Award-winning Idlewild & SoakZone Opens 135th Season!

Ligonier, PA -- Never a park to rest on its laurels, Idlewild & SoakZone (www.idlewild.com), rated the "Best Kids Park in the World” and one of the "Best Parks for Families" announced today that a season long celebration of its 135th anniversary will include several new special events and family entertainment offerings. Opening on select days and weekends beginning May 24, and daily starting June 6, the park continues to ride the wave of success brought on by last season’s addition of the popular Wowabunga Family Wave Pool.

Thomas & Friends® Headline Five New Shows
The Park’s new and exciting entertainment line-up returns to the family-favorite song and dance shows that Idlewild guests enjoy, highlighted by THOMAS & FRIENDS® FULL STEAM AHEAD LIVE! This popular kid’s show will be featured on a brand new stage in Raccoon Lagoon, named the Really Useful Stage, and will feature a photo opportunity with everyone’s favorite #1 Blue Engine - Thomas - along with a meet and greet opportunity with Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor, following each show. On other park stages, guests can enjoy two different Country shows: The Heart of Country and Miss Dolly’s Country Follies. Evening entertainment at the Hillside Theater includes Camp Rockmore – a zany comical tribute to days gone by, and the closing show, Believe, a journey through a world of hope and dreams!

Two New Events and More Fun News
Two new events join the park’s calendar this year. Princesses in the Park, occurring July 16–20, allows members of your Royal Family to meet, get autographs and take photos with Story-time Princesses such as Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty, and Rapunzel! Taking place September 8–9 and 15–16, Idlewild’s Oktoberfest will extend the Park’s operating season by two additional weekends.

Showcasing rich Bavarian traditions, German-style music and food, Idlewild’s Oktoberfest is a fun family friendly event featuring rides and attractions, a crafts fair, “Oompah” bands and, of course, the Chicken Dance! Other popular returning events include Showcase of Stars (July 1 – 7), Mister Rogers’ Neighbor Days (July 9–13) and Super-Hero Week (July 23–27) featuring Marvel characters.

Further fun additions include: an Icee® Mix-It-Up stand, where guests can mix some of their favorite ICEE® flavors to create a delicious, refreshing concoction of their very own; and a new Park Mascot, as Duke the Dragon joins Ricky Raccoon for daily Meet and Greet opportunities.

With an amusement park and waterpark, Idlewild & SoakZone is actually “two parks in one” and offers one of the best entertainment values for your money. In addition to being one of the few picnic parks in America where you can bring a picnic lunch, the Park’s popular season passes offer unlimited visits and pay for themselves in under three visits. Season Passholders receive exclusive in-park perks and discounts, including the popular Bring-a-buddy-free Days ($340 value), as well as discounts on Kennywood, Sandcastle, and Dutch Wonderland admissions. Season passes are $62.99 +tax for four or more until June 30 ($67.99 +tax regular when purchased individually) and FunDay Passes ($33.99 +tax for guests ages three to 59; free for children two and under; and $25.99 +tax for guests aged 60 or more) can be purchased at http://www.idlewild.com or at the Park on operating days. Value priced hotel package information can be found at the Park’s website.