Kennywood- What's with all the Hype!

As far as the traditional amusement park idea goes, I have a statement.  Being a high school senior, I do not know of any other park that has a picnic for almost every school distric in a city.  Kennywood's main profit is off of local schools and companies having their picnics.  That's the way it was when my parents were kids, and that is the way it will be when I have childen of my own. 

The only thing I can think of for these so-called "rude" employees would be that they were recently hired because the regular employees have gone back to school. I know they hire new employees in April, and in August. They're also understaffed this time of year, so maybe those people were moved from one position to another. Who knows.

Of all the countless times I've been to the park, I've never once seen the trash you described. The litter gitters are all over the place, and work really hard to keep the park nice and tidy.

The only other park I've been to that has metal detectors was PKD. I'm surprised that more parks don't have them, as it is so easy for someone to bring a gun or other weapon into the park. The bag checking is necessary because people are allowed to bring picnic baskets and set up at the pavilions, so there is obviously a need to check the bags.

I have never smelled urine at Kennywood before - except maybe in the restrooms ;). I have, however, smelled urine at the park in Cleveland. It was a very disgusting experience.

Finally, there's nothing the park can do about the roads around Kennywood. It's Pennsylvania, just face it. The Pothole Capital of the World!. PA's also infamous for lots of "construction" on the highways, which can be a pain the rear, especially when you see that there's no real construction going on.

Anyways, this is just my response to your post, and is not any way trying to change your mind ;).

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Kennywood Insider's Guide
http://kennywood.coaster-mania.com

I know this topic has since run its course but I would like to add a few notes of my own.

Being from Ohio and having Six Flags and Cedar Point within a short drive from my house, Kennywood was a very pleasant change from the "theme parks" I could easily get to.  I knew all about the hype people were giving the park (and for some, Phantom's Revenge) but I went with an open mind and came back very impressed with the park.

Granted, I did get lost on my way to the park since the I-579 exit to I-376 was closed in downtown Pittsburgh due to construction (though I love the Pittsburgh skyline, especially the PPG tower), it wasn't easy for me to get around either.  I am just thankful there are plenty of Kennywood arrows in Swissvale and Rankin that helped get me there in the first place. (And as for getting to the park on narrow streets, just try getting to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on a busy weekend on their narrow streets, which are one way).

The neighborhood may be less than desirable but I feel the tunnel under Kennywood Boulevard serves as a great barrier of leaving reality behind and entering a world of fantasy.

X Factor

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SFWoA: An Unofficial Guide
http://sfohio.tripod.com

X Factor, if you ever get lost in downtown Pittsburgh again going to KW, take RTE. 837 across the Mon River on the southside of the city and its a straight shot to the park.  Along the way, youll pass another KW owned park which is Sandcastle, a waterpark.  I also love seeing all of the nice things said about the park since I only live about 15min. away.  And is the only amusement park I had ever been to!
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Kennywood is my home park!!!

I am so sorry you had such a crapola time! I've been to KW 2x (SP ruled and PR rules )and adore this park. It was clean, friendly and the only bad smells I remember were some of the guests.
If you really truly want to know "bad"
go to Coney Island (the REAL one) in Brooklyn.
Now if you're not from NY that park would scare you! (and I am from NY born and raised so I can say that-missin my Nathans!!)
Jo
2000 Raptor Crew
2001 Raptor Crew
Po!nter Girl-FOREVER!
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Welcome back Raptor riders-how was your flight?

*** This post was edited by LuvRaptor on 9/4/2001. ***