What’s happening in 2011?

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort Expands Accommodations,

Announces Summer Concert Series including Pop Sensation Jordin Sparks and Teen Icon Miranda Cosgrove

 Thomas & Friends™ and a Baby Sea Lion Join Entertainment Line-up

Darien Center, NY (April 12, 2011) – Darien Lake Theme Park Resort (Darien Lake), New York’s largest theme and water park vacation destination, opens for the 2011 season on May 14 with new family cabins, six new live shows and three in-park concerts including American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and Nickelodeon star Miranda Cosgrove. In-park concerts are free with admission and to season pass holders.

“One of the best things about Darien Lake is you can stay where you play. Our all-inclusive park resort means families who stay at the park’s hotel or campground have unlimited access to the theme and water park. You can park your car and never use it again during your visit,” said Christopher Thorpe, Darien Lake’s general manager. “And we are budget-friendly too — guests who purchase a Family Four Pack of season passes by May 30, get free parking all season long and bring-a-friend-free coupons.”

New summer entertainment for all ages

Platinum-selling and the youngest ever American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and a guest appearance by Avery kick off the Time Warner Cable in-park summer concerts on May 21. Dance rock sensations Neon Trees with special guest We the Kings take the stage May 28. Nickelodeon’s very own iCarly, Miranda Cosgrove, performs July 16 with YouTube sensation Greyson Chance.

Everyone’s favorite #1 blue engine, Thomas the Tank Engine™, makes his park premiere this summer in Thomas & Friends™ Full Steam Ahead Live! an interactive show for kids. In this fun-filled adventure, kids embark on adventures with Thomas as he experiences timeless life lessons including discovery, friendship and cooperation.

Marking the debut of the first South American male sea lion born in the U.S., Sea Lion Splash: A Family Affair stars a baby sea lion. Freddie joins the sea lions in the Galaxy Theatre exclusively at Darien Lake. Kids and parents have the opportunity to learn about animal behavior and conservation while being entertained by the sea lions’ inherent antics.

In addition to these new shows, the entertainment line-up also includes:

• Legends of Rock - a non-stop tribute to some of the greatest rock n’ roll legends of all time.
• Jump, Jive and Swing – a show that “taps” into the rhythms of the Swing era and celebrates iconic and timeless hits. 
• Countdown to Fun – a new morning tradition at Darien Lake’s Main Gate.
• Midway Dance Party Blowout – a daily afternoon family party at the Gazebo Stage.

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort Expands Accommodations 

New family places to stay and conveniences

In response to guests’ feedback, Darien Lake has doubled the size of its Brown Bear Cabins area this year. The new cabin additions are built in a “village style” setting with a common play area for children. The play area surrounds the cabin village allowing children another fun way to spend their day, while still being within earshot of the grownups. 

The cabin additions are designed for larger families to spend time together in a relaxed environment, and still be steps away from the thrills of the theme park and water park. Each cabin includes a fireplace, loft, bedroom, fully-equipped kitchen, eating area, wireless internet and a flat screen television. And families can enjoy the great outdoors by relaxing on the front porch or cooking up some fun on the outdoor fire-pit and gas grill.

 Another addition for families this summer at Darien Lake is the Family Care Center. Conveniently located in the theme park, the Family Care Center provides baby changing centers, nursing stations for mothers and enhanced family bathrooms.

Darien Lake Theme Park opens for the 2011 season May 14. SplashTown Water Park opens May 20. All shows and in-park family concerts are included with admission. All-inclusive season passes are on-sale now at www.GoDarienLake.com. Family Four Packs bought and activated by May 30 include free parking and bring-a-free-friend coupons.

About Darien Lake Theme Park Resort

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is where families Play Together. Stay Together.SM Located near Buffalo, Darien Lake is New York State’s largest theme and water park resort featuring six world-class roller coasters, dozens of family rides, SplashTown water park, the area’s largest water park, and live entertainment. The all-inclusive resort includes a variety of accommodations including the Lodge on the Lake Hotel with Forts-o-Fun suites, Brown Bear Cabins, RV sites and campgrounds. It is also home to a 20,000-seat performing arts center featuring some of today’s hottest musical acts. The park is operated by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), the nation’s largest family-owned theme park corporation. For more than half a century, HFE has owned, operated or partnered in 26 properties across ten states, including Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City; operating partner with Dolly Parton in Tennessee’s Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country; operating partner in Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park and owners of Ride the Ducks amphibious tours in cities throughout the U.S.

Thomas the Tank Engine ©2011 Gullane (Thomas) Limited.

Artists and concerts are subject to change without notice.