SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Opening day of Dorney Park's 2024 season was, by almost all accounts, not a great day to be at an amusement park.
But that didn't stop park enthusiasts and school groups from taking in the attractions and excitedly lining up to ride the park's brand new Iron Menace roller coaster.
Dorney staff said that by 1 p.m., the park saw about 4,000 visitors, which Public Relations and Communications Manager Ryan Eldredge said is far beyond what a typical rainy day with a high temperature in the 50s brings.
"We've got a lot of field trips here today, and overall, there's a lot of excitement and enthusiasm around Iron Menace. So I think the new roller coaster is driving people to the park and that's really exciting, I think they're all going to enjoy it, even though they're probably going to be a little bit wet."Public Relations and Communications Manager Ryan Eldredge
"We've got a lot of field trips here today, and overall, there's a lot of excitement and enthusiasm around Iron Menace," Eldredge said.
"So I think the new roller coaster is driving people to the park and that's really exciting, I think they're all going to enjoy it, even though they're probably going to be a little bit wet."
He said he expected people to be energized by the visible investment in the park, such as the visible changes around Iron Menace.
Those include a new pavilion, gift shop and revamped Cedar Creek Flyers, redesigned to better fit in the steel mill theme that the area now has.
Locals brave rain for new coaster
Eldredge said the park saw about 30 buses of student groups there on field trips, many present for a music performance competition taking place nearby in connection with the park.
Those riding Iron Menace, which features a 95-degree, 152-feet drop, all were given a tense moment hanging above the extremely steep drop before speed picked up and the riders were pelted with raindrops while looping and spinning.
"We're having a great time."Dorney Park opening day attendee Alexis Kenefic
"I don't know how to describe it — it was intense," said Nathan Koudougnon, who was with a group that traveled from Williamsburg High School of Arts and Technology.
"The rain, plus the drop and coming back up with the rain on our faces."
Alexis Kenefic, who was there with a group of other students from Central Bucks School District said the rain did hurt a bit while on the coaster.
But her summation of the day?
"We're having a great time," she said.
The group said they anticipated coming back to the coaster later in the season.
Show goes on —attendance, too
Despite the weather, the park's Peanuts-themed shows went on, and local pass holders still came out to enjoy the festivities, joining the student groups there.
"It's the first time actually really doing" opening day, park attendee Samantha Torres said.
"It's just different. Nothing better else to do than ride some roller coasters in the rain for the first time — or second time."
"We've waited a long, long time to see when he got a [new] coaster so we're very happy. Even though it's raining right now we're happy to be here and, you know, it's an accomplishment that we waited a while for."Local Dorney Superfan Iby Shaw
Iby Shaw and Gabriel Williams are two local Dorney Park superfans and season pass-holders who made sure to be present on opening day.
Using previews, the media day, a commercial chute and other pre-season events, they said they were able to reach the goal of riding Iron Menace 100 times by opening day.
The pair said they had done a "marathon" of rides every chance they had — and now are happy to see the public be able to ride it.
"We've waited a long, long time to see when he got a [new] coaster so we're very happy," Shaw said.
"Even though it's raining right now we're happy to be here and, you know, it's an accomplishment that we waited a while for."
Shaw said in the rain, Iron Menace feels even faster.
The Wildwater Kingdom part of the park remains closed as water treatment and preparations take place and staff waits for warmer weather, with water park attractions expected to open close to Memorial Day.
Dorney Park celebrates its 140th season this year, and also marks the 100th anniversary of its "Thunderhawk" wooden rollercoaster with special merchandise and signage.
