At an amusement park you hear the crackling and rumbling
roar of roller coasters, piped organ music of the Merry-go- round and a
prevalent hum of screams and
laughter. One of my blog inspiration
books, Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a (Disney) Little Golden Book reminds us that life can be a
“super-cali-fragi-listic new day !”. That
is just what you can get at an amusement park that screams of fun or fear-
depending on your age and the ride- but fear is part of the fun! Kennywood Park with 6 coasters and more, not only gives you a riding thrill but also a nostalgic stroll as
it elicits memories for many Pittsburghers from their childhood, teen years,
and times with their children.
Reflection
Similar to zoo visits (Day 294 ), when our kids are grown we might
forget to make a “childless” Kennywood
day. It’s been years since I ventured to
Kennywood but this time there was no one to keep entertained, no stress about winning
a stuffed animal (which was always a big deal since I have no game skills) and no
end of the day kid meltdown. You can
have a day where you get to be the kid and play, and where fond memories surface at every turn.
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| The Racer-always fun to heckle the opposite train |
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| The Thunderbolt- road it 4 times |
I have always been a roller coaster girl and avoid spinning attractions since even a car
ride can elicit my motion sickness. The park has three vintage (1920’s) wooden coasters, the Jackrabbit,
Racer, and Thunderbolt. The Jackrabbit
was the first “big” coaster that my son was tall enough to ride. Our belly butterflies stemming from the 70 foot double dip always
made us run back for more. The Racer,
the only coaster in the US with one continuous
track, produced heckling as my son and I rode on opposite
trains and competed to win. I remembered riding the rebuilt Thunderbolt that
was voted the number one coaster by the New York Times in the l970’s. Back then, it seemed like the fastest thing around.
The Phantoms Revenge produced anticipatory fear during the slow rhythmic clicks climbing straight up with a view of the entire park before it dropped the famous 200 plus feet. On my first ride I shut my eyes but on the second, my hands were up and yes, I screamed both times. The park has two more coaster “thrillers”, The Exterminator, an indoor dark twister and The Ski Rocket, that takes to you from 0-50 mph in 3 seconds.
I am not sure if it was the present thrill of these coasters or my memories that fueled my youthful enthusiasm to ride. My friend and I raced hand in hand from coaster to coaster, riding with our hands up, laughing and occasionally screaming.
Kennywood has plenty of spinning rides for those vertigo lovers. I enjoyed watching the screamers on the Aero (360 degree spinning arrow) and the Black Widow (huge round circle that also spins 360 degrees) safely from the ground holding my ice cream.
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| There is always a fantastic show |
The park still offers quality shows and there are a barrage of event days still to come. Some are
just for adults like Brew in the Park (September 22, 2018) and on Oldies Day (September 9th) 55+ get to ride for $9.99. I remember Italian Day at the park was always a family affair where my
grandma came and just held all our stuff. (see schedule here)
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| My day always seems to end with a Merry-go-round ride |
The park continues to add rides and evolve with Thomas Town just opening but it also keeps its classic charm with walk through attractions like Noah's Ark that has been around in some form since 1936. Kennywood still thrills but more importantly, it brings us back to our past. A day at Kennywood encourages you to play, propelling you into your own personal “Super-cali -fragi-listic” Day!
Spiritual
Reflection
You
make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at
your right hand are pleasures forevermore. ( Psalm 16:11)
Other Sources