originally posted on 7/1/2024
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Following many installations around the world, the Northeast is finally home to a B&M dive coaster as Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom debuted Iron Menace.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
The skyline of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (Allentown, Pennsylvania) has forever changed with the addition of a bold new roller coaster. Iron Menace is a Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) dive coaster, and although many examples have been built across the globe (including recent installations at SeaWorld San Diego in California and Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio), it is the first of its kind in the northeastern United States.
As with all dive coasters, the thrills begin with a noteworthy plunge to the ground and in the case of Iron Menace, beyond vertical.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Photos: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
Courtesy of some detailed work on behalf of the park, the addition is more than just a ride — it's an elaborate story about an evil businessman named Hiram S. McTavish who opened a steel mill. Parkgoers approach the massive steel roller coaster by entering the steel yard, which was created by a dramatic transformation of the area with signage telling the story of McTavish. Existing rides like Possessed — an Intamin Impulse that once operated as Steel Venom at Six Flags Worlds of Adventure (and later, Geauga Lake) in Aurora, Ohio — and the Cedar Creek Flyers have been integrated, including a retheme of the latter into the MT Buckets. (It is worth noting that behind Iron Menace is a haunt attraction, Ghost in the Machine, which hints at the grim ending of the ill-fated steel workers who fell victim to McTavish's greed.)
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Steel Yard brings new life to the back corner of the park and includes the existing Possessed shuttle coaster and MT Buckets, representing a retheme of the Cedar Creek Flyers.
Photo: Mike Matscherz. View full-sized image.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Upon entering the Steel Yard, one is instantly greeted with elaborately themed displays and haunting music — all of which set the scene of an abandoned steel mill (perfect, considering the area’s steel industry history). The queue is themed into McTavish's office with no detail missed. There is even a new eatery: the Iron Mill Grill & Bar features a delicious menu including flatbread pizza and pierogies.
Iron Menace's station is decked out in details continuing the story line. Once riders are secured in one of two 21-passenger trains and begin to ascend the lift hill, the twisted steel of the 2,169-foot layout becomes visible below. Reaching the top of the 160-foot lift hill provides a quick but impressive view of Dorney Park's other roller coasters. An element unique to Iron Menace is the lack of a turn before the 152-foot drop — following the pause at the top to take in the view, there is an immediate plunge at 95 degrees into a melting pot of twisted steel. This results in exhilarating flight through four inversions, including an Immelmann, zero-G roll, inclined loop and corkscrew.
ACE members enjoy Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom’s newest roller coaster, featuring some elaborate themed elements.
Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Photo: Mike Matscherz. View full-sized image.
The park’s third B&M coaster, Iron Menace, is a perfect addition to the park’s already solid lineup.
— Jessica Knouse and Stacey Singer
#ACENews