Today was bright and sunny and a great day to head to Dutch Wonderland for their opening weekend. Rather than do my traditional trip report, I’m going to mirror what I did for Hersheypark this year and do a “what’s new” post. So here is what was new today at Dutch Wonderland:
New Sunoco Turnpike Loading area as seen from the Gondola Cruise
New Car Bodies for Sunoco Turnpike
1. The Sunoco Turnpike is now open on Exploration Island. Though I hated the idea of the park changing the island from it’s old gardens feel, I have to admit this new Turnpike ride is awesome! Great views of the surrounding farms and at some point the dinosaurs (all you can see now are the wires where they will go – they move ya know) make this a definite plus. A much improved station comes with this move to the island and the cars are a new style as well.
No dinos yet, just electric for them
Dino Dig still under construction
2. Exploration Island is not yet complete and won’t be open until Memorial Day. Above you can see one of the hookups for the animatronic dinosaurs and also the unfinished Dino Dig area.
River Boat is now in neutrals, not red, white and blue
3. The river boat has be repainted to look more like a safari vehicle. This is consistent with what I was told by a boat captain last year that it will become more of a Jungle Cruise.
Wiggle Racers down by the Creek
4. The Leapin’ Frogs ride and the Wiggle Racers have switched places.
Unnamed Maze attraction behind Leapin Frogs
5. A new maze has been added behind Leapin’ Frogs
No more dragon egg on Dragon’s Lair
6. The dinosaur egg on the Dragon’s Lair ride has been replaced with a pair of frogs. Also of note, Duke has a new soundtrack for his appearances in the Lagoon, one track features Revile.
Old Sunoco Turnpike Route
7. Former Sunoco Turnpike area is unused.
No more duck food by the creek
8. I think this might be temporary since the duck sign is still there but there were no duck food machines across from the wiggle racers.
Sky Ride was out of service
9. Again I’m sure this is temporary but the Sky Ride was out of service today.
Hooray! Hours of operation signs!
10. Here is a much needed addition, hours of operation signs for shops and eateries. Many people have come to Dutch Wonderland and were disappointed to see many of the food places closed around lunchtime. Some of them do not open until Noon, a full two hours after park opening. Others close earlier than the park and people miss getting dinner at their favorite shops. These signs were definitely needed.
Gondola Cruise – now with daring live action rescue!
11. The Gondola Cruise now includes a live action rescue scene! Oh wait, no, that was just on my trip. 
I felt like I was in a James Bond film when this Dutch Wonderland team member jumped into my boat from one of the low bridges. (OK, he kinda just put his foot down and fell a bit, but still, he had to hang over the side of the bridge to do it!) It was a rescue in progress for the orange boat in front of me that got stuck. Such excitement, such drama!
So those are the high points for what I saw today when visiting Dutch Wonderland. I took several hundred photos of the trip and you can see them all in my Flickr account using the link on the left sidebar.
Did you visit Dutch Wonderland and see anything new I missed? If so, leave a comment below!
