What is That???

After all the excitement from the holiday season has died down and may of us are wondering if it will ever snow again, Waldameer is still keeping busy improving the park for the 2012 season. Pictured below is a prime example of Waldameer's improvments for 2012.

But what is it?  What could this bunch of nailed together boards be an improvement of? We will keep you updated on this little project as it comes together. Until then, start guessing!

2012 SEASON PASSES ON SALE!

Need we say more? Visit waldameer.com to purchase your Season Pass. You can also have your Season Pass mailed right to your door! Just click on "2012 Season Pass Renewal" if you have had a Season Pass before and we will use your current photo to print a new pass and mail it directly to you FREE of charge

The First Look at L. Ruth Express II

Since the replacement of Waldameer's L. Ruth Express train engine last season, plans have been in the works to purchase a whole new train engine and coaches for the 2012 season. That means less time waiting in line and more time riding the Waldameer classic. Chance Rides has been working hard to get the L. Ruth Express II ready for delivery before the end of the year. But you will never guess where we spotted Waldameer's second C.P. Huntington train engine!

At the annual IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida! This yearly convention brings all sorts of vendors, manufacturers and amusement venues to one spot to learn, sell and buy all sorts of new and exciting items for the attractions industry. This year, Chance Rides featured Waldameer's very own L. Ruth Express engine at the show. This bright blue beauty was all ready to chug along Waldameer's tracks. But the new engine won't make it to Erie, PA until the rest of the coaches are ready to ship as well.

So now, we wait patiently until the new train is ready. Keep and eye out, you may just see it driving down the highway on it way to Waldameer soon!

Waldameer Goes Cashless!

It's been a long time since a Waldameer update. So many things have happened in the few short months following Labor Day Weekend. Most of the park has been prepared for another Erie winter by covering up and tearing down signs, rides, tables and benches. But don't think Waldameer packs up and quits for the winter! Plenty of things are happening at the park to make it an even better place to visit in the summer!

The most drastic change that is happening for 2012 is the park is going cashless! That's right, cashless. But what does that really mean? How will our Guests pay for things?

Since 2010, Waldameer has been using its new bar-code system to operate the park. With this system, Waldameer was able to introduce its own type of money called Wally Points. These points can be put on a Wally Card and spent anywhere in the park. You can recharge your Wally Card, put any amount on it and use it for the rest of your life! Wally Cards have worked so well that for the 2012 season, Waldameer will only accept Wally Cards, Credit/Debit cards and Gift Cards to purchase items inside the park. The only place cash will still be accepted will be the Merry-Go-Round Ticket Booths, the Arcade and Wally Card Kiosks.

To make it easier to get a Wally Card, eight new self-serve Wally Card Kiosks are being installed throughout the park. These big, yellow stands allow Guests to purchase, reload and check balances on any Wally Card. With eight new kiosks, it will be eight times easier to get your very own Wally Card!

Stay tuned for more exciting winter news!

The Governor Comes to Town

Even though this past Thursday was muggy and wet, the attendees at the annual Erie Club picnic held at Waldameer were still able to enjoy themselves. One person in particular made a surprise appearance to the Erie Club picnic. Governor Tom Corbett was able to take time out of his schedule and stop by Waldameer to meet and greet and eat with the attendees. Of course we had to get a picture of the Governor during his visit to Waldameer. Luckily, Governor Corbett let Steve Gorman grab a quick photo with Wally Bear too! Thanks to the Erie Club and Governor Corbett for coming out to the park and having a great time!

Here, Here! The Grand Marshalls are Here!

A car fit for the Grand Marshalls!

Everyone knows that Waldmeer loves to celebrate summer holidays with great family fun and spectacular fireworks displays. But this year, Waldameer was honored by the Millrcreek Township to celebrate the Fourth of July a different way. The Waldameer family was asked to be the Grand Marshalls of the July Fourth Parade! Wally and Wendy were so excited! 

Wally and Wendy had a great time singing and tossing candy to everyone!

The parade was a blast with Wally and Wendy riding in the back of a truck as well as the Waldameer Showtime Theater Cast all tossing candy and waving to the throngs of smiling faces on either side of 12th Street.

The celebration went on for over an hour the morning of the Fourth and afterwards, all of the Waldameer staff had to get back to the park in order to open for the holiday! 

Wally, Wendy and Waldameer would like to thank Millcreek Township in letting us celebrate the United States Birthday with them!

Thanks to our 2011 Season Pass Holders!

Thanks for everyone who purchased a 2011 Season Pass this year! We hope you enjoy the summer fun at Waldameer! But even if you didn't get a chance to purchase a Season Pass this year, there are still great deals for you and your family to save on Waldameer's Combo Passes! Just visit waldameer.com to learn how you can save $3.00 by purchasing via our online store and also by bringing in Pepsi cans to our ticket booths!