Wonderland Cinema Hosts Fire Drills

Here's a link to an interesting article about the defunct Wonderland Cinemas which sat on the Dutch Wonderland Entertainment Complex property: Yelling ‘Fire!’ in a movie theater: Wonderland Cinema, due to be razed, used for firefighter training (via :Lancaster Online)

Major Construction at Chocolate World

You wouldn't even notice the place when you walk into Hershey's Chocolate World right now. There is some major renovations going on at the moment.

The entire lobby area is blocked off with a construction wall. To enter the Factory Tour Ride you need to enter through the upstairs cafe in the Bake Shoppe area. Once upstairs, you are directed to an unassuming door and then down a hallway before stumbling upon the area where you walk down the stairs to enter the ride vehicles. 

Upon exiting the ride, you travel up the entrance staircase and head down another flight of hidden stairs where you receive your free sample of candy in a fire escape area. 

The ride itself has not been altered but an employe told me that the ride is scheduled to get an overhaul soon. My guess is they will incorporate the newly redesigned Hershey product characters who are now featured in the 4D movie.

This new Kiss fixture stands where the Trolly Works ticket booth was. At this point, the hallway behind it is the only way to access the back portion of Chocolate World. 

There are construction walls up in the Food Court area which cuts off the retail space at the end of the ride.

A large amount of retail merchandise has been relocated to the area between the 3D Movie exit and the Ice Cream Shop. 

It's neat that Hershey Foods constantly pours money into this attraction. It will be exciting to see what changes are in the future.

New Entertainment Announced

With opening day less than a week away, Dutch Wonderland has announced their Entertainment Lineup for the 50th Anniversary 2013 Season.

New Shows include:

Decades of Dutch Wonderland - Travel through time with two Dutch Wonder-ful explorers as they rock through the last 50 years of Dutch Wonderland! Along the way you’ll meet up with Princess Brooke, the Knight of Safety, and the lovable Duke the Dragon! Tap your feet to timeless tunes and dance to today’s hottest hits!

Really Royal: The Story of Princess Brooke - Ever wonder how Princess Brooke began her reign over the Kingdom for Kids? Well join Brooke and two of her dearest friends as they tell the magical tale of everyone’s favorite Princess! Brush up your curtsies and bows and be a part of the most Dutch Wonder-ful story ever told!!

Enchanted: A Star Studded Parade - Princess Brooke is calling all Princesses and Knights in the Kingdom to be a part of her Royal Parade! This is your chance to be seen by everyone in the park as you join your favorite characters and march to the Celebration Theater for Funsation “50 Year” Celebration! Don’t miss your chance to be Dutch Royalty! It’s a magical moment for the whole family!

Funsation "50 Year" Celebration - Funsation Celebration is back, brand new, and celebrating 50 wonderful years! That’s right, new songs, new dances, and even more chances for you to be part of the show! Join us as we celebrate your visit here at the park, including a special tribute to 50 Years of Dutch Wonder-ful Fun! Don’t be tardy for the party!

Sounds like a unique and fun collection of shows that will join returning favorites: Adventures of the Frog Prince, Dragon's Tale, Open Dive, The Wonderers, Storytime With Princess Brooke, and who can forget Bubba Bear and the Badland Bears.

The Kingdom For Kids lowers it's drawbridge for another Summer of fun this Saturday at 10am!

2013 Brochure Is Here

2013 Brochure

Once again this year, instead of a full open up brochure, Dutch Wonderland has chosen the cheaper route of using a double sided card to promote the park. I found the new brochures in a hotel lobby in Gettysburg. The new fliers feature the 50th Anniversary logo and tagline and also play on the park's history selling "vintage" attractions like the Wonder House and the Lady Gay Riverboat. In addition, the brochure hits at a new show coming to the Kingdom, "Decades of Dutch Wonderland" which promises to be "A Spectacular Stage-Show Celebrating the Park's 50 Years!"

 

The back of the flyer features information on Birthday Parties and Season Passes, but does not have an operating calendar for the new season. The 50th Season of Dutch Wonderland kicks off April 27.

Happy 50th!

Here's a look at a new 50th Anniversary logo that the park unveiled at the end of last year. Dutch Wonderland enters into it's 50th operating season, and they've hinted at some big surprises in store to celebrate. It would be nice to see that new logo used on a few merchandise items. The park begins weekend only hours from April 27 until Memorial Day weekend. There has been no official word on any new attractions debuting at the park this year.

Dry Flume

Here's a look at Double Splash Flume with the water shut off for the season.

Yabba Dabba DW!

I found this photo of my brother and I at Dutch Wonderland, the picture is dated 1980 on the back. This statue of Fred Flintstone was located on the path along the back of the park behind the area that now houses the Frog Hopper ride. Other cartoon characters that appeared in statue form at the park included Popeye and Smurfs.