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Post by robert on Jun 20, 2006 1:13:37 GMT -5
Hi, clnancy, I grew up going to Dorney Park, I was born 1974 so I got to see the tail end of the "old" park when it was still owned by Bob Ott prior to 1985. Bob Ott is still alive as of now. There was a big fire in Sept. 1983 that wiped out the Grande Carrousel, and the Bucket O' Blood dark ride. Since then, nothing has been the same. Then put more modern rides in, Wildwater Kingdom opened, then Cedar Fair came along and butchered most of the old rides such as Journey to the Center of the Earth and the Iceberg, and the old building over the Thunderhawk coaster with the Alfundo clown head and bumper cars. Also the Sky Ride, and Water Skooters (boats in Cedar Creek) and the old Dorney Mansion which had an arcade and the Gold Mine walkthrough (closed about 1985) demolished late last year for the new Subway, and now they are demolishing an old house and a 100 year old mill building (looks like a barn) at the far end of the park property by where the Zephyr train turns around for more parking. I just saw the wrecking truck whatever you call it down there today. This confirms that DP (the current ownership) does not care one bit about preserving history, just money. Oh well, they still have the Zephyr, Whip, and Thunderhawk coaster. The park gets too busy now with all the NJ/NY bus people, etc.
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Post by clnancy50 on Jul 2, 2006 1:16:16 GMT -5
Gee, robert, all you told me about Dorney Park has my head spinning! I'm sure if I go back there, I won't even know the place. I mean I remember ALL the things you mentioned; that are no longer there, and even some things I didn't even know about. I haven't been at Dorney for a couple years. I remember the fire in '83. That was awful. Everything you've mentioned brings back so many memories for me. I can picture everything in my mind the way it used to be. ---Driving THROUGH the park and a man directing traffic. So thye DID demolish the old Dorney Mansion?? What's a matter with them? Getting money-hungry, I guess.. I think I know what you're talking about; that old barn. There used to be alot of old farms long there. I can't believe they're actually keeping the Zephyr yet. Isn't that a little too old for "their" modern park? Now, where do you make money; preserving history or building or adding on more to cater to the people? Like I said before, the last time I was at Dorney, it was just so crowded, it really got on my nerves. I just can't enjoy myself when it's like that. The "old" Dorney was more care-free and relaxed. Now all you see are crowds and crowds of people and kids running around and pushing. They better never, ever get rid of the Thunderhawk. You don't see money good wooden roller coasters anymore and that was always my favorite. I guess no matter where you go anymore it's crowded and you have to wait a half an hour just to eat (or more). I'm just glad I have the pictures I have of the way it "used" to be. Guess you can't stop change and to the kids today, they will never know, only from pictures, the way it used to be.
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Post by clnancy50 on Jul 7, 2006 23:38:40 GMT -5
Is this the Cedar Fairs Amusements that took over? There's a book out about them that I was thinking of getting but I want to make sure it's one and the same.
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Crippled Visions
Junior Member
"Keep your friends close but your enemies closer."
Posts: 85
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Post by Crippled Visions on Jul 8, 2006 19:45:43 GMT -5
Is this the Cedar Fairs Amusements that took over? There's a book out about them that I was thinking of getting but I want to make sure it's one and the same. yes, cedar fair amusements.
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Post by clnancy50 on Jul 9, 2006 1:00:54 GMT -5
Ok, thanks. Maybe I'll get it and check it out.
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