Kennywood's Old Mill rehab rumor....

Hey all,

I saw this recently http://www.screamscape.com/html/kennywood.html and gave it little thought.

Well, I recently visited Rye Playland and took a spin on their old mill, which was recently redone by Sally Corp. I was blown away...it was superb! If Kenywood would do something similar using their Garlfield characters it could be wonderful. I guess historic preservation would be a concern, though.

So, what are your thoughts? Has anyone else ridden the new Old Mill at Rye? I'd like to see what other's think.....

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- "I used to be in the audio/visual club, but I was kicked out because of my views on Vietnam........and I was stealing projectors" - Homer Simpson

I saw that rumor a few days ago. I'm not real old, but I think that the historic preservation thing would be pretty strong. That is a huge part of Kennywood. I know the whole need for new things idea, but I'm not sure about changing the atmosphere of a ride that is over 100 years old.

As the park lacks significant room for expansion, I could see this as a new marketing campaign, but I think they should leave the Old Mill the way it is.
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The Old Mill is a staple of Kennywood. It is one of the first rides you see when coming out of the tunnel. It is best left to just redo the the theming with new effects, NOT totally redo it into a Garfield 3D experience. That is just, wrong. It would totally ruin the Old Mill experince and its historical value.

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The odd thing about that is that Kennywood *just* completely rehabbed the Old Mill, with a new mill wheel, new decorations, new surveillence systems (no more ride ops sleeping inside!) and who knows what all else.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

I like the idea, but I don't really like the choice of the Old Mill. I'd rather see them choose one of their cheesy dark rides to change instead of that ride.

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I wonder if they can redo the old "Le Cachot" space into a new ride.

Dave: interesting...didn't know that!

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- "I used to be in the audio/visual club, but I was kicked out because of my views on Vietnam........and I was stealing projectors" - Homer Simpson

It would be kinda sill having a ride called The Old Mill themed to Garfield.;) I like it the way it is.

I would have liked to see Noah's Ark before the rehab a few years ago.

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It would be just a little bit difficult to put anything in the "Le Cachot" building considering it was razed after a fire broke out in it (after the ride was permenently closed and the interior removed).

A "retrofit" of the scenes in the Old Mill is definitely warrented. Historically I would like to see examples of the effects that were used when the ride was originally built, but I'm afraid that todays patrons would find them REALLY boring. Perhaps examples of scenes and stunts from each era would add an informative as well as entertaining touch.

I rode Dorneys Journey To The Center Of The Earth while it was still there and the scenes were on the dull side. The main one I remember that was pretty cool was a huge spider and the web with a person wrapped up in it.

I imangine they aren't going for a high tech factor with the Old Mill. It's more so a ride that will appeal to a family with smaller kids. I imangine it could still be pretty creepy for a kid between 3 and 6 though.
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*** This post was edited by coasterpunk 8/14/2003 6:10:24 AM ***

I'd personally be shocked, and dismayed, if Old Mill were redone with Garfield. I think redoing a few of the scenes wouldn't be a bad idea (the one with the skeleton holding the broken rifle, for instance), but not sticking in a sickeningly cute fat cat who'll whore himself out to any little park (did you know Garfield is also the mascot at Silverwood?)

The Old Mill actually still attracts a decent line at times, so it's not like it's an "obsolete attraction".

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--Greg, aka Oat Boy
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This is pretty what I expected. I thought don't change it, until I rode the Rye one. Now, my thoughts on Garfield are mixed, even though I like him, but if they have Sally just bring up the scenes and figures up to the standards of their products, but still along the lines of the current/classic ride, it might be REALLY interesting.

Dutchman: I forgot Le Cachot was razed. I just remembered it being shut down.

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- "I used to be in the audio/visual club, but I was kicked out because of my views on Vietnam........and I was stealing projectors" - Homer Simpson

I'm all for Kennywood rehabbing the Old Mill, but I don't really think it makes too much sense. Why turn a quaint, historically significant attraction into a 3-D Garfield ride?

If Garfield were to appear in any dark ride at Kennywood, I think theres one that makes perfect sense: The Gold Rusher. That ride's pretty much a big dud, in my opinion, and would benefit from an overhaul.

I don't like the idea at all!!! Both of the dark rides at the park need re-themed in a bad way, the Gold Rusher and the Old mill. Now re-themeing the Old mill as Garfield and odie?? If anything they should make the ride more scarier...not Garfield. I never liked he idea when Garfield and odie came into the park as mascots. I think there just going a little too over board with this...in my opinion. Let's just hope it's not true.

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*** This post was edited by KpExpress 8/14/2003 10:54:45 AM ***

I love the Old Mill as it is. It isnt meant to be a scary, state-of-the-art thrill ride. It is a peacefull, relaxing, and fairly humorous ride that many people enjoy for its nostalgic feel. I believe kennywood realizes this and would not make a change such as this.

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Mac Forever.

I rode Rye's Old Mill both pre and post Sally Corp rehab. While Sally did update the scenes and add a few stunts they retained the original story. In other words Rye's Old Mill just got newer, meaner trolls ;)

I'm all for Sally Corp doing the same to Kennywood's Old Mill...so long as they don't drastically change the theming. I like Garfield but don't feel he'd be appropriate for the Old Mill.

mOOSH

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Old Mill needs REDONE BADLY!!!!!!!!!!

That ride use to be great around 10 years ago!

The ride recieved MANY new looks outside since it's damage but it's being TORN APART on the inside.

SOOOooo MANY effects don't work anymore. The guy trying to get the keys to escape from the jail, A LOT of saloon effects, cemetery effects, etc. This ride doesn't need "up to date" theming, just fix and restore the motors, and sound effects for this ride. It's so sad just seeing all the props just sit their motionless now. Even Gold Rusher has more of it's effects working than Old Mill.

It's starting to remind me of Disaster Transport...something that once was.

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Dutchman said:
It would be just a little bit difficult to put anything in the "Le Cachot" building considering it was razed after a fire broke out in it (after the ride was permenently closed and the interior removed)....

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And now there is a new bathroom there, which, if I may add, are quite nice. :)

If any dark ride gets rethemed, it should be the Gold Rusher. It is very out of date and cheesey looking now. Good 80's style dark ride theming, but not at today's standards.

I got a great idea! Instead of turning the Old Mill into Garfield and Odie's really stupid adventure, spend the money on a new dark ride, like Laff-in-the-Dark. It was in the current Pastime building (which I think is a terrible waste of space).

Just my 2 cents.

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*** This post was edited by The_Lost_Phantom 8/14/2003 5:38:10 PM ***

I find it interesting how many people would change the Gold Rusher because it's "out of date," however when you mention doing the same thing at the Old Mill, you can't because it's "historic."

Sort-of like how a 17 year old car is a piece-of-crap, but at 20 it magically becomes a "classic."

There is nothing historic about any of the Old Mill scenes. Most of them are even newer than those in the Rusher.

That being said, I hate Garfield. The only way I'd agree with it was if I could shoot Garfield. Shoot him a lot.

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The_Lost_Phantom said:

I got a great idea! Instead of turning the Old Mill into Garfield and Odie's really stupid adventure, spend the money on a new dark ride, like Laff-in-the-Dark. It was in the current Pastime building (which I think is a terrible waste of space).

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*** This post was edited by The_Lost_Phantom 8/14/2003 5:38:10 PM ***

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I dont like that Idea at all. I spend time in the pasttime area with my Grandma every year, playing the dime tic-tac-toe games. It's actually quite relaxing, and its something ANYBODY can do(and I mean that in the most literal way) As for these Garfield rumors, I honesty dont believe them. I think it was a joke that got way out of control. I also think that it would be TERRIBLE if such a thing happend. Major themeing updates would be great, as long as they keep the overall feel of the ride. Its still gotta be semi-spooky.

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