11 Best Dorney Park Tips That You Can't Miss
In this guide, we will cover our best Dorney Park tips to ensure that you arrive at the park extremely prepared, and know all of the 'hacks' to maximize your time and money.
1. Know the Best Time to Visit
Go During the Week
The best days to visit Dorney Park are Tuesday through Thursday.
Most guests plan their entire trip to the park around the weekend. Normally on the weekends, kids are out of school, and parents are off of work. This creates the perfect recipe for a packed park on the weekends.
By going during the weekday, there's a high chance that you'll deal with minimal crowds, and fewer waits, and you'll be able to experience much more in a shorter period.
Arrive Early
Not only do you want to arrive early to beat the 'normal crowds' but you want to beat the 'bus crowds' as well!
Some buses drop off large amounts of people all at once, and we promise that you don't want to get stuck behind that.
They typically get dropped off a little after the park opens, so make sure to get there early.
Dorney Park normally opens around 10-11 am, but you'll want to double-check their hours ahead of time before your visit.
If Weekends Are Your Only Choice
If you can't go during the week, Sundays are your best bet as they are normally much less busy than Fridays or Saturdays.
2. Bring Your Own Water Bottle
According to Dorney Park's FAQ, guests are permitted to bring one factory-sealed water bottle into the park.
There are also many water stations around the park where you'll be able to refill your water bottle.
However, coolers, beverages, or outside food aren't permitted.
3. What Should I Pack?
- Spare Change of Clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sunscreen/Sunblock
- Extra Pair of Socks
Sun Screen is a must. Nothing ruins a great theme park day like getting sunburned.
Extra Pair of Clothes. Whether you get wet or too sweaty and possibly even get food on your clothes, you'll want to have an extra change of clothes.
Not only will you be prepared, but you can easily store all of those items in a locker at the park.
4. Invest in a Fast Lane Pass
Skip the Lines
A Fast Lane Pass allows you to skip the line on select rides (up to 21 rides).
Everyone knows the one thing that you can't always beat at a theme park is a long line.
How it Works
You will receive a Fast Lane wristband that will allow you to go to a separate and more direct line, so you will not have to wait in the normal line at all.
This will give you a fantastic experience as you'll be able to ride your favorite rides quickly and as many times as you want.
If you're planning on going on the weekend (the busiest time), this will be worth it.
However, if you're going during the week (less busy), you may not need it as the lines will not be nearly as long.
5. Purchase Your Tickets Online Ahead of Time
Skip the Line and Save Money!
When you purchase your tickets with us, you can Save $20 per Ticket.
You will receive your tickets immediately in your email. You can learn more about our process through our Authorized Theme Park Ticket Reseller page.
6. Upgrade to Preferred Parking
If you prefer not to walk a long way from your car to the park, Preferred Parking is available at the cost of $35.
This upgrade allows you to park at the front of the parking lot, in front of the entrance to the park.
It is definitely something a lot of people wished they considered after a long hot day at the park when they realize they still have to hike back to their car.
Preferred Parking is done on a first-come, first serve basis.
Parking is not included with your admission.
7. Rent a Locker
There are different sizes available, small and large options.
Lockers will come in very handy especially if you're planning to go to the water park afterward.
There are hourly and all-day options available.
You can seamlessly store your belongings in there while you ride the rides, and when you decide to head over to cool down at the water park, you can go pick them out of the locker and head on over.
Locker units are available on a first-come, first-serve basis due to the limited supply.
8. Traveling With Kids?
Visit Planet Snoopy!
Planet Snoopy is an ultra-popular themed area designed specifically for kids and families.
In this area, there are 16 rides, play areas, live shows, and even characters that you can meet and greet.
It is conveniently located right on the forefront of Dorney Park, so as soon as you walk in just make a left.
9. Know What Your Ticket Includes
Typically your admission will include entry to Dorney Park, Wildwater Kingdom (the water park), and Planet Snoopy.
You'll want to double-check your ticket to make sure.
Note - Wildwater Kingdom is only open during the summer.
10. Download the Dorney Park App
The Dorney Park app will show line wait times, the map of the park, show schedules, and even restaurant food menus for when you get hungry!
It is a great resource to plan your day and to stay updated while you're actually in the park to make informed decisions.
There's also a very useful feature called the 'Mark-a-Spot'. Using the app, you can choose a spot on the map and mark it.
Whether it's to mark where you parked, set a family meeting point, or just visit an area that you want to circle back to at a later time.
11. Consider Purchasing a Season Pass
If you're planning on visiting Dorney Park more than 2 times in a calendar year, you'll want to consider purchasing a Season Pass.
A Season Pass grants you access to Dorney Park for the entire season and also gives you a lot of other perks.
These perks include Free Season Long Parking, Season pass holder-only events, discounts on food and merchandise, and even Bring-a-Friend discounts.
Just the parking alone makes it worth your time.
If you decide to purchase a Season Pass, you'll be able to use your phone as admission!
By downloading the Dorney Park app, you will find your season pass in the actual app and you can present that at the gate to enter.
Related Articles
What to Wear and Bring to Dorney Park
How Does Dorney Park Parking Work?
What's Included in a Dorney Park Fast Lane?
Wildwater Kingdom Rides | Simply Explained
What is Dorney Park's Rain Policy?