What's New at Dorney Park? 8 Things

opens Saturday, April 28, for the 2012 season.

But on Tuesday, the media, public officials and other invited guests got a preview of its newest additions, Dinosaurs Alive! and the Stinger coaster. 

South Whitehall Manager Jon Hammer even got to help swing open the gate to the dinosaur attraction, as guests, including young children, spilled into the park's newest section.

For those headed there Saturday and beyond, 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.