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Time for a small update as Dorney Park's summer season kicks into full gear. The park recently
extended their hours starting July 1st running through August 7th, during this time the amusement park will be open from 10 am until 10 pm, which are now what I consider pre-pandemic "old school" hours that we haven't seen in quite a while. Anecdotally, the park seems pretty darn busy this year so I'm guessing the daily attendance levels are working to make extended hours fiscally smart. Either way, this means true night rides are back if you are interested - plus a nighttime parade during Grand Carnivale!
Up top I noticed the park is proudly flying a pride flag out front, nice move on their part!
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The park is starting preparations for Grand Carnivale, which will run July 23rd through August 7th this year. Aside from many signs throughout the park advertising the awesome event, the park has also started to put up the main performance stage for Grand Carnivale - located on the back side of the Carousel on the Main Midway. Dorney has the Grand Carnivale website updated for 2022, so if you want to start to plan your visit
click on over.
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Some early Halloween Haunt news - the facade / building that was created for CornStalkers has been torn down. While perhaps it's being rebuilt, the dumpster collecting its remains looks to make it clear that it is gone, at least for now. CornStalkers is still one of the most popular Haunts at the park, so I have to wonder if they are refreshing it for 2022 and in order to do so the house structure had to come down. If the entire Haunt was going away, I would think they'd at least remove the CornStalkers sign out front!
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Dorney Park has done some great things in recent years to honor their history, and I pray that continues at the park with its new leadership. One of the great surprises for 2022 was the recreation of the Alfundo House, which has been placed in back of the Zephyr train station.
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The new Alfundo House is colorful and fun, just like Alfundo is. It servers as a place for guests to meet and have a photo taken with Alfundo himself, but also Morgan, the character from the Steel Force logo. There are also games and activities that guests can take part in. It also obviously (and literally) gives Alfundo a residence within the park, which is great for guests to get to know him since he hasn't been around in quite a while.
The park used the original Alfundo House as their inspiration for the new location at the park. The above is from one of the park's old brochures - explaining that the Alfundo house was an information center, ticket office and souvenir stand. Hey Dorney, time to get a pos out there next to the new Alfundo House to sell some of that awesome merchandise you've had created!
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I know it's not a new ride or anything too thrilling, but it is great to see Dorney Park spend time and money on something that doesn't immediately turn a profit - instead honors the park's past and connects new generations with Alfundo. Well. Done.
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I've noticed some new merchandise being added to the park's stores as items probably get off delayed shipping containers - lol. These magnets are definitely new and definitely cool. I've seen other Cedar Fair parks do similar designs with their rides for decoration and also souvenirs, and I love these Dorney versions. The Steel Force and especially the Possessed ones are fantastic. And the inclusion of Demon Drop is always nice as well!
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I admit I had a little flutter of excitment when I saw 'stuff' back behind Stinger Field... however I do believe these are items that will go out for Grand Carnivale. I don't remember those fancy benches before, but they certainly fit with the theme. Plus, there's a ton of other chairs and tables being brought out of storage for the event in this area as well. Aww, shucks.
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Otherwise, Stinger Field is just as green and vacant as ever! Till next time!