Idlewild Park & SoakZone
Opening Day 2011 is May 28!
by Karen Fetter
Catch a wave and find yourself sitting on top of the world - or so it will
seem when you visit Idlewild and SoakZone this year! The 2011 season is
the first time visitors will be able to enjoy the new wave pool, the
Wowabunga Family Wave Pool. Wowabunga is located inside the
swimming area of Idlewild Park known as the SoakZone. With a quarter
million gallons of water, this new pool will be the biggest attraction of the
year.
Opening Day 2011 is May 28!
"We want it to be enjoyed by the entire family," said public relations
manager Jeff Croushore. "It adds another exciting feature to the park."
The word "exciting" is a perfect way to describe the country's third oldest
amusement park as well as the oldest park in Pennsylvania. Idlewild has
hosted countless school and company picnics, attraction days, and holiday
festivities. It is a complete family park with everything from toddler and
kid areas to rides, food, entertainment, and a large water park (the Soak Zone).
And who could forget the cheese fries, cyclone cones, and funnel cakes?
Maybe that is why the National Amusement Park Historical Association named
Idlewild and SoakZone the best park for families for 2011. Also, it
recently was named the best kids park in the world after being number two for
the past six years.
The entire experience of visiting Idlewild and SoakZone is fun and relaxing.
The park is nestled in a wooded area in the Laurel Highlands just off of Route
30. Families generally come prepared with swimsuits, towels, picnic food,
cameras, and plenty of sunscreen. The day can start with a casual walk
through Story Book Forest where nursery rhymes are recreated in a perfect size
for babies and toddlers. Next, children can burn energy as they tackle all
the activities in the Jumpin' Jungle.
Hootin' Holler' is a flashback to the olde days when the west was won, with lots
of fun! Old time photos, good food and tours through a crooked house are
just a few of the attractions. This is all before reaching the actual
park, Olde Idlewild, where all the spectacular rides can be found.
The Famous Idlewild Carousel
The centerpiece of the park is the Merry-Go-Round. It is one of the last
carousels built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in the 1920s. It has
been in its present home at Idlewild since 1931. Rides are available that
appeal to all generations, and there is even a toddlers area known as Raccoon
Lagoon. In 1989 a special attraction was added to pay tribute to hometown
legend Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers Neighborhood. A trolley car takes
visitors on a ride through the forest describing his "neighbors." It truly
is a treat for all who treasure the television icon.
No visit to Idlewild is complete without putting on your swimsuit and
experiencing the SoakZone. This swim area is extensive and includes pools
and slides. This year the wave pool will add even more excitement.
Swimmers enter the wave pool by walking straight in at the shallow end.
The deepest part of the pool will be six feet. The water will be still at
times until a signal occurs and then waves begin. The refreshing crash the
waves can be handled easily by children as tall as 48". A child below that
needs to be accompanied by an adult.
Visitors will enjoy plenty of live entertainment this year. A new human
cannonball show will take place in the SoakZone area. Regular live shows
of singing and dancing take place at the Hootin' Holler Gazebo Stage as well as
an evening show at the hillside theater stage near the Ferris wheel in the
center of the park.
Cirque Extreme - Under the Big Top
Another added attraction this year is the circus. Cirque Extreme - Under the
Big Top is back again for another season. This year the acts include
aerial ring entertainers, a high wire act, a trained dog and cat show, jugglers,
limbo artists, and contortionists in a box. The show is about 45 minutes
long and is free with admission to the park. The circus is located at the
edge of Raccoon Lagoon.
"We had such a great reaction from last year and people commented on how much
they loved it, so we thought we would bring it back," said Croushore. "It
makes it convenient for families to see a real circus during their day at the
park."
Season Pass to Idlewild
Many families take advantage of purchasing a season pass for the year so they
can experience all of the week-long themes and activities that are held in
addition to the regular park. The cost is $66.99 and includes admission every
day throughout the summer until Labor Day and the weekends in October for Hallow
Boo, a special Halloween twist on the park. Regular cost of one ticket is
$31.99 so the cost of a pass will be covered just by visiting the park at least
three times. Admission is free for children ages 2 and under and senior
citizens ages 60 and older have a discounted price of $23.99. Also, the
price of the pass is reduced to $61.99 if four or more passes are bought
together.
Weekly Themes, from Comics to Christmas
Some of these themed weeks include Marvel Comic week, Mr. Rogers week, and
Christmas in July. Marvel Comic week is from July 18-22. Iron Man,
the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, and Spiderman will be at the park signing
autographs and available for photographs. It is the perfect way for
youngsters to meet their hero in person. Kids can come dressed up as well to get
the full experience.
Mr. Rogers week is held July 11 - 15. All of the characters from the PBS
favorite children's show Mr. Rogers Neighborhood will be available for
autographs as well as being seen on the trolley car ride.
"The impact that Fred Rogers continues to have is amazing," said Croushore.
"We have people come from across the country to spend the week with the
characters. It is the only ride in the world that ends with a hug."
Idlewild and SoakZone also experiences Christmas in July! Story Book
Forest is decorated for Christmas and Santa Claus makes a visit. There is
also a parade of trees! This event takes place July 25-29.
Make this summer one you will never forget and visit Idlewild and SoakZone in
Ligonier. For more information about the special attractions, visit
www.Idlewild.com or sign up for a
e-newsletter on the web site for the latest inside news. Idlewild also has
a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube.
Make This Summer One You Will Never Forget and Visit Idlewild
and SoakZone in Ligonier!
www.idlewild.com
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