Trip Planning: Kennywood or PKI?

Hi everyone. I've got a week-long trip coming up and I need to decide between these parks. I've never been to either so I need some help. Were flying into Cleveland and hitting SFWoA for a day and a half, then driving to CP for 2 days. That gives us another 2 days to fill and I'd like to hit one of these parks. Given the two parks I'm already going to, which of these would you suggest? Which park would compliment the other two rather than repeat it? I like to experience the parks in total (flats, shows, etc) if that helps. I'm kind of leaning towards KW with it's unique collection of older rides, but riding the Beasts would be nice too.

Thanks for the help.
------------------
Jeff-Jeff

If I were you and had two days left for parks here is what I would do:

From CP/ I'd head to CLP and Waldameer, and then go to KP the next day. You'll be at large themers for three and a half days, so two days of charming, traditional parks would be a nice way to mix it up a bit.

There's nothing wrong with PKI, either. It's an outstanding park, and one of my favorites.

I will second going to Conneaut Lake Park and maybe Waldameer as well as Kennywood. Conneaut Lake Park can use all the visitors it can get!!!!!

Also if it is in you time budget Niagara Falls is about 4 hours away....though that has been greatly debated in another thread.

------------------
Zero G Thrills - Moved and Improved

You really can't lose. Both are 2 of my favorite parks.. KW would certainly be a change of pace from CP and SFWoA and it would allow you to add a visit to one of the other small parks in Western PA like Lakemont, Idlewild or the one mentioned above. Besides 5 great coasters, don't miss classic rides like the Turtle, Noah's Ark, the Whip and the Kangaroo. Also, for my money, the freshly made fries and corn dogs are fantastic.

If you decide to go to PKI instead, you won't be unhappy either - you can't lose.

Mike
------------------
Laugh your troubles away at Riverview, the world's largest amusement park.

I certainly loooove PKI... and consider it a dont' miss...

But in this case, I think I would opt to head to Conneaut Lake, Kennywood and perhaps Idelwild (which is near KW.) These *seem* a bit closer and are *small* enough that you could manage to hit three parks as opposed to one large one like PKI.

I believe PKI is about 5 hours from CP and/or SFWOA... so that is quite a haul. Of course there is Geagua Lake on the way there... but that is hardly a desitination.

Not sure if you are set on your park rotation... but if it were my pick I'd work up from small to big. Fly into Cleveland, head to Conneaut first, perhaps doing Idlewild the same day (involves driving a good deal) and then Kennywood the next. From there I would head to SFWOA and follow that up with CP. I would finish with CP because out of those choices, CP makes a good grand finale.

------------------
Shaggy

I agree with the suggestion of going to Conneaut and Kennywood. Both parks can easily be one in one day each. And they are parks that most certainly shouldn't be missed. I am a big fan of supporting the small parks, especially Conneaut this year. It's really in need and is most deserving of all of our attendance and support. PKI is great too, but give Kennywood and Conneaut a try...you won't be sorry!

go to pki.Ride the beast at night and you won't be dissapointed.plus SoB isn't to bad at night either.

Both KW and PKI are great parks, you do not need two days at KW it is small enough to get your fill of it in one, PKI would benifit from 2 days. Its a question of what you want, do you want a park with great flats classic woods and a great atmosphere (KW) or a park with a rockem sockem Im going to take your breath away woodie (The Beast, not the pain machine), a great launched coaster, and great atmosphere with a water park and more rides.

My guess is this, if youve been to PKD then go to KW, if not go to PKI. PKD is somewhat similar to PKI so thats why I say that. Just whatever you do make sure to go to the one you dont choose sometime in the near future.

------------------
Summer 03-CP, HP, SFDL, SFNE, SFWOA, and SFGAm.

Ten out of ten times i will go to Kennywood over any other park. Atmosphere, rides, and cost all are the best of the best in the region. I can't think of any ride that isn't unique in some way. I don't think the same can be said for many parks (including WOA, PKI and CP). Finally, while this isn't as overwhelming as the parks themselves, but i think there is more to offer at Pitt than there is at Mason (Cincinnati). But that is just my opinion.

KW is a very interesting park for anyone who has never been there. It is small in size but has some very unique attractions with historical value.

PKI is one of my favorite parks. It has a very large and grand layout and has a lot of expensive attractions. You can tell that they don't cut corners when they expand.

It really depends on what kind of park you want.

------------------
Skyliner is underated.

Thanks for all the help. I think we'll do KW and perhaps one or two of the smaller parks that were suggested. After hitting two big parks they will be a nice change. I haven't been on a Whip in 25 years and I love the classic dark rides. I see they have a Roll-O-Plane at Conneaut. Is it one of the older ones? I love the sound they make when they run - kind of like a giant locust.

I'll just have to plan another trip with PKI as the main park. I'm already feeling overloaded for this trip and don't want to push it.
------------------
Jeff-Jeff

If and when you do go to PKI as the main focus of a trip, some other nearby parks are SF Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville (about 3 hours) and Holiday World (about 4 hours from PKI? or about an hour from SFKK). Also IF it is open again when you plan the trip The Great American Park at LeSourdesville Lake (aka: Americana/LeSourdesville Lake Park) is within an hour of PKI. I only wish they were open this season. I could have and should have went last year. DOH!

------------------
Zero G Thrills - Moved and Improved

Travel time from PKI to those parks is not that long.

From PKI to SFKK is about 1:45

From SFKK to HW is about 1:15

From HW to PKI is about 3 hrs.

However. you have to remember that during daylight savings time you cross time zones when you enter Indiana. You gain an hour going, lose and hour coming back.

------------------
Shaggy

I've been to both parks! I would go with PKI they have more to do and better coasters. Beast is awesome make sure you ride it in the front and in the back durning the day and at night!! PKI!! Kennywood is a nice park but the woodies just don't do it for me. I like a big woodie. Opps did I just say that?

------------------
Where is Drachen Fire? RIP BIG GUY!