Kennywood (KW) Discussion Thread

^ Aren't some of those initial animations done with a kind of souped-up version of No Limits? If so, it's impressive how accurate No Limits can be an industry tool of design beyond simply drafting ideas.

The official animation for this ride was not done with No Limits. Also, the ride CAD models themselves are used in the animation model itself (imported), so unless the ride undergoes modifications once in the hands of the animator, are spot on. Speed data is also included, with how fast the ride is at specific points along the entire track length and other information of course. Therefore, the final animation is extremely realistic/accurate.

^Well said. Most animations for B&M coasters are extremely accurate as well. The only ones that seem to change are RMCs. There are always small nuances in the ride layout that are altered between the animation release and the final version. (This happened on Twisted Colossus, Wicked Cyclone, Joker, and Twisted Cyclone to name a few). However the Cedar Fair RMCs had spot-on animations, so it doesn’t apply to all of them.

^Well said. Most animations for B&M coasters are extremely accurate as well. The only ones that seem to change are RMCs. There are always small nuances in the ride layout that are altered between the animation release and the final version. (This happened on Twisted Colossus, Wicked Cyclone, Joker, and Twisted Cyclone to name a few). However the Cedar Fair RMCs had spot-on animations, so it doesn’t apply to all of them.

I know animations have had to be re-worked due to last minute changes in design or tweaks. Sometimes, changes are made once animations are released and as you noticed, no longer match exactly. RMC's from what I recall, do tend to change more last minute than most others.

But at that point, the animation did what it needed to do (advertise), so it's really no big deal obviously. Only enthusiasts will actually notice small differences.

But yeah, B&M for example, I'd assume those designs are bullet-proof by the time the time the animation is being worked on... So those typically tend to be extremely accurate.

Still awesome to see the final renderings and how close they are to the physical ride once opened up. Goes to show just how powerful and accurate CAD packages have become in simulating all that is going on in the design.

Quieter than I thought in here, especially with Steel opening..lol..I want to hear more reviews! Still, I'm planning a trip from MD on Monday. Can I easily enjoy the park within 8 hours? I plan to get there at opening. If there is any plan that can be shared, let me know. I plan on credit grabbing first, then do other things in the park.

Contemplating hitting Steel Curtain about 2 hours after opening, as most will head there first. Smart, or no?

Is Monday a 'summer camp' day?

I've never been to Pitt. Any other things in the area that I should see?

Thanks

I've never been to Pitt. Any other things in the area that I should see?

I am a huge fan of https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/ There are some Dale Chihuly sculptures that are permanently installed there and it makes the experience even more aesthetically pleasing. And if you like visiting during the summer, you'll need to go back for their Christmas lights display in the winter.

I'm not from Pittsburgh, so I don't have much else. We were just really impressed with Phipps.

Looks great!

 

How are the restraints for larger folk. Any comparisons to any other rides?

It’s hard to say, some of the larger riders got on with no problem but we did see some having to get off. Also the picture of the players riding the coaster, a couple had to get off cause the restraint didn’t fit over them.

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I really enjoyed the Carnegie Library. It's a combination art & natural history museum, as well as being an actual library too.

Also take the incline railway up to the top, the views from there are amazing.

Excellent, I'm going to see to doing that.

I went to the Pittsburgh area last year with my (somewhat willing) family.

I don't know if this is too late to get reservations, but I thought that the Bayernhof museum was shockingly good. The house was cool, and the tour guide was amazing.

And if you are the slightest into architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater is super famous.

Steel Curtain is a thrilling and well rounded thrill machine.

There's absolutely tons to do in Pittsburgh; just depends on what sorts of things you're interested in. If you're an animal person at all, they have a pretty fantastic zoo that has two tiny clouded leopard cubs now, and a world class aviary. If you're more into food, well...there's not much Pittsburgh doesn't have for food. Same for beer. Lots of museums. I'd very much recommend going up the Incline for views of the city at night, too, it's absolutely breathtaking from there. Then, events, you have...well, Picklesburgh coming up, maybe a bit of a niche thing, but...you don't go to a city because they do everything the same as everyone else, right?

Looks great!

 

How are the restraints for larger folk. Any comparisons to any other rides?

 

 

It’s hard to say, some of the larger riders got on with no problem but we did see some having to get off. Also the picture of the players riding the coaster, a couple had to get off cause the restraint didn’t fit over them.

 

 

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That's actually not 100% accurate. One player couldn't get on the first ride because they couldn't get the restraint locked properly. But he was able to get on the next ride. He's 6' 6" 330lbs which says alot about the seat design.

They are supposed to install a test seat at the entrance but it's not installed yet. And the sign does state that there's a 300lb weight limit per seat though I don't know how they go about enforcing this.

 

I've never been to Pitt. Any other things in the area that I should see?

 

Strip District for markets, restaurants, etc.

Mt. Washington and the inclines for a phenomenal view of the city.

Pittsburgh Pirates ballgame. PNC Park is beautiful.

Stage AE for outdoor concerts. Check their schedule.

Phipps Conservatory, National Aviary and Pittsburgh Zoo. Great experiences with all.

Rivers Casino if that's your thing.

Lawrenceville and South Side areas are great for food, beer, etc.

Station Square has shopping and restaurants along with Gateway Clipper riverboat sight seeing.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds if you're a soccer fan.

Point State Park. History museum, large park and the large fountain at the point. Great for taking pictures of the rivers and city.

Thanks for all of the recommendations. Now, I'm looking forward to the view.

I absolutely love Pittsburgh. Very underrated city. Shame I've been twice but have not been to Kennywood yet.....

Sorry Phantom, but it looks like Steel Curtain is the new top dog in the park!

Pittsburgh is awesome! Full of great stuff. As far as food and drink goes, I'll post a few recommendations.

1. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina- Awesome, affordable place for the best steak in town. Also, have awesome vegetarian and other meat options. BYOB with no corkage fee, order at counter and assigned a table.

2. Southern Tier/Fatheads- Both awesome breweries. Fatheads has the better food, Southern Tier the better beer (imho).

3. Betos Pizza- Just totally different from most other pizza. Cold provolone and cold toppings. Delicious.

4. Noodlehead- Awesome Thai food, BYOB no corkage.

5. Pamelas/Delucas- Both have awesome breakfast diner food. Delucas feels more 'Pittsburgh.'

No shortage of things to do. Certainly hard to recommend just one thing. Gonnar repeat some things others have said, but take that as a double recommendation. Strip District is an awesome area to explore. South Side and Lawrenceville are quite popular areas at night. Incline to see Mount Washington is great (either one of the two will do the trick. $5 roundtrip). Cathedral of Learning is a marvel of architecture (biased as I went to Pitt). Andy Warhol and Mattress Factory are both niche art museums (can be super interesting if it's your thing), PNC Park is a beautiful stadium to see a ball game (and affordable tickets can always be found on StubHub). You can also do a Gateway Clipper sightseeing cruise at sunset. Check out groupon for discounted tickets. Well worth spending an hour doing this and learning a bit about the city with great views.

HAVE FUN!

So how nuts have the Steel Curtain lines been?

Waited about 90 min Sunday afternoon

Sat in the back row and had quite a bit of vibration going on

I’ll stick with Phantom as still being top dog of the park

I've never been to Pitt. Any other things in the area that I should see?

Pittsburgh resident here... Phipps is cool, and if you like botany it's certainly enjoyable.

My personal favorite attraction is the Heinz History Center, which is a huge museum covering all aspects of the city's history, from industry to sports. I'll second the incline, too; there's two of them, but the Duquesne Incline is better because you can tour a cool little "inner-workings" museum at the top.

Have fun!

Wholey Foods (estab 1912) , Strip District, for some of the cheapest and best dang seafood you will eat ! I used to take a cooler with me whenever I went to Pittsburgh, just for the foods in the Strip District to take home. And Yeah, the Duquesne incline at night is beautiful.

Also, if you are making a trip to Falling Water, there's whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle that's fantastic and another little place with RolloCoaster called Idlewild nearby.

Man, I'm going to have a ball. Better believe that I'm going to do some of this. I'll have the better part of a day to do these things. ☺

So got two days in the area was thinking one day at KW and any suggestions for something close hy too do on the second day?

I'd say they nailed the pacing. It's impressive to see how close the real ride is to the animation.

 

Wow. Great post!

You know I gotta applaud the guys at S&S, I really appreciate the "paused" but straight sections of this coaster, I think it really adds a level of fun and anticipation while riding. Probably my favorite parts of this coaster are the ones where it doesn't do too much, just lets you appreciate the speed while doing some flat track or little bunny hop.

Overall, Steel Curtain looks like a hell of a lot of fun! I hope to see more S&S's like this around the country although I have to admit, some of their supports look SUPER funky! Which I guess when you're not a cookie cutter coaster manufacturer like B&M, that's going to happen!

^ Aren't some of those initial animations done with a kind of souped-up version of No Limits?

 

The official animation for this ride was not done with No Limits.

Right. Which in the quote he specifically says NOT No Limits, but a "souped-up version of No Limits..."

Waited about 90 min Sunday afternoon

Sat in the back row and had quite a bit of vibration going on

I’ll stick with Phantom as still being top dog of the park

We've got a vibration tattletale in the mix! I get it, some of us are loyal. I like Viper @ MM better than Fulll Throttle. But come on, a Morgan reboot? Ugh. Steel Curtain has got to be better! But I love the dissenting opinion!

Is there a go-to seat you prefer on Phantom which would lead you to this kind of opinion?

And if you're near an Eat'n Park, bring home a box of Smiley Face cookies.