Idlewild & SoakZone Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Story Book Forest with New Princess and Enchanted Castle

LIGONIER, PA – March 16, 2016 – Idlewild & SoakZone (http://www.idlewild.com), voted “Best Kids’ Park” in the world for six consecutive years, today announced that it will mark the 60th Anniversary of its beloved Story Book Forest theme area with the return of an Enchanted Castle and a new Princess character to delight and entertain children of all ages.

“Our guests enjoy the emotional moments they experience together as a family just as much as riding their favorite ride or waterslide,” said General Manager, Brandon Leonatti. “We are pleased to further enhance those memorable experiences with the introduction of a new Princess who will meet and greet visitors, and with bringing back the popular Enchanted Castle which many of our long-time fans will remember.”

Idlewild teamed with Monster City Studios (http://www.monstercitystudios.com), a themed environment design and fabrication company in Fresno, CA to develop the new castle structure for Story Book Forest, and also an interactive “Sword in the Stone” attraction located within the castle’s courtyard. The themed castle will be the home of Princess Lily, who is being introduced as a descendant of the Golden Knight - a character featured in the original Enchanted Castle that was part of Story Book Forest for 40 years through the park’s 1996 season, after which it was removed to accommodate a roadway expansion. One of the park’s popular mascots, Duke the Dragon, will also be relocated to the new castle for his daily appearances and will be incorporated into the story line.

“Story Book Forest has been an integral part of many people’s childhoods with its own take on popular nursery rhymes and fairy tales. As we continue to tell those tales, we are pleased to offer these new attractions for our next generation of visitors,” commented Leonatti. The completion of the Enchanted Castle project is on schedule to welcome guests for the park’s opening day on Saturday, May 21. Story Book Forest, built in 1956, will celebrate its 60th anniversary this summer. It is one of seven theme areas found at the Ligonier area amusement and water park.

In addition, Idlewild & SoakZone announced that it is currently accepting applications for its 2016 summer operating season online at www.idlewild.com/employment.. College and High School students, retirees, and other adults looking for seasonal work are welcome to apply for over 600 positions in the areas of Accounting, Bookkeeping, Catering, Costume Characters, Food Service, Guest Service, Games, Gate Cashier, Ground Maintenance, Housekeeping, Lifeguard, Merchandise, Parking, Public Safety, Ride Maintenance, Ride Operator, Picnic Coordinator, and Warehouse Operations. A personal interview will be scheduled for qualified individuals after receipt of application. Idlewild & SoakZone is an Equal Opportunity Employer.