Kennywood: Lots o' Changes for 2005

We're already aware that Kennywood has gotten rid of General Admission for the 2005 season; however, a check on the new Kennywood website reveal that there is a lot in store for this year!

+New site: My Kennywood, which is advertising the new Funday pricing. In addition, they've added a few games and a "create your own arrow" activity, which will be a creative way to promote their brand if it becomes popular.

+Special Price Days: apparently Kennywood has taken note of their slowest days, and is now offering $12.95 Funday admission on May 22, July 6, and September 18.

+Sandcastle and Kennywood Combo Pass: Quite a few people have discussed the possibility of this, and it looks like they're giving it a go. The site says that the pass is $28.95 for admission to both parks during the same day; I'm curious about how they will handle the parking fees.

+PFN: Phantom Fright Nights will be open on Saturday, September 24 for a preview night, and will also be open Sunday, October 9 with reduced hours.

+Cheap Tickets: Instead of Blockbuster, it looks like local Giant Eagle stores will be offering $19 tickets until June 15.

+The Grand Victorian Festival is being re branded as "Celebrate America". I'm hoping that they do away with the parade of team members this year. ;)

http://www.kennywood.com

Considering that Kennywood has been known to stay consistent with its pricing and events, I'm amazed that they're making so many changes for this upcoming season. I just thought you'd like to know what's going on!

They are all great ideas. Yaah Kennywood. They will handle the parking fees by collecting twice. 2 parks with 2 lots. Isn't Sandcastle free? Please stop the cheapness. That is quite a deal for 2 parks.

You can walk from Homestead. I am sure the locals will treat you just fine.

Parking fees? What parking fees? I've never paid a parking fee at Kennywood.

The odd thing is that on many occasions, by not paying a parking fee, I had a shorter walk to the gate than people who paid the parking fee. It took a little longer, but it was a much shorter walk! More fun, too!

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Don't forget the new entrance and the contest to name next year new S&S ride: http://www.kennywood.com/funzone/funzone.php

AND the classic Dentzel Carousel was lovingly restored completely.:)

A same day combo pass seems odd to me since the parks are a condiderable distance from each other. But if it works, well then it works.

I will be going those cheap days for sure, cant beat a $12.95 admission no matter how busy it gets because of it.

They have also completely rebuilt their entrance and added new offices.

Is the new entrance temporary or permanent? ;)

Sandcastle charges a $5 parking fee, so I'm wondering if they'd make guests pay twice if they choose to use the pay parking at Kennywood.

When i drove past the park a few days ago, they still have the "FREE" letters over the parking on the blue sign leading up to the park. This was in effect for PFN last year and I am wondering if they are switching to FREE parking. Would be a bold move if you ask me. I'll be by the park again on Saturday and see if anything changes.

According to this article http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/search/s_264589.html

the budget for the entrance revamp is $2 million. I'd say that's pretty permanent.

^ Yes. It will be a very nice addition. Not cheap construction either. It is avery beautiful design.

http://www.kennywood.com/park_info/status.php

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Mamoosh said:
Is the new entrance temporary or permanent?

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I'd guess that the combo pass is temporarily permanent, but that if it doesn't work out or payoff it will quickly become permanently temporary. :)

-Oh, if you only knew the depths of the temporary-permanent-ness of stuff.

-Of course we'll charge if you want preferred parking at Kennywood. Why wouldn't we? Free parking is still available, and the fact that you've been to Sandcastle doesn't change anything.

-The parks are only like 2 miles apart. That's hardly a "considerable distance."

-Don't forget that those with Sandcastle or Idlewild season passes get in to Kennywood for $7.50 after 6pm.

Wondering when you were going to chime in kpjb.............

The new entrance looks awesome, better than I imagined. I hope it elimates the randomness of the crowds when the park opens.

I'm impressed by the entrance, too... it's the one thing we've done that actually looks way better than the drawings. It really is a first-class facility.

Who's the designer? Contractor?

At No Coaster Con in January, the Kennywood rep mentioned they are finally getting restrooms up at the new entrace. They've always wanted restrooms up there, but the infrastructure costs were high because of the topography. Apparently the nearest existing water and sewer lines are quite a distance away, and installing plumbing to pump water a long distance uphill is neither easy nor cheap.

They have bathrooms in the group sales offices next door. Please explain what 'quite a distance' means.