S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – One of the region’s biggest signs of summer is making its return with Dorney Park gearing up to open its gates for the season tomorrow.

69 News Reporter Sydney Kay has a look at the hard work that goes into opening the park and what guests can expect this year.

The sun rising over Dorney Park in South Whitehall Township Thursday isn’t a 135-feet high view you get from riding the coaster, it’s from climbing up the steps to the top.

The heart-pumping task on Talon is routine for crews, especially when preparing for opening day Friday.

“If you’re in maintenance, you would be looking at the track and inspecting it. Looking for any little bumps or grooves that may cause an issue with the ride,” said Ryan Eldredge, public relations manager at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.

It’s the countdown to coasters for guests and in its 142nd season, many people don’t know the history behind it. Dorney Park was originally started as a trolley park.

“You wouldn’t have thought all this time later, the park would be where it is, but here we are. And to think the park almost went down in the Great Depression and was saved by a little train, the Zephyr, which is now over 90 years old which is incredible,” said Eldredge.

Now home to favorites such as Planet Snoopy or the legendary Steel Force, new events like the SPLASH! Water Parade will make its way this summer, adding to its already loaded roster of events.

“Viva la Fiesta is an incredible cultural celebration of all things Hispanic and Latino, and then we get to Halloween Haunt and Tricks and Treats and what better time to be in Pennsylvania than in the fall,” he said.

With crews working right up to Friday’s 10:30 a.m. opening, park officials say it’s like a constant tune-up to start off a smooth season.

“Our maintenance team is diligently tinkering and fixing and getting things ready, getting things on track. Positioning things, tightening bolts, there’s just a lot of work,” Eldredge said.

Park officials say their biggest tip to avoid lines is showing up early and heading straight to your favorite coaster.

Gates open on Friday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m. and run through 7 p.m. You can find more information on the opening and tickets HERE.  

The summer waterpark countdown for the Wildwater Kingdom’s opening is also around the corner with that date set for May 23rd.

WATCH: 69 News Reporter Sydney Kay and Steel Force mascot play a game of ‘Coaster Catch’


The park says Opening Day highlights include:

Family fun for all ages, from Planet Snoopy’s kid-friendly rides to Dorney Park’s signature coasters

First rides of the 2026 season across the park’s full attraction lineup

Meet-and-greet opportunities with Snoopy and the Peanuts™ characters

Photo and video opportunities featuring families, coasters in motion and reopening moments