Which Waldameer Park rides are the classics? How old some of the attractions turn in 2024
While it seems like just yesterday that the first kids bounced on the Frog Hopper or tooted a horn on the Big Rigs at Waldameer Park, those riders are heading into their 30s now.
The two popular kiddie rides at Waldameer Park & Water World turn 25 this year along with the thrill ride Ali Baba. Meanwhile, the thrill ride Chaos will be a mere 5 years old in 2024. They're just four of the amusement park's rides that reach a milestone this season. Here are details about them and some others, according to Waldameer's website and information provided by officials when the park celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2021.
Scrambler, Tilt-A-Whirl: 60 years old
The family classic Scrambler and Tilt-A-Whirl both opened in 1964. In 2013, the Scrambler was relocated at the park.
Ferris Wheel: 30 years
The gondola-laden Ferris Wheel has been providing views of Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park since 1994.
Ali Baba, Frog Hopper, Big Rigs: 25 years
The Ali Baba, Frog Hopper and Big Rigs all started operating in 1999. The first swings riders six stories high, the second lifts kids up and then bounces them down, and the third lets children ride a miniature semi on a track.
Steel Dragon: 20 years
The Steel Dragon coaster began spinning riders down its 50-foot drop and around slalom curves in 2004.
Mega Vortex: 15 years
The Mega Vortex rotating circular disk started traveling its half-pipe track in 2009.
Chaos, Giant Heated Relaxing Pool: 5 years
The Chaos and Giant Heated Relaxing Pool opened in 2019. The spinning pendulum takes its riders upside down 60 feet in the air in Waldameer while the 98-degree Fahrenheit pool in Water World can hold 120 people.
Dana Massing can be reached at dmassing@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Waldameer Park: How old are the rides at the Erie amusement park?
