1996: A new themed section is opened: Midway America. This area, located just beyond Tidal Force, opens with a new roller coaster named Wildcat. Built by Great Coasters International (GCI), this coaster is named for The Wild Cat that operated from 1923-1945. An inflatable bounce ride, Moonwalk, is purchased by the park and used at special events.
1997: The second phase of Midway America opens: Ferris Wheel and Whip are added. Granny Bugs and Pony Parade are relocated to Midway America. Miniature Train, only used during Candylane since 1983, is placed with the two other kiddie rides. New Reverchon bumper cars were installed for Fender Bender.
1998: A new roller coaster is installed: Great Bear. The station was built in Minetown and it was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the park. This is the final season of operation for Frontier Chute-Out.
1999: Hersheypark further expands Midway America by creating the “Hersheypark Fair.” Midway Fair Tent is placed adjacent to Wildcat’s entrance and exit. Merry Derry Dip Fun Slides is placed near the Fair Tent. Twin kiddie drop towers, Frog Hopper, is installed next to Ferris Wheel. Music Express is installed adjacent to Whip. The Mack roller coaster Wild Mouse was installed across from the entrance to Wildcat, and Chaos, a Chance manufactured ride, is installed next to Wild Mouse. The slides for Frontier Chute-Out are removed and replaced by new slides. The new ride is called Western Chute-Out.
2000: Lightning Racer, a racing dueling coaster, also built by GCI, opens. The signature piece of Midway America, the ride has a double track which is nearly mirrored, except for one point where they cross over each other. The coaster has a tunnel which actually had a waterfall effect that was only used for a couple of seasons. Two new kiddie rides are added to the Midway Fair Tent: Crazy Climber and Tiger’s Tail. Moonwalk is placed in the Fair Tent as well.
2001: No new rides were added. NightLights: A Laser Spectacular was added to Midway America. This show was presented at 10pm every night, weather depending.
2002: A new roller coaster is added to Midway America: Roller Soaker. Manufactured by Setpoint, it was a water coaster. It would only be in the park for ten years before removal. Roller Soaker was the final piece added to Midway America. In 2007, this and the remaining undeveloped area in Midway America would be incorporated into a new area, The Boardwalk. This is the final season of operation for Conestoga, Cyclops, Earthmovers, and Wells Cargo. Earthmovers and Wells Cargo are shipped to Dutch Wonderland, which was purchased by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts earlier in the year. Mini-Scrambler and Mini-Pirate are purchased for use during Christmas Candylane. Starship America is placed in storage at the end of the season to accommodate the improvements and expansion to Music Box Theater for the following season. This is the final season for Starlight Arcade. It is replaced by a water fountain and statue of Milton S. Hershey the following season.
< 1987-1995: The Water Ride Boom in the Frontier
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