Kennywood Saying Goodbye To Garfield’s Nightmare And More In 2020

Kennywood fans can rejoice! The Old Mill will be returning to the park!

Kennywood has announced the removal of three rides for 2020; Garfield’s Nightmare, Pounce Bounce, and Kiddieland’s Orbiter. The announcement was made by park officials during CoasterBash, an off-season event held in Pittsburgh for coaster enthusiasts.

After a 15 years, everyone’s favorite lasagna loving orange cat, Garfield, will be leaving Kennywood. Garfield’s Nightmare opened in 2004 as a re-theme to the parks Old Mill boat ride.

The original boat ride was built in 1901 and has undergone many theme changes throughout the rides history. The ride has had many names since its 1901 inception including Fairyland Floats, Panama Canal, Rivers Gorge, the clunky Hardheaded Harold’s Horrendously Humorous Haunted Hideaway, and of course the Old Mill on several occasions.  It was eventually re-themed as Garfield’s Nightmare In 2004 through 2019.

Although the Garfield’s Nightmare ride sign has been removed — the ride will not be demolished. Instead, it will be re-themed and retro-fitted back to The Old Mill for the 2020 season! This isn’t a simple name change — inside guests will experience old thrills such as the traditional western theme along with some new twists for a whole new generation to enjoy!

Watch the video below to see the announcement along with the rich history of The iconic boat ride.

Several changes are also being made in the parks Kiddieland area. Garfield’s Pounce Bounce has been removed for 2020. The Zamperla manufactured ride was added in 2002 as a miniature version of the parks former drop tower, PittFall.

The Orbiter kids ride is also being removed. It was added in 1982 and was also manufactured by Zamperla. The Kiddieland Carousel will be moved to Orbiter’s former location.

Ride removals isn’t the only news for Kennywood as quite a few upgrades will take place for the 2020 season as well.

• Kennywood plans a season-long celebration of the Jack Rabbit coaster’s 100th birthday, complete with a contest in which 100 season passes will be given away. There also will be souvenir pins, cups, and other mementos available and the coaster will even sport a 100th birthday logo on the trains this year.

• Trees are being removed around the Jack Rabbit

• The famed floral clock will be returning for 2020, but in a new location near the entrance to Lost Kennywood.

• VIP lines will be added to Phantoms Revenge, Jack Rabbit, and Racer.

• An information center will open near the Sky Rocket exit.

• There’s a long term plan in place to overhaul the parking lot that includes additional pay booths.

• The silhouettes on the entrance ramp walls have been removed as it will be receiving a new look.

• The Phantom Gift Shop will be re-purposed as a autism friendly quiet area.

• The Grand Prix Bathrooms are getting a complete remodel and modernization.

Construction on many of these upgrades has already started. Here’s a peek at the progress on the new floral clock.

If all that isn’t enough, the Steelers Experience is expected to be completed this year, with new activities called the 40 Yard Dash, the 2 Minute Drill, a photo and video opportunity that’ll be called “Touchdown Celebration”, the Terrible Tower, a snack bar, and much more!  As many guests requested, items at the Endzone Cafe will be included on the dining plan.

Palace Entertainment plans to add new items yearly whether it’s new rides, refurbishment, or new shows or new food items. With the new Palace Entertainment headquarters being constructed on Kennywood property, the future of the park sounds promising.

For tickets and more information, visit the official Kennywood website by clicking here.