Idlewild Park’s new Enchanted Castle stirs up nostalgia, creates new memories

From Humpty Dumpty to Little Jack Horner, everyone has a favorite childhood nursery rhyme that brings back rich and inviting memories. At Story Book Forest at Idlewild Park, those memories come alive in a most literal and vivid way.

This summer, Idlewild continues to stir up nostalgia and create new memories with its newest attraction, the Enchanted Castle.

The two-story, pink-hued Enchanted Castle will become home to Princess Lily and her friend Duke the Dragon and will stand as the pinnacle of Story Book Forest, a walk-through attraction featuring more than 30 of the most iconic characters and scenes from nursery rhymes and fairy tales.

“We just thought it would be a great idea to bring a new Enchanted Castle back to Story Book Forest to delight and entertain a new generation of visitors while the old-time visitors could tap into the memories they have in the original castle,” says Jeff Croushore, sales and public relations manager for the Ligonier-based amusement park.

The castle is slated to open at the end of June and marks Story Book Forest’s 60th anniversary.

“We always say that Story Book Forest is sort of a park built on emotion, rather than the motion,” says Croushore. “We are very pleased to be able to continue that tradition.”

For 20 years, the Forest had been without a proper castle. Home to the Golden Knight, the original castle stood from 1956 to 1996, until crews removed it to expand a roadway.

Its replacement is simply fit for a princess.

The new castle is grander and more decorative than the original, says Croushore, adding that the park partnered with Monster City Studios of Fresno, Calif., to design it.

Princess Lily, the direct descendent of the Golden Knight, arrived at the Enchanted Castle at the request of the Forest’s longtime residents. There she will sit atop her throne waiting to greet her guests with photo opportunities and autograph signing. Later this summer, she will also host private tea and etiquette parties.

“Little boys, little girls. Everyone is falling in love with Princess Lily,” says Croushore.

In the castle courtyard, guests can test their strength and perseverance by attempting to wrest the “sword in the stone” under the watchful gaze of an interactive Duke statue.

“Children can go and try to remove the sword. Some will be able to do it, and some may not,” says Croushore. “The statue will give some encouraging words to whoever is trying to remove the stone like, ‘Give it all you got!’”

The park’s Facebook page will announce the exact opening day for the castle.

Idlewild Park and SoakZone are open every day through Aug. 21. Gates and Story Book Forest open at 10:30 a.m. and rides open at 11:30 a.m. The park remains open until at least 8 p.m. Park admission is $42.99 for ages 3 and up, and ages 2 and under are free.