Kennywood single-ride lines?

I'm driving home from school this May (Rhode Island to Wisconsin) and I have one open day during the drive to stop somewhere. Initially I wanted to go to Hersheypark, but all of the non-Hershey hotels are booked (must be some kind of event) and the Hotel Hershey is running at more than $300/night, so that's just not realistic.

So, to get to the point, I think Kennywood would be really appealing to me, but because only my parents are driving out to get me, I have no riding partner, I was wondering if Kennywood has single rider lines because that would really be beneficial.

The only ride that you may have an issue with is the Thunderbolt because they require you to have a partner. But, when you get to the platform and tell them you are a single rider, they will pair someone up with you or if no other single riders appear, if there is an extra crew member I've seen them do that on limited occasions.

All other rides you can ride by yourself. None of the rides, however, have separate single rider line queues.

Yeah, what is up with them not letting single riders on empty times? Been there with the family (5) and sometimes it will be 2 + 2 + 1 and if the 1 is solo on some rides they have a worker ride with you. Why can you not just ride by yourself (like the old fashioned cars and such)

Assuming you're referring to T-Bolt, my guess is it has something to do with the intense lateral action entering and exiting the giant helix...safety reason.. ;)

*** Edited 4/11/2006 5:13:49 PM UTC by rollergator***

To my knowledge, the two rider rule on Turnpike is simply for capacity reasons. With the cars fully loaded, the ride barely achieves 300pph--the line would be unbearable if single riders were permitted.

With T-Bolt it is definately a safety factor. With those NAD trains with no seat dividers those laterals in the "helix" section around the station can really throw you from side to side... even with TWO riders per seat. I would hate to think how one rider would be tossed about.

Plus, they're specific about where a larger person and smaller person must be in the seats.

It's not a issue on T bolt unless your the issue. They pair people up very quickly.

Chuck

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RatherGoodBear said:
Plus, they're specific about where a larger person and smaller person must be in the seats.

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Yeah. If I remember correctly, the "smaller" person should board first, so that they will be thrown into the "larger person" in the "helix". If the "larger person" would board first, the "smaller" person might be a whole lot smaller when they get off the ride.

As for the lack of actual single rider lines, generally speaking they're unnecessary. Go, and have fun.

Also, I have no idea how long they're available, but area Giant Eagle grocery stores are once again selling Kennywood tickets for $19.95. They're good any day in May and June, weekdays in July. Not sure about August, I didn't read the sign that carefully while paying for my strawberries last night.

If you're going to Kennywood by way of I376 at the Edgewood/Swissvale exit, you'll see a Giant Eagle on your left shortly after you get off the highway...

Thanks for the advice, I might want to rethink it because obvious Thunderbolt would be important to me, but I'm not sure I want to be tossed around with a complete stranger. But I appreciate all of your input in helping me make a decision.

They're only a complete stranger at the BEGINNING of the ride... ;)

Ha ha, you just have to hang on to the side. Its a little awkward, but its worth it.

DieHARD, it's not that big of a deal. It's a two-minute ride, not a longterm commitment.

I've met some pretty interesting people as a single rider and have no qualms about being knocked around on a ride with someone I don't know.

This is actually quite timely because there is a possibility I'll be in Steubinsville, OH for a weekend in June and plan to make a day trip to kennywood. I may likely be solo that day as well.

Sometimes that complete stranger is a cute little blonde. :)

(and no, I'm not a total pig for saying that - I'm just a man :) )

^ You can't be both, now that you're an old man and all...?

Definitely go, esp if you've never been to Kennywood. Even on a crowded day the ride lines aren't long and except for Thunderbolt and Turnpike we've never run into trouble because someone is a single rider.

And don't let the Thunderbolt thing keep you from going. In my experience, however, single riders sometimes wait a while on the platform for another single to show up. The reason for this is because the signs are well posted, and the locals (who will be the customers at Kennywood that day) are already aware of the policy and don't get in line unless they have a partner. So my suggestion is this, and it works. Hang out in the area near the entrance around the queue and watch groups as they approach. You will spot those who sit out because they are single- this gives you a chance to check 'em out first, then introduce yourself as another single rider and offer to go with them. Beats waiting on the platform only to be forced to ride with God-knows-who.

Pittsburgh people are nice and Kennywood customers are for the most part courteous, well-behaved, dress appropriately, and all that. You should be able to accomplish a few trips on this fabulous ride without much trouble or embarrassment. The single rider thing sucks, but it beats the hell out of seat dividers!

You will have a ball at Kennywood- stay till dark if you can and drink it in.

Definitely stay all day, even if it means you have to re-ride almost everything to fill the time. None of the rides are bad so re-rides will be something youll want anyway. Lines are short, and those that are long really move well, especially Racer, Phantom, and T-Bolt. Exterminator fills up and the line does not move as quickly, so get on that early if you can. You dont necessarily need to rush to it first thing. I suggest hitting the Phantom first, then doing Exterminator b/c the Phantom exits relatively close to Exterminator. After that, hit up Pitt Fall since its close (it may or may not draw a big line...ive seen it both busy and a virtual walk-on). Also, you may want to hit Swing Shot relatively early since its new this year. Other than that, just wander the park, take in the atmosphere, eat the amazing food, and experience the best mix of classic and new thrill rides that exists. *** Edited 4/12/2006 7:37:08 PM UTC by Jeff Reim*** *** Edited 4/12/2006 7:37:47 PM UTC by Jeff Reim***

When my family and I went last year, one of the longer waits we had was for the Turtle of all things! I guess when you are one of only two left in the country people want to ride you.