| Thoughts

Kennywood is an oasis amongst the towering industrial skyline of the Pittsburgh area, and an interesting blend of old and modern amusement rides, yet set in some kind of nostalgic bubble.

The park is very green, there is a lot of beautifully detailed landscaping around the park which adds very much to the charm.

Mischievous use of the terrain has been made here, with Jack Rabbit, Thunderbolt and Phantom coasters diving over the edge of the valley the park is set on, with the two woodies mentioned both beginning with a drop, rather than a lift hill which come midway through the rides.

The Whip, Old Mill, Noah's Ark and Carousel provide traditionally styled amusement, which anchor the park's classic personality, while modern rides such as Rapids, Inverter Ships, Top Spin and Screaming Swing don't seem out of place.

Exterminator has to be the best installation of a Reverchon spin mouse ever, the enclosed cookie cutter coaster has extensively themed route, which makes one of the most common coaster journeys a disorientating surprise.

Auto race is a unique car track ride where the cars whiz up and down hedge lined routes, with a chance to slap hands with fellow motorists. I really have no idea how this works, its almost magical, well even the log flume at Kennywood defies gravity and travels upwards!

During my last visit to Kennywood as part of the European Coaster Club US06 Trip, I was very privileged to be walked behind the scenes, or rather underneath the Thunderbolt for some photo opportunities, I really have to express my appreciation for everybody who made this possible. Nonetheless even when I've visited Kennywood without been part of an organised event, the staff have always been extremely welcoming... "... Wow you guys are from England! Do you still have the Blackpool Pleasure Beach?!"

Kennywood has constantly refined and improved itself, despite seeming traditional many of the rides have changed from their original form, the Old Mill ride has had several identities over the years, the Auto Race has had small dips in the track removed and both the Thunderbolt and Phantoms Revenge coasters have had a major redesigns from their original forms to offer a more thrilling rides.

This is perhaps why Kennywood is still around today, unlike many traditional parks which have disappeared, they've constantly evolved the experience to keep its loyal guests coming back yet they haven't damaged the classic atmosphere and charm of the park, a very delicate balancing act that Kennywood have pulled off.

Kennywood is an enchanting and inspiring delight, thanks to a successful blend of well preserved traditional rides, carefully selected modern rides, beautiful landscaping and extremely welcoming staff.

The stormy grey skies were adding a sense of gloom and drama during my last visit to Kennywood so I've included some older and therefore smaller photos to the gallery which show the park on a sunnier day