Quick TR: Kennywood 6-16-2005

[CoasterFanatic]

Yesterday, after work, I met up with Brian (coasterfun) to grab a bite to eat and hit the local amusement park for a quick evening session.

 

Eventhough I work fairly close to the park, I hadn't not made it out there yet this year, so I was excited to get a look at all the changes that took place at Kennywood in the offseason. These are just some quick thoughts from our short visit.

 

Main Gate:

As soon as you walk from the parking lot you can see that while Kennywood did not put in any new rides this year, they certainly did not take the winter off. The new main gate is very impressive and features a carousel horse fountain right inside the metal gates.

 

The ticket windows are now completely seperated from the ticket takers. This combined with the end of the "general admission" era should definately simplify the process of getting people in the park.

 

The main gate also provides a new office for guest relations as well as a new restroom. My only real complaint is that there is no pay phone to be found anywhere. The closest one you can get to is by the bus lot.

 

Racer:

Once inside the park, our first stop was the Racer so I could get a look at the new trains (refurbished so much that they are practically new). The wait was full queue, but the Racer usually handles people in a "decent" manner.

 

We waited and got to board in 4 cycles or so. Climbing into the trains you can see right away the differences between these trains and the old ones. The first thing that caught my eye was the divider which is not solid but instead more like an "arm". The opening in the center of the divider actually makes it a lot easier to fasten the new seatbelts.

 

All the metal trim and diamond plate on the trains is new and very shiny. Even the single lap bar looks slightly odd, because I can't remember that last time I saw one in such pristine condition.

 

In the end the new trains really don't have any effect on the overall ride experience. They do, however, add time to what was already one of the slower loading rides in the park. The operators check every seat belt before the bar is released.

 

Phantoms Revenge:

Nothing new here, but I just wanted to reiterate this point. If you haven't ridden Phantom's Revenge, then you haven't ridden a "hyper"-coaster. As many have said before "It ain't right".

 

Exterminator:

It was a crowded day and I wanted to hit Exterminator, but I figured that we would walk over and at least get a look at the line first before commiting to it. Suprisingly the line wasn't very bad at all so waited and get our own car for this fun little spinning mouse.

 

I don't know if they did any work on it, or if my memory is that bad, but it seemed like the theming was working a little better than I remember.

 

Thunderbolt:

After leaving lost Kennywood, we headed over to Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt didn't really look any different than years past, but I could notice a tiny bit of track TLC. The most noticable part was the missing pothole that used to rip my spine out of place on the last drop.

 

Jack Rabbit:

Next up was the Jack Rabbit. The "new" logo was posted in the ride station and adorned the front of both cars. A lot of people have complained about the logo, but it doesn't really bother me that much. I only wished that the type face was a little more crisp.

 

We boarded the train and strapped on the new seatbelts. Unlike the old leather belts, Jack Rabbit now sports adjustable airline-style belts. When this was first announced, people freaked out, but have no fear the belts do not effect the ride at all. The operators do a quick check to make sure that the belt is connected ... and that's it.

 

As predicted the Jack Rabbit provided a great dose of airtime.

 

After Jack Rabbit, Brian had to leave so we talked a little bit and split up. Before calling it an evening, I got a quick ride on the Jack Rabbit and the Huss Swing Around.

 

Even with the larger than expected crowds it was yet another enjoyable evening at America's Finest Tradition Amusement Park.

[Guest]

Great TR Ted!

 

Main entrance, I think it looks gorgeous. The carousel horse was really a nice touch.

 

Jack Rabbit, the seat belts weren't bad. Even if you do staple yourself you still get that mega dose of air. They just check to see if your seat belt is buckled.

 

Racer, I like the trains too, looks great. The belts I really don't understand the need for with the nice big Buzz bar. But, it's PTC's train and rules. The seat belts are long, and it is still a great ride.

 

T-Bolt, I noticed the same thing with that mega jarring on the last drop as well. It was not there this year. Did you notice if the trims were off after the laterals? It was off Memorial weekend. That woodie has climbed up to my top five, just for the way it was smokin this year.

 

PR- You are totally right. You people need to get to Kennywood and ride this hyper. If you like Maggie or Steel Force this is a thousand times better.

 

The new swing. I saw the fence put up. Looks like a little area for that big of a swing. Unless they do more in the off-season, I don't know. Looks like a fun ride.

 

Exterminator- I didn't get the best ride on it this year, not a lot of spinnng on the last half of the ride. But I get a different ride every time, so I don't bash this.

 

Thanks for the great read Ted. If you go to the Kon let me know, will be glad to meet up with you.

 

Katie

[DenDen]

Nice and informative trip report. I'm disappointed to hear about the new Racer trains, sounds kind of wierd. I went last year, and probably wont be back until their next major attraction. Don't remember any "pothole" on the thunderbolt, and my nephew and I rode it a billion times, mostly in the back seat.

 

I can't wait to see the new entrance in person, it was LONG over due.