Photo TR: KennyKon

Arriving at Kennywood shortly before ERT started, I noticed the new front entrance. This one really stands out and makes it look really nice. Getting our admission, badges, and itinerary, we were off to ride. First up was Racer ERT. It was only running 2 trains, but the line moved fast. Soon we were off doing hand-slapping with other enthusiasts, handcuffing, trying every trick to speed up and win, and even got double laps. After a ride, it was getting hot, sowe went to the Log Jammer. It was nice and cool and not too wet. Most ACErs had made their way over to Thunderbolt, so we decided to rack up a few more rides on Racer before heading over. Both were running really well, but neither one is a top woodie for me. They’re more classic feeling. After a ride on T-bolt, the park was opened to the public and we queued up for Phantom’s Revenge. It was only running 1 train, but we didn’t wait too long. Wow has this thing improved in my eyes. Although it is pretty short, its extremely fast and has violent airtime. They removed the mid-course trim this year and that makes the ending even more amazing. It made its way up on my list right below the Intamin hypers.

The law of Kennywood kicked in at this point and we rode Pitt Fall, Exterminator, the Whip, Noah’s Ark, and then Gold Rusher with a stop for tacos along the way. The park never got too crowded, mainly because of the threat of rain and a nearby free Grand Prix in the city. This would enable us to ride pretty much everything in the park with no wait at all. We headed over to Jack Rabbit for our ride and took in the Kangaroo, Aero 360, Swing Around, Carousel, Volcano, Magic Carpet, Auto Race, and even managed to ride Lil’ Phantom thanks to the newly removed “Must have a kid to ride” rule. A bonus “cha-ching!”. We also rode the newly renovated Old Mill/Garfields Nightmare. None of us were happy. The ride basically makes no sense at all, and although cute for kids, its lost all of its classic charm. If they're going to go the awful blacklight paint route, they may as well add guns and targets and let us shoot at Garfield.

Then it decided to rain again, but we saw it coming and took cover in the arcade for some hockey, Rampage, and other classic arcade games. Then it was over to the Picnic Grounds for some chicken, pasta, macaroni salad, fresh fruit, sodas, nachos, and pork sandwiches. I left shortly after eating, skipping the Phantom ERT, because I had to drive 4+ hours home depending on traffic or accidents on the Turnpike. I’m not sure how good Phantom was at night, or how crowded it was, but my 3 rides during the day were great, so it couldn’t have been bad at all at night.

In short, it was a great weekend with a fantastic group of friends. KennyKon went really well, especially compared to some other ACE events I've been to or heard about in the past couple of years. The event was well organized, the park was prepared for us, and everyone had a lot of fun. Thanks to all the organizers of the event, the park for continuing to host it, and Coaster Team Pittsborg for helping me whore around their region.

The Kangaroo has some great airtime for an older ride

The group is not happy at the changes to the Old Mill

Car 54, where are you?

Which means Cha-Ching!

Oooh, big change this year!

Phantom throws in some violent airtime after the Turtle turn

Showing off my blingage in the giftshop

The Whip sans roof

We rode Exterminator for Rat Tums

Pitt Fall, named for being in Pittsburgh, not for the classic Activision game of the same name.

The obligatory shot of Phantom's big drop into Thunderbolt

When the heat arrives, cool down on Log Jammer, the parks "water coaster"

ERT on Racer

Mmmm, Intamin Drop and a sweet Arrow/Morgan coaster (did I just say sweet and Arrow and Morgan in the same description??)

Kennywood's new entrance

More pictures from KennyKon

Jack Rabbit may now have an ugly logo, but it still has great airtime!

Or checking out Gluttenfree's package?

Dodging the rain?

Is it from watching the African acrobat show?

Why is Janna tired?

The Aero 360, usually has a wait, but today it did not

Although it was a weekend, it wasn't very crowded

Wow, do they ever run two trains on the Phantom?

KennyKon is a class event. I'll likely never get to one again since you have to be an ACE member, but I do recommend it for those that are in ACE, as the park really does a great job during the event. Of course, Kennywood is one of the best parks on the planet, so almost any time is a great time to visit...

dt

Hey Dave,

They do run two trains but never in the morning. They always start out with one, then when crowds get heavier they run 2. Which makes no sense to me either. Every other coaster starts out with 2 trains. Why can't PR? I don't think we'll ever know.

Great TR, by the way Derek. I'm sure I would have ran into you at the park, but my boss thought it was funny to work me all day Sunday. He was oh so nice! Glad you had a great time. I heard the ERT on the phantom at night wasn't that bad. three train wait, and a double ride.

No mention of patch fries? Uh oh! That isn't good! Patch Fries RULE!

Katie, who wishes she could have gone!