Kennywood Phantom Fright Nights MWAaaHaHAaa

Kennywood Phantom Fright Nights
Date: September 13th, 2003
Weather: 60’ Scary Clouds And Moon

Hello Coaster Fans Who Are Now Looking Over Their Backs While Strolling The Midways,

Now that Kennywood has caught on to this staying open past Labor Day thing, they have opened their second annual Phantom Fright Nights. Shawna (my wife), Michael (my brother in law), Nicole (his girlfriend), and I all decided to make a trip for the first Halloween festival of 2003. Michael and Nicole have never been to Kennywood period. It rained all the way their from Akron, Ohio, but stopped just as we arrived in Pittsburgh (roughly a 1 ½ hour drive with Shawna’s rush hour skills).

We picked up some tickets at Blockbuster for $14.95. Arriving in the parking lot at 6:15pm, you could see MASSIVE fog coming from everywhere in Kennywood (reminds me of CP’s 2000 Halloweekend’s where you ran into people the fog was so thick.) We gave them our tickets and headed down to the tunnel. Even more fog this year and a trash man was at the bottom complaining he needed some help to empty his trash can from inside Kennywood…Go ahead an try to help him out. Neat trick!! This was just one of many things in store for us. We headed straight for Phantom’s Revenge (it was still light out at this time so only the fog machines and MASSIVE/TONS/LOUD sound effects where being pumped into the park. Phantom Revenge had only one train running, but the lines were non-existent all night with the exception of the haunted attractions. Michael’s not a big fan of roller coasters and we didn’t tell him the second hill was the big one. He really liked it but looked a little strange after getting off. During Phantom Fright Nights, you get to go through that tunnel at the exit of Phantom’s Revenge since Lost Kennywood is closed.

Next up was Noah’s Ark. Neither one of them had ever done anything like this so we decided it would be nice little thing for them. We first noticed the “shaft” was closed and it was being bypassed. Shawna and I were both upset since we figured it was a mechanical thing. We soon were informed that Noah’s animals got loose and were out to get us!! WHOAhhhh!!! What was this? Something new? I can tell you we were all QUITE surprised by this. They turned the whole place into a haunted attraction. Try walking through that moving boat totally in the dark with things jumping out at you was pretty cool! It’s pretty different I’ll tell you that. Two thumbs way up for a unique attraction!

We rode the Turtles (which I’m still upset that they added the grippy seats), and then headed over to Thunderbolt. GREAT ride as always and providing some great pops of air in the front when cresting hills. We had some Potato Patch fries (which you can get at local Ohio grocery stores for those who didn’t know yet). This year they have a new topping, cheddar and bacon. YUM! Shawna had some “Bat Planks.” Word of advice: Eat BEFORE you come this year. There is a very limited amount of food stands open at Kennywood during this time. We played a few games, during which Shawna kicked everyone’s butt in the park at the water shooting games, then hit some more rides.

By this time the sun has been going down and it was time for some haunted attractions. First up Morten Manor. Giant Eagle was giving out free cup cakes in line (I had to fatten up for winter so they gave me a few…hey, I’m a sucker for pumpkin sprinkles.) ALL of Kennywood’s attractions are GREAT. Unlike some parks, their’s are actual long and worth the waits and have some pretty neat tricks. The doctor scene was pretty neat in this one. Next up was Terror Vision 3-D this has to be one of the best 3-D haunted attractions I have ever been to (and I have seen a lot during Halloween). The artwork is so awesome in this place. EVIL clowns are everywhere. Waiting in line these clowns are just out to freak anyone out they can…and they do a great job at it. There are also voices hidden throughout the line making many people paranoid when saying things. Same type of 3-D thing CP uses on their Mummy attraction just better (mainly because of the 3-D art). They also have ghosts that won’t let people group up into one BIG mass, which I think all attractions anywhere should have. Gothic House had a lot of surprises all throughout it around every corner…watch your ankles A LOT in this place!

We rode a few more rides and strolled around the park looking at all the nighttime effects Kennywood has put up. Kennywood has taken all their rides lights off and replaced them with orange and green lights everywhere. That has to take a lot of time and careful unpacking! We then headed over to the Old Mill.

I have heard Old Mill was going to be haunted this year. I don’t know but I think it’s haunted all year around. There isn’t much different this time of year…nothing like Noah’s Ark make over. I think I saw two skeletons that had party hats on them compared to normal. And two scenes changed around a little bit. But nothing out of the normal.

The bumper cars need special mentioning just for the cool effects it has. They have a skeleton driving one of the cars just like last year! They have also added strobe lights and fog to the whole arena. One of the operators has a remote control and just gets to nail people all night long with it. When you go there, check out the skeleton’s rib cage!

The last haunted attraction was Trail of Terror. This is another unique Kennywood attraction. Last year it was a little chaotic, this year they have perfected it! They close down ¼ of the park’s midway and turn it into a haunted trail. I knew about the lady and the baby carriage, but Nicole and Michael didn’t. They made the fatal mistake of going over to her. After reviving Nicole’s heart again, we got to sign the Death book and make our way through the attraction. WOW talk about some good actors and this one girl could REALLY scream a spine tingling scream scaring you even if you knew she was there! It soon was around midnight and we had to head out for the night.

Phantom Fright Night’s is a MUST for anyone looking for a GREAT Halloween activity. You can’t beat the price for all Kennywood has to offer this year. Go check it out!!

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"The Future of Roller Coasters"
-RollerCoasterGod
Haunted Ohio Parks...you've been warned!!
*** This post was edited by RollerCoasterGod 9/16/2003 5:56:28 PM ***

Cool TR. I was a little disappointed to be missing Universal's HHN this year, but knowing that I'll be able to make a stop at Kennywood for PFN, then reading this TR, helps make up for it a little bit :)

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www.coasterimage.com
Dorney Park Visits in 2003: 17

Ok, I still have yet to decide if I'm gonna do PFN or not. I like looking at Halloween stuff in parks, but I cannot stand being scared. I've always hated Halloween, but I feel really bad not going to my homepark's Halloween weekends, especially since I've been asking for post-Labor Day dates at the park for a long time.

Question is: for someone who's as afraid, skittish and wussie as a 4-year-old girl when it comes to haunted houses and such, will PFN leave a bad impression with me? If I have to be scared of jumping out of my skin every 10 seconds, I want no part ... any help?

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Brett
Resident Launch Whore

I am so glad that someone noticed the thousands upon thousands of light bulbs that we changed or gelled within a week's time. Talk about carpal tunnel syndrome. It's a hell of a task, and there's only a few people doing it all, but I think that's what really pushes this event over the top. The entire park is eerie and foggy, not just at a couple haunted areas like at some parks.

There's another haunted attraction, too. Fort Despair is a haunted battlefield located behind kiddieland and the Aero 360. It wasn't open for opening weekend, but will be open beginning this week for every Saturday, and on subsequent busy Fridays.

(Oh, and that Trail of Terror is actually called the "Kennyville Cemetery." But I won't nitpick. ;) )

Glad you had a good time, don't forget to tell your friends.

Gonch, let me know if you're coming out.

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Isn't it nice, sugar and spice, luring disco darlings to a life of vice.

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Impulse-ive said:
Ok, I still have yet to decide if I'm gonna do PFN or not. I like looking at Halloween stuff in parks, but I cannot stand being scared. I've always hated Halloween, but I feel really bad not going to my homepark's Halloween weekends, especially since I've been asking for post-Labor Day dates at the park for a long time.

Question is: for someone who's as afraid, skittish and wussie as a 4-year-old girl when it comes to haunted houses and such, will PFN leave a bad impression with me? If I have to be scared of jumping out of my skin every 10 seconds, I want no part ... any help?

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Brett
Resident Launch Whore

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I know how you feel, Brett. WIth Knotts as my home park, I STILL haven't gone to Haunt, cause I just don't like being scared/startled. I've gotten to the point now where I can go to SFMM and do their Fright Fest stuff, but Knotts is a step above in terms of scariness. I think that haunted stuff is cool, but it makes me so uncomfortable at times I question whether I'm having fun or not.

Moosh swears he's going to get me to go to Haunt one of these days, but I have my doubts. ;-)

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Mike Miller - If I went to Kennywood's Fright Nights, I would probably hide in Phantom's station all night long...

RCGod, you mean the frozen bags from Giant Eagle that say Kennywood on them? Yeah, not really Patch fries, but close enough.

Also, there isn't really anything different with the Mill except a few people inside scaring..but that depends on what we feel like doing. Glad you like it, it really does look like a different place compared to mid-season.
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2002/2003
KWTM

Thanks for the the TR! I'm praying I will get to go the weekend on PPP. It sounds amazing!

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-Sean Newman

kpjp -- believe me, we noticed the lights, even on Friday. Last year, as well. Amazing how much effort Kennywood put forth.

Even the lights in the new bathrooms were colored (gels, I'm guessing). Absolutely fantastic.

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--Greg, aka Oat Boy
My page
"The safety word is 'banana'." -- Family Guy

Yes, it is an amazing event and a must-see for Kennywood fan. I have only one tip. Go on a Friday. Since most High School football games are played on fridays I think that may be why there was no crowd last friday. All the rides were walk ons, and my stand had no more than 3 people in line at any given time. Saturday is a different story. I wanted about 35 min to walk-thru the Kennyville Cemetery, and it was well worth it(even though I went through it the night before too). I hoping to get some ride time in this weekend after I get off. I still havent experienced Terror Visions in 3-D(sp?), or the new Kiddieland attraction i've been hearing so much about. Well if anyone is planning on coming out to the park, stop by Pizza Warehouse, We're offering a new Buffilo Checkin Pizza that I think is exclusive for Fright Nights but since this is my first year working at the part I wouldn't know. Thankx all!

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Kennywood Team Member Since July 2003
Phantom Fright Nights Fridays & Saturdays
September 12 - October 25

Y'know, our original intent was to put black lights in the bathrooms. We even tried it in one of them, but changed them out before we opened. Something about glowing urine that I just find incredibly funny.

Last week only the T-Bolt bathrooms were gelled, this week all of them are.

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Isn't it nice, sugar and spice, luring disco darlings to a life of vice.

Okay which rides exactly are open for PFN? From the sounds of this TR, I really want to go, but need to know which rides are available.

Thanks!

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You suck big time.

The last time I was at work(which was on saturday), they had the following rides open

Phantom's Revenge(duh)

Thunderbolt

Racer

Jack Rabbit

Paratrooper

Swing Around

Aero 360

Turtle(I heard this was only up cause the King Kahuna is down ask kpjb for comfirmation)

Pirate

Volcano(Enterprise)

Music Express

Bar'yn Kurve(sp?)

Grad Prix

Old Mill(haunted)

Noah's Ark(haunted)

Mortem Manor(sp?, haunted)

Kennyville Cematery(sp?)

Terror Visions in 3-D(haunted)

Skycoaster

Thers also 2 more haunted attractions theres one by the jack rabbit and theres gonna be a new one in kiddieland.

Hope this helps!

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Kennywood Team Member Since July 2003
Phantom Fright Nights Fridays & Saturdays
September 12 - October 25

Michael, it's spelled Bayern Kurve:)

The Turtle and Kangaroo are back-up rides. If a ride is down on that day like the King Kahuna was last weekend then either the Kangaroo or Turtle will open, or if the park get's really busy then one or both of them will open.

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Assistant Webmaster,
Kennywood Boulevard

Sweet deal, thanks for posting that list!

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You suck big time.

Just a note to all peeps that have plans to attend PFN. The ark will be closed on Friday, September 19th because of a "Private Party for Izzy"

...just to let you know....

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Kennywood Team Member Since July 2003
Phantom Fright Nights Fridays & Saturdays
September 12 - October 25

God I love Kennywood, that is the coolest thing to do ever! I think I should visit just because they put that sign up, way too cool.

Oh, the gravy-cheese-fries wouldn't hurt either.

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You suck big time.

I'll have some of the fries, but I'll skip the gravy (more for Joe).

I'm hoping against hope *something* is down on the phirst phriday in October so I can get me some Turtle...:)
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Don't forget your cheese-on-a-stick while you're there!

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--Greg, aka Oat Boy
My page
"The safety word is 'banana'." -- Family Guy

Is the cheese-on-a-stick stand open for PFN?

Yep. It's the (really) green stand next to the Aero.