SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Before the spring sets in and the lines for Iron Menace grow longer than the coaster itself, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is offering fanatics a chance to get a sneak peek at the spectacle.
And to do it while benefitting Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.
Dorney’s “Winter Chill Out,” scheduled for March 16, will include a tour of the upcoming Iron Menace’s construction site, photo opportunities, a presentation and more, with proceeds going to the hospital.
Tickets for the event will be made available on the Dorney Park website at www.dorneypark.com. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to participate.Dorney Park news release
Tickets for the event will be made available on the Dorney Park website. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to participate.
The event stems from Dorney Park Cares, a philanthropic program run through the park, which is “committed to providing better fun for a better world and giving back to area children and families,” a release from Dorney states.
Both the park and Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital have noted their dedication to raising funding to help with the healing, comfort and care of youth in the area.
A haunting back story
“Iron Menace is a massive investment and an amazing roller coaster, but it’s not the only story we wish to tell in 2024," Dorney Park General Manager Jessica Naderman said.
“This Winter Chill Out will be the first of many charitable events held at the park this calendar year and we can’t think of a better recipient of the proceeds from this event than Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.”Dorney Park Vice President and General Manager Jessica Naderman
"This year, more than any in the park’s storied history, we are committed to giving back.
“This Winter Chill Out will be the first of many charitable events held at the park this calendar year and we can’t think of a better recipient of the proceeds from this event than Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.”
Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital President Anne Baum said her team was honored to partner with the park as they bring the community together in anticipation of Iron Menace’s premier.
The themed coaster includes a haunting back story tied to the region, with a fictional greedy steel baron by the name of Hiram S. McTavish, who hailed from the 1900s.
"With an eye on maximizing output, McTavish created a massive hauler he dubbed “Iron Menace,” a device the steel industry had never seen.
"The rail transporter moved workers and ore at record volumes and dizzying speeds," the lore from the coaster's website reads.
McTavish was known for abusing his workers, until he mysteriously disappeared, leaving the steel mill to rust away.
'Dorney Park's inspiring efforts'
Designed to represent a massive steel halter, a 95-degree drop at the beginning of the ride is intended to simulate getting dumped into a blast furnace.
Surrounding the coaster, the grounds will be decked out to make visitors feel as if they are urban explorers traversing a steel yard. Redesigned merchandise stands and a dining location will contribute to the creepy atmosphere.
“We are thrilled to be the beneficiary of Dorney Park's inspiring efforts which will support local patients and families and help us deliver exceptional care."Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital President Anne Baum
And while it's not ready to ride just yet, organizers are hoping it will tantalize roller coaster fanatics in anticipation of the park’s season opening in May.
Despite all the eerie and frightful foundations for the ride, the event — which intends to ride the wave of excitement and anticipation surrounding the launch of Iron Menace — will go a long way toward helping benefit the children’s hospital, which is renowned for its wide range of pediatric specialty care.
“We are thrilled to be the beneficiary of Dorney Park's inspiring efforts which will support local patients and families and help us deliver exceptional care," Baum said.
