9NEWS' meteorologist Belen De Leon got a behind-the-scenes look at all the changes the park has made in the off-season.
KiddieLand, the kids area in the park that features 15 rides for the little ones, has a fresh look this summer. There are two new family-friendly rides as well as the all-new HipHopsical's show, "Rock School for Kids," where kiddos will be stars on stage.
The new "Rockin' Tug," a sea-faring ride for kids and adults of all ages, simulates the gentle motion of ocean waves.
Little hot-rods can also zoom around on "Tike Bikes," a new motorcycle ride that gives kids the rush of the open road.
The gardens at Elitch Gardens have also been updated. About 25,000 new perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees were planted throughout the park with over 240 different plant varieties.
De Leon got to learn the hard-pressing facts of what it takes to open a theme park for the season. From ordering 15,000 pounds of French fries to 800 bottles of spray cleaner and printing nearly 450,000 park maps and brochures on recycled paper for guests to use as guides.
Elitch Gardens is celebrating their 2012 grand opening Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6. On Saturday the park is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m. with special guest appearances from Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants.
For more information on opening weekend and to purchase your tickets in advance, visit www.elitchgardens.com.
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