An amusement park that was a Western New York staple in Grand Island for 60 years (before closing as a result of the pandemic) is now reopening under new ownership. 

After nearly a month delay in the grand reopening of the water park at Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World, the former Fantasy Island Amusement Park will open to the public on Saturday, Aug. 28 from noon to 7 pm. 

Guests can expect to enjoy limited water park attractions and food options for the park’s initial opening, with tickets available at the gate. There is “special preview pricing” for those who are three feet and up, which costs $14.99, and any park goer who stands 35 inches tall or smaller will get in for free when accompanied by an adult.

Here’s another free perk: parking is free for the rest of the 2021 season. However, do not expect to be able to use a locker when you arrive at the waterpark; those will be unavailable due to a supplier issue. 

Some of the water rides that will make a splash include but are not limited to the Lazy River, Cannon Bowl, and the Dragster Drench. 

The amusement park is expected to make its return in the spring of 2022.

What Led to Fantasy Island’s Initial Closure?

Fantasy Island, as you might remember, closed in February 2020 after the owner at the time said that there had not been a return of investments made into the park. After it closed, rides and attractions were sold. 

The rebranding and resurrection of what we once knew as Fantasy Island is thanks to Gene Staples, a Chicago-based inventor, who took over operations of the park in June 2021. Fantasy Island has been renamed as, “Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World,” and it was originally supposed to open in June of this year; however, the restoration project of bringing this part of Western New York back to life took a little longer than expected as you might understand.

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