*This Article Sponsored By Kennywood*
Kennywood has been around for well over a hundred years, and has been delighting park-goers with thrillingly terrifying, stomach-dropping, whirlwind rides for much of that time. Kennywood rollercoasters, in particular, are some of the best in the nation – Kennywood’s own Phantom’s Revenge was ranked among the fastest coasters in the world, and the Thunderbolt was named fan-favorite. Head to the park yourself the season and see what all the hype is about – you won’t be disappointed.
The Black Widow
Toppling in at well over 90 feet tall, this behemoth of an amusement park rides is Kennywood’s latest attraction. This titan of a ride seats 40 passengers and, while swinging in a pendulum motion, spins riders counterclockwise. You’ll reach heights cresting over 145 feet, and enjoy a grand view of Lost Kennywood – that is, if you don’t first lose your breakfast.
The Exterminator
Neighbor to the Black Widow is the Exterminator – though not to worry, as these two are good friends! Take your love of rollercoasters and dark rides to a whole new level on this thrilling track to hell. Riders 46″ and taller are buckled, four to a cart, and shimmied up an increasingly dark incline. Once in the belly of the beast, riders’ carts take a wild dip, and the rest is history. Prepare for 50 foot drops, twists, turns, and wild spinning, all in the comfort of your own dark universe. Rider beware: This is one wild trip!
Phantom’s Revenge
Yet another Lost Kennywood gem, the Phantom’s Revenge takes the place of the park’s original Steel Phantom. Traveling at speeds in excess of 85 mph, and catapulting riders down 232 foot drops, this mega coaster was named one of the fastest in the world. As you’re careening through this nearly two minute ride, you’ll travel over and under the Thunderbolt, giving you the exciting sensation of near-collision.
Musik Express
This is an old timey-ride that is among one of Pittsburgh’s favorites. The Musik Express is a crazy ride that flips guests around a fast-paced circular track, which causes maximum squishing of the outside rider. A sheer laugh fest, you’ll be hanging on for dear life as this awesome ride pumps out Top 40 beats and flashes wild lights during the chaos. One of the best Kennywood rides, hands-down, this is also an appropriate ride for parents with children 7+. Just remember, you’ll be squished, out of breath, and wild-eyed at the end of this exhilarating ride – a must have to cool-down or dry off after a hot day, or water ride.
Aero360
Top one in terms of belly flipping and dangling by your toes, the Aero 360 is a pendulum-style ride that flips guests on their heads in a 360-degree motion. Rides are strapped in harnesses, with feet dangling, and turn over and over as their heart-pumping experience takes over. Best to ride at night for glorious park watching, as all of the colors of Kennywood come out to play after dark.
Skycoaster
Love para-sailing, bungee jumping, and sky diving? Then this is the flight for you. One-to-three riders are strapped to a nylon harness, and then attached to a cable that pulls them to the top of an 180 foot tall launch tower. Riders are then permitted to release themselves with a parachute-like ripcord and free fall back down to earth, and the nearby paddleboat enthusiasts underneath them. This crazy fun ride is not included with park admission – see Kennywood’s website for further details.
Racer
The only wooden, single track, racing coaster in the entire U.S., the Racer is a Kennywood classic. Riders are strapped into opposing carts, and take off to 40 miles per hour. The sheer glory of this 1920s coaster is catcalling the opposing riders as you dip, twist, turn, and glide down the Racer’s 76-foot drops. Last one to the finish is a rotten egg!
The Thunderbolt
Dubbed the “Ultimate Roller Coaster” by the New York Times in 1974, The Thunderbolt is another Kennywood must-ride. This twisted coaster flips riders around like pancakes, deftly navigating its own sharp bends, curves and drops. The gut-wrenching 90 foot drop at end of The Thunderbolt’s bottom is its pièce de résistance, and glorious finishing touch. Coaster enthusiasts – be sure to put this thrill ride on the top of your bucket list.
This is a “sponsored post,” meaning the company who sponsored the article compensated me for writing the article. The opinions I have expressed, however, are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn’t studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she’s out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
