Amusement park guide

Waldameer

Located at the neck of Presque Isle State Park peninsula, Waldameer Park and Water World in Erie, Pa., is worth a visit. Ride wristbands for Waldameer Park are $20.45 (Over 48”)/$ 12.95 (Under 48”). Entrance to Water World is $15.45 (Over 48”)/$10.95 (Under 48”). Ride wristbands for both parks are $22.95 (Over 48”)/$16.95 (Under 48”). The park boasts an after 7 p.m. special of $15 (Over 48”)/$10 (Under 48”). Waldameer Park is now open, with daily operation starting June 2. The park is closed on Mondays (except Memorial Day and Labor Day).

“This summer people should come out because we’re easy to get to, our prices are reasonable, and all our parking is free,” Waldameer Park and Water World Owner Paul Nelson said. “... The park has really changed quite a bit in the last five years because of our growth.”

What’s new?
“For this year we’re putting in the $1.5 million Mega Disco,” Nelson said. “It’s a very exciting ride. It lifts you up at either end 50 feet in the air and spins you in two different directions. You’re riding in a large disc that rotates in one direction and then spins and rotates in another direction. It holds 24 people per disc. The track is 120 feet, and it goes straight up in both ends.”

What’s old?
“We’re a family park with beautiful gardens,” Nelson said. “And it’s free parking, free admission. You only pay for what you want to use. We’re one of the few parks left in the country that operates that way. And because the number of people bringing picnics is growing, we are adding two more picnic groves.”

What’s thrilling?
“Last year we put in a Ravine Flyer II roller coaster,” Nelson said. “And in our industry it was voted the best new ride in the world. It was a real honor. We beat out the major parks like Cedar Point and other big ones. We also have a drop tower X Scream, where you go up in the air and drop 100 feet or so. We have a spinning steel coaster called Steel Dragon. That’s a great ride.”

What’s fun?
“We have flume ride Thunder River which sends you up a hill and up a trough,” Nelson said. “And you get quite wet but it’s a real family ride. We have 20 boats that float around the flume. We also have a train track that goes around half the park and takes about 15 minutes. Of course, there are the carousel and bumper cars and things like that.”

What’s tasty?
“Our big thing is funnel cake,” Nelson said. “We’ve greatly expanded our funnel cake menu. It’s one of our biggest sellers. They’re really good because they make you fat. It’s delicious. It’s sinful, filled with sugar and all of that stuff.”