Dutch Wonderland - Lancaster

--- **Honest Review: Dutch Wonderland** Dutch Wonderland is a fantastic amusement park perfect for toddlers and young kids. It’s a whimsical realm filled with a variety of activities, including rides, trains, boats, dinosaurs, shows, dining options, water fun, and much more. While we had a great time at the park, a significant portion of our day was spent waiting. We faced long lines to enter the parking lot, have our bags checked, and then again for rides or food purchases. Even though we visited on a weekday instead of the weekend, the waiting times were still considerable. Because of this, we couldn’t experience all the rides or even visit the dinosaur attraction, so it's wise to plan accordingly. Given the crowds and wait times, this could easily be a two-day adventure. **Tickets** Tickets can be purchased online through the official website. You might find cheaper options on Groupon or check if your employer offers corporate discounts—they could be even more affordable. Purchasing your ticket gives you early access to the park the day before your visit after 4 PM, which could be beneficial for experiencing attractions the next day. On the day of your visit, you can enter by 10:30 AM, but brace yourself for the lines. The water park closes at 6 PM, while the main park shuts down at 7 PM. **Bags** You’re allowed to bring a bag, but it must measure 15x15x15 inches. They have staff with rulers ready to measure your bag, so be sure to pack appropriately. If your bag is too large, you’ll need to return it to your car. There are three security tables checking bags at the entrance. **Parking** There are only three parking attendants to manage hundreds of vehicles, so expect a lengthy wait if you're arriving from 30 West. A better option would be to come from 30 East or the shopping center across the street for quicker access. General parking costs $22, and you can conveniently purchase your parking pass online for a quick scan upon arrival. **Food** Food at the park can be pricey. For instance, it’s $12.99 for three or four chicken tenders, $19.99 for a bucket of soggy fries, and $16.99 for tenders with fries. A souvenir cup offering unlimited refills costs $17.99, while drinks range from $4 to $4.99 for fountain drinks and bottled water respectively. Overall, the costs can add up rapidly. The souvenir cup, while expensive, is a nice way to enjoy unlimited refills throughout the day. Outside food isn’t allowed, but you're welcome to bring a packed picnic to eat at nearby tables outside the park. While there are many dining options along the strip, keep in mind that it might take additional time to find parking if you decide to leave the park. If you plan to re-enter after leaving, remember to get your hand stamped. You can bring snacks and water into the park as well. **Water Fountain** If you need to refill your water bottle, locate the restrooms below the sky ride at the park entrance, where there's a water bottle filling station. **Lockers** Lockers are available for rent, with the large ones costing $15 (although they aren’t very spacious), and small lockers priced around $12. **Water Park** For younger kids, there’s a small water area ideal for splashing and playing. You can rent cabanas and there is ample seating available, provided you're lucky enough to snag a spot. Plenty of changing stalls are available, but be sure to keep a close eye on your children at all times. Overall, I highly recommend Dutch Wonderland for young children, but be sure to bring snacks, drinks, your wallet, and plenty of patience! --- This version keeps the essence of the original review while enhancing clarity and flow.

The food and drinks were a bit pricey, but I expected that. They do check your bags, so make sure to stick to the size limit, or you'll have to head back to your car. Even though my friend rarely uses a stroller these days, having one made our day at the park much easier. She has season passes, and they've already paid for themselves several times. If you have young children, definitely make the most of this summer season!

What a fantastic place for toddlers! Even my two-year-old, who is over 36 inches tall, had plenty of things to enjoy. The park is small but just the right size for young children. On the day we visited, everything was open—nothing was closed or under maintenance. We spent 7 hours at the park and still didn’t manage to do everything. The restaurants inside serve delicious food, although it can get a bit pricey if you buy everything separately. For example, a burger and fries at The Mill Stream Eatery costs $16.99, and the flatbread pizza is $12.99. Parking is convenient and costs $20.

I have been coming here since I was child, and now I'm bringing my children here. It's still a fun place to visit. It's geared more towards younger children, but there's some rides for the older ones to enjoy.

This was our first time visiting Dutch wonderland, and we were so impressed! We are already talking about our next visit back. Firstly, the employees here are SECOND TO NONE. They are the kindest, friendliest, most helpful people. I was taking a selfie of my husband kids and I on the merry goRound and the employee asked to take our picture for us. They clearly love their jobs, and it made the experience for the kids so much more magical.The lines moved quickly and most lines provided adequate shade while waiting. We also appreciated that restrooms were placed in frequent, convenient locations throughout the park, making it easy for us to access with kids and removed the task of searching for one! There are water bottle refill stations throughout the park, so being an empty water tumblr!We also appreciated that kids 2 and under were free for both the admission and the all you can eat pasta and pizza buffet! Both of our kids could ride the majority of the rides even at 5 and 2 years old!We got the entire park done in a day and even rode some things twice and spent 45 minutes cooling down in duke’s lagoon! We had to wait to get into the park, but only because we got there so early before they opened! No fault of theirs!Dutch wonderland is worth the visit! A hidden gem!