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Structure
Interesting Questions, Facts and Information
- There are a total of 15 general entries.
Special Topics
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 Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information
 Kennywood Park
West Mifflin. Kennywood is officially located on Kennywood Boulevard in the borough of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.
Phantom's Revenge. In 1991, the Steel Phantom debuted at Kennywood, breaking existing records with its 220-foot drop and speeds of about 80 miles per hour. However, the Phantom got a reputation as what coaster nuts call a 'head banger', as the configuration of its loops and other elements caused riders to come off with a neckache. In 2001 the coaster was revamped, with the upside-down elements being removed, and re-named 'The Phantom's Revenge'. Its top speed is a whopping 85 miles per hour!
Laser Loop. The Laser Loop was a big deal when it debuted in 1980. It was Kennywood's first upside-down coaster, of the shuttle loop variety which propelled riders out of the station, through the loop, and then backwards through the loop. It was demolished in 1990 to make way for the Steel Phantom. As of 2002 the Laser Loop resides in Six Flags in Mexico City.
Carousel. The first ride at Kennywood was a hand-carved, three-row carousel by G A Dentzel of Philadelphia. The carousel was placed in a pavilion in the center of the park, which houses another carousel there today.
Pippin. The Pippin was designed by John Miller in 1924. It utilized the ravine at the south end of the park and cost {$60,000.} In 1968, mechanical superintendent Andy Vettel re-designed the Pippin as The Thunderbolt, expanding on the existing track. The Thunderbolt was an immediate hit, and is still a favorite of many coaster enthusiasts.
Log Jammer. The Log Jammer is a flume ride built in 1975 at the cost of {$1,000,000.}
Fall Fantasy. The Fall Fantasy Parade, held nightly the last week of summer, is a tradition began in 1950. The parades, which feature clowns, floats, and local high school bands, were originally a publicity stunt to increase attendance for the last days of the season.
Monongahela. The park is situated on a cliff overlooking the Monongahela, or The Mon, as it's known locally.
Potato Patch. Kennywood is famous for its thick, fresh french fries from the Potato Patch. The park serves more than 450,000 pounds of Idaho potatoes each year, topped with cheese, gravy, or salt and vinegar. Yum!
They're all dark rides. One of Kennywood's claims to fame is that it has a large number of dark (or 'spook') rides, which are becoming increasingly rare in the modern amusement park. Its oldest is the Old Mill, a haunted boat ride originally built in 1901 and refurbished many times over the years. Another relic is Noah's Ark, a walk-through funhouse themed after the biblical story. It was built in 1936 at the cost of {$20,000,} and given a modern makeover in 1996. Le Cachot, a cheesy ride-through haunted castle, was added in 1972. The Gold Rusher, in which guests ride through a 'haunted mine' in 'mine cars', was built in 1981.
| In 1993, the miniature railroad was redesigned, with Pittsburgh-area historical figures replacing the Cowboys and Indians. One of the figures is a 15-foot statue of Joe Magarac. Who was he? | Kennywood Park, Pittsburgh
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Mythical steelworker. Joe Magarac is sort of the Paul Bunyan of Pittsburgh- a big, hulking legend who worked in the steel mills of the Mon Valley.
Railroad. The Kennywood Railroad is a park favorite, and has been re-themed many times.
Lost Kennywood. 'Lost Kennywood' is a section of the park dedicated to remembering the old-time amusement park of the early 1900s. The shops and rides in this area are designed in an old-time style, and there are old exhibits of park memorabilia scattered around. Rides in this area include the Pittsburg Plunge, a wet ride, with the old spelling of {Pittsburgh;} the Roll-o-Planes, a tumbly ride which Kennywood had to beg to have manufactured {again;} and the Wave Swinger, a favorite that was originally introduced in 1984.
| Which Kennywood roller coaster gained notoriety when it was proclaimed the 'king of coasters' by Robert Cartmell of the New York Times in 1974? | Kennywood Park, Pittsburgh
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Thunderbolt. In 1974, the Thunderbolt was proclaimed by New York Times writer Robert Cartmell as the number one coaster in the United States (he actually rode around the country riding coasters- what a job!). The entrance to the Thunderbolt is decorated with posters quoting the article, as well as the original Top Ten list of wooden coasters.
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