seen enjoying the interactive attractions that Monster Jam presents, I think it's safe to say the event is already a hit at the park.
I for one never thought I would have ever sat in a real monster truck, let alone go for a ride in one. While not everyone may be a big monster truck fan, there's something that's so impressive about their size and power that it captivates you. I couldn't imagine driving one, though it may be pretty fun to crush some cars!
The event is really two parts, one is a large area of interactive exhibits featuring all the monster trucks, their history, parts, play areas and more. Then of course there's the ability to actually take a spin on a monster truck as it travels around a course that has been created within Dorney Park. Both aspects can be found on the midway in front of the Possessed roller coaster, with the monster truck course having been built in the area where Stinger was.
There are plenty of monster trucks to see on display as a part of Monster Jam Thunder Alley, like good old Zombie seen above. There are large information boards on the trucks and their past, and in the case of Zombie you can even seen the process that goes into creating the giant zombie arms that adorn the truck.
For instance, here's the info board on Zombie, which has quite an extensive history with Monster Jam, and plenty of zombie fans that dress the part at major events. The area at Dorney Park is busy with these types of displays, and as these photos show at night the displays really have an extra glow to them. It really brings the lower part of the park to life!
Kids are naturally drawn to monster trucks, at least in my personal experience, and when they need to burn off some energy Monster Jam Thunder Alley gives them this cool play area to dig in. Literally. The sand area features lots of trucks to send over tracks and hills they create, with other truck decorations and interactive elements around.
There are also several trucks parked that you can sit in the driver's seat of, which is a pretty neat experience on its own. Those who want to learn more about how monster trucks work will love the display that shows essential parts such as the engine and the enormous tires. It's really crazy to stand next to those tires and see just how big they are!
After checking out the interactive features of Monster Jam Thunder Alley, it's time to ride! The park has built a huge course for the trucks to take passengers on, and they use two trucks at a time. We got a ride in Megalodon, the inside of the truck can be seen in this photo. Riders must be 36 inches to ride accompanied by someone over 54 inches. You're safely harnessed in your seat and then it's time to take on the course!
The experience is probably even cooler than you might assume, as the course has plenty of hills and bumps for the trucks to take on. It's a unique feeling being in the cab of a giant monster truck, and certainly nothing like driving to work each day! They even do a fun 360 in the middle of the course. Granted it's a more gentle version than what you might see drivers do at an arena event, but that's understandable.
This is a very short clip, but it shows the Grave Digger truck in action. The rides are very popular and are free as part of admission to the park, but be warned that the attraction is quite popular and lines get long pretty quick after the park opens. If you want to skip that, you can purchase a VIP package or ride reservation via the park's website.
The park is also holding meet and greets this fall with some of the biggest names in Monster Jam drivers, the schedule for which can be found here. If you're looking for something different to experience this year, or just need a break from the scares of Halloween Haunt, be sure to check out Monster Jam Thunder Alley at Dorney Park!
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