Decided totally last minute to hit the Wood. Weather was in the high 70s. The crowds were rather large for Kennywood but we didn't mind it. In all it was a great time.
Here goes....
The new structure on the roof of the old Pastime building was put in place for the new Laser Show screen. I thought it was pretty creative and it was definitely a move only Kennywood would/could pull off.
On the corner of the building were a couple new security cameras. I don't believe they were there last year.
Here's a sign showing advertising the new show at the front of the park before the entrance ramps. Other than the announcements from the Voice of Kennywood over the public address system periodically there wasn't much other mention of this around the park.
Here's the lagoon where the laser show takes place...prior to the show and prior to the screen being raised on the old Pastime building.
Patriotic section of the show. I enjoyed the show and thought it was a great addition. It brought back a very looong tradition that had all but vanished...the free Lagoon Stage shows that were always a part of a day at Kennywood. With the lagoon in the center of the park, it's a perfect place for free acts.
Kennywood Arrows. What else! It's Kennywood! This was the opening night for Laser Spectacular and I thought it went really well. My only thoughts on the show are that it needed some sort of Introduction announcement and closing announcement...maybe something like "We hope you enjoyed Laser Spectacular. Enjoy the rest of your evening at America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park and have a safe trip home."
The crowd was enjoying it.
These banners advertising Kennywood's first ever Season Pass were hung all over the park.
All coasters were showing lots of new track wood...and they ran just as smooth as ever. Thanks Kennywood!
Although it was hard to get a photo of the new track wood on the coaster's final drop into the ravine, it was totally evident. The final drop was smoother than I ever remember it! God I love this ride.
Word on the street is that Garfield is on his way out. The Old Mill's recent theme of 'Garfield's Nightmare' was still in place but all other traces of the big fat cat and his friends were gone. On this planter were once fiberglass creations of Garfield and Odie.
The Kiddieland restrooms were looking a little generic with the removal of Garfield and Odie.
As we neared the Auto Race we noticed the new Italian color scheme. As we got closer we saw it was actually the colors of the ride's new sponsor, CoGo's. I guess with the removal of the Turnpike for Skyrocket, it only made sense to transfer sponsorship to the park's other automobile-themed attraction. (And of course the historic neon sign that graces the center of the ride's facade was updated with the current year. Every time the ride is repainted, the current year is painted on the neon-lit car.)
I didn't remember this being here last year.
The Sportland Building.. sporting it's gaudy new color scheme. I'm not complaining, but Kennywood has always made use of bright colors and I guess that's part of its charm.
New games were found around the park and some were just shuffled around. I liked this one which is apparently supposed to appeal to the college-aged guests.
Hey Gurl, Haaay! Every year Ms. Sal gets a new dress and I swear her nipples are more swollen than ever.
King Kahuna was gone and this little pathway was added around the fountain pool. I was a little disappointed in this area as it looked like the ride had just been removed the day before. I was surprised to see the tired-looking bamboo fencing still in place. I do like the tiki heads a lot but they look really out of place here. (I say put them in the trunk and ship them down the street to Sandcastle.) Nearby, the Volcano (Enterprise) wasn't open yet. All we could see was the ride's hub. We caw the ride cars in storage behind the Log Jammer.
Now for some general park upgrades. I love that they took the extra step to replace the 111 year old roof with tongue and groove wood to match the original. These touches make Kennywood stand apart from much of the others. Cedar Park probably would have just torn the building down and replaced it with a Subway or Chick-Fil-A.
It was great to see all these guys I remember as a little kid. They used to be out on the floor for people to use but I understand why they were pulled. What a great idea putting them on display for everyone to see. And I like that they still refer to it as the Penny Arcade.
New height check signs only Kennywood could pull off. They're unique and do the job.
A new 80's show on the Kennyville stage.
Between shows, the cast of the 80s show was doing this gig in front of Lost Kennywood Gifts. I think they could have done without, in my opinion only.
The Garden Stage (is it still called that?) with the acrobat show from a few years ago. They had a nice audience and everyone seemed to enjoy the show. I think they should do more of these kind of acts...as apposed to the sing/dance to Karaoke CD-type ones.
Just a historical tidbit. Here's a pic of the restaurant, followed by a pic from nearly the same spot taken about 80 years ago. The photo was hung with care inside the 111 year old building in guest's view.
Over at the Lucky (that's this circa 1930s refreshment stand's name) lines were long for Corn Dogs. I always think it's funny when waiting in line here year after year and hearing guests talk about how good Kennywood Corn Dogs are.... They're 100% correct.
Random blocks of roller coaster wood sitting on the floor at the Merry-Go-Round.
Kennywood's first attempt at some kind of Express/FastPass program. I guess it wasn't a bad idea but there was really no mention of it around the park. Maybe if they do a better job at getting the word out it might take off.
Skyrocket construction!............
It was strange walking down the midway and seeing coaster track in the air above the Old Mill.
Ooooo looks fun!
Ditto...
Tiny little babby station.
After the laser show concluded, they started playing the traditional scratchy records that play the 'park's closing' big band music. Had to wait till Alvino Rey's 'Nighty Night' concluded before heading out the gate -- "Dream of meeee and juuust sleep tight
Darling, oh, good night." Ahhhh Goodnight Kennywood. Thank you for a great day. I'll be back.
