Old Orchard Beach: Press Releases

New England’s Last Beachfront Amusement Park

Old Orchard Beach Maine: Do you ever wonder what happened to good old fashioned family entertainment? Where did all the Ferris Wheels go? When is the last time your child rode a hand-painted pony on a Carousel? These classic childhood treasures are hard to find. In fact, there is only one remaining beachfront amusement park in all of New England. Old Orchard Beach is the place to bring your family for a classic beachfront vacation and Palace Playland is that amusement park, like you remember, that your kids will love.

This oceanfront park dates back to 1902, with traditional rides likes the Sunwheel - a 70-foot high Ferris Wheel overlooking the 7-mile beach and the Atlantic Ocean, and a beautiful hand painted Carousel. For old fashioned value, Palace Playland still offers free admission, just as it has for decades. Families can stroll the 4-acre beachfront park and view all the games and galleries, arcade and rides, then purchase tickets for the rides they choose. Located in the heart of the 7-mile beach next to the famous Pier, Palace Playland is a must for every family visiting Maine!

Palace Playland features 29 rides, kiddie rides for the youngsters and adult rides that will make your hair stand on end. Palace Playland has two roller coasters, the Orient Express and the Galaxi, plus thrill rides such as Terminator, Adrenalin, and Power Surge! Drop Zone is a must if you like the sensation of free falling five stories. If this sounds like too much excitement, keep your feet grounded and visit Maine’s largest arcade (24,000-square feet), try the midway games, or have your Palms read for a glimpse into your future. Little kids will love Kiddie Land with pint size rides - The Fun House, The Frogger that hops 20 feet in the air, and classic rides like the Tea Cup, Dumbo and Moby Dick. The newest additions are the Fiesta Loca, Crop Duster and Wave Swinger, great fun for the whole family.

Palace Playland also features tasty carnival food, gift shops, even "old fashioned photos.” A variety of ticket pricing options are available including a "Pay-One-Price" all-day pass, a 2-day pass, or simply buy individual tickets (each ride requires 2 to 4 tickets – tickets are only $1.15 each).

Probably the best part of Palace Playland is its proximity, located right on Maine’s best beach. So you can take a break from all the thrillin’ of park rides, and enjoy a little chillin’ at the Beach. Palace Playland hosts a weekly Fireworks show, every Thursday night at 9:45pm in the summer season, plus 4th of July, for all to enjoy.

Just up the road three miles from Palace Playland is Northern New England’s largest theme amusement and water park - Funtown/Splashtown USA. Funtown is all about rides, the Excalibur Roller Coaster - a 4.5-acre wooden coaster that rises over 100 feet and travels as fast as 62 mph. "Dragon's Descent” Turbo Drop is a 220-foot free fall with “breathless” ocean views. The Grand Prix is your chance to buckle up, put the pedal to the medal and race for the pole position. For children, the Frog Hopper, Funtown Train, Red Baron Plane and Cactus Canyon are just a few of the silly, make you smile rides.

Splashtown USA is all about wet and wild water fun with 18 water rides, like family raft rides Mammoth and Tornado, water tunnel slides Splish and Splash, and Liquid Lightning - the continuous river slide. Splashtown also offers lounging areas, swimming pools and kiddie pools. Families can purchase passes for either park or both Funtown/Splashtown USA depending on how wild (and wet) they want to get.

Just 20 minutes away is Maine Indoor Karting, Maine's only premier indoor formula karting course for race track fun on four wheels. You can race your family members, then enjoy time at the café or arcade.

“Decades ago, there were many seaside amusement parks, now we are the last place in New England where families will find an amusement park with ocean views on a beautiful stretch of sandy beach,” said James Harmon, Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “Families coming to Old Orchard Beach for a day, weekend, a week or the entire summer will find plenty of entertainment from relaxing on the beach, to riding the beautiful Carousel and Ferris Wheel, to flipping and flying on the adrenalin style rides at our parks."

For information on Old Orchard Beach and its amusement parks, contact the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce at 207-934-2500, or visit online at www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com

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