Ticket to Ride
Amusement parks are ready for the summer season.
Listed below are new features, hours and admission prices for some of the largest within a day's drive.
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Idlewild Park, Route 30, Ligonier.FEATURES: As always features Story Book Forest, Raccoon Lagoon, Mister Rogers trolley, Jumpin' Jungle and stage shows.HOURS: The park and Soak Zone will be open beginning Saturday for the season.Park gates and Story Book Forest open at 10:30 a.m. Many rides and attractions open at 11:30 a.m. The park will remain open until at least 8 p.m., depending on the weather. SoakZone will be open until at least 6 p.m., weather permitting. Story Book Forest closes at 5 p.m.ADMISSION: FunDay Pass is $28.99; senior citizen (age 55 and older) pass is $19.99; children age 2 and younger are admitted free. A Next Day Pass is $14.99. A season pass is available for those age 3 and older for $59.99 until June 30.INFORMATION: Call 724-238-3666 or visit the Web site, www.idlewild.com.
• <B>Waldameer Amusement Park,</B> at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park in Erie.FEATURES: New for 2009 is a Mega Vortex Thrill Ride. Also featured is the award-winning Ravine Flyer II.HOURS: The park is open limited hours this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, then from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 2 to 19 (except closed June 9) with Water World open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours for June 20 to Aug. 30 plus Sept. 4 to 7 will be from 1 to 10 p.m. with Water World open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed all Mondays except Sept. 7.ADMISSION: Entrance to the park is free as is parking. For Water World, passes are $15.45 for those over 48 inches tall and $10.95 for those under 48 inches. For Waldameer Park, passes are $20.45 and $12.95, respectively. Combination passes for both parks are $22.95 and $16.95, respectively.Individual ride tickets also available for everyone. (Due to ride restrictions, the use of individual ride tickets, not a pass, is recommended for children younger than 2.)INFORMATION: Call 814-838-3591 or visit the Web site, www.waldameer.com.
• <B>Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom</B>, 1100 Squires Road in Aurora, Ohio.FEATURES: Coral Cove, Liquid Lightning, Riptide Run, Splash Landing, Thunder Falls and Tidal Wave Bay.HOURS: Open from 11 a.m. until at least 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and then daily starting June 6. The season runs through Aug. 23 plus Aug. 29 and 30 and Sept. 5 to 7.ADMISSION: Regular admission is $25.99 for those ages 3 to 61 and 48 inches and taller; $11.99 for those age 3 and older and under 48-inches tall in bare feet or age 62 and older. Those age 2 and younger are admitted free. Parking is $5.INFORMATION: Call 330-562-8303 or visit the Web site, www.wildwaterfun.com.
• <B>Cedar Point</B> in Sandusky, Ohio.FEATURES: Roller coasters include Corkscrew, Disaster Transport and Blue Streak. Also featured are tranquil rides and children's rides.HOURS: Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday then the season runs through Sept. 7 with hours starting at 10 a.m. and open later on weekends.ADMISSION: Funday tickets are $43.99 for those age 3 to 61 and 48 inches tall and taller, and $19.99 for those age 3 and older, under 48 inches, or age 62 and older. Children age 2 and younger are admitted free.Soak City passes are $29.99 and $16.99. Combination two-day passes are available.INFORMATION: Call 419-627-2350 or visit the Web site, www.cedarpoint.com.
• <B>Hershey Park</B>, 100 W. Hersheypark Drive, on the other side of Harrisburg.FEATURES: Include roller coasters, water rides and family rides. Chocolate World tours are also available.HOURS: Opens at 10 a.m. daily through Sept. 7 plus Sept. 12, 13, 19, 20 and 26. The park stays open usually until 10 p.m., sometimes 8 p.m. on weekdays.ADMISSION: One-day admission is $51.95 for ages 9 to 54, $30.95 for ages 3 to 8 and senior citizens ages 55 to 69; $20.95 for those age 70 or older, and free for children age 2 and younger. Multiple-day passes are available. Combination tickets for Hershey and Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster are also available.INFORMATION: Call 800-437-7439 or visit the Web site, www.hersheypark.com.
• <B>Kennywood Park</B> in West Mifflin, is accessed by taking the Swissvale Exit 7 from Interstate 376, the parkway.FEATURES: The Bayern Kurve returns to simulate a bobsled ride through the Swiss Alps. It was removed a few years ago for the park to install several new attractions, such as the Swing Shot, Cosmic Chaos and Ghostwood Estate.HOURS: Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and the rides begin at 11 a.m. (Closing time is based on weather and crowd size.)ADMISSION: FunDay admission is $33.99 for adults, $16.99 for senior citizens 55 and older, and $20.99 for children 46-inches tall and under. After 5 p.m., NightRider tickets are $18.99 for regular admission and $9.99 for senior NightRider tickets.INFORMATION: Call 412-461-0500 or visit the Web site, www.kennywood.com.
