"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make Believe".

I know this is not coaster related, but it is symbolic to the industry. Kennywood placed in 1989 a $1.2 million ride at Idlewild Park in Ligonier. Of course, it was themed to the Mister Rigers tv show on WQED in Pittsburgh and it is still the most popular ride at the family themer.

I am just going to comment that it is great family attraction. If anyone out there has experienced this ride, and also spent time in their 'younger' days watching Fred Rogers' great show, leave a happy memory. I guess myself being a Pittsburgh native, I will have a photo I took of the ride blown up for my office wall. It will be a great story of one of America's classic parks.

Here is a link of comments from Idlewild's GM Jerome Gibas.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/s_120982.html
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"What do I know, I only work in an Amusement Park?"

I rode it for the first time this year....

I grew up watching Mr. Rogers (a very distant relative of mine :) ) every day for years. I had another recent experience with him during the taping of one of his last shows. My teacher/colleague/friend was invited to perform on the program. (he felt really honored to be on.....after 150 solo concerts a year for 25+ years his surprise and honor to be invited was a testament to how special the show was).

I visited Idlewild the first time this year. I was unaware of the ride, but decided to wait 15 minutes and check it out. I was VERY impressed, and it brought back many childhood memories of the show. The ride is first class, and spectacular for the kids. If you are at Idlewild, check it out! :)
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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

RIP Mr. Rogers.

"Come along. Come along....to the Castle Hug -N- Song"

Oh yes! This ride is a classic IMO.

-Sean

I've never seen pictures or even heard of this ride. I would really appreciate more comments and a little description it as well! Sounds like one of the hidden gems of the park world that I may need to go visit in the near future. I don't vividly remember watching the show when I was younger, but I know he was a great person along with the show itself.

-Danny
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The Better You Look the More You See...

If you go to Idlewild.com the ride is described in good detail. They also built identical trolleys at Lake Compounce for guests to ride to the catering areas.

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The Empire will Strike Back....

*** This post was edited by Agent Johnson 2/28/2003 9:09:18 PM ***

Koaster King said:
... but I know he was a great person along with the show itself.

He left the world a better place for all of us, especially children.

The ride has surprisingly some of the nicest non-Disney/universal audio animatronics I have seen, and outdoors nonetheless! It's a fun ride through the whole Land of Makebelieve and all it's characters, ending at the castle. A real hidden jem if you ask me. Sure it's corney at times for adults, but top-notch and world class for the kids. (I had fun too :) )

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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

Her is the link to the ride photos.

http://www.idlewild.com/mr.cfm

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"You are paying to get in. Period."

Fred Rogers actually consulted on the construction of the ride and provided the voicals for the charactors. He was originally from Latrobe, not far from Idlewild.

He will be missed, his show was one of my favorites as a child, and I belive he was the genuine artical, he was just as nice and caring in real life as on the show.

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"If you make it too smooth, it'll be like sitting in your living room."
-Bill Cobb - Designer, Texas Cyclone

Awww man! Sr. Rogers was a second father to me...

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"Know thyself!"