Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., offering a blend of high-thrill coasters, family attractions, and a full water park, all included with admission. It’s a top theme park destination for visitors from Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York.

History & Background

Dorney Park traces its roots to 1884 as a picnic grove, evolving into a trolley park and eventually a modern amusement destination. It joined the Cedar Fair chain in 1992 and became part of Six Flags Entertainment after the 2024 merger. The park is known for smooth operations, classic rides, and one of the best water parks in the Northeast.

Ticket Prices & Packages

• 1-Day Tickets: ~$49–$69 depending on date

• Season Passes: Available with early entry, food deals, and free parking

• Fast Lane Passes: Skip-the-line access for top rides

• All-Day Dining Plans and Drink Bottles available

• Water park access is included with every ticket

Buy Tickets Here

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

The park is open May through December, including Halloween Haunt and WinterFest.

Typical hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with later hours during summer.

Best times to visit:

• Weekdays in June or September

• Early October for fall weather with minimal crowds

• Early December for WinterFest without peak traffic

Top Rides & Attractions

• Steel Force – Hypercoaster with airtime hills and a 205-foot drop

• Talon: The Grip of Fear – Inverted coaster with multiple loops and fast pacing

• Hydra: The Revenge – A Floorless coaster with a unique jojo roll

• Possessed – Intense launch coaster with forward and backward motion

• Thunderhawk – Classic wooden coaster from 1924

• Dominator – S&S drop tower with incredible views

• Apollo – Round-up flat ride known for strong forces

Family & Kids Rides

• Woodstock Express – Kid-friendly wooden coaster

• Peanuts Road Rally, Kite Eating Tree, and Camp Bus – Part of Planet Snoopy

• Antique Carousel & Ferris Wheel – Perfect for all ages

• Seaside Splashworks – Interactive water play for kids (in Wildwater Kingdom)

• Snoopy character meet-and-greets and kiddie rides throughout the park

Wildwater Kingdom Water Park

Included with admission, Wildwater Kingdom is open late May through Labor Day and features:

• Aqua Racer – Multi-lane mat racing slides

• Riptide Run – Lazy river

• Python Plummet – High-speed vertical drop slides

• Wave Pool & Wildwater River – Fan favorites

• Lollipop Lagoon & Little Splashers – Areas for younger kids

• Cabana rentals and lockers are available

Seasonal Events

• Grand Carnivale (Summer) – Cultural celebration with parades and global cuisine

• Halloween Haunt (Fall) – Haunted houses, scare zones, and themed rides

• Tricks and Treats (Daytime Fall Festival) – Family-focused Halloween fun

• WinterFest (Holiday Season) – Holiday lights, music, ice skating, and festive treats

Dining Options

• Chickie’s & Pete’s – Crabfries and cheesesteaks

• Backlot Café – Burgers, pizza, and more in a food court format

• Coaster’s Diner – Retro-style American fare

• Häagen-Dazs and Rita’s Italian Ice – Sweet treats

• Midway snacks and seasonal kiosks for funnel cakes, corn dogs, and lemonades

Dining Plans and mobile ordering are available via the Dorney Park app.

Hotels & Accommodation

No on-site hotels, but many lodging options nearby in Allentown, Bethlehem, and along Route 222:

• Four Points by Sheraton Allentown Lehigh Valley – Closest full-service hotel

• Holiday Inn Allentown-Bethlehem – Reliable and family-friendly

• Hampton Inn & Suites Allentown-West – Great value and free breakfast

• RV parks and campgrounds are also available in the surrounding area

Some hotels offer park package deals and shuttle access in summer.

Getting There & Parking

Address: 3830 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104
Located just off I-78, about 90 minutes from Philadelphia and 2 hours from New York City.

• General Parking: $25

• Preferred Parking: $35–$45

• EV charging and RV parking available

• Accessible parking near the entrance

Tips for Visiting

• Head to Steel Force and Talon first — lines build by noon

• Ride Hydra at night for a smoother, darker experience

• Download the Dorney Park app for real-time ride waits and mobile ordering

• Bring swimwear — Wildwater Kingdom is one of the best parts of the park

• WinterFest is visually stunning and crowd-friendly in early December

Useful Links

• Dorney Park on Wikipedia

• Tickets & Packages

• Park Map & App Info