Thunderation roller coaster marks 25th anniversary as park outlines season plan
The mountain-themed Thunderation roller coaster is entering its 25th year in 2026, and park officials say the milestone will be reflected in seasonal programming, refreshed guest amenities and targeted maintenance work aimed at keeping the ride running through another quarter-century of operations.
Season celebrations and guest-facing updates
For the 2026 operating season the park plans to roll out anniversary touches across the attraction area, with limited-time photo opportunities and commemorative merchandise slated to appear during peak months. The operator confirmed the celebratory elements will be designed to honor the coaster's legacy while keeping daily operations focused on guest flow and safety.
Staffing schedules will be adjusted for expected weekend demand, and experiential teams will be present near the queue to showcase the attraction's history to new riders. Special event days timed to coincide with school breaks and holiday weekends are expected to spotlight the coaster with themed entertainment and enhanced theming along the pathway.
Maintenance, inspections and ride longevity
Park maintenance leaders emphasize that anniversary programming will not come at the cost of safety. A series of offseason inspections and routine component replacements were completed ahead of the season, and additional preventative work has been scheduled to minimize unplanned downtime. Teams focused on track, train and braking systems will perform staggered checks throughout the year, with major inspections taking place on quieter weekday windows to reduce guest impact.
Officials say the maintenance strategy leans toward targeted lifecycle replacements rather than wholesale overhauls, extending the ride's serviceable life while preserving the coaster's character. Planned investments will prioritize rider comfort and reliability, including refurbishing high-wear elements and upgrading signage and queue amenities.
Legacy, popularity and what riders can expect
Thunderation has long been a signature attraction on the mountain-side stretch of the park, known for weaving through themed scenery and delivering a family-friendly thrill profile. The 25th-anniversary programming aims to celebrate that heritage, offering long-time fans a moment to reflect on the coaster's place in the park's lineup while inviting new riders to experience it for the first time.
On busy days guests should expect standard peak-period congestion; the park plans to open additional loading gates and adjust staffing to help maintain smoother dispatch intervals. For visitors seeking lighter queues, weekday mornings and late-season weekdays remain the best windows to ride with minimal waits. Operators also recommend arriving early on weekends when anniversary festivities are most active.
As the park moves through 2026, the combination of curated anniversary content and an emphasis on durability and safety will shape Thunderation's milestone year. Park leaders say the goal is to celebrate the attraction's history while keeping it ready for another 25 years of operation.
