Kennywood Celebrates In Pittsburgh With Grand Re-Opening Of Noah’s Ark!
Kennywood is taking guests back in time! For the 2016 season, guests can enjoy Noah’s Ark more like it’s former self!
Today, the media, along with hundreds of Kennywood Fanatics celebrated as Noah’s Ark was officially re-opened. Noah’s Ark dark attraction is celebrating it’s 80th anniversary with an all-new look! Nick Paradise kicked off this morning’s festivities with a opening ceremony and then a tale of Noah’s Ark from none other than the famed Pittsburgh Dad from the Ark’s top deck.
Immediately proceeding the opening ceremony, guests were able to experience the new Noah’s Ark for the first time. Without giving away all the surprises inside, we will say that the new additions for 2016 do include the return of the beloved giant whale’s mouth, WITH the springy, squishy tongue! The classic vibrating floors are back too!
The squishy tongue is back, but this time its made of shredded rubber that is melted together, similar to what is used at modern playgrounds.
Guests were permitted to stop on the top deck and take a few photos before continuing on their tour.
Deeper inside, we see that all the classic animals still call Noah’s Ark… home!
It’s great to see all the classic favorites are in place after the renovation. Since Noah’s Ark opened in 1936, the attraction has only had two major renovations. The first rehab took place in the late 1960’s. The second, which received a lot of criticism, was completed in 1996.
In 1996, the park overhauled Noah’s classic funhouse feel for a more high-tech immersive experience. The classic whale mouth that guests were accustomed to entering was removed and replaced with the “Elevator of Doom”. Furthermore, the finale of the attraction was swapped out for a high-tech water misting and pipe bursting experience. Long time fans of the attraction were very upset that the classic features were updated with these new elements, saying that the park ruined a piece of history.
Today, Kennywood kicked off its celebration which recognizes not only the rich history of Noah’s Ark, but also Pittsburgh’s Bicentennial and the people, places, and things that make Pittsburgh such a great place to live, work, and play.
Legendary Pittsburgh film director and producer, Rick Sebak was in the house! “Yinzers” may recognize him from the great WQED Kennywood documentaries.
Even ScareHouse, the nearby haunted attraction, sent zombies over to attend the Grand Re-Opening. Below, zombies have fun scaring and posing with Pittsburgh mayor, Bill Peduto!
We really enjoyed the new Noah’s Ark and think Kennywood fanatics will too! If you visit the park in 2016, this should definitely be on your list of “must do’s!”
Check out the Noah’s Ark in action!
Kennywood is America’s Finest Traditional Amusement Park! The Pittsburgh-area park offers a unique mix of classic rides and modern thrills, including six roller coasters, a 14-ride Kiddieland, and several attractions that cannot be found anywhere else. Kennywood, founded in 1898 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1987, continues to provide unforgettable fun for all ages.
You don’t have to be in the park to enjoy all the thrills Kennywood has to offer. Thrill seekers can take a 85mph front seat ride on Phantom’s Revenge…. right from home!
Visit our YouTube channel by clicking here for more POV’s of Kennywood’s beloved coasters!
Kennywood is now open daily through September. For tickets and more information, visit the official Kennywood website by clicking here.
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