Idlewild and SoakZone Blog

Paper Idlewild

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:29:16 EDT

This is another video that has spent some time in the Fun Zone. Paper Idlewild was made out of over 250 sheets of paper all moved one frame at a time! Enjoy!

Thank You, Neighbor!

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:47:51 EDT

80 years ago today, a great man was born...Fred Rogers. Millions of people across the country (and probably the world) are celebrating the life of Mister Rogers today by wearing a sweater in his honor. We, here at Idlewild, are donning ours as well. (I even found one with a zipper, that I didn't even know I had!) Not everyone knows that Idlewild Park is just a few miles from the real neighborhood where Fred Rogers grew up - Latrobe. As a young boy, he and his family often came to Idlewild and Story Book Forest. Because of his fond memories of visits here and an appreciation for Idlewild's commitment to wholesome family entertainment, he was particularly excited with the suggestion of a ride based on his classic PBS television show - Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. In designing the ride, Fred Rogers wanted to create an experience using some of the familiar and whimsical elements of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The Neighborhood of Make-Believe was a natural setting for that, and the Trolley where families could ride together was a perfect "vehicle"! It was especially important to him that this ride created an atmosphere that would bring children and their favorite adults together in warm and caring ways - a true extension of the overall philosophy of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. After developing the storyline, he and his production team at Family Communications, Inc, the non-profit company he founded, worked closely with the team from Idlewild to design the ride, which opened the summer of 1989. Idlewild is delighted and proud to be able to give our Guests and their families the unique and wonderfully wholesome experience of a trolley ride through Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Those on the Trolley get the chance to meet and converse with many popular characters in animated scenes. I'm sure that those of you who have visited Idlewild will always remember the line "Come along, Come along to the Castle Hug'N Song!" You may also never forget the ending of the ride where all join in hugging the one that you want to hug and the singing of a song, "It's Such A Good Feeling!" Definitely a one-of-a-kind amusement park experience, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make-Believe has provided so many families over the years with a beautiful day in our very own neighborhood! We hope that this summer, you'll join us for one too! Thank you, Mister Rogers. We'll never forget you!

Fun Zone

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:21:43 EDT

This video along with other fun activities for kids live on the Fun Zone section of our website. Just click the Fun Zone link on the left hand side of the page and enjoy.

A Great Day at CoasterBash!

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:23:24 EST

On Saturday, I had the honor of presenting at COASTERBASH XIX, the yearly spring gathering for members of Western Pennsylvania's American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). This was the fourth year that I've been invited to join in the fun....and do these guys and girls know how to have fun!!! This year's event was a Hawaiian affair, with great Hawaiian food provided and, of course, a Hawaiian Shirt Contest. (I'm sorry to say that my lowly Palm Tree tie didn't even come close to winning.) I love listening to all the "goings-on" from other parks, like Steve from Waldameer Park who updated us on the status of Ravine Flyer II, the first new wooden coaster to this region in decades. And Kennywood, (which being our sister park I do get a head's up on some of the new stuff) Kennywood's Mary Lou and Jeff provided a lot of information that I wasn't even aware of. During my time, I revealed some details of Idlewild's new attraction for 2008, which will be the topic of my next blog. While I must say that although the new attraction is not a million-dollar project, the response from the ACERs was a great one. Their thoughts (and ours) were that this new attraction was a perfect fit for Idlewild. I'm sure you'll agree when you get all the details. I also enjoyed listening to Jim Futrell and Charles Jacques and their historical presentations on the amusement parks of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware and Memories and history of Geauga Lake, respectively. These gentlemen are truly great storytellers for amusement parks...past and present! And my personal thanks to all the Western PA ACERs for inviting me to come along for the ride again this year. (Special Thanks to the BAND!) It is always one of my most fun events. We appreciate your support of our industry! For those who may have an interest in roller coasters, amusement parks, and just having fun, you can get more information on ACE by visiting www.aceonline.org. or the Western PA site: www.ACEwesternPA.org

I LOVE IDLEWILD BECAUSE....

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 16:12:50 EST

Greetings all! It's February and LOVE is in the air. I thought it would be fun to just throw this out there and see what comes back..... Take care my friends and see you soon! I LOVE IDLEWILD BECAUSE.....

A Christmas Gift For You....

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:23:43 EST

Just today, we began to receive portions of our new attraction for 2008. More information will follow in the New Year regarding what the new attraction is and where it will be located, but for now here's a sneak peek at the first "mystery piece" as it's unloaded from the delivery truck. Take a close look....can you figure out what it is? Here's wishing you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy Holiday Season. We'll see you again in the NEW YEAR!

'Tis the Season

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:30:55 EST

The snow is falling and the Park looks like a winter wonderland!!! Soon, I hope to show you some photos of what the Park is looking like these days....it really is a beautiful site. I really love the snowfalls that have the big fluffy snowflakes, instead of the heavy wet snows that cause all the tree limbs to hang low. Season Pass sales for the holidays are in full swing. If you haven't gotten yours yet, you can purchase it on the season pass page of our website. Everyone stay warm out there and drive safely!

Hallowboo! - off to a great start

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:00:59 EDT

Wow, what can I say? What a beautiful opening weekend to Idlewild's Hallowboo! The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the thousands of guests visiting the park on Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th and had a unBOOlievable time! Special Events, like the Hallowboo Cruise and Rod Run, a special appearance by Jennifer Antkowiak, (who is TERRIFIC,by the way!) and a costume contest sponsored by Gateway Newspapers all helped to make the weekend even better. If you haven't visited Idlewild's Hallowboo in the past, you're in for quite a thrill. The whole park is decorated to showcase autumn's splendor and the rethemed attractions have been getting rave reviews...and you just can't beat trick-or-treating through Story Book Forest. I must admit, I didn't think I'd see a lot of costumes this weekend, being that it is still September, but hundreds of kids showed up wearing them....and they were terrific! You all looked great!!!!! Even Mother Goose said so!...she thinks the costumes are getting better and better each year. For an list of upcoming Hallowboo events, don't forget to check out our Hallowboo webpage! Remaining Hallowboo dates are October 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28...And don't forget to pick up your $4.00 coupon at participating Giant Eagle locations. See you at the Park!

HallowBoo! Screams into Idlewild

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:28:20 EDT

Hallowboo! is back and better than ever becoming another wonderful family fun tradition at Idlewild Park. Now in its 3rd year, Hallowboo! has become a huge success and has exceeded our wildest expectations and those of our guests too. Many of the park�s most popular rides and attractions in Olde Idlewild, Jumpin' Jungle, Hootin' Holler, Raccoon Lagoon and Story Book Forest will be themed for the Halloween. In addition, a wide variety of family friendly entertainment will be provided such as Trick or Treating throughout Story Book Forest sponsored by Boyer Candy, Giant Eagle, McDonald�s, Mike and Ike, and Snyders of Berlin; a walk-through hay bale maze; the Haunted Hollow train ride; and two themed shows performed three times per day. Spookier attractions include �Confusing Hilda�s,� a Witchy Wacky Walkthrough where Guests see strange and unusual things and �Dizzy Lizzy's� - a tour of an abandoned hotel. Several special fun events are scheduled too. For example, on Saturday, September 29 it�s Jennifer's Family Day! Jennifer Antkowiak, the popular television host of WTAE TV�s "jennifer" will be on hand from Noon to 2:00 p.m. to meet and greet guests. Click Here for an exclusive "jennifer" coupon In addition, Idlewild's HallowBoo! Cruise and Rod Run will kickoff the opening weekend September 29-30 with a parade of antique and classic automobiles daily at 1:00 p.m. through the midways of Olde Idlewild. On October 6, kids can join the Radio Disney AM 540 Team for some great games, music and prizes. On October 21, the Star 100.7 FM crew will be on site from Noon to 2:00 p.m. Hallowboo! will run for five consecutive weekends September 29-30, October 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 from Noon to 6:00 p.m. Story Book Forest will close at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $18.95 for ages three and over (children two and under get in free). All 2007 season pass holders can experience Hallowboo! for free. Valuable $4.00 discount coupons are available at participating Giant Eagle locations, and Group Rates are available. See you at HallowBoo!

All Wet?

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 21:28:17 EDT

Greetings, all! I know, I know, it's been quite some time since my last blog....I'm so embarassed. I didn't forget about you - honest! The last few weeks have just been jammed pack with activity! Many of you are aware that we had to close on Thursday, August 9th when severe storms swept through the region. Though damage was limited to a few downed tree limbs and a couple lost electrical gadgets (like a few credit card machines) what really hurt was the loss of power covering much of the region. Unfortunately the power was not restored to the Park until late Friday making us lose an operating day. If you had pre-purchased tickets for Friday, August 10th, don't worry, they will be accepted any other operating day of the 2007 including our Hallowboo dates. If you need further information regarding the power outage dates, or have any questions just give our Guest Service Office a call at 724.238.3666. We apologize for any inconvenience and Thank you for choosing Idlewild & SoakZone as your place for summer family fun!

Eat N' Park / Mister Rogers' Neighbor Days!

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 17:23:10 EDT

One of my most favorite weeks of the season has arrived! I always get so excited at the chance to spend some time with the Neighbors from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make-Believe - a show that I, and millions of others, grew up watching. Idlewild is very fortunate to be associated with such a class act of people, and to have the priveledge of having the one of kind life-size trolley ride through the Neighborhood of Make-Believe - a ride specially designed for Idlewild by Fred Rogers' himself! Mister McFeely, Neighbor Aber, Mayor Maggie, and Purple Panda will all be appearing Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13 from 1 - 4 p.m. If you're coming, stop by participating Eat N' Park Restaurants and pick up your $6.00 of family coupon to help you save. We hope you'll be "SPEEDY" and join us for some great fun!

KDKA Appearance

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 15:20:26 EDT

I had an opportunity to be a guest on KDKA Pittsburgh Live yesterday morning and bring viewers up to date on both what's old and what's new as we celebrate our 130th season. What a great experience....Host Kristine Sorenson is terrific and I was glad to hear that she is a big fan of the Park. My appearance yesterday brought to mind a piece made last year (by KDKA's Dave Crawley) celebrating the 50th anniversary of Story Book Forest. I'd thought it would be fun to take another look at it. Check it out here: http://kdka.com/video/?id=17513@kdka.dayport.com

Instant Fun, Lifelong Memories

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:21:19 EDT

"Take To The Skies"

Sat, 09 Jun 2007 12:44:16 EDT

The newest addition to our list of family friendly rides, Flying Aces, is now open. Flying Aces gives each rider the ability to shape their own ride experience as they maneuver their vertical wing for high flying excitement. Flying Aces is already receiving rave reviews so, when you're at the park don't forget to stop by and "Earn Your Wings" as one of Idlewild's Flying Aces"

"What Our Guests Are Saying"

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 11:14:45 EDT

I wanted to share with you an email we recently received to let everyone know just what are guests are saying about Idlewild & SoakZone. "Hello! I just wanted to compliment you on your great family theme park! Idlewild has withstood the test of time, 130 years is a very long time! Still to this day Idlewild gives guest whether its young or old a great day! I love the Rollo Coaster, it is great to see children's faces whenever they ride it for the first time, and feel that they are now one of the big kids! Idlewild is truly one of the best parks out there. Thanks for all the great times at Idlewild, see you soon!" ~Andrew Charlton Thanks Andrew! It's always nice to hear from one of our Guests.

SPIDER-MAN Swings into Idlewild!

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 15:53:24 EDT

The World�s Most Popular Super-Hero, Spider-Man swings into Idlewild & SoakZone for four consecutive days, June 4-7. Spider-Man will be appearing live, signing autographs, and posing for photos at the Gazebo near the Ferris Wheel from 3-5pm and 6-8pm daily. Don�t miss this amazing opportunity to visit with Spider-Man!

Memorial Day Salute

Sun, 27 May 2007 10:21:30 EDT

Our Memorial Day salute features Civil War living history reenactors Carpenter�s Battery. The encampment, complete with tents, mess area, campfire, and other necessities, depicts the daily life of a Civil War soldier. Stop by this Sunday May 27 and Monday May 28 as you are sure to enjoy the marches, artillery demonstrations and mock battles representing this powerful event from our nation�s history.

Ricky Visits With Some Friends

Sat, 26 May 2007 12:57:17 EDT

On Saturday May 19th Ricky got to visit with some wonderful children and some of his best friends as Forever Broadcasting sponsored Kid�s Day at the Johnstown Galleria Mall. Ricky spent the day doing his favorite thing in the world. Visiting and playing with kids! Not only did he get to visit with the children but he got to play with some other local are mascots as well. Ricky loves visitors so stop by Raccoon Lagoon and pay him a visit on your next trip to the park.

Season Pass Photo I.D. Processing

Fri, 11 May 2007 16:37:52 EDT

Avoid waiting in line during your first visit to the Park, and have your Season Pass processed weekdays (Monday through Friday) beginning May 14 through May 23 from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. Season Passes are also availble for purchase at this time. Please enter the Park through the Main Gate and follow the signs to Parking Lot C, then follow arrows to Guest Services.

Getting Ready for Summer!

Mon, 07 May 2007 10:33:43 EDT

While we are very busy getting ready for opening day, we thought we could give you a "sneak peak" into some of the preparations being done for the summer season. Here is one of our Ride Supervisors hanging a new commemorative in-park banner. These banners have a special edition 130th Season Logo on one side and the Idlewild & SoakZone logo on the other. Both logos are set on top of a vintage picture of the Caterpillar from the 1940�s. These commemorative banners will be available for purchase at the end of the season so make sure you take a good look when you�re here this summer. Wouldn't one look great on your wall!

A Little Taste of Summer!

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:43:26 EDT

If you�re like us then you�re really starting to miss summer. That�s why today when we got a call from the "Westmoreland Columbus 500" Italian Day committee we got pretty excited. Italian Day is fun for the whole family with Ethnic foods, Entertainment, Dancing, The Colavita Cup Bocci Tournament and Fireworks. The best part is you don�t even need to be Italian. So, if you�re craving for a little taste of Italy this summer come and experience the Italian Day Festa at Idlewild & SoakZone on August 17th. The Italian Day committee also sent over a little video of the Fireworks from last year�s Italian Festa. Our favorite part is the finale! Enjoy!

COASTERBASH!

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 15:54:04 EDT

On Saturday, March 10, I attended the Western PA Region American Coaster Enthusiasts' COASTERBASH! What a great group of people! These folks travel cross country (and internationally) to ride as many roller coasters as they can ...and they really know how to have FUN. COASTERBASH features many speakers from various parks detailing what is new and exciting at their park and within the industry. Other speakers detail the history of roller coasters, defunct amusement parks, and other amusement park related matters. Vendors are on site selling memorabilia, books, and more. What always impresses me is the videos they show....highlighting coasters across the globe. These well-produced videos look like they were made by the finest Hollywood producers instead of amusement park afficianados sporting camcorders...but that just goes to show you the love they have for these popular rides - that they showcase them so well. All of us who work at amusement parks owe the ACERs and other enthusiasts a big THANK YOU. Your genourous support of our industry is greatly appreciated. It is definately our pleasure to serve you! Also, I want to personally thank all the Western PA ACERs for the fine reception they offered (as always!) at COASTERBASH 2007. Oh, and if anyone just happens to have a picture of the "hats", I'd love to see it. I look forward to seeing you this summer when you visit us at Idlewild & SoakZone! The Rollo Coaster and Wild Mouse will be waiting for you. For more information on the American Coaster Enthusiasts or details on how you can become a member, visit their website: www.aceonline.org

The Wild Bunch Is Hootin' And Hollerin'

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 11:39:14 EST

Howdy, folks! My name's Cyrus Jo', and I'll be yer guest blogger today. I ain't never tried this bloggin' stuff, ya hear, but I went to see Miss Lizzy, the smartest lady in Hootin' Holler, and she set me up with this here machine so I can do this computin' and all. I was just so excited 'bout what I'm about to tell ya, I had to pass the word. Well, anyhoo, I just tried this new grub that the newest members of the Wild Bunch in Hootin' Holler are fixin' to serve ya'll this summer. And, Golly! ...it's mighty fine. Ya see, there were some strangers who came into town this winter and - friendly as we all are in Hootin' Holler' - we welcomed 'em all with open arms. We helped 'em get all set up with their new dinin' establishment and boy oh boy, did they reward us with some down-right finger-lickin' tasty morsels from the Orient. That's right THE ORIENT! Miss Lizzy tells me that's like somewhere 'cross the Ocean. We call this new establishment, PACIFIC TRADERS, cuz that's the ocean they came across... and the new viddles they're servin' are called Peking Chickin', Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry, Sweet and Sour Chickin', Vegetarian Teriyaki, and General Tso's Chickin'. I'm not sure who that General Tso fella was, but he liked his chickin' Spi-iii-cy! Well, they have other items like Rice, Veggies and something called an Egg Roll , too. I asked 'em - "Don't all eggs roll?" and gave a little snicker, but I don't think they thought it too funny and all. Well, this computin' was kinda fun! Maybe I'll check back again sometime when I have some more stuff to holler' about. In the mean time, be sure to stop and see me and the rest of the Wild Bunch in yer favorite town - Hootin' Holler' - only at Idlewild!

The Moment You Have All Been Waiting For...

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 12:00:00 EST

...has finally arrived � our new ride announcement! This summer, as we celebrate our 130th season, riders can earn their wings on: Based on a classic amusement ride from the early half of the 1900�s, Flying Aces is an updated version of the popular Flying Skooters� ride found in many amusement parks more than 50 years ago. Idlewild�s version, manufactured by Premier Rides, Inc., consists of ten cable-suspended planes, each holding two people. As the ride begins to rotate and pick up speed, centrifugal force will swing the aircraft outward to a diameter of 100 feet. While racing along at speeds of more than 35 miles per hour, the �pilots� will able to manipulate a vertical wing located in the front of each plane. As the wing is moved the planes swing inward or outward giving our gutsy �aces� a high-flying rush of excitement. Now that�s FUN!!! Flying Aces will be located near the Rollo Coaster, in the area that has been occupied by the Trinado for the past 9 years. The Trinado has been removed for this season. Because the new ride needs a little more space (for swing out) than it�s predecessor, you will also notice a slight redesign of the Park�s midway in that area The attraction will be themed to resemble a flight school for America�s earliest �flying aces�. All of us here at Idlewild are glad to be able to bring the fun and excitement of this timeless classic to brand new generations. We hope you�ll all agree that Flying Aces makes a perfect addition to Idlewild�s list of family-fun rides. Be sure to check back for updates on some of the other changes in store for 2007!

Some Idle 'Wild Winter Photos

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:13:19 EST

I must admit that we have been pretty lucky so far this winter. Mild weather has enabled us to get a lot of off-season work done ahead of schedule. This past week, however, we've gone from mild to wild as winter finally arrived. While it's true that frigid cold temps and a thick blanket of snow make it difficult to finish up some outdoor projects, they really do transform the Park into a eye-pleasing winter wonderland. Though the park has always been know for its natural beauty which can be witnessed in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, I hope you'll agree that this wonderful "mountain playground" sure looks beautiful in the winter as well. It's my pleasure to give you this peek inside the Park in these idle 'wild winter photos

Idlewild Cares Program

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:27:12 EST

We hope you and your family are off to a great New Year and wanted to make you aware of a wonderful program and a very important deadline! January 31 is the deadline for 501C-3 non-profit organizations to submit requests for our Children's Charities Tickets Program which provides free tickets to children with various physical or economic challenges. Since 1992, our three Kennywood Entertainment parks in western Pennsylvania, Kennywood, Idlewild & SoakZone, and Sandcastle, have donated nearly 200,000 tickets for summer fun to youngsters. The mission of Children's Charities Tickets is to help others make a difference in the children's lives by providing free tickets to disadvantaged children and/or children with disabilities, and for fund-raising purposes for agencies that work directly with them. A rotating committee of Team Members (employees) from each park administers the program. Non-profit 501C-3 organizations wishing to apply for free tickets for the 2007 season may visit all of our Park's Web sites such as Kennywood Park, Sandcastle Waterpark and Idlewild & SoakZone for an application. We will award all tickets by March 31. Please spread the good word! Note: Pictured above is Mother Goose and our good friend Alexis.

'Tis the Season

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 10:45:49 EST

I do love Christmas time. It's certainly one of my favorite times of year! Idlewild, of course, is known as one of the most popular family destinations during the summer months, but I was surprised to find out that one family actually plans a drive to Idlewild each December...and they don't even enter the gate! You see, they drive out to see "Big Santa". Yes, "Big Santa"...the tall figure that stands at the exit gate each year and sends extra large holiday greetings to all travelers along US Route 30. I haven't been able to determine how many years "Big Santa" has been sending his Holiday greetings from Idlewild, but he certainly has become a holiday tradition! Christmas lights and garland complete the public display at the exit gate, but inside the Main Office we always put up a Christmas tree. Christmas music is played throughout the hallways which are adorned with all of the holiday cards sent in by Team Members, Guests, Suppliers, and other friends. As we process all the Idlewild Season Pass orders that many lucky people will be receiving this Christmas, know that we are definately in a Christmas atmoshpere and in the Christmas spirit!!