theme park Archives - Have Sippy Will Travel

Head to Dutch Wonderland @FunatDW

July 21, 2016 by Samantha 7 Comments

This time of year, one of the best ways to escape the summer heat as well as those long, boring summer days is a day at a theme park. One of our semi-local favorites is Dutch Wonderland, home to Duke the Dragon (whom my son loves). Located in Amish County, Lancaster PA- a great place to spend a vacation, as well.

Dutch Wonderland has tons of rides and games, as well as many food and drink stands. Some favorites are the “Panda Party”, which is an adorable ride in which the kids ride in Panda Bears and go around the beehive in circles, the Leapin’ Frogs, which bounce around causing the kids to erupt in giggles until the ride hops to a stop, and the Double Splash Flume, a classic ride with two drops (but not too scary or steep that would frighten the kids).

We were there on what turned out to be a stormy day, but before that it was sunny, not too hot, and clear. Also, the lines were almost non-existent, which was great. We were able to get on a bunch of rides.

Just two years ago, Dutch Wonderland opened Exploration Island, where you can walk among more then 20 dinosaurs the roar and move as you view them. We had hoped to visit again this year, but they were closed. We did get to see the dinosaurs when they first opened, and it was a lot of fun- my son really enjoyed it.

“Exploration Island is a rediscovered island of adventure and fun where guests will have the opportunity to walk with over 20 lifelike dinosaurs, dig for fossil remains, take a spin on the newly relocated and lengthened Turnpike ride and travel the Island canals on the classic Gondola Cruise.
This once under-utilized area of the Park has been re-purposed to house not only our dinosaur families, but our Turnpike ride as well. The Turnpike was one of the four original rides at Dutch Wonderland when it opened in 1963. We have moved this classic ride to Exploration Island and more then doubled the ride length in the process giving guests more spectacular views of dinos and the surrounding farm landscape.
We’ve also discovered dinosaur fossil remains and set up a permanent archeological dig at Dino Dig, where young explorers can unearth the fossil remains of dinosaurs. Brushes, buckets and diggers are available for use.”

There are many live shows offered at the park, including water shows. Choose from shows like “Really Royal, the story of Princess Brooke”, “Adventures of the Frog Prince” a show that combines the high dive and fairly tale, and “Dutch Wonderland’s Royal Friends”, where you can meet and greet costumed performers of the park’s mascots. There are more to choose from- go to https://www.dutchwonderland.com to see more options, times, and rides.

Bring your bathing suit and visit Duke’s Lagoon, sure to be everyone’s favorite on hot summer days. With several different play areas (and larger water slides nearby) including one for the smallest park goers, there will be a place for everyone to enjoy. Even mom and dad- they provide plenty of lounge chairs and tables to relax at- if you are really lucky, you might even score an umbrella.

Enjoy your day, and get your tickets soon at the park or at https://www.dutchwonderland.com . Unlike previous years, there is no more free parking, I’m sad to say- so just be aware of that. There is a lot to do in the area, so if you want to do more then one day at the park, or visit some other attractions, grab a hotel (there are plenty to choose from) and spend a few days- Lancaster is a great place for families.

Follow Dutch Wonderland on Social Media! Twitter: @FunatDW
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DutchWonderlandPA
Instagram: @DutchWonderland

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: PA, theme park

Visiting Dorney Park #DorneyFirstTimer #ad

June 2, 2016 by Samantha 5 Comments

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand, and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.

Now that it’s, summer (and now that nature has hopefully figured out what season is it) it is now time to enjoy the sun. One of the best ways to enjoy that beautiful weather is by screaming at the top of your lungs on a thrill ride or roller coaster. One of the most popular local amusement parks is Dorney Park in near by Allentown Pa.

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Dorney Park is the perfect destination for fans of summer fun- all ages and enjoyment levels will have a great time, from the roller coaster enthusiast to the little ones who just want to play with familiar Peanuts characters and get their feet wet. The best way we have found to tackle an amusement park is by splitting up at some point. Mom and little guy venture off together to the kids area while dad ventures onto the roller coasters. This is the way the day starts because lines are shorter earlier in the morning. We all get in several rides before meeting up again to discuss the plans for lunch and the rest of the day.

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As my son is getting bigger and more adventurous, he is sometimes interested in something with a bit more thrill and a little less little kiddie. He is now able to hit the roller coaster rides with Dad, but sometimes height and safety requirements are just not there yet for him. He gets on the ones he is able to, and we do the “lighter” ones as well. Dorney Park has rides for all levels of enthusiast, including eight roller coasters spread out throughout the park. Snoopy Planet is perfect for the little ones, which not only includes rides but also have character interactions and an amphitheater for special kid oriented shows throughout the day.

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There are also classic thrill rides which turn up the fun with big turns, big twists, and big fun. Family rides are perfect for everyone to enjoy (even those of us who can no longer do the big thrill rides). These are similar to the carousel, road rally cars, and a Ferris wheel.

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Some tips for Dorney: Come early, keep hydrated, always know where the bathrooms are, bring comfortable shoes, and if hitting the roller coasters but are of a taller or heavier weight then average- ask the employees for their honest opinion on if you will fit in the seats, it will save a ton of time and a ton of embarrassment, lol.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: family travel, PA, theme park, travel

A Visit to Dutch Wonderland @FunatDW

August 11, 2015 by Samantha 5 Comments

This time of year, one of the best ways to escape the summer heat and long, boring summer days is a day at a theme park. One of our semi-local favorites is Dutch Wonderland, home to Duke the Dragon (whom my son loves). Located in Amish County, Lancaster PA, it’s a great place to spend a vacation, too.

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We were there on a very wet and stormy day, where much of the park was closed due to severe thunderstorms in the area. It did eventually clear up and we were able to get on rides again- it just took about 2 hours. The good news is 2 rides were open, as were most of the games and some of the food stands as well. When they opened back up, the lines were almost non-existent, which was great.

Last year they opened Exploration Island, where you can walk among more then 20 dinosaurs the roar and move as you view them. We had hoped to visit again this year, but they remained closed. We did get to see the dinosaurs last year, and it was a lot of fun- my son really enjoyed it.

Floating thought Duke’s Lagoon

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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, PA, theme park, travel, waterpark

Cedar Point Hotel Breakers

July 30, 2015 by Samantha 6 Comments

Cedar Point Hotel Breakers has been totally restyled and refreshed for 2015. The hotel has been totally redone for the ground up. For those that have never been before, it will be a new experience, and even for those that have been to Hotel Breakers before it will still be a new experience then the hotel that you knew.

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Hotel Breakers has always been a place to share a great time with your family and friends. 110 years ago, the guests arrived by train and ferry and were looking for the same type of fun as the guests that still travel there today. Of course, 110 years is a long time ago and so the scene has changed a bit, but has only gotten better with time.

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Hotel Breakers is located just shy of the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, Cedar Point. As Cedar Point will delight you during your visit, Hotel Breakers will be the perfect place to come back to after a day filled with fun. Each room has an LCD TV, refrigerator, microwave, and of course funky new bedding and decor.

The view from our room- it was a rainy night!

The pool area has now been extended to include a water play area that has a zero-depth entry. Your little ones can now enjoy water play and not have to get in too deep. The hot tub doesn’t hurt either to relax those muscles after a long day at the park. And if it’s coffee that you are craving, Starbucks is now proudly served! There is also now a Surf Lounge Bar, but if you are used to the old favorites, TGI Friday’s, Perkins, and TOMO Hibachi Grill are still there.

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As Cedar Point has also transformed within the last, year so has Hotel Breakers. To tip you over the edge of wanting to go to, there is now a new coaster in town, Rougarou – an entirely new riding experience for fans and guests. Also, the Mantis stand-up roller coaster will be converted into a new floorless design that will deliver completely new thrills next summer.

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If you are thinking about a trip to Cedar Point make sure that you book at Hotel Breakers. It’s just steps away from the park, and has all sorts of easy access. My son and husband love Cedar Point, and your family will too.

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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, ohio, theme park, travel

Take the Kids to Coney Island

May 14, 2015 by Samantha 8 Comments

Coney Island has been a go to spot for generations, each season changing slightly, adding more rides, keeping new and fresh while still appealing to the crowds of New York.

This season is no different, with a new ride open now (The Thunderbolt) and more on the way including a new roller coaster the fun keeps coming.

Coney Island is made up of something for everyone. Just steps from the boardwalk, there is a beach with a clean shore and big open ocean. For the animal lovers, there is the New York Aquarium just a little ways down, which also has a wonderful seal show that should not be missed. For the adventurous types, there are big thrill rides at Luna Park which include 7 roller coasters like the classic wooden Coney Island Cyclone. For the littler park goers, there are tons of attractions and rides at Luna Park like the Happy Swing and Magic Bikes. For everyone, there is Deno’s Wonder Wheel, one of the biggest and most complex Ferris Wheels around.
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Filed Under: evergreen, family, travel Tagged With: family travel, NYC, theme park, travel

Dutch Wonderland Theme Park

July 25, 2014 by Samantha 6 Comments

This time of year, one of the best ways to escape the summer heat (and tedium if you are home with kids) is a day at a theme park. One of our semi-local favorites is Dutch Wonderland, home to Duke the Dragon (whom my son loves). Located in Amish County, in Lancaster PA (another favorite place of ours) it’s a great place to spend a holiday as well.

New this year is Exploration Island, where you can walk among more then 20 dinosaurs the roar and move as you view them.

Other things to try while at Exploration Island are;
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Filed Under: evergreen, review Tagged With: PA, theme park, water park, waterpark

Wordless Wednesday – Fun At @SesamePlace

June 18, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Filed Under: photography Tagged With: PA, Sesame Place, theme park, water park, Wordless Wednesday

Savings On Splish Splash Waterpark @SplishSplashWP #SplishSplashSummer14

June 10, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Photo Courtesy of Splish Splash

We’re going to Splish Splash in Long Island. I don’t know about your kids, but my guy is insane over water parks. When we’re at a regular amusement park, they want to be on the water slides- the whole day. I don’t know what it is about water parks, but kids are 100% committed to seeing all of them.