Adventureland introduces Dragon Slayer roller coaster, more new attractions, summer concert series

Heat bouncing off the pavement, squeals heard from various rides and the always-lingering smell of fresh doughnuts signifies a summer day at Adventureland Resort in Altoona, just outside of Des Moines.

Adventureland’s newest roller coaster, The Dragon Slayer, made its grand debut Memorial Day weekend. The Dragon Slayer is classified as a “thrill” ride and was built by S&S Sansei Technologies, the same company that built Adventureland’s Space Shot attraction.

“So far it’s a big hit, everyone seems to love it,” said Molly Vincent, marketing director at Adventureland. “So far, anytime we’ve put in a new attraction, certainly a new roller coaster, that definitely impacts attendance.”

Vincent added that aside from new attractions, weather affects foot traffic.

“Attendance has been elevated this summer so far,” Vincent said. “And of course, some of that is due to the early heat. It really gets people in that summer mindset early and with the opportunity to go to an amusement park and a full water park for one price, that’s been a big driver.”

Bernie’s Barnyard farm-themed kiddie portion of the park gives children the chance to partake in the fun, with a new playground and Shakin’ Bacon attraction.

Exciting Events

The resort’s gates were open during the 2020 season, however an increase in attendance provides Adventureland with the opportunity to host new events.

A Sunset on the Boulevard Concert Series is held every Friday evening through August, on a new main stage built in the entryway boulevard section of the park, between The Galleon and Tea Cup attractions.

Concert admission is included with park admission or through season passes. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m. and conclude at 10:30 p.m.

The lineup for the remainder of the summer is as follows:

July 9: Brit Pack / Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

July 16: Pork Tornadoes / Birdchild

July 23: Arch Allies / The Crust

July 30: The Prince Experience / Bitter Sweet

Aug. 6: Marcy Playground / BS and the Liars

Sept. 6: Poolooza at Adventure Bay features Shaggy in concert. It’s a 21+ event, and tickets are $45, plus park admission; concert ticket is included within a platinum season pass.

Loosened Limitations

“Adventureland is not under any capacity limitations,” reads a banner upon first entering the resort website.

Masks are not required for visitors nor employees and hand sanitizing stations are situated throughout the park. According to their website, certain attractions will be closed at times during the day for deep cleaning.

“We were open last year, but you know, some people didn’t feel comfortable being in group settings last year with COVID, so if you, say, didn’t come here since 2019 and you’re showing up in 2021, we have lots of new additions,” Vincent said, adding that the resort is “bigger and better than ever.”

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