2014 Sandcastle Press Kit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Melissa Kelly
412-461-3694
[email protected]
Sandcastle’s 25th Anniversary Season Is Here!
Pittsburgh, PA (May 2014)– Sandcastle Waterpark opened Memorial Day weekend. This season marks the park’s 25th
year of summer fun for its guests!
In 1989, Sandcastle transformed an old railroad yard that serviced the US Steel Homestead Works mill into a waterpark.
Since then, the fifteen famous waterslides, the wild Mon-Tsunami Wave Pool, the scenic Mushroom Pool, the relaxing
Lazy River, the pint-sized Tad Pool, and Wet Willie’s Waterworks have continued to provide fun and memories to guests
of all ages.
In honor of Sandcastle’s big 25th Anniversary season, the park will be celebrating with a 25 day long celebration
including in park specials, contests, and special events like Fun Family Fridays hosted by Radio Disney and our 4th of
July Celebration. The celebration kicks off July 1st with something fun and new every day until July 25! A list of
activities, offers, and events will be listed on the park events page at sandcastlewaterpark.com.
No Anniversary Party is complete without a sweet selection of food…and Sandcastle has some great NEW food options
this year! This season, Sandcastle is happy to announce a new selection of tasty treats for our snack lovers! From hot and
cold to sweet and salty, there’s something new to satisfy every guest’s sweet tooth. The Hala Kahiki Hut, located on the
Boardwalk, will be the new home to Dole Whip, which will offer a delicious selection of pineapple and vanilla soft serve
ice cream. Try them separate, as a combo or even a pineapple float for a tasty tropical treat! Our new Dippin Dots Stand
will help guests beat the heat with a fun selection of Dippin Dot ice cream sundaes and floats. If those two ice cream
treats are not enough to excite the taste buds, Sandcastle will also be featuring Rita’s Italian Ice. Additional new menu
items like Fresh Cut Chips, Wrapsters, Pretzel Dogs, and Mini Doughnuts will join classic favorites on the Boardwalk
like the world famous Potato Patch Fries.
In addition to the Anniversary celebration, Sandcastle will again host Cartoon Network’s national Move it Movement
Tour. Move It Movement offers kids and families across the country an opportunity to try new activities and sports while
introducing them to strategies for a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Season Pass options continue to grow for 2014! The Ride & Slide Pass offers guests a convenient option to visit both
Kennywood AND Sandcastle Waterpark and the new VIP SANDCASTLE SEASON PASS features all kinds of free
benefits and discounts like FREE PARKING! With so many choices, there’s a perfect Season Pass option for everyone.
About Sandcastle Waterpark
Sandcastle is open daily June 7 through August 17. Sandcastle is also open the weekends of ,May 31-June 1, Aug. 23-24 and Aug. 3031. Gates open at 11AM. Admission is $31.99; senior (ages 55+) and guests 48" and under are $21.99. For Group Sales call
412.461.3694. Visit www.sandcastlewaterpark.com for more information. Sandcastle is part of the Palace Entertainment family of
parks.
About Palace Entertainment
Palace Entertainment owns and operates 40 theme parks, water parks and family entertainment centers nationwide, including
Kennywood and Idlewild. Palace entertains millions of guests annually and is one of the largest park operators in the nation.
-- Sandcastle 2014 --
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Melissa Kelly
412-461-3694
[email protected]
GREAT DAY GUARANTEE AT SANDCASTLE!
Don’t let the chance of rain scare you away!
Pittsburgh, PA – Sandcastle’s best kept secret is its weather policy that allows guests to receive rain checks if the
park’s attractions close –even temporarily- due to inclement weather. So, the Great Day Guarantee allows guests
to feel confident that they can visit without being intimidated by the forecast for inclement weather.
“Remember, crowds and lines are light when there is a chance of rain. So for those savvy guests who know that
means more slide time, less waiting, and the Great Day Guarantee.” says Damian Dondero, General Manager.
Here’s how Sandcastle’s Great Day Guarantee works. If the pools and waterslides are closed, even temporarily,
due to inclement weather guests with a ticket stub or receipts who are exiting the park for the day can receive a
FREE full day admission ticket to come back any other operating day in the 2014 season. On days the attractions
and pools close temporarily, we allow guests to choose to stay at the park after it reopens or receive a rain check to
come back if they decided to leave for the day. Rain checks are still distributed to those guests with a ticket stub or
receipt who are exiting the park for the day up to 30 minutes after the attractions reopen. So if the skies are gray –
what have you got to lose? For more information about our weather policy, please visit our website:
www.sandcastlewaterpark.com
Sandcastle has something for everyone! The fifteen infamous waterslides including our newest attraction, Dragon’s
Den, the wild Mon-Tsunami Wave Pool, the scenic Mushroom Pool, and the relaxing Lazy River continue to keep
guests of all ages cool all summer long! For those smaller children, parents and youngsters can experience Tad Pool
or Wet Willie’s Waterworks-- both filled with waterslides and water activities for their small, yet energetic size!
Sandcastle is open daily June 7 through August 17. Sandcastle is also open weekends May 24-26, May 31-June 1,
Aug. 23-24 and Aug. 30-31. Gates open at 11AM.
Sandcastle offers new season pass options this summer including the Ride & Slide Pass and the VIP
SANDCASTLE SEASON PASS. Regular admission is $31.99; senior (ages 55+) and guests 48" and under are
$21.99. For Group Sales call 412.464.9931. Visit www.sandcastlewaterpark.com for more information.
Sandcastle is part of the Palace Entertainment family of parks.
Palace Entertainment owns and operates 40 theme parks, water parks and family entertainment centers nationwide,
including Kennywood and Idlewild. Palace entertains millions of guests annually and is one of the largest park
operators in the nation.
-- Sandcastle 2014 --
With so many Season Pass options,
there’s something for Everyone!
Sandcastle, Pittsburgh’s premier waterpark, makes summer even more fun
and affordable with a variety of Season Pass options.
The 2014 Season Pass includes:
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Unlimited visits to Sandcastle in the 2014 season
One bring a buddy FOR FREE ticket. Restrictions Apply (Buddy Passes
are received at time of pass processing.)
One bring a buddy for $10 ticket. (Discounted Buddy Tickets are
received at time of pass processing.)
Discount on regular admission to Kennywood and Idlewild
Discount on medium and small daily locker rentals
Discount on Birthday Party Bungalow
More exclusive perks announced throughout the summer by email, social
media and in park signage
The 2014 VIP Season Pass includes:
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Unlimited visits to Sandcastle in the 2014 season
Sandcastle Parking Pass and FREE Sandcastle Souvenir Cup
Discount on regular admission to Kennywood and Idlewild
Discount on medium and small daily locker rentals
Discount on Birthday Party Bungalow
Discount on Cabana
Two bring a buddy FOR FREE tickets (good any day).
(Buddy Passes are received at time of pass processing.)
More exclusive perks announced throughout the summer by email, social
media and in park signage
The 2014 Ride & Slide Pass includes:
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Unlimited visits to Sandcastle and Kennywood in the 2014 season
Sandcastle Parking Pass and FREE Sandcastle Souvenir Cup
Discount on regular admission to sister parks
Discount on medium and small daily locker rentals
Discount on Birthday Party Bungalow
Discount on Cabana
Two bring a buddy FOR FREE tickets (good any day).
(Buddy Passes are received at time of pass processing.)
Kennywood Half price Phantom Fright Nights (select nights)
Kennywood - $10/$15 Bring-a-Buddy days
Kennywood FREE Bonus Booklet
Kennywood 10% Retail Discounts (10% discount on select food and
merchandise. Restrictions apply.)
More exclusive perks announced throughout the summer by email, social
media and in park signage
Be able to visit Sandcastle and Kennywood any day you want to this summer!
Order Season Passes now at www.sandcastlewaterpark.com
Open daily starting June 7-August 17. Open weekends May 24-26;
May 31 & June 1; August 23-24 & August 30-31
Sandcastle opens at 11 am daily.
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2014 Sandcastle Waterpark Admission Prices
Regular Admission
$31.99
Regular Admission after 3 p.m.
$25.99
Senior (55+) & Junior (46” and under) Admission
$21.99
Senior (55+) & Junior (46” and under) Admission after 3 p.m.
$20.99
Children 3 and under (Slides not included)
FREE
Save Time, Buy Online!
Online Regular Admission
$28.99
Online Senior & Junior Admission
$20.99
*Additional discounts available when purchasing your tickets 3 or more days in advance.
Season Passes
Season Pass
VIP Season Pass
(Includes parking pass and 2 buddy tickets)
Ride and Slide
(Includes all VIP perks)
$54.99
$84.99
$114.99 (until 5/30)
$124.99 (after 5/30)
Car Parking
$6.00
Season Parking Pass
$24.99
*Prices do not include tax and processing fee if purchased online.
The only thing better than being in the
water is eating!
Sandcastle is happy to announce a new selection of tasty treats for our snack lovers! From
hot and cold to sweet and salty, there’s something new to satisfy every guest’s sweet tooth.
Hala Kahiki Hut
The Hala Kahiki Hut, located on the Boardwalk, will be the new home to Dole Whip- a delicious
selection of pineapple or vanilla soft serve or a combination of the two! Hala Kahiki will also
feature a Pineapple Float! These cold and creamy treats will provide a piece of paradise for your
taste buds! And no need to worry, your favorite Healthy Hut menu items will still be available in
the park at Stacks.
Dippin Dots
Your favorite ice cream of the future is now available in a sundae or float! Located on the
Boardwalk, the New Dippin Dots Stand will help you beat the heat with a fun selection of your
favorite Dippin Dot ice cream plus sundaes and floats.
Sharky’s Snack Shack
Sharkey will be serving up some tasty new selections this summer. Whether you’re in the mood
for a hot and crispy Pretzel Dog or our new Buffalo Chicken, Snack Shack is sure to have
something for everyone!
Old Favorites
Our Boardwalk will continue to host plenty of food choices- including the world famous Potato
Patch Fries. The All-American Grille will continue to carry picnic favorites like hamburgers,
hotdogs, and charbroiled chicken. And we didn’t forget about you pizza lovers. Sandcastle’s
Pizza Hut Express, located next to the gift shop at the front entrance, will offer personal cheese
and pepperoni pizzas, wings, and their famous breadsticks!
Additional Menu Items
New for 2014, Sandcastle will be offering Fresh Cut Chips at various food stands throughout the
park. Uncle Tony’s Pizza will proudly be serving our new Wrapsters. And for dessert, don’t
forget to check out our delicious new Mini Doughnuts, available in salted caramel and cinnamon
and sugar.
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Make your Group a Sandcastle Group!
From company outings to birthday parties to family reunions, Sandcastle has a
variety of group options to help make your special event memorable. Whether you
are looking for ticket options, a place to host your event or a tasty selection of
food to add to the party, Sandcastle has something to accommodate every size
group and budget.
Group rates are available to groups of 10 or more with advance reservations. The
rates can provide groups with discounts from $8.99 to $12.49 off regular
admission prices. Group rates start out as low as $19.50 and vary based on type of
ticket and month purchased.
Sandcastle also offers a variety of beautiful locations to host your event:
Riverplex
Riverplex is our picnic grove area adjacent to the park. Guests will find ample
green space, tree lined walkways, shade, volleyball nets, basketball courts and a
children’s playground. The gorgeous Monongahela River provides an amazing
backdrop and the perfect setting for company picnics, meetings or events.
River City Group Area
Groups have an exclusive area within Sandcastle! River City, located on
Sandcastle’s lower deck overlooking the river, offers a giant pavilion or a smaller,
more intimate tent space. This exclusive area provides groups with close proximity
to the park's attractions as well as a private area to gather for whatever
festivities they may have planned. Access to Sandcastle’s Sandbar is just feet
away from River City.
Birthday Bungalow
Celebrating a summer birthday? Sandcastle’s Birthday Bungalow provides a
designated area perfect for your birthday festivities! Whether you build your own
party or purchase a birthday party package at an unbelievable price, you have a
recipe for a very happy birthday!
Cabanas
Relax in style with a Sandcastle Cabana! Sandcastle has 14 private cabanas
throughout the park, with locations including the Mon-Tsunami Wave Pool, the
Boardwalk and Wet Willie’s Water Works. Each cabana is equipped with a 10x10
cabana, private deck, four chaise lounges, table and chairs. Book a private cabana
host for your party and receive the ultimate cabana experience. There’s a limit of
eight guests per cabana.
Also New for 2014, Sandcastle’s Champion’s Grand Vista Cabana. This premium
cabana, located on the Boardwalk, is designed to host up to 15 people and it also
features personal lockers and a mini refrigerator with complimentary water.
Fantastic Food Options
Add the finishing touches to your group event with a delicious meal option.
Sandcastle has many different options including everything from catered food and
pizza to ticket vouchers that allow the individuals in the group to decide what they
want to eat from any of our food stands including the famous Potato Patch fries!
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Ready, Set, SLIDE!!!
15 twisting turning waterslides!
DRAGON’S DEN: Welcome to the Dragon’s Den…Sandcastle’s newest two-person
tube slide! Grab a tube and begin your journey through a 45-foot tunnel slide that
drops you into a 35-foot bowl. Next, enjoy the watery mist as you encircle a 9-foottall dragon. After two to four revolutions in the bowl, your journey is complete as
you suddenly disappear from sight and splash down into the landing pool.
BLUE TUBALUBA: Experience two dual rider tube slides over 450-feet-long and
54” wide. Descend through a variety of water obstacles, including water curtains and
water columns. Several translucent sections of blue fiberglass allow the guests on the
Boardwalk and the Lazy River to watch riders race by overhead and land in a four-feet
deep pool (40’ x 24’).
THUNDER RUN: Fly down one of three slides perched atop a 50-feet tower. Ride
a tube down fiberglass troughs, each 400 feet long and 54” wide. Splash down in a
four-feet deep pool (40’ x 30’).
BOARDWALK BLASTERS: Pick one of two 25-feet long fiberglass shotgun slides
that enable guests to ride on their backs into a surprise ending…a seven feet free fall
into the 12-feet deep pool below (30’ x 30’).
CLIFFHANGERS : Experience our unique sky ponds with this pair of tube slides. Set
off from a 48-feet high platform and race to the first sky pond 24-feet above the
ground. Enjoy a relaxing moment before dropping further into the next pond 15-feet
above ground level. One last pond at three feet makes way to one last wild slide
before finishing in a final pond. Ponds are 28’ long x 14’ wide x 3 1/2’ deep.
TUBERS TOWER: These two single-rider inner tube slides begin from a platform
46-feet high. The troughs are each 430-feet long and finish in a pond 24’ x 40’ and
four-feet deep.
LIGHTNING EXPRESS: WARNING: These slides aren’t for the faint of heart!
If you have a need for speed, then these slides are for you! Two of the three
body slides are identical and feature a 250-feet long chute dropping from a 60 feet
high tower. Called body slides because tubes or mats are not used, each channel has a
double-dip and winds up in a four-inch deep lane of water that acts as a brake at the
end.
The third slide — the monster — is a giant free fall slide that’s 250-feet long,
starting 85-feet above the finish. Each brave thrill-seeker glides down a gradual slope
for 25-feet, then drops a steep 60-feet to the braking lanes below. Then riders can
breathe a sigh of relief!
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Sandcastle’s Mon-TSUNAMI Wave Pool
…get ready to ride the waves!
Since the wildest wave pool on the East Coast washed ashore in 1999,
Sandcastle Waterpark guests can’t get enough of its thrills!
The 20,000-square foot wave pool provides plenty of room for fun and
excitement. The huge wave roller combined with the sophisticated pumps can
send all sorts of ocean-like waves soaring through the 300,000-gallon pool.
From zero to six-feet deep, this wave pool will have guests of all ages dodging,
diving and body-surfing over these wild waves!
As a part of Sandcastle Waterpark’s continuing strive for ultimate guest
safety, the park will continue to issue the mandatory life jacket policy for MonTsunami guests under 48-inches. The Mon-Tsunami Wave Pool will have one
entrance and one exit. A lifeguard will be at the entrance to measure guests'
height and ensure that any guest requiring a life jacket will be properly fitted
and accompanied by an adult. Parents are required to keep their children within
arms reach for close supervision during water activities. Life jackets are free
of charge to ensure the safety of all of Sandcastle’s guests! The life jackets
can be found in a bin at the entrance of the pool.
If guests are looking for a more calm and relaxing experience, Sandcastle's
Mushroom Pool and Lazy River offer a fun and relaxing time for all ages. Or
simply spice things up with Sandcastle's 15 waterslides.
Sandcastle’s Mon-Tsunami Wave Pool provides a thrilling, soaking-wet time for
the 2014 operating season from Saturday, June 7 through Sunday, August 17.
Sandcastle will also be open for the weekends of May 24-26, May 31-June 1,
Aug. 23 & 24 and Aug. 30-31.
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Wet Willie’s Waterworks and Tad Pool…
…we can’t forget the youngsters!
If your youngsters have a tall order for fun but don’t quite meet the height
requirements for Boardwalk Blasters and The Lightning Express, no worries,
Sandcastle offers a number of fun-sized options for the kids!
The Tad Pool
Designed for those just starting out their water park experience, the Tad Pool
has a pool 24-inches deep with miniature waterslides. Children can climb into a
jungle of fun as they slide down a tree trunk or a mushroom. And if they are
feeling adventurous, they can race down the tallest and widest slide in the pool!
Wet Willie’s Water Works
After graduating from The Tad Pool, slightly older youngsters will find 20,000
gallons of splashing fun right down the Boardwalk! At Wet Willie’s Water
Works, children control the fun by pulling ropes, twisting valves and turning
handles that unleash geysers, fountains and sprays. And the fun doesn’t stop
there. They can also twist and turn down a number of water slides too!
We Didn’t Forget About Parents! Both The Tad Pool and Wet Willie’s offer
areas of shade and sun for the parents to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to
lounge and relax in the Grassy Beach or splash with the kids, we have the
perfect spot for you!
Sandcastle provides wet and wild fun for all ages including the Mon-Tsunami
Wave Pool, the Mushroom Pool, the Lazy River, and 15 winding waterslides
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