Ranking All The Roller Coasters At Kennywood Park (Pittsburgh PA)

Being my home park, I realized that I never actually "ranked" their entire coaster collection. @KennywoodOfficial has a nice selection of roller coasters ranging from beginner family coasters, to more intense thrill machines. The park also represents a good collection of classic and modern roller coasters. I have ridden every roller coaster, including the kiddie coaster, so I think I'm prepared to rank them!
Video Credits:
Movie clip from "Terminator 2: Judgement Day"
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[@Joypyf]

The fact Exterminator is almost in complete darkness makes it soooo much better than other wild mouse coasters! Highly underrated coaster! 💯

[@SupremeGang420]

It really does make it better in almost pitch black

[@MrCubsfan3]

It’s SO well-themed too!

[@paulmango2857]

This place is my childhood! It’s awesome to see that you are fond of it too!

[@Catchstrays]

Same

[@pizzarolls2914]

Same here love every part of it

[@tomodachijustin3394]

I completely agree with you about your ranking for the T Bolt. As an operator, I've even gotten a bit frustrated when there were times where we could absolutely need a second train on the track but only used 1. There are reasons for this involving the operator's level of knowledge of the ride and if they were trained to operate 2 trains or not and it is confusing. Hopefully when Kennywood opens back up, this will be fixed and maybe the ride itself will be different since it has all new track.

[@kinnered]

Reshikrom 813 wait this got new track?!

[@kinnered]

Does that mean smoother or looks?

[@keithchristner4522]

Oh cool. I always thought that it needed retracked desperately. I was even thinking it would of been a good RMC candidate. But hopefully the retrack will help it out as is.

[@keithchristner4522]

I love that Phantom still has the original Arrow lift hill, with the unmistakable Arrow roll back clank.

[@anythingrandomlytaped8288]

It surprises me that the roller coaster with the most inversions in America has only 9 when in the UK there are going to be 3 with 10 or more when Flamingo Land opens its new ride.

[@XscreamThrills]

Yeah and it took forever to even get 9 inversions.

[@hiibob2618]

yes but those coasters like colossus sucks

[@coolbean259]

Yeah it took us a while to get over 7

[@ragingbulltaking268]

Colossus is great. Amaricans🙄

[@hiibob2618]

raging bull taking No ❤️

[@FullTimeCoasterTour]

Heading to Kennywood for the first time ever today! Coudn't be more excited. Thanks for helping my get prepped! 😄

[@XscreamThrills]

Have fun!

[@MillenniumForceMan]

In my opinion, steel curtain is the best coaster in the park cuz of its excellent pacing and the fact that it does everything but phantom is legendary as well, 2 of my favorite coasters for sure

[@ricecrispy7951]

Shocked that Thunderbolt was so low! Starting with a drop and working through the topography are unique.

[@Stagnant_Gravy]

I was suppose to be a ride op this season at KW 😞 Hopefully I get a new orientation date in the coming weeks.

[@anonbunni]

July 11!

[@jackbyrne7649]

Thunderbolt is such a peculiar ride bc I love it, but it totally depends on which side of the train either left or right you sit on, coupled with how big you are. I’m a big guy and sat with smaller people so I never got smooshed. Therefore, this is my favorite woodie at the park, but I can understand some people’s dismay.

[@XscreamThrills]

The best part of riding Thunderbolt is "smooshing the smaller person" :)

[@warmerparty3862]

Thunderbolt actually was made by Andy Vettel, who was Kennywood's head of maintenance at the time. The trains for Thunderbolt and Jackrabbit were by National Amusement Devices, but they didn't make the coasters. John A. Miller made Jackrabbit and Racer. Also, I did want to let you know that row 11 is best on Phantom's Revenge.

[@kevin-727]

Of course Phantom is number 1. My favorite as well. I would have Steel Curtain #2, Thunderbolt #3 then Sky Rocket, Racer, Exterminator, Jack Rabbit and Lil Phantom. Cannot wait to ride them again, hopefully soon.

[@JessieGossett]

This is a great video! As a fellow Pittsburgher, I can safely say that these have been ranked well. The only one out of these I haven't ridden yet is The Steel Curtain. I'm going to Kennywood on Friday and if the line is short enough, I'm definitely going to get on it!

[@KiskiDivisionRailroad]

In regard to Thunderbolt's operations: The ride will add its second train when the queue line gets between 2 1/2 and 3 switchbacks full. It is actually not designed to operate with two trains if the line is shorter. Three train operation is currently impossible with the combination of the current computer system and skid brakes, and the ride as never utilized all three at once in its existence.

[@nickpekor4450]

ok cutie

[@LPgamemusic]

^^^

[@XscreamThrills]

Because it has a loading and unloading station, operating with two trains works so much better.

[@KiskiDivisionRailroad]

@@XscreamThrills that would be true, except the station can't hold a train at load and unload at the same time. It's something I've been bugging them to change, but it's not gonna happen. Currently the train has to dispatch before the train on the check brake can advance to unload. With this setup, having two trains on with a line less than 3 switchbacks full will result in the crew having to send some empty seats in the trains. And the park doesn't like doing that for a few reasons.

[@jessicabedo-keathley1309]

I love Thunderbolt, but omg last summer drove me crazy with their one train operations. It was awful so I found myself not riding as much as I usually do. (Although I did ride it with Shawn from TPW when he was on his America trip so that was exciting.) But I agree the Phantom is definitely number one!

[@XscreamThrills]

I think I rode Thunderbolt twice last year

[@PizzaCoasterLover]

THANK YOU FOR PUTTING SKY ROCKET SO HIGH. I have it at 4, behind jack rabbit; but i could see it being better

[@SteelCitySniperYT]

My Ranking 1 being BEST: 7. Jack Rabbit 6. Racer 5. Sky Rocket 4. Exterminator 3. Thunderbolt 2. Phantoms Revenge 1. Steel Curtain

[@XscreamThrills]

No love for Jack Rabbit?

[@SteelCitySniperYT]

@@XscreamThrills Funny thing is I love all of them but that's just my order! 😂

[@dwaboutitlilbro]

I haven’t been on the phantom or steel curtain yet but my favorite rollercoaster is the exterminator because it’s an indoor rollercoaster (which I think is really cool), I like the design, it has so many cool decorations, and I love how it goes backwards and spins

[@XscreamThrills]

Its a fun wild mouse coaster :)

[@tismejaytee]

Good review! I feel like this park needs more modern coasters, though.

[@XscreamThrills]

Steel Curtain not modern enough?

[@tismejaytee]

@@XscreamThrills Well, I guess but I think they need a more modern ride from Intamin, B&M or such.

[@coolbean259]

Coaster Fusion, I think a b and m invest or flier would be good, or maybe one of those new vekoma models

[@Ian-ok8mq]

Coaster Fusion Personally I don’t think they should add more modern. Just because of the history it has. I like the nostalgia feel. Like I was completely against the addition of Thomas. Just my thoughts on it.

[@katiecottis8161]

i think they need some more steel smooth ones! it would really get people to come to kennywood!

[@Hello4206_9]

The sky rocket is actually a prototype and only one of its kind of the skyrocket one class

[@joeyd.6172]

Awww your daughter is so cute!

[@robinjones394]

Good review, although I love the Thunderbolt! I also loved taking m6 son on the LilPhantom and Jackrabbit... back in 2005 thru 2008..

[@brookenjonas]

Home park represent!

[@PAmarijuana]

Racer at Kennywood was my first rollercoaster! They better never take it out! It’s such a rare model

[@XscreamThrills]

Racer isn't going anywhere 😉

[@HockeyGUY66871]

When do you think Kennywood reopens. I’m thinking 5-7 weeks

[@lifedoom2922]

in my opinion I think it'll open around early July. kennywood will have to open some time this year and I don't think they'll wait all that long.

[@XscreamThrills]

Hopefully by July...

[@kingalexado4380]

Yeah

[@627jace627]

I'm really wanting to plan a week long trip of Pennsylvania parks but between the horrible Coronavirus restrictions and Storm Runner closed for the season, I'll probably just wait until next year.

[@627jace627]

@@hershywood4214 Yes. We had a blast. We hit Kennywood,Knoebels, Dorney Park, Hershey Park, Waldameer and SF Great Adventure. Rain, ride closures and staffing issues made Knoebels a little disappointing and ride closures and staffing issues made Hershey Park a tad disappointing too. We really liked them but knew they could be even better. All of the others were great. We went to SFGA on a day it was supposed to rain but never did. The locals stayed home and it was like having the park to ourselves. There's just something about Kennywood that makes you love it. It's kinda quirky in a good way. Waldameer was much better than expected and Dorney Park was probably the most underrated park we went to all summer, we went to 28 different parks.

[@connor2496]

Thunderbolt is my favorite ride there.you get a beautiful view of Phantoms revenge too

[@sunflxwer4994]

The phantom is the only roller coaster I still get nervous on when going up the lift hill 😭

[@annoyingperson2255]

I know lil phantom is way to intense for him to even remember it

[@lifedoom2922]

steel curtain has a really weird layout. it was just kinda crammed in the middle of the park

[@XscreamThrills]

The layout is actually pretty good. The second half of the ride is the best part IMO.

[@basicbailey5091]

as someone who just was at kennywood in june of 2021, the skyrocket wasn’t open when i went, sadly. and the thunderbolt had a VERY little line. we were able to ride it once, get off, and get right back on a second later.

[@Duffster115]

My Ranking is exactly the same however I do currently have a slight edge for Steel Curtain making it my number 1 rather than 2

[@XscreamThrills]

I can respect that decision

[@mitchellries256]

I never got around to Exterminator when I was there in 2017 and obviously Steel Curtain didn't exist when I was there. So for now my favorite coaster there is The Phantom's Revenge followed by Sky Rocket, The Racer, The Jack Rabbit and Thunderbolt. This may sound like a strange ranking but the reason why was because I somehow threw up on the Thunderbolt and Jack Rabbit.

[@zachcoastercrazy4032]

Is there any park you wish was your home park instead of kennywood? Looks like a fun park

[@XscreamThrills]

Cedar Point :) or actually Hersheypark!

[@zachcoastercrazy4032]

@@XscreamThrills Never been to Hershypark, but it looks like a great place. Cedar point is my home park, and it is a blast going there. Is skyrush good, or do you think it sucks?

[@nitefly99]

The supports on Steel Curtain are so odd!

[@XscreamThrills]

But still cool looking though!

[@joehung1552]

Being from Pittsburgh, Steel Curtain supports remind me of the Ft. Bridges and the West End Bridge.

[@kotchapakmaneechote2062]

1:38 It's actually pronounced "Rever-shawn" Which is just spells for the word "Reverchon"

[@danstaifer2028]

I was going to go next week... Now I'll have to go in July or August

[@maximumdamage5450]

I rank them: lil phantom, exterminater, racer, thunderbolt, jack rabbit,skyrocket, phantoms revenge, and number one steel curtain

[@scylve9044]

I love that Lil' Phantom is included on this list lol

[@XscreamThrills]

It is a roller coaster at Kennywood so of course it'd be included

[@scylve9044]

@@XscreamThrills i guess

[@coastersncreations1888]

Quick question- kenny wood says that they'll take down any video that you take and post on social media-is that true cuz urs is still here- or do u need special permission

[@XscreamThrills]

They might be referring to POVs. Regardless though, I've gotten permission from the park to record off-ride footage 👍

[@coastersncreations1888]

@@XscreamThrills ok thank you

[@supt5992]

My ranking: 8-lil phantom 7-exterminator 6-skyrocket (so overrated and boring) 5-jackrabbit 4-racer 3-phantoms 2-thunderbolt 1-steel curtain Kenny wood is my home park, I visit yearly and I think phantom is overrated and skyrocket sucks. The park overall is small but very charming and near the best city in the world, Pittsburgh.

[@hayliejune1527]

I know this has nothing to do with Kennywood but after this lockdown I'm going to Cedar Point. Maybe any seat recommendations for Maverick or Steel Vengance?

[@lukefoster934]

Haylie June CP is my home park! SV is all about the backseat, you really get flung over the airtime hills, as well as Maverick, on which you will experience the rapid transitions at a greater speed and force. But, of course, there’s always the front for the view ;)

[@XscreamThrills]

Maverick really doesn't matter. The first drop on Maverick is pretty good in the back, but the rest of the ride is probably better up front.

[@MrBaseball4]

Hey, I just watched your how to conquer your fears of coasters, mine is big drops, I might go to Cedar Point or DollyWood. Could you give me a list of rides to start on and end at each park. BTW I love your vids.

[@XscreamThrills]

Dollywood, start with Whistle Punk Chaser, Fire Chaser Express, Blazing Fury (Mostly a dark ride with two quick drops), Thunderhead, Dragonflier, Mystery Mine, Tennessee Tornado, Wild Eagle, then Lightning Rod. As for Cedar Point, I'd watch my "Ranking all the roller coasters at Cedar Point" video and follow my pattern from least favorite to best.

[@MrBaseball4]

@@XscreamThrills Thanks!

[@starscreamtron]

Do they let adults on Lil Phantom? Normally I don't even ride kiddie coasters but I'm trying to make one of the Knoebels woodies my 100th credit.

[@XscreamThrills]

I'm pretty sure they do but you might look a little odd if you're not riding with your kids

[@starscreamtron]

@@XscreamThrills It's okay I got a bunch of wacky friends going with me so at least they won't be judging only me lol.

[@wormtownpaul]

Some weird locutions here. I went to Kennywood about three times a year for about twelves years in my youth and I never heard the coasters called "Jack Rabbit," "Thunderbolt," and "Racer." It's always been The Jack Rabbit, The Thunderbolt, The Racers. And I never heard the expression a "double down." It's a double dip.

[@theplantman1963]

Racer should rank highest because of its unique track layout. Jackrabbit should rank high as well because of the airtime double hill. Thunderbolt literally was #1 Rollercoaster in the world at one point.

[@groundhog7652]

HELP ME: I plan on being at Kennywood before June 2021. I am almost 70 years old with some osteoarthritis, but really mobile for my age.. What is the ranking of these coasters as far as speed, and most importantly, G-Force so that I dont throw something out while riding these rides?? I was figuring on the Racer, then Jack Rabbit, and maybe not much else, or not????

[@XscreamThrills]

Racer and Jack Rabbit should be safe to ride

[@groundhog7652]

@@XscreamThrills Thanks for the affirmation. I recall riding both of these when I was a teen. I remembered my GF got sick after riding one of them. lol

[@ProBro555]

I love this place I go there so much in summer but corona is ruining it!

[@XscreamThrills]

At least they're opening back up

[@ProBro555]

XscreamThrills hopefully sometime this summer

[@joehung1552]

Just stop and think that the Exterminator at Kennywood was going to house Idlewild's Wild Mouse ride until they came across the spinning model. Also am I the only that gets banged up on the final break?

[@XscreamThrills]

Sometimes I do

[@joehung1552]

I think it depends on which way you're facing when you hit the break.

[@Catchstrays]

Steel curtain is my favorite with hangtime

[@kiakamille2935]

Am I the only person that is watching this cause I’m excited to go there like I’m literally going there tomorrow 😁

[@HockeyGUY66871]

Racer was definitely running faster last year. A back seat ride is the way to go. I felt like Exterminator was running slower last year. Sky Rocket was running a lot better but it is still forceless. Phantom would be number 1 if it had a longer ride time. Phantom is too short. That is the only downside of it. Steel Curtain feels like a longer ride. My ranking 8 Lil Phantom 7 Racer 6 Jack Rabbit 5 Sky Rocket 4 Exterminator 3 Thunderbolt 2 Phantoms Revenge 1 Steel Curtain

[@XscreamThrills]

Exterminator above Sky Rocket? Very interesting!

[@HockeyGUY66871]

Sky Rockets trains are really rough on my legs. Getting in and out of the vehicle is rough on my knees. And it is very forceless.

[@maximumdamage5450]

It’s my home park as well same with idle wild but I haven’t been there since I was 8 I love idlewild wild mouse I’m now 12

[@bunja9101]

My list is very different, but I respect your opinions. 8. Little Phantom 7. Jack Rabbit 6. Racer 5. Exterminator 4. Thunderbolt 3. Sky Rocket 2. Steel Curtain 1. Phantom's Revenge

[@elikuczykowski2291]

I go here every year 😁

[@hiibob2618]

I feel like kennywood got something coming to kiddie land. it’s weird that the elephants and pounce bounce got rid of. pounce bounce was a garfield ride so they probably had to get rid of it, but i think they maybe putting a new spinning junior coaster, like waldameer. they should replace lil phantom with something better

[@XscreamThrills]

What the elephants are gone? That was my daughters favorite ride...

[@hiibob2618]

XscreamThrills i’m not certain but I am pretty sure I saw something about it

[@hiibob2618]

XscreamThrills wait actually, they keeping it.It is on their website but pounce bounce isn’t

[@maxhagenauer24]

Rcdb classifies a Banana Roll as a single inversion. So they say Steel Curtain has 8 inversions.

[@XscreamThrills]

I made a video discussing this very topic.

[@goatedpond531]

I don’t like exterminator because it’s not air conditioned and get gets a huge line

[@ice7077]

Jean Pierre Polnareff approves this message.

[@thekillerb2299]

Yeet

[@justinplayz9936]

I don't really like the steel curtain. Last summer I went on it and passed out.

[@kingalexado4380]

The phantoms revenge is the best

[@theoneandonlyrustyshaklefo6256]

Jack Rabbit is just like NASCAR, a bunch of left turns, great ride though.

[@XscreamThrills]

But unlike NASCAR, Jack Rabbit is entertaining... :)

[@theoneandonlyrustyshaklefo6256]

XscreamThrills I know huh.

[@GdGamerBoy12]

I need to get on sky rocket

[@carsonleslie2984]

Actually Thunder bolt has the fastest line for all coasters except for lil phantom

[@XscreamThrills]

It would if it ran with 2 trains

[@jjsokira6132]

Dude I put my hands up on steel curtain and smashed my head against the metal

[@XscreamThrills]

How tall are you?

[@aero253]

MY PLACE :DDDDDDDDD

[@shanita6427]

I’m from Pittsburgh

[@adazcoasterz6145]

I think Jack Rabbit is highly overrated. Even though the double dip delivers great airtime, that single second the only reason why people rank it high. If you take the double dip out, it would be ranked the lowest of the 3 woodies. I personally prefer the Racer. It has a fast paced layout with more drops and more airtime moments, not to mention the racing factor. I consider it to be the most “exciting” of the 3 woodies and I think I consider it my favorite, even above Thunderbolt.

[@XscreamThrills]

But its a great moment. There are many roller coasters where you take out one moment and that attraction becomes "meh."

[@gr4nco892]

I live in Pittsburgh

[@alexhamilton6291]

It's a really enjoyable park. But the lines were wayyy too long. The lines weren't getting through at all and took forever.

[@timothywait9457]

i would rank Thunderbolt above Jack rabbit

[@pittsburghthrills1281]

Um... All NAD did was provide Century Flyers...

[@MrCollerRoaster]

1st

[@CaptainCroissant]

hi

[@MrCollerRoaster]

RoPlayz hi

[@tylerrusnak7736]

Why isn't sky rocket last? Seriously the Turnpike it replaced was more intense! Crap rocket belongs in kiddieland! Always a waste of time. Sincerely hope they remove it and replace it with anything! Even a Fireball ride would be better! (The coaster that is just one big loop).

[@XscreamThrills]

I think Sky Rocket is a good ride..

[@tylerrusnak7736]

@@XscreamThrills Good on you if you do. It's just really forceless and is a disappointment every time. It's actually the only forceless launch coaster I've ever ridden. But if you like it that's fine. I just avoid it.

[@willcurran3129]

Better than cedar point

[@mirandacarpenter7707]

I think the worst ride is Noah’s ark

[@donbot5000]

For me Kenny wood is basiclly ruined. When I went as child the park was clean. Concrete wasn't all cracked up and weeds weren't everywhere. Went last year. Half the little things are broken. Raging rapids waterfalls and squirt guns were off. Trash everywhere prices triple what they should be. Parking was mess multiple cars around mine were damaged /broken into. Exterminator was in huge disrepair too non of the tvs worked tons of lights out on the panels. Lockers were filled with trash and sticky goop. Many wooden handrails had nasty splinters waiting for. Finger to gouge. The park needs an overhaul bad. Classic coasters ruined by just terrible management

[@mmbros223]

U don't know how to rank things