SANDUSKY, OH

​Roller coaster season is headed our way and Cedar Point, one of the most popular amusement parks in the world, has announced some new experiences the park will offer for its 2022 season.
One of the bigger changes coming to Cedar Point this year is the full transition to cashless transactions across the entire park and surrounding properties. Guests with cash will be able to convert it into a prepaid debit card that can be used anywhere without fees, including places outside of the park and surrounding properties.


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PIDGEON FORGE, TN

​One of the first signs of spring is the construction tour at Dollywood, and today was that day. Media were invited to spend the afternoon getting a sneak peek ahead of the Pigeon Forge theme park’s 37th season.
The new season gets underway for passholders on Friday, March 11, while the doors open to the general public on Saturday, March 12. To welcome those crowds, Dollywood needs to hire a few hundred people. A Dollywood job fair is scheduled Feb. 26 at Sevier County High School. Dollywood’s housing project for seasonal workers that broke ground on Aug. 12 is full, the company said earlier this year.


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GLEN, NH

Generations of families have grown up visiting Story Land in Glen, New Hampshire. Whether it be the timeless rides or the iconic characters, cherished memories have been made at the theme park. So when Story Land unleashed a pair of adults-only 'Nostalgia Nights' a couple years ago, they were surprised by the overwhelming enthusiasm. For 2022, Story Land is more prepared for the 21+ crowd and they've decided to dedicate every Saturday night in July to the adults who love Story Land so much that they never want to grow up.

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GRAND ISLAND, NY

One of Kennywood Park’s most famous — and incredibly popular — coasters, the Laser Loop, will be back and operating on U.S. soil for the first time in decades.
Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World has purchased the looping ride — since renamed Cascabel — from La Feria Chapultepec Magico, a park in Mexico City.


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Charlotte, N.C. (February 10, 2022)

Carowinds today announced it will open for the 2022 operating season on Saturday, March 12. Throughout this year’s “Seasons of Fun,” guests will discover enchanting décor, special merchandise, delectable treats, and new entertainment experiences throughout the park. Carowinds is also expanding the lineup of special events taking place throughout the year to include something for everyone in the family. Among the new events planned for 2022 is the State Line Celebration (April 9-May 8), a one-of-a-kind, limited-time event where the Carolina State Line will come to life like never before. The all-new extravaganza proves there’s no place finer than being in the Carolinas with authentic cuisine, local brews and musicians that can only be experienced in the Tar Heel and Palmetto states.
Other Highlight Events:
• Grand Carnivale (June 25-July 10) guests can celebrate the world on a grand scale at the larger-than-life international festival replete with extravagant sights, pulsing rhythms, delicious international food, a spectacular parade, block parties and fun traditions from around the globe.
• SCarowinds (September 16-October 30, select nights) returns for the 2022 season as the Carolinas’ largest Halloween event. Guests will feel the need to sleep with the lights on after experiencing this new generation of SCarowinds. Every corner is freshly cursed with horrifying haunted mazes, spine-tingling scare zones, and live entertainment.
• Tricks and Treats Fall Fest (Saturdays and Sundays from September 17-October 30) is all-new this year and promises to be the area’s favorite Halloween event. Everyone in the family, from tots to tweens to adults, will have a spooktacular time filled with fun autumn activities, specialty food and craft beers, games and game shows, music entertainment, traditional trick-or-treating, and so much more.
• WinterFest (date to be announced soon) guests will continue to celebrate the holidays at Carowinds with millions of holiday lights and decorations, ice skating, family activities, live shows, specialty food and select rides.
Guests can learn more about these experiences at www.Carowinds.com/events and on Carowinds social channels.
​Approximately 2,000 seasonal associates will be hired to help staff the park this year, with hourly wages starting at $15. Job opportunities are available in all park operating areas, including rides, merchandise and games, park services, food and beverage, admissions, safety and security, entertainment and more. Carowinds offers flexible schedules and many perks for its associates, including discounts, reward and recognition programs, exclusive events and free admission to any Cedar Fair park. To apply, please visit jobs.cedarfair.com/carowinds. As always, the health and safety of Carowinds guests will be a top priority. The park’s protocols and health measures will help ensure guests and their families have a safe and fun day at Carowinds.

About Carowinds Carowinds, a 400-acre amusement park located on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, is home to top-rated roller coasters, including Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster, as well as more than 60 rides, attractions, and live stage shows. Carolina Harbor, a 26-acre waterpark, features a variety of water slides, wave pools, large play structures and a three-acre children’s play area. Carowinds Camp Wilderness and SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Carowinds are guest accommodations located on-site. For information on attractions and accommodations at Carowinds, visit www.carowinds.com or call 704.588.2600. Carowinds is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. 

SANTA CLAUS, IN

​A swarm of 300 LED-lit drones will take to the skies over Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari every night for a new show called "Holidays in the Sky," from June 18 through July 31. The 15-minute show will celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and the Fourth of July and will conclude with a fireworks finale.
"This is an experience you truly have to see to believe," says Fourth Generation Owner and Director of Entertainment & Special Events Lauren Crosby. "When the drones first take flight and the lights start to turn into a rotating Christmas tree or a waving American flag--it's indescribable."
"Holidays in the Sky,” sponsored by German American Bank, will be themed to the holiday sections of Holiday World and will feature animated light displays up to 700 feet wide. Leading up to the drone show, guests can join a DJ-led dance party in the German American Bank Party Plaza, in the Thanksgiving section.


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VALENCIA, CA

​Six Flags Magic Mountain is only big enough for one Wonder Woman ride and that means a spinning thrill ride named for the comic book superheroine will get a new moniker to avoid confusion with a new roller coaster coming this summer to the Valencia amusement park.
The imminent arrival of the new Wonder Woman Flight of Courage roller coaster will force Magic Mountain to come up with another DC Comics superhero name for the old Wonder Woman: Lasso of Truth spinning thrill ride.


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TAMPA BAY, FL

​The nation’s most anticipated and terrifying new roller coaster is finally making its debut this week at Busch Gardens Tampa. The Post got an exclusive first look and ride on the 206-foot beast known as the Iron Gwazi.
So how was it? In a word (uttered in a full-throated scream): YEEEEE-AHHHHH! It is among the best — if not the best — coaster in Florida, aka the theme park capital of the world. It is also unlike any other coaster in the state.
Known as an “IBox” wooden-steel hybrid coaster, the ride is actually a makeover. Opened in 1999, it was originally known as Gwazi.


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GRAND ISLAND, NY

Leaders on Grand Island say they are hoping to have the former Fantasy Island amusement park re-open this spring.
The park is now called “Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World.” It’s owned by a company out of Indiana. Leaders on Grand Island say the company is working on getting some new rides and new additions to the water park.
Last year only the waterpark section of the park was open to visitors.

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FARMINGTON, UT

The mysterious ride taking shape at Lagoon is looking more and more like a roller coaster of some sort.
A recent photo provided to the Standard-Examiner shows a green section of track rising up to the top of the main body of the ride, with another track extension poking out of the mass.
Whatever the case, a rep from the Farmington amusement park isn’t saying much, as has been the case all along as the ride has slowly materialized — all the better to heighten curiosity and build anticipation.
“We usually don’t announce things until we’re ready to bring them online,” said Adam Leishman, a Lagoon spokesman. “Part of it is we like having surprises for people.”


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