Opening Day at Kennywood, 05/01/04

It was running all day today, I'd assume it would be tomorrow.

I'll be off, of course, continuing our tradition of avoiding each other. :)

Ha!

You think I don't call ahead and find out if you're going to be off?

That's what I figured.

For the record, there was only one train running on PR today (May 9th) - but the crowds were so light that the wait was still 15 - 20 minutes.

Yeah, Mother's day has never been crowded in the decade-and-a-half that I've worked there. You picked a good day to go.

Mother's day must not be crowded at ANY park. We've consistently found mostly empty conditions wherever we visit on Mother's day. Mom's don't dig coasters, I guess.

Is it just me or does PR keep getting a little better (and a little faster)?

Yesterday it was hauling serious ass - to the point where the ride really felt out of control. Good, good stuff. I like it a little more with each season and more rides. It really has earned a spot among the best of the best. The only thing stopping it from challenging the likes of S:ROS for the top spot is the length. It's just over too quick. Slap on another 1000 feet or so of the bunny hop goodness and it would easily hold its own at the top of many enthusiast's lists.

Easily one of the best 5 coasters I've been on...and it inches up a little with each ride.

Now do something about the season pass thing :) - We'd basically live at the park if the passes were available. As it stands now, we probably won't get back until Fright Nights.

Also another little side note. The dude taking the money in the preferred parking area noticed the kids in the back of the car, kind of leaned down and in the window and wished my wife a Happy Mother's Day. It's little things like that that can make a good park great - or in the case of Kennywood, a great park outstanding. Just a little piece of customer service that took no effort and started a guest's day off on the right foot. At Dorney the ride ops, sweeps, almost everyone would do the same thing. I wish other parks would either promote this mindset to employees or find employee's who cared enough. I honestly believe it takes less effort to win a guest over in little ways like this than to piss them off enough that they won't return (ahem, SFWOA).

At any rate:

Park empty, Phantom outstanding, Kennywood still America's finest traditional amusement park :)

If you all would ride Garfield's Nightmare, or even stood in line for like 10 minutes, everyone would have a well informed background knowledge of the Old Mill and it's MANY changes.

KP EXPRESS is right, the "Nightmare" is not the only Garfield themed ride in the park. Not only that, but because of the new ride, there is also a "Garfield themed" gift shop and food stand and game. And for years now, Garfield has been slowly taking over Kenny with the gift shops, prizes, etc as such.

The change should not have been much of a surprise. Any one could have asked nearly anyone in the park or even general area and some one could have told you. I've known about this change since last June, and I know others on this board has known as well.

Freakylick... you wrote

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Another comment regarding Garfields Nightmare is the name...it is a little misleading

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If you think about it, the title is not misleading at all. It's Garfield's Nightmare. Not yours or the riders. Therefore it foreshadows a ride about a nightmare Garfield had. Besides, why would Kennywood have a ride that would make children afraid of Garfield then PAY people to dress up like Garfield and walk around the park? If you ask me, Old Mill is more misleading. MANY children have come off that ride in tears.