Adventureland postpones season opening for 'health and safety of guests'

Adventureland's opening weekend has been postponed due to concerns and regulations involving the spread of coronavirus, the park announced Monday.  

"Our guests and employees are considered family here at Adventureland and their safety is of the utmost importance and the reason behind our decision making," Jeanine Gentile, a member of the park's group sales office, said in an emailed statement. "We will be sure to share updates as more information becomes available and decisions are made. We thank everyone for their continued support and patience as we manage through this ongoing situation."

Previously, the park was scheduled to open March 21 and 22 with increased attention placed on hygiene and sanitary stations. A rescheduled opening date has not yet been announced. 

Guests were to be encouraged to wash their hands often throughout their visit to the park, especially after going to the bathroom, blowing their noses, coughing or sneezing and before eating. The park planned to have several alcohol-based hand sanitizer stands ready. “We are in the process of putting together a sanitary team to ensure all railings, benches and tables are wiped down frequently throughout each day,” Gentile said ahead of the canceled opening.

The park planned to reopen for the season with new things for Long Islanders to eat and do. 

SWEET DEALS

Opening weekend was expected to bring a BOGO (buy one get one) special, meaning that guests who purchase one Pay One Price (POP) bracelet and donate a toy (to Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation’s annual toy drive) would get a second one free. 

“We are heading into our 58th season on Long Island and we can’t wait to continue the traditions of family fun!” Jeanine Gentile, a member of the park's group sales office, said before its pulled opening.

TOWERING NEW ATTRACTIONS

For families for whom the amusement park marks an annual tradition, or those who have never been, the 2020 season opening weekend was expected to welcome a new attraction called the Sports Tower, which will stand above much of the rides already there, just on its height alone. Gentile, explained, “This ride will stand at 60 feet tall, making it one of the tallest at Adventureland.”

Replacing the Balloon Tower, the Sports Tower (located next to the main ticket booth) is for guests 36 to 48 inches in height, and features eight gondolas that can carry four guests each. The carriages are placed under balloon-like shapes that take inspiration from sporty spheres like soccer balls, tennis balls and basketballs. Gentile added that “the Sports Tower is one ride you will want to check out at night, [as] there will be all new lights that will light up the midway … We describe it as a light show you won’t want to miss!”

The tower is the only new ride slated for the upcoming season. Other new attractions include a new midway game (“Alfie’s Glo Up”) and in the arcade, a “Connect4 Basketball.”

Also, “we are very excited to add new food items to our menu this year,” said Gentile, referring to a pulled pork sandwich and creamy mac ‘n’ cheese. The park's Sweet Shop expects also see the arrival of ice cream nachos and dipped cones, while Dippin' Dots fans will find cotton candy and banana split flavors added to the menu.