If your attendees are the active, “adrenaline-junky” types who would prefer some heart-racing recreation over a relaxing respite, here’s a pair of promising possibilities to take into account.
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown is an electrifying escape of thrill rides and also a wonderful way to beat the heat during a Lehigh Valley summer with its array of water rides.
Included among the thrill rides—in addition to its roster of spectacular rollercoasters—are 10 offerings that literally lift riders off their seat, such as the Demon Drop. Slowly elevating riders to a height of about 130 feet, the ride then abruptly plummets to ground height in 2.5 seconds. Meteor is another doozie, suspending riders high in the air face-to-face before spinning them to-and-fro with their dangling legs often shooting up toward the clouds.
Recent Dorney additions include Dinosaurs Alive!, an animatronic enclave of life-size prehistoric beasts, and Stinger, a new coaster that is definitely not for the faint of heart. The ride ascends a 138-foot rise before zipping through three massive inversions—first forward and then backward!
The park can host group outings ranging from 20 attendees to more than 5,000, and can arrange private picnic areas, catered affairs and even team-building outings.
Thrills of a different nature can be found at Presque Isle Downs Resort & Casino in northwestern Pennsylvania, where casino excitement and horse racing drama are at the heart of the action.
The fun literally never stops at this bastion of entertainment, which is open 24/7 every day of the year. For starters, gaming lovers will savor the expansive casino and its endless options, which include more than 2,000 slot machines and nearly 50 table games. Special poker tournaments are a constant offering, and a good choice for attendees who actually know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.
Horse racing is another major source of diversion, with simulcast races on tap even when the venue’s own live racing—normally running from mid-May through late September—isn’t running.
The venue is also home to several inviting dining and drinking spots, and a great choice during racing season is Downs Clubhouse & Lounge, with a sweeping view of the track. The establishment offers live entertainment every Friday and Saturday evening as well.
