Dorney Park Opens Today: 8 Things to Know

opens today for the 2012 season. Here are eight new things to expect this season:

1. The three-acre Dinosaur Park features 32 life-sized animated dinosaurs. The largest is the Ruyang Yellow River dinosaur, which measures 30 feet in height and 72 feet in length.

The attraction winds along a 2,500-foot path through a wooded area of the park. In six main scenes and nine thematic exhibits, the story unfolds -- when and where the dinosaurs lived, what they ate, how they protected themselves and the problems they encountered.

The dinosaurs move -- and in one scene tremble -- and they roar. A few have interactive consoles that allow park-goers to guide their movements. There is also a dig site, where youngsters can hunt for pre-historic fossils.

Cost is an additional $5 with general admission ticket.

2. -- This boomerang, inverted coaster has face-to-face seating. It propels riders through six inversions at speeds reaching 55 mph.

3. Fast-lane Pass -- For an additional fee of $30 to $55, depending on day of the week and number of purchases, guests can get a wristband that allows them to bypass the regular line on 10 of the park's most popular rides, including Steel Force, Talon and Hydra.

4. Starbucks brewed coffee -- The park won't have a free-standing Starbucks, but it will be Starbucks coffee that's sold at selected venues. Park-goers will also be able to buy Starbucks's other drink offerings at some sites. 

5. Preferred Parking -- Park-goers can purchase a preferred parking space for $25, at the park or in advance online.

6. More of Chickie's and Pete's -- The well-known Philadelphia eatery opened venues at the park last year, with a selected menu of Crabfries, cheesesteaks and fried shrimp. This season, park-goers can get their burgers.

7. Philly Pretzel Factory -- The Philly-style soft pretzels will be served "Hot Outta The Oven!" 

8. Expanded Online Interface -- Park-goers can access more on-line, before even getting to the park, including individual and group tickets to the park, parking passes and the dinosaur attraction.

Tickets to the park are $48.99 but can be purchased online for $28.99 up to Memorial Day and $39.99 beyond Memorial Day. Junior tickets are $29.99 but can be purchased online for $24.99. Tickets to Dinosaurs Alive! are an additional $5.

Note: The above information was provided by Communications Manager Carrie Basta, or obtained from Dorney Park's website.