I was at Kennywood for 81/2 hours on Saturday with half of that time spent in line for Phantoms Revenge, but it was worth it! I was suppose to go with a friend of mine, but he hurt his foot walking out his back door, so I was one my own.
I had a funny moment on the drive from Cleveland. As I was paying my turnpike toll, the attendant asked me what my tee-shirt said (I was wearing a Stark Raven Mad shirt). How do you quickly explain SRM to somebody? So I just said it was a roller coaster in Indiana. That seemed to satisfy her.
After arriving at the park I headed straight for PR. It wasn’t 11:00 yet but they there where already running trains– good job Kennywood. I waited less then 30 minutes for my first ride in the back seat. All of the good things people have been saying about this ride are true. The first two hills are still awesome and the airtime on the rest of the ride is incredible. I liked the automobile style seat belts. I’m surprised more coasters don’t have these because they guarantee a snug fit. I rode PR 3 more time throughout they day, waiting between 1 and ½ hours each time. There are only two things that could make this ride better: a two train operation and some shade for the queues.
Kennywood definitely made the right choice in redoing Steel Phantom. On my last ride I was sitting next to an 11 year old girl who was riding for the first time (her two brothers where sitting in front of us). As we crested the first hill I put my hands up and she yelled, ‘Your going to die, but your hand down!’ She loved the entire ride. She got off with a big smile and said it was worth the wait.
After riding PR I got on Exterminator, which also had a short line. This is a fun ride with good theming. I tried to ride again latter in the day but they line had gotten pretty long.
I rode the Thunderbolt and Jack Rabbit once each. The Thunderbolt had a really short line all day. I would have liked to ride it more often but the ‘have to have a ride partner’ policy is a pain. I usually don’t mind riding with a stranger, but the Thunderbolt forces a little more physical contact then I like to have with someone I don’t know.
I rode the Racer 3 time. I think this is a great ride. It looks good and gives a great ride. Plus the line moves fairly fast.
This was my second trip to Kennywood and I had a great time on both occasions. I think I will need to make this annual summer trip.
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Bob M.
