
1960
Kenneth and Violet Cormier opened the Marvel Drive-In on U.S. Route 1 in Saco, Maine. The Cormier’s opened this drive-in restaurant next to Kenneth’s brother-in-law, Andre Dallaire’s, mini-golf course that opened in 1959.
1963
Dallaire opened a Go-Kart track behind the mini-golf course.
1964
Cormier added batting cages as well as an archery range behind the Marvel Drive In. Over the course of the next few years, Cormier and Dallaire added several kiddie and carnival-style rides. This included the SkySlides, Swinging Gyms, as well as a gift shop.
1967
Cormier and Dallaire formed a partnership. This is when Funtown USA was born. During this year Funtown USA added a “Zipper”, outdoor bumper cars, Merry-Go-Round, and the “Luv Machine” (Bayun Kurve). The bumper cars were replaced by the bumper car building. If you take a look at the area around the bumper cars you can still see the original concrete pad for the outdoor bumper cars. The “Luv Machine” was only at the park for a limited time, this was located where the Red Baron Planes are now.
1976
Funtown USA unveiled its first themed attraction with the Astrosphere, a Scrambler darkride. The Tilt-A-Whirl was also added to the lineup of rides this same year.
1978
After legal battles about protesting the new addition, the Galaxi Coaster was brought to Funtown. At this time it was the only roller coaster in the whole state.
- During this year, Ken Cormier bought out Andre Dallaire’s interest in the partnership. Andre Dallaire purchased the Marvel Drive-In, tore it down and opened Maine Play Amusements in 1982, which then became known as Cascade Water and Amusements.
- Cascade owned and operated the Kartland Go-Karts, Cascade Water Park, Hydrofighter, Bumper Boats, and games-of-skill and chance.
1979
A 500-seat theater was built at Funtown to house the “Galactic Laser Experience”. This attraction consisted of a laser-light show that was set to popular music of the time. Due to technical problems with the attraction and bankruptcy of the company the show was purchased from, the theater was closed. The lobby of the building is now an arcade, and the rest of the building is used as storage.
1982
Antique Cars was added to the park’s lineup, and for the first time at Funtown bracelets were sold to guests for unlimited riding.
1984
Funtown opened the Tempest in the Tea Cups. Also added the same year was New England’s longest and tallest Log Flume ride, the Thunder Falls, a title this attraction still holds today.
During the late 1980’s, Funtown added many thrill rides, including the Flying Trapeze (YoYo), Sea Dragon, Casino, and the Thunderbolt.
1986
Cascade Water and Amusement Park opened the Haunted Mansion. This was an extremely popular attraction, it was closed in 1996 due to the high-risk of operation.
1993
Funtown underwent a major expansion adding 6 new attractions. This included the Grand Prix Racers, Adult Bumper Boats, Kiddie Bumper Boats, Barney Oldfield Roadsters, Balloon Race, and the Classic Carousel.
1996
Cormier bought Cascade Water and Amusement Park, the park was then renamed Funtown Splashtown USA.
1998
Funtown Splashtown USA announced the largest ever expansion with the arrival of the Excalibur. This was the first wooden coaster in Maine in over 50 years. Excalibur is the tallest and longest wooden roller coaster in Northern New England. This coaster was highly praised and had rave reviews. Excalibur was rated #10 in the world for wooden roller coasters by the Amusement Business Magazine. The following year, three of the six water slides in Splashtown USA were replaced and a large kiddie play area was added to the park.
2000
The park brought in live entertainment when the Picadilly Corner Stage opened. Following the 2000 season, the park announced that it would be closing the Hydrofighter, Ferris Wheel, and Noah Zark Play Area to make way for the 220-foot tall Dragon’s Descent, a turbo drop ride. The Frog Hopper, a kiddie version of the Dragon’s Descent was also added.
2006
Funtown Splashtown USA celebrated its 40th season! The park announced its largest expansion and renovation project ever! This included two 7-story tall water slides to open in June 2007. The new slides replaced the mini golf course. The Hungry Bear as well as Sweet Shoppe were renovated to serve guests in the water park.
2007
Splashtown USA doubled in size. The park also opened the Mammoth and Tornado water slides. The Tornado is exclusive to our park in Northern New England!
2008
The park opened its first redemption arcade, The Dragon’s Lair.
2009
The Galaxi Coaster, a mainstay at the park for 30 years, was replaced with the Wild Mouse. This new coaster is the largest family-steel coaster in Maine.
2012
Splashtown USA was expanded, adding the Mount Olympus Water Slides, additional lounging and seating, three new dining and food locations; Parthenon Cafe, BBQ pit, and fresh-squeezed lemonade and snow cone cart. On the Funtown USA side, a new. In 2012, the park undertook its largest expansion and renovation project ever. Splashtown USA was expanded, adding the Mount Olympus Water Slides, additional lounging and seating, three new dining and food locations; Parthenon Cafe, BBQ Pit, and Fresh-squeezed lemonade and snow cone cart. On the Funtown USA side, a new Hungry Bear and BBQ Pit restaurants were added, the Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe opened. The park also relocated the Group Picnic areas, and some of the games. New restrooms were also opened
2015
Splashtown USA celebrated its 20th season, and the Astrosphere celebrated its 40th season.
2016
Funtown USA celebrated its 50th season! Returning to the park for this historic season is one of the park’s original rides, the Merry-Go-Round. This classic is located adjacent to the Heritage House of Gifts, not far from its original home.
2019
Funtown USA completely refurbished the Astrosphere attraction with a new dome made out of concrete. The light and sound show was also upgraded to include new video projectors that brought back many of the original photo slides.