SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Days after an industry analyst warned that Dorney Park could be among the Six Flags properties sold if the company pursues a restructuring, park officials are pushing back on speculation.
They're also emphasizing their ongoing commitment to reinvestment and guest experience.
“We’re always evaluating opportunities to refresh and enhance the guest experience."Ryan Eldredge, regional manager of public relations for Dorney Park and other Six Flags Entertainment Corp. properties
Ryan Eldredge, regional manager of public relations for Dorney Park and other Six Flags Entertainment Corp. properties, said the park has no specific announcements to share, but continues to focus on refreshing and enhancing attractions.
“We’re always evaluating opportunities to refresh and enhance the guest experience, but we don’t have specific announcements to share at this time,” Eldredge said Thursday.
Dorney Park retired two long-time rides this year because of maintenance needs, Eldredge said.
The Meteor, which debuted in 2002, was a pendulum-like flat ride with two large arms that rotated 360 degrees and lifted riders upside down before stopping and changing directions.
Apollo was among four rides added for the park's 100th season in 1984. Previously known as Apollo 2000, the ride seated guests in two-passenger, spacecraft-style cars that moved in a circular motion, swooping down before shooting back up in the air.
“When rides are retired, we look at those areas holistically as part of long-term planning," Eldredge said, pointing to recent expansions as evidence of the company’s commitment.
“It’s important to note that since 2024 we’ve introduced Iron Menace and reimagined Lightning Falls in the water park — two significant additions in back-to-back seasons,” Eldredge said.
“That commitment to reinvestment will continue, and when there are new projects to share, we’ll be sure to do so transparently with our guests and the community.”
Attendance 'in line with expectations'
Analyst Dennis Speigel recently pointed to Six Flags’ $5.5 billion debt load roughly a year after its merger with Cedar Fair, and said a bankruptcy filing and asset sell-off remain possible, with Dorney among properties that could be on the table.
But Eldredge stressed that locally, attendance has remained in line with expectations, despite weather challenges early in the season.
“While we don’t disclose figures, I can say that visitation has generally tracked with our expectations outside of weather-impacted days."Ryan Eldredge, regional manager of public relations for Dorney Park and other Six Flags Entertainment Corp. properties
“While we don’t disclose figures, I can say that visitation has generally tracked with our expectations outside of weather-impacted days,” he said.
He said use of the word "underpenetrated" on the company’s second-quarter earnings call was a broad, company-wide framing of opportunity rather than a reflection of a problem unique to Dorney Park.
“Locally, we continue to see strong demand for season passes, and the engagement from our core guest base has remained healthy," Eldredge said.
He said there's no indication consumers are pulling back in terms of guest demand.
He also emphasized that food and beverage operations were open in line with staffing and seasonal menu changes, consistent with standard practice.
And the park operated on a published calendar this summer with specific closures indicated.
Furthermore, he said an isolated incident in the water park this summer — described as a fight between four men — was not indicative of overall park management or the guest experience.
It comes as Six Flags this year will charge an extra fee for their haunted attractions, such as haunted houses and mazes, which previously were included with park admission.
A ticket bundle of park admission adding Haunt experiences runs as low as $49 on certain dates in September to as high as $89 on certain dates in October, particularly at peak season on dates approaching Halloween.
Those with admission pre-purchased can buy a haunted attractions pass for as low as $10 on select dates in September, or an express pass for $29.
October prices are as low as $20/$49 the first weekend of the month, and $25/59 on weekends through the rest of the month.
Capturing feedback
Guest sentiment, Eldredge added, also continues to guide decision-making at Dorney Park, a Lehigh Valley landmark that has operated for well over a century.
“We use guest feedback tools throughout the season — some are sent to season pass holders, some to single-day visitors, and others are random samples,” he said.
“The goal is to capture a balanced view across all audiences. These surveys cover a wide range of topics, from food and beverage to pricing to overall guest experience.
"We take that data seriously, and it helps guide decisions both short- and long-term.
"While we’re always attentive to social media chatter, formal surveys give us a more representative picture of guest sentiment, which we rely on to inform improvements.”
Eldredge’s comments come as Six Flags prepares for its next earnings call this fall, when investors will watch closely for signs of how the combined company plans to address its debt and chart its future.
Analysts say the company could look to restructure, sell assets or pursue new investment — moves that could shape the future of the entire chain of more than 40 parks now under the Six Flags name.
For now, Eldredge said Dorney’s mission hasn’t changed: providing memorable experiences for families and thrill-seekers alike now and in the future.
