Another Kennywood trip report - 5/16/08

[Philrad71]

I wanted to take Michael somewhere nice for his 65th b-day, so I thought that Pittsburgh and Kennywood would be a refreshing weekend getaway. Even though the forecast was calling for rain the entire weekend, we headed out anyway. It was wet, but we were dressed for the occasion. Besides, we weren't going to Cedar Point, so we assumed that most of the rides at Kennywood would be open...and they were! King Kahuna was the only ride that was not open, but that was no big deal as TopSpin's are not one of my favorite things to ride anyway.

 

Despite the fact that we were pelted with stinging rain on the back seat of Phantom and there were tons of high school kids there on bus trips, we had a great time! The rain did manage to let up later in the afternoon, say 6:00 PM.

 

One impressive thing that I saw was a ride op and attendant both yell at unruly kids and line-jumpers on the Phantom's Revenge! These ladies were not to be fu$%ed with!!! Although, most of the kids were well behaved considering there were so many in the park.

 

Despite only running one train on Phantom and Thunderbolt, dispatching wasn't all that bad and we were able to ride everything we wanted. We left at 8:30 and had seen and done just about all the rides.

 

First time rides for me were the (new style) Intamin drop tower (Pittfall). I loved it a lot more than the S & S Towers at CP. Another surprise was Cosmic Chaos (my first mega disk-o)...more dis-orienting than it looks! I also experienced my first indoor spinning mouse coaster (Exterminator) which was the longest wait of the day (about one hour), but still fun.

 

True to the reviews that I have read on this site, Kennywood is a charming little park with a great assortment of rides, coasters and games. I don't really have anything negative to say about the park overall. While not the most thrilling, or highest and fastest coasters, there is plenty of history and appeal for kids of all ages. Great fun!

 

Part Two - "Conneaut Lake TR: End of an era?"

 

Coming soon!

Michael was threatening to cry, so I pleaded with the boat op to let him drive the boat in the water to avoid a complete meltdown!

Yay! Duck Tours!

Spectac views from the top of the Pixburgh skyline.

Next day: Duquesne Incline Railway. Credit? Sure if you were born in 1877!

Yes! Beer bottle opener in the bathrooms! Did I tell you that PA rocks??? Now I can never be far away from my al-kee-hall!!!!

Our home for the evening - Comfort Inn on a hill.

Which is better, Michael? Potato Patch fries with garlic salt and cheese sauce, or cheese sauce with bacon?? Both cooked in peanut oil to promote a healthier heart!

We all scream - Cosmic Chaos rules!

My first Disk-O...I loved it! Nice long program and very dis-orienting!

Jack Rabbit with nice camel-back drop with a pop of air. They were playing a rare Beck B-side (Deadweight) on the park PA system...how cool is that???

Racer! Love the train switch to come back into the opposite station! Cool novelty!

Litter Gitter! This park approved by Larry- The cable guy!

It's my aeroplane! Pleasure spiked with pain. That mf-er's always spiked with pain." Red Hot Chili Peppers

The new lumberjack show. Kinda cheesy, but fun. This guy won the ax-throwing competition - bulls eye!

Turtle Bug. Didn't ride, but love to see the classics restored and still in operation. I will show you the other Tumble Bug in my sad Conneaut Lake trip report...coming soon!

While I wasn't Wang Chung-ing it, I was certainly dressed for the elements!

Michael said, "I think I'll pass on Pittsburgh Plunge today, thank you very much!"

Pittsburgh Plunge was open...and people were actually riding it! It was 55 with rain most of the day!

Everybody Wang Chung tonight! I never knew KW was so gay friendly! But with Wang Chung, Eurythmics, and Abba blasting on the flat screens, I felt a little under-dressed by not wearing my Pride shirt! Next time, baby!

Hit T-bolt in the front seat, then headed for the rather ominous looking Ghostwood Estates with skies darkening.

Phantom helix with T-bolt sneaking through.

First up - back seat on Phantom! Smooth, fun coaster...but damn that pelting rain!

Welcome to Kennywood - thumbprints not required!

Rainy arrival at the park around noon. Parked in the upper lot by the ski-lift to nowhere.

Kicked off the weekend with a Bob Evans breakfast in Erie...oh, those biscuits and gravy!

[bobafett]

I think I would have to pick the fries with the cheese sauce and bacon, they looked yummy!

[rgb60]

Hey I stayed in that same hotel a few years ago--- once I found the freakin' driveway entrance in the dark. Cool pics.

[palmerleeberry]

Great photos of Kennywood - Tis a pity that you had to spend a huge part of your day in the rain, but least they kept the coasters running. I do know that Exteminator and Garfield's Nightmare were running because they are indoor attractions.

 

Big Question - Were any of the flat rides closed due to the rain, especially The Whip?

 

Another Big Question - Kennywood's newest ride Ghostwood Estates - was it opened or do you know when it will be opened and did you ride it when it was opened?

[Kennyweird]

^ I'll answer your questions, since I was there on the 17th, which was no different from Friday, weather-wise.

 

Answer to question 1: Kennywood doesn't close their flat rides (or coasters) unless it starts raining really hard or if there's lightning within 10 miles.

 

Answer to question 2: Yes, Ghostwood Estate is open, its been open since May 3rd (opening day).

[Philrad71]

^^ Yes, they had all flat rides but King Kahuna open when we were there, including Pittsburg Plunge. Not sure about the Log Jammer as we did not walk over by the entrance.

 

Ghostwood Estates was a neat little dark ride. Nothing outrageously awesome, but a nice little dark ride/family attraction. Better than the Reeses Cup Challenge at Hershey, if that would be comparable.

 

Great little park...hope to return someday!