Funtown Splashtown USA

Funtown Splashtown USA is a family-owned amusement and water park located in Saco, Maine, featuring over 50 rides, water slides, pools, and interactive family attractions that have entertained visitors for more than 55 years.^[1] Established in 1967 as Funtown USA by Kenneth and Violet Cormier in partnership with Andre Dallaire, the park originated from a 1960 drive-in restaurant called Marvel Drive-In adjacent to a mini-golf course on U.S. Route 1.^[2] In 1996, the Cormiers acquired the nearby Cascade Water and Amusement Park, renaming the combined property Funtown Splashtown USA to incorporate both dry rides and aquatic features.^[2] Following Kenneth Cormier's death in 2013, Violet Cormier continues to oversee operations, maintaining the park's tradition as a regional family destination.^[2] The Funtown section includes thrill rides such as the Excalibur, Maine's only wooden roller coaster opened in 1998 and once ranked among the world's top 10, and the Thunder Falls log flume, New England's longest and tallest of its kind.^[2][3] Other notable attractions encompass the Galaxi Coaster, introduced in 1978 as the state's first roller coaster, alongside kiddie rides, bumper boats, and classic games.^[2] The Splashtown water park, expanded significantly in 2007, offers 20 water slides including the high-speed Mammoth and twisting Tornado, plus lazy rivers, wave pools, and splash zones designed for all ages.^[2] Key milestones highlight the park's growth, such as the 2016 celebration of its 50th season with the return of the original Merry-Go-Round and ongoing additions like the 2023 Whispering Pines Haunted Hotel dark ride, the first major new ride in two decades.^[2][1] Operating seasonally from late May through early September, Funtown Splashtown USA draws families from northern New England with affordable tickets, season passes, and special events like fireworks displays.^[1]

Park Overview

Location and Facilities

Funtown Splashtown USA is situated in Saco, Maine, United States, at 774 Portland Road along U.S. Route 1.^[4] The park's geographic coordinates are 43.5283°N 70.4311°W.^[5] It lies approximately 15 minutes south of Portland, 30 minutes from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and 90 minutes from Boston, Massachusetts, making it accessible for regional visitors.^[4] The area is divided between Funtown USA, the dry amusement section, and Splashtown USA, the adjacent water park.^[1] This configuration allows for distinct yet integrated experiences, with the dry park focusing on traditional rides and the water park on aquatic features.^[1] Key amenities include on-site parking, with reserved non-ambulatory spaces adjacent to the main entrance for those with mobility challenges.^[6] Food concessions are distributed across 13 locations, offering classic park staples like burgers and fries alongside varied options such as Mexican and Italian dishes.^[7] Arcade games and retail shops provide additional entertainment and merchandise opportunities throughout the grounds.^[1] Accessibility is prioritized with features such as wheelchair rentals available at the main gate for a fee, accessible restrooms equipped with handicap stalls, and pathways designed for mobility aids.^[6] Service animals are permitted on leashes, and staff assistance, including exit passes and electric convenience vehicles, supports inclusive navigation.^[6] The park's layout centers on a primary entrance that opens into a main midway, serving as a hub from which pathways extend into specialized zones: terrestrial areas with natural wooded surroundings for amusement elements and dedicated aquatic sections for water-based activities.^[8] This arrangement facilitates efficient flow between the two park components. The facility is family-owned and operated by the Cormier family.^[5]

Ownership and Operations

Funtown Splashtown USA has remained under family ownership since its founding, operated by Kenneth and Violet Cormier, who purchased the land in 1959 and opened the initial drive-in restaurant in 1960. Kenneth Cormier passed away in 2013 at the age of 80, after which Violet Cormier continued her active role in the park's management. As of 2024, Violet, then 89 years old, remained deeply involved in daily operations and decision-making, and as of 2025, she continues to oversee operations, embodying the family-owned model's emphasis on personal oversight and community ties.^{[9][10][11][12]} The park operates seasonally, aligning with Maine's summer tourism peak, with Funtown USA typically opening in late May and Splashtown USA following in mid-June; for the 2025 season, Funtown opened on May 24 and Splashtown on June 14, closing on Labor Day, September 1. Daily hours generally run from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the ride park and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the water park, though these can vary for weather or events. Special events enhance the schedule, including free Senior Days every Monday for guests aged 60 and older when accompanying a paying ticket holder, and the adults-only "All Grown Up" concert series featuring live music in the evenings.^[1][13][14] Admission is structured to accommodate various visitor needs, with single-day tickets available for individual parks or a combination pass granting access to both. For 2025, full-day combination tickets for guests 48 inches and taller (Big Combo) cost $58 at the gate, with discounted options like $49 through partner programs or $39 for 3:00 p.m. entry; children 38 to under 48 inches (Little) pay $53, seniors 60 and older $38, and those under 38 inches enter free. Season passes offer unlimited visits, priced at $179.95 for renewal of a Big Combo in 2025, including family packs starting at $689.95 for up to six members. Combo packs encourage exploring both parks, with upgrades available at guest services.^[15][16][17] Safety and accessibility form core operational policies, prioritizing family-friendly experiences through height-based ride restrictions—typically 36 to 48 inches for most attractions, with supervision required for younger children—and comprehensive lifeguard staffing across all water areas to enforce rules and monitor swimmers. The park maintains a dedicated accessibility guide outlining accommodations for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible paths and modified ride experiences. Family-oriented guidelines permit outside food and drinks, supporting picnics in designated areas, while prohibiting items like glass containers, weapons, or drones to ensure a secure environment; all policies align with posted health, weight, and behavioral standards for rides and slides.^[18][19][6]

History

Founding and Early Development

Funtown Splashtown USA traces its origins to 1960, when Kenneth Cormier and his wife Violet opened the Marvel Drive-In, a modest drive-in restaurant located on U.S. Route 1 in Saco, Maine.^[2] The establishment was situated adjacent to a mini-golf course operated by Cormier's brother-in-law, Andre Dallaire, which had opened the previous year.^[2] This initial venture served as the foundation for what would evolve into a family-oriented amusement park, capitalizing on the growing popularity of roadside attractions in post-war America.^[20] In 1963, Andre Dallaire expanded the site's recreational offerings by adding a go-kart track behind the mini-golf course, marking the first significant amusement feature at the location.^[21] This addition attracted local families and visitors seeking affordable entertainment, setting the stage for further development. By 1964, the Cormiers introduced complementary attractions such as batting cages, an archery range, SkySlides, and swinging gyms, broadening the appeal beyond dining.^[2] The pivotal transformation occurred in 1967, when Ken Cormier and Andre Dallaire formalized their partnership to rebrand and expand the site into Funtown USA, Maine's inaugural amusement park.^[22] The opening featured classic rides including the Zipper thrill ride, an outdoor bumper cars area, a Merry-Go-Round, and the Luv Machine scrambler, emphasizing accessible, nostalgic amusements for all ages.^[2] These early additions positioned Funtown as a regional destination, drawing crowds from southern Maine and beyond with its focus on wholesome, budget-friendly fun.^[20] A key milestone came in 1978, when Funtown introduced the Galaxi Roller Coaster, the state's first steel roller coaster, manufactured by S.D.C. and designed as a compact Zyklon loop.^[23] That same year, Ken Cormier bought out Dallaire's share in the partnership, gaining full control and allowing for streamlined decision-making in future expansions.^[24] Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Funtown continued its steady growth as a beloved family hub, incorporating additional classic rides like the Tilt-A-Whirl and Astrosphere dark ride while maintaining an emphasis on safe, affordable entertainment that resonated with working-class visitors in the region.^[2]

Major Expansions and Renaming

In 1993, Funtown USA underwent a significant expansion by adding six new attractions, including the Grand Prix Racers go-kart track, Adult and Kiddie Bumper Boats, Barney Oldfield Roadsters, Balloon Race Ferris wheel, and a Classic Carousel, which enhanced the park's family-oriented offerings.^[25] The pivotal shift to a combined amusement and water park model occurred in 1996 when owner Ken Cormier purchased the adjacent Cascade Water and Amusement Park and integrated it into the operation, renaming the entire facility Funtown Splashtown USA to reflect the dual focus on dry rides and aquatic attractions.^[26] A landmark addition came in 1998 with the debut of the Excalibur wooden roller coaster, constructed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co., which stands as the tallest and longest of its kind in Northern New England at 85 feet high and 2,687 feet in length; this expansion also involved replacing three older water slides and introducing a new kiddie play area, marking the park's largest investment to date.^[27] By 2003, Splashtown USA expanded dramatically, effectively doubling the water park's size through the addition of Portland Pirates Paradise, New England's largest AquaPlay structure featuring multiple slides, climbing elements, and water features designed for family interaction; complementary facilities like the Horizons Tiki Bar, Silver Dolphin Jewelry Shop, and Drago’s food stand were also introduced to support the enlarged area.^[28] The 2007 season brought further growth that doubled the overall park footprint, highlighted by the installation of the Mammoth multi-slide tower and the Tornado, a rare six-passenger raft slide exclusive to Northern New England, significantly boosting thrill capacity and visitor throughput.^[29]

Recent Additions and Milestones

In 2012, Funtown Splashtown USA completed its largest expansion and renovation to date, significantly enhancing the Splashtown USA water park with the addition of the Mount Olympus slide tower featuring six new thrill water slides, an enlarged swimming pool area, expanded lounging and seating spaces, and new dining options including the Parthenon Cafe and BBQ Pit.^[30][31] On the Funtown USA side, the project introduced the Hungry Bear restaurant, Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe, relocated picnic areas, and upgraded restrooms to improve guest flow and amenities.^[30] Following the death of co-founder Kenneth Cormier on January 8, 2013, at age 80, his wife Violet continued to oversee the park's operations.^[9] The park marked a significant milestone in 2016 with the celebration of Funtown USA's 50th season, highlighted by the return of the classic Merry-Go-Round ride, which had operated from the park's early years until 2011 and was restored to its original location adjacent to the entrance.^[32] This event underscored the park's enduring family-oriented legacy, drawing visitors to relive nostalgic attractions alongside modern offerings. In 2019, the Astrosphere ride received a comprehensive upgrade, replacing its original inflatable dome with a permanent concrete structure equipped with air conditioning and new high-definition projectors to enhance the immersive light and sound show inside the enclosed Scrambler.^[33][34] The refurbishment preserved the ride's unique spinning experience while modernizing it for improved reliability and visitor comfort. A notable addition arrived in 2023 with the debut of the Whispering Pines Haunted Hotel, an interactive dark ride developed in partnership with Sally Dark Rides, where guests board four-passenger vehicles and use "Curse Eradicators" wands to navigate 13 themed scenes and break a witch's spell haunting the hotel.^[35][11] Housed in a 6,051-square-foot building formerly occupied by an arcade, the 3-minute-40-second experience accommodates up to 480 passengers per hour and appeals to families seeking thrilling yet accessible entertainment.^[35] As of 2025, Funtown Splashtown USA continues full operations for its 59th season since opening in 1967, with Funtown USA running from late May through early September and Splashtown USA from mid-June to early September, offering daily hours from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.^[36][2] Looking ahead, the park has teased enhancements to the Splashtown USA water park for the 2026 season, including construction visible as of September 2025, while promoting early season pass sales to build anticipation for new features.^[37][15] Excalibur remains a staple thrill ride, operating without interruption into the current season.

Funtown USA Attractions

Thrill Rides

Funtown USA's thrill rides deliver high-adrenaline experiences through intense drops, sharp turns, and rapid accelerations, catering primarily to older guests meeting strict height requirements. These dry attractions, excluding water-based elements, emphasize engineering feats like wooden structures and turbo mechanisms that generate significant G-forces. Key rides include wooden and steel coasters, drop towers, and spinning disorienters, many added during the park's expansion phases in the 1980s and 1990s to attract thrill-seekers.^[38] The Excalibur, a wooden roller coaster introduced in 1998, stands as Maine's tallest and longest such ride, with a 100-foot lift hill leading to an 82-foot first drop that propels trains to speeds of up to 55 mph along a 2,700-foot track winding through forested terrain. Its freeform layout produces pronounced front-to-back and lateral forces, providing a classic wooden coaster rattle enhanced by airtime hills and banked curves. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall to experience these mechanics solo. Upon opening, Excalibur earned a #10 worldwide ranking for wooden coasters from Amusement Business Magazine, marking the first such structure in Maine since 1948.^[39][40][27] The Wild Mouse, a steel roller coaster with a compact footprint, features a series of 270-degree hairpin turns and steep drops that deliver abrupt braking and sharp lateral jerks, reaching 28 mph over a 1,214-foot track rising to 49 feet. Added in 2009, replacing the park's previous roller coaster, the Galaxi, it requires riders to be 52 inches tall alone or 46 inches with an accompanying adult over 52 inches, ensuring safe navigation of its intense, unpredictable path. This ride exemplifies the "mouse" style's focus on sudden directional changes for disorientation and excitement.^[38][41][42] Dragon’s Descent, a 220-foot S&S turbo drop tower installed in 2001, holds the distinction of being the tallest ride in Northern New England, accelerating 12 passengers upward before a freefall descent that simulates weightlessness through negative G-forces and offers sweeping coastal views. The ride's pneumatic system enables a rapid ascent followed by a controlled drop, with a minimum height of 48 inches required for participation. Its height and mechanics make it a signature thrill, surpassing regional competitors in scale.^[38][43] The Thunder Falls Log Flume, added in 1984, remains New England's longest and tallest log flume, guiding four-passenger boats through themed rapids with a significant plunge that soaks riders via splash effects. This Hopkins Rides-built attraction combines gentle floats with a climactic drop generating forward momentum and water spray, necessitating a 48-inch minimum height alone or 38 inches with an adult. Its pioneering status as Maine's first log flume underscores the park's early commitment to water-integrated thrills within dry ride contexts.^[2][38][44] Among other notable thrill rides, the Astrosphere is a domed scrambler from the 1980s that spins riders with side-to-side forces amid fog, lasers, and electric lights synced to music like Electric Light Orchestra's "Fire On High," requiring 48 inches to ride alone. The Sea Dragon, a late-1980s ship swing, oscillates to near-vertical angles for front-to-back sensations, open to those 48 inches and taller. The Casino, another 1980s addition, rotates platforms with multi-axis spins to induce disorientation, suitable for guests 42 inches or more. Finally, Sock It To ‘Em Bumper Cars allow 48-inch riders to collide in electric vehicles, blending control and impact for chaotic fun. These rides collectively enhance the park's high-energy profile through diverse motion dynamics.^[38][45][46]

Family and Kiddie Rides

The Family and Kiddie Rides section at Funtown USA offers a variety of gentle, accessible attractions designed for younger children and families seeking low-intensity experiences, contrasting with the park's more adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. These rides emphasize safety, supervision, and enjoyment for ages 2-12, with many featuring no minimum height requirements to promote inclusivity.^[47][48] Family rides provide moderate thrills suitable for all ages, often allowing children under 42 inches to ride with an accompanying adult over 42 inches. The Antique Cars and Barney Oldfield Roadsters are controlled driving experiences on designated tracks, where riders steer vehicles while adhering to safety rules like wearing seatbelts and sitting unassisted; both require a 42-inch minimum to ride alone.^[47] The Balloon Race operates as a mini Ferris wheel in colorful balloon gondolas, offering scenic views of the park with no height requirement, though riders must sit unassisted and avoid loose articles.^[47] Traditional spinning attractions like the Classic Carousel and Merry-Go-Round feature carved animals that gently move up and down, accommodating all ages without height restrictions and providing wheelchair access via the exit.^[47] A highlight among family rides is the Whispering Pines Haunted Hotel, a dark ride that debuted in 2023 and immerses guests in an eerie storyline involving a haunted manor with effects like strobe lights, fog, and lasers; it requires a 42-inch minimum height per rider and at least one 56-inch guest per car for operation.^[47][49] Built by Sally Dark Rides in partnership with the park's owners, this attraction earned recognition as one of the top new rides in the U.S. for its interactive elements and family-friendly spookiness.^[35][50] Kiddie rides, located near the Heritage Gift Shop, cater specifically to children under 48 inches and emphasize scenic or mildly interactive play, with adult supervision required for those under 42 inches on most. The Frog Hopper is a junior drop tower providing gentle bounces for riders 36-48 inches tall, while Cactus Canyon offers a relaxing canoe journey through a scenic landscape for those under 48 inches, with no water contact.^[48] A range of controllable or observational rides includes the Kiddie Train for looping park views, Boats for calm spins, Cars for simple driving, Swings for mini aerial motion, Helicopters with lever controls, and Red Baron Planes using joysticks—all limited to under 48 inches and featuring wheelchair access where applicable.^[48] Bumper Boats allow light bumping in a shallow pool for children under 42 inches, requiring unassisted sitting and stair access.^[48] These attractions prioritize family bonding and accessibility, with common safety protocols excluding riders with certain medical conditions and ensuring companions assist younger children during loading.^[18]

Splashtown USA Attractions

Thrill Water Slides

The thrill water slides at Splashtown USA provide high-adrenaline aquatic experiences characterized by steep drops, rapid twists, and significant speeds, distinguishing them from calmer water features.^[51] Most require riders to be at least 48 inches tall and are supervised by lifeguards to ensure safety.^[18] The Tornado, added in 2007 during another expansion that doubled the park's footprint, is a 60-foot tube-based thrill slide exclusive to Northern New England, where riders in two- or four-person rafts experience 360-degree spins and a funnel descent with serious air time.^[2][51] It accommodates up to 700 pounds in a four-person "Clover Leaf" tube and mandates a 48-inch height minimum, with riders required to go alone or in compatible groups under lifeguard oversight.^[18] Also debuting in 2007, the Mammoth is a multi-person raft slide functioning as a water coaster, delivering steep drops and sharp turns for groups of up to five riders on a 60-foot structure, with a maximum combined weight of 800 pounds per raft.^[2][51] It allows participants as young as 42 inches tall when accompanied by an adult, or 48 inches to ride independently, all while monitored by lifeguards.^[18] In 2012, as part of the park's largest expansion and renovation to date, the Mount Olympus complex introduced six new thrill slides, including high-speed body slides like Poseidon’s Plunge—a 60-foot drop with a sudden floor release—and Triton’s Twist, featuring a steep initial descent into twisting channels.^[2][51] These additions encompass steep flumes and racing options, with height requirements varying from 42 to 48 inches minimum and differing rider formats (single or multi-rider where applicable), weight limits up to 300 pounds, supervised by lifeguards for optimal safety.^[18]

Pools and Family Water Areas

Splashtown USA features several family-oriented water areas designed for relaxation and play, catering to visitors of all ages with shallow depths and no height restrictions. These amenities serve as central hubs for cooling off amid the park's more adventurous slides, emphasizing inclusive access and safety for young children and non-swimmers; note that as of 2025, there is no wave pool or lazy river, though potential additions have been hinted for 2026.^[51][37] The Family Fun Lagoon provides a shallow pool experience ideal for families, with water depths ranging from 0 to 18 inches to accommodate toddlers and adults alike. This zero-entry area allows easy access without steps, promoting safe wading and splashing in a controlled environment. No height requirements apply, making it accessible to everyone, though children in diapers must wear approved swim diapers to ensure hygiene.^[51][18] Pirate's Paradise Aquaplay stands as a prominent interactive splash zone, introduced in 2003 as part of a major expansion that doubled the water park's size. This themed play area includes eight small water slides, fountains, and spraying features, culminating in a large pirate structure that dumps 500 gallons of water every two minutes for added excitement. Participants must be able to sit up independently, but no height minimum is enforced, and swim diapers are required for young children. The zone functions as a shallow play area with water elements up to wading depth, fostering group play without the intensity of thrill rides.^[51][2][18] A dedicated wading pool complements these features, offering a simple, calm space for gentle water immersion and family bonding. Like the other areas, it has no height restrictions and prioritizes safety through swim diaper policies for diapered children. These non-thrill aquatic zones collectively provide respite and leisure, integrating seamlessly with the park's broader water attractions to support extended family visits.^[51][18]

Former Attractions

Funtown Splashtown USA has removed several attractions over the years to make way for new developments or due to operational challenges. Notable former attractions include:

• Outdoor Bumper Cars: These were the original bumper cars operating outdoors before being replaced by an indoor building in 1967.^[2]
• Luv Machine (Bump 'n' Grind or Bayun Kurve): A short-lived ride that operated briefly in 1967 and was removed; the site later became home to the Red Baron Planes.^[2]
• Galactic Laser Experience: A 500-seat theater hosting laser-light shows set to music, which closed in 1979 due to technical issues and the bankruptcy of the production company; the building now serves as an arcade and storage.^[2]
• Haunted Mansion: Opened in 1986 at the adjacent Cascade Water and Amusement Park, this dark ride was closed in 1996 due to high operational risk.^[52]
• Galaxi Coaster: Maine's first roller coaster, operating from 1978 to 2008, was replaced by the Wild Mouse in 2009 after 30 years of service.^[2]
• Hydrofighter: A water gun fight tower ride introduced in 1988, closed after the 2000 season to accommodate the Dragon's Descent.^[2]
• Ferris Wheel: A classic #8 Ferris Wheel (Big Eli) operating from 1975 to 2000, removed after the 2000 season for the Dragon's Descent.^[2]
• Noah Zark Play Area: An ark-themed junior play area operating from 1982 to 2000, closed after the 2000 season to make way for the Dragon's Descent.^[2]
• Mini Golf Course: The original course adjacent to the park was removed in 2007 to expand the Splashtown water park with new slides.^[2]