Geauga Lake announces new and removed attractions, smoke-free

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

[Ed. note: The following is an unedited press release. -J]

Get ready for plenty of fun this summer on the shores of Geauga Lake. With more than 40 rides and attractions, including eight roller coasters and a massive 17-acre waterpark, Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom has announced details about a wide variety of park improvements for the upcoming season.

Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom will introduce two brand-new shows this summer – the “Magic and Comedy of Tim Hill” and “LEGO Racers.” Located in the Palace Theatre, guests will be treated to the comedic antics and unbelievable magic of Tim Hill. Call him a funny magician or an amazing comedian, either way the audience will leave the show laughing and wondering, “How did he do that?”

In the Harbor Theatre, “LEGO Racers” is a family-friendly movie that will put guests in the middle of the action. Wearing 3-D glasses, moviegoers will feel the excitement as the adventure unfolds around them. Animated race-car-driver Max Axel will race his opponent through a series of challenging terrains. Each time Max and his crew face a difficult situation, teamwork, creativity and imagination save the day.

In addition to the added entertainment, the park will completely renovate a restaurant and will offer two new dining options.

Located in the 1950s section of the park, The Jukebox Café will receive a full make-over from top to bottom. New black-and-white checkered flooring, red parlor-style chairs and booths and new wall coverings and memorabilia will highlight the changes at this family restaurant. The Jukebox Café will feature classic American cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, salads and a build-your-own burger station. As an added treat, kids will be able to enjoy eating meals made just for them and served inside a miniature 1950s-style car.

Aunt Em’s Sandwich Shop, located in Western Village, will feature a wide variety of sandwiches, from subs and Philly cheese steaks to gyros and chicken wraps. Hungry park-goers will be able to pick their own sandwich toppings and combo their selection with a side of french fries and a great dessert.

And, for the first time, the park will offer fried chicken dinners. These family favorite meals will be served at the new Lunch Basket, formerly the Hot Dogger.

For water-lovers, more VIP cabanas will be added to the $30 million Wildwater Kingdom waterpark that opened in 2005. Located adjacent to Tidal Wave Bay, a 390,000-gallon wave pool, the VIP cabanas will include lounge chairs, a table and chairs for dining and full food and beverage service.

“We are very excited about the upcoming season,” stated Bill Spehn, vice president and general manager of Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom. “These new additions and upgrades will not only improve the overall guest experience at Geauga Lake, they also show our commitment to making Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom the perfect summertime family destination.”

The “it” game of 2007 will also be at Geauga Lake this summer! The All-American Cornhole Toss will be similar to horseshoes except wooden boxes called cornhole platforms and corn bags are used instead of horseshoes and stakes. Players will win prizes by tossing the most corn bags in the hole or on the platform. The All-American Cornhole Toss will be located in Coyote Creek, across from the 3-Point Challenge game.

Other changes for this summer include new paint jobs on two classic Geauga Lake thrillers, Head Spin and Texas Twister. Three rides, X-Flight, Steel Venom and the Bel Aire Express will be removed from the park. Renamed Firehawk, X-Flight has recently been introduced at Kings Island amusement park near Cincinnati, while Steel Venom will be relocated to another Cedar Fair Entertainment Company park at a later date.

The park will also introduce a smoke-free environment that includes designated smoking areas. The new designated smoking areas will have seating and shade and will be located throughout the park. Smoking will not be allowed outside of those areas or in the waterpark.