In the early 20th century, engineer and inventor Harry G. Traver transformed the amusement industry with his groundbreaking ride, the Circle Swing. Patented in 1902, the ride was said to be inspired by the sight of seagulls circling above a ship during Traver’s [...]
For generations of children and families, Dorney Park near Allentown, Pennsylvania, wasn’t just a place for thrilling rides and summer picnics—it was also a place where lions roared, kangaroos bounced, monkeys chattered, and sea lions basked poolside. From its humble beginnings as a [...]
During the golden age of American amusement parks, few attractions matched the charm and swirling excitement of the Cuddle-Up ride. Originating in Pennsylvania, it made its debut in 1929 at Carsonia Park in Reading, later gaining new life and lasting popularity at both [...]
The Grande Carousel was one of Dorney Park's most treasured icons—a hand-carved masterpiece of American amusement history that captivated riders for generations with its bold colors, spirited horses, and nostalgic melodies. Built in 1915 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, [...]
The Flying Dutchman was a unique steel roller coaster that operated at Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, from 1977 to 1988. As part of a major park expansion in 1977, Dorney Park developed a new midway carved out of a neighboring cornfield and [...]
Throughout much of the 20th century, Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, was home to some of the most creative and beloved dark rides—indoor attractions where guests traveled through themed environments, typically aboard guided vehicles. Featuring animation, sound, music, and special effects, these rides [...]
One of the most iconic and beloved rides in Dorney Park’s history was Journey to the Center of the Earth, a dark water ride that combined classic thrills with imaginative storytelling. But before it became the famous underground adventure, the ride had humbler [...]
During the Great Depression, when times were tough all over America, Dorney Park was fighting to survive. Families had little extra money, and like many small parks, Dorney struggled to stay open. But in the middle of that hardship came an idea that [...]
For a century, Thunderhawk has carved its legend into the Pennsylvania skyline, a wooden titan that has thrilled generations at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown and beyond. Born in 1924 as "The Coaster", this historic ride stands as the oldest operating [...]
