Lagoon's 112th season is scheduled to open Friday - weather permitting - with one new ride and several other changes.
However, the only major question about opening weekend, other than unpredictable weather, involves the park's new Wild Mouse ride, according to Lagoon spokesman Dick Andrew.Located between the Speedway and the Fire Dragon Coaster, the Wild Mouse was assembled late last week and earlier this week. Andrew was hopeful it would be physically completed soon enough but wasn't sure if there would be enough time for employees to be adequately trained prior to opening day.
He said the new Wild Mouse is the "21st century version." While it still has the classic hairpin turn that the park's former two mouse rides had, it will also have some differences.
For example, its cars will seat four people instead of two. It will also be taller - almost twice as high as its predecessors. Andrew added that the Wild Mouse's installation means the south midway will change dramatically in both traffic flow and appearance.
Some other notable changes to Lagoon this year include the opening of an Arby's restaurant in Pioneer Village, inside the former General Store. The addition of Arby's also means Pioneer Village entertainment will be shifted further south down the street.
Rattlesnake Rapids will also include a lot more landscaping than visitors saw last year, and Andrew said even more waterfalls and features have been added. "It's more dressed up," he said. There will also be more food vendors in the area of Rattlesnake Rapids.
For spring break, the park is opening Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thereafter, it will remain open weekends through April and May.
Regular admission to Lagoon this year will be $26.95, plus tax, for adults and $13.50, plus tax, for toddlers and senior citizens. Parking is $5.
However, Andrew said for the three weekends in April, all any Lagoon visitor has to do to save $5 off an adult pass is say "Gimme a break" at the ticket window duringthe spring-break promotion.
Season passports are also on sale at a discounted price of $59.95, plus tax, for orders of four or more through June 8. Individual passport price is $69.95, plus tax.
- ENTERTAINMENT at Lagoon is scheduled to begin April 25 with the 1950s style Pep Rallies in the Carousel Theatre and at the '50s car; followed on May 2 with Roc U2 the Top and the roving Toon Goons Band. The new "Cowboy Dude Revue" opens May 16, and this season's Music USA Theatre production, "Made in the USA," opens May 23, with another roving group, the Bad Boy Brothers Band, beginning May 30.
- More information on Lagoon is available by calling 451-8000.