Idlewild and Soak Zone

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**Idlewild and Soak Zone**
Location	Ligonier, Pennsylvania
Website	www.idlewild.com
Owner	Kennywood Entertainment
Opened	1878
Operating season	for 2007 May 24 through October 28th
Rides	40 total 2 roller coasters 20 water rides

Idlewild and Soak Zone is a family amusement park situated near Ligonier, Pennsylvania. It was founded as a picnic ground in 1878 by Judge Thomas Mellon. The park is currently owned by Kennywood Entertainment Company from nearby Pittsburgh.

1 History
2 Today
3 Attractions
4 Sister Parks
5 External links

[edit] History

On May 1, 1878, William Darlington gave Judge Thomas Mellon "the right and privilege to occupy his land for picnic purposes or pleasure grounds". At this time, Judge Mellon was owner of the Ligonier Valley Railroad. Campgrounds were added to the park along the train tracks, a lake was built, and a hall was built for gatherings. The park was originally advertised as a place for churches and schools to meet, and later drew citizens of the city to Ligonier. [1]

[edit] Today

Today, the park hosts many picnics for area groups, including labor unions and schools. For the 2007 season, Idlewild and Soak Zone will open on Thursday, May 24. Flying Aces is the new attraction for 2007, replacing the Trinado. Also new for 2007 are a few new food specialties. Pasta Works located near the new ride has been renamed "The Back Porch" and will be serving Charley Biggs' Chicken 'n' Sauce along with pasta.

[edit] Attractions

[edit] Olde Idlewild

The rides marked in bold are the roller coasters at the park.

Balloon Race
Caterpillar (built 1947; there are only 3 rides like this remaining in North America, and only 2, including Idlewild's, that feature a working canopy)
Ferris Wheel
Flying Aces- New for 2007, replacing the Trinado
Merry-Go-Round - The carousel was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1931, and was one of the last merry-go-rounds built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.
Paratroopers
Rollo Coaster - This small wooden coaster is built over the hillside. It features some small dips, a curve, and then heads back to the station. Rolllo Coaster was built 1938 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Wood for the ride was cut on Idlewild property.
Mad Scrambler
Skooters (built 1931)
Spider
Super Round-Up
Tilt-a-Whirl
Whip (built 1939)
Wild Mouse - This original wild mouse coaster features mouse shaped cars that carry up to 4 riders per car. It goes up a tilted lift hill, followed by twists, drops, and quick turns. The tilted lift hill on Wild Mouse used to feature a spinning tunnel at its old location, Alton Towers.

[edit] Hootin' Holler

Confusion Hill
Dizzy Lizzy's
Howler (2004)
Loyalhanna Limited Railroad (An original C.P. Huntington Model)
Paul Bunyan's Loggin' Toboggan (2005) - This ride is the only Idlewild attraction that takes your picture during the ride. The picture is then available for purchase on your way off of the ride at the Blue Ox Photographic Gallery. Paul Bunyan's Loggin' Toboggan was purchased from the Old Indiana Fun Park.

[edit] Soak Zone

Captain Kidd's Adventure Galley (2006)
Hydro Racers
Hydro Soakers
Little Squirts - Children's pool and play area
Pipeline Plunge
Rafter's Run
Serpentine Slides
Shotgun Slides
Speed Slides
Swimming Pool
Tipping Bucket
Tipping Cones

[edit] Jumpin' Jungle

Bubbling Springs
Alligator Swamp
Tarzan Swing
Jungle Phone
Net Climb
Flying Turtles
Jungle Organ
Tube Slide
Tunnel Crawl
Suspension Bridge

[edit] Other Attractions

Story Book Forest-Celebrated 50 years of sharing nursery rhymes with children and adults during the 2006 season
Mister Rogers Neighborhood of Make-Believe: based on the popular television show of local native Fred Rogers, this themed area features a ride on a life-sized Trolley through the popular "Neighborhood of Make-Believe"