The Whale Is Returning To Kennywood – Inside the Construction
Kennywood is taking guests back in time! For the 2016 season, visitors will be able to enjoy Noah’s Ark more like it’s former self!
In 2016, the Noah’s Ark dark attraction will be celebrating it’s 80th anniversary. Since it’s grand opening 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 dumped Noah’s classic funhouse feel for a more high-tech immersive experience. The classic whale mouth that guests were accustomed to entering, was removed for a new “Elevator of Doom”. The finale of the attraction was swapped out for a high-tech water misting and pipe bursting ending as well. Long time fans of the attraction were very upset that classic features were updated with these new experiences saying that the park ruined a piece of history.
Kennywood’s PR director, Nick Paradise, confirmed the attraction will be renovated to look more like it’s original self for the 2016 season. Without giving away all the surprises, he said new additions will include the return of the beloved giant whale’s mouth, which guests walked through atop a springy, squishy tongue. Nick also noted fan favorite features like vibrating floors and the animal theme, will remain.
In a recent interview, Nick said:
“We’re looking at doing a pretty extensive renovation to the attraction, to kind of take it back to the classic funhouse style… a little bit of what had been taken away in the renovation in 1996. We are trying to get it back to what a lot of people remember from their childhood.”
Workers have already started dismantling parts of Noah’s Ark’s interior and clearing out space for new and old features. The “Elevator of Doom” was already dismantled, removed, and hauled away.
The elevator shaft is now empty!
Workers below are seen rehab-ing the area where guests once walked over skeletons.
The renovation is being documented each step of the way this time around. Check out the video update Nick brought us yesterday on his twitter account.
Noah’s Ark isn’t the only attraction being updated at Kennywood for 2016. This past summer, Enterprise developed a significant problem with it’s hydraulic system leaving no choice but for the park to close it for the remainder of 2015 season. This also forced the park to either update or completely remove the ride. Kennywood has since confirmed that their aging Volcano (Enterprise) ride is being replaced with the reliable version being removed from their sister park, Lake Compounce. Fans seem to be excited about the news thus far since Enterprise has been closed more than open in the past few years.
Work has already begun moving in the new parts. Watch the video as the new base for Enterprise arrives!
Keep checking back for more updates on all the happenings at Kennywood as construction continues.
Kennywood currently is offering it’s Holiday Lights event on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December, except for Christmas Day. The park then closes for the winter, and re-opens for a new season on May 7, 2016.
For tickets and more information, visit the official Kennywood website by clicking here.
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