Day of the Dragon

Event Image

Location

Columbus Zoo
4850 W Powell Rd
Powell, OH 43065

Event Date(s)

When:  May 23, 2026

Contact

Jon Roost

jroost@aceonline.org

Join ACE Eastern Great Lakes for

Day of the Dragon

at

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

on

Saturday, May 23, 2026!

 

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s history dates back to 1937, when the rides from the former Olentangy Park were relocated to Zoo Park, located across from the Columbus Zoo. Its claim to fame is the Sea Dragon, a PTC junior wooden coaster designed by John Allen that opened in 1956 and is now both an ACE Coaster Landmark and an ACE Coaster Classic. The zoo also features a restored 1914 Mangels-Illions carousel, the 22.7 acre Zoombezi Bay waterpark and several other rides, in addition to over 800 species of animals.

This event is only for ACE members and their guests. Event registration is required to participate in all of the activities organized and hosted by the American Coaster Enthusiasts and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Tentative Schedule:

  • 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.: Event check-in at the "bell stop" shelter outside the park entrance
  • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Columbus Zoo open to the public
  • 10:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m: Zoombezi Bay open to the public
  • 5:45 p.m.: Group photo (location TBD)
  • 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: ERT on Sea Dragon and Tidal Twist

Additional Information:

Make it a Weekend. Spend the whole weekend in Central Ohio by joining us the day after Day of the Dragon for Bonus Round at Scene75 Columbus. Hang out with rides, games, pizza and your fellow enthusiasts as we enjoy this award-winning family entertainment center!

Merchandise. We have a selection of ACE Eastern Great Lakes merchandise available for purchase during the registration process. All items purchased will be available for pickup during event check-in (sorry, no shipping). All merchandise must be ordered during registration, we will not have extras available for purchase at the event. All merchandise sales are final. Many items are made-to-order and we cannot accept any returns or exchanges.

Informal Takeover Times. Informal takeover times (ITOTs) are your opportunity to meet some of your fellow members. Join as many of our informal gatherings as you wish. Please meet at the entrance to the queue 5 minutes prior to the start time. The group will enter the queue together to enjoy the attraction.

Dinner. In lieu of a group meal, registration includes a dining pass that can be used for an entree, side, and single serve beverage anywhere the Dining Pass logo is present in the park.

Pricing:

  • ACE member: $30
  • Non-ACE member guest: $35

Event registration does not include admission. Admission can be purchased at a discount during reigstration at the following rates:

  • Columbus Zoo & Aquarium: $23.95
  • Zoombezi Bay (includes the Zoo & Aquarium): $34.95

Event add-ons:

  • Souvenir cup: $8
    Souvenir cups include free refills on the day of the event and discounted refills on future visits for the remainder of the season.

A credit card transaction charge will be added to all orders.

Registration:

  • Registration must be completed online by 11:59 p.m. EDT April 17, 2026. No registrations will be accepted after that date. There will be no on-site registration.
  • A confirmation will be sent to the email address listed on your registration. If a confirmation is not received shortly after you register, please contact the event contact.
  • Nonmembers must be guests of an attending member. Members must include their guests on the registration and are responsible for the actions and behaviors of those guests. Nonmembers are considered guests of the first member listed on the registration.
  • All materials including name badges, admission tickets and pre-purchased merchandise will be provided at the event. All materials must be picked up at the scheduled check-in times. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Register Now
Click Here to Review the Event Terms and Conditions
SCHEDULE ADVISORY

Inclement weather, equipment problems or other unforeseen circumstances may affect the published schedule. The park will do its best to provide ride times and rides as listed; however, the schedule of events remains tentative and is subject to change based on the park's operational status and local health restrictions at the time of the event.

ACCESSIBILITY

Should you need special accommodations such as a wheelchair, speech/hearing, etc., refer to the participating parks policy prior to the event date. Most parks offer a complete guide for guests with a disability.

REFUNDS AND REGISTRATION FEES

Refunds will not be given. Registration fees will not be prorated for partial attendance and tickets are nontransferable. Event attendee substitutions are at ACE’s discretion. Permission must be obtained prior to the event, in writing, from the event contact.

The payment of registration fees by, for, or on behalf of participants releases and holds harmless the American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide Inc. and its Officers, Directors, Executive Committee Members and representatives from any and all liabilities related to those activities. Returned checks and chargeback disputes will be treated as uncollected debt. ACE reserves the right to execute debt collection following the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

COVID-19 SAFETY INFORMATION

Although our host parks are making every effort to keep you as healthy and safe as possible, there remains an inherent and elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place and place where people are present. Refer to park policies for additional information, requirements and latest updates.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Members and their guests should be especially aware that their behavior affects ACE’s reputation, and they are expected to abide by ACE’s Code of Conduct at all times during the event and follow all host park policies, including, but not limited to, alcohol consumption. Members are responsible for the conduct of their nonmember guests. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for supervising minor event attendees. Members found to be in violation of the code are subject to ACE's disciplinary procedures, which may be in the form of, but not limited to, verbal or written warning, membership suspension or involuntary termination.

Any violations of park policies, including underage alcohol consumption are a violation of section C.1 of ACE’s Code of Conduct and could result in suspension of the member’s ACE membership as well as action by the park.

NAME BADGES

You must be registered and your official event name badge must be visible to participate in scheduled event activities.

Related Content