Our host parks

Kennywoood, West Mifflin, PA.

Kennywood opened in 1898 and is one of only two complete American amusement parks listed as a National Historic Landmark.  Thunderbolt, a 1924 coaster re-imagined in 1968 to become, arguably, one of the world’s greatest, and Phantom’s Revenge, the 2001 re-creation of 1991’s Steel Phantom, are among the coasters that have made Kennywood a destination for enthusiasts. The park is home to a number of rare flat rides, historic rides, innovative dark rides, and one of the few remaining Noah’s Ark walk-through funhouses. Kennywood becomes the only park to host four Coaster Cons.

Idlewild Park, Ligonier, PA.

Idlewild, opened in 1878, is the oldest operating amusement park in the state, and the third oldest in the country. Popular with enthusiasts because of Rollo Coaster, a 1938 junior terrain coaster by Herb Schmeck, the park has a well-rounded collection of rides and attractions.  We’ll enjoy ERT on Rollo Coaster as well as on one of the park’s signature attractions, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, where riders on a lifesize trolley tour the Neighborhood of Make Believe, so well known to fans of the popular PBS-TV series.

Conneaut Lake Park, Conneaut Lake, PA.

Conneaut Lake Park opened in 1892, a picnic area on the shores of the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania. Now owned by a non-profit organization, the park has survived fires, near-closures and more. Blue Streak, the park’s classic 1937 Ed Vettel coaster, is the sixth oldest coaster in the country and an ACE Coaster Classic. Our time at the park will be highlighted by the unveiling of the marker declaring Blue Streak an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark.

Waldameer Park, Erie, PA.

The fourth oldest amusement park in the state and the tenth oldest in the country, Waldameer was originally known as Hoffman’s Grove.  The park was named Waldameer (German for “woods by the sea”) in 1896 by the Erie Electric Motor Company, a trolley car company that extended service to the park. Waldameer is home to four amazing coasters, including the Herb Schmeck Comet that opened in 1951.  Spectacular drops, 90° banks and a bridge over a four-lane highway helped make Gravity Group’s Ravine Flyer II a hit in 2008.

While not an "official" host park, Sandcastle Water Park will be hosting convention attendees for a very special evening of entertainment.

Sandcastle Waterpark, Homestead, PA

PARKING
Attendees will enjoy complimentary parking at
all of our host parks (there is an additional
charge for preferred parking at Kennywood).

COASTER ADVISORY:  Kennywood’s Sky Rocket is new for this year and, as with many new coasters, there’s a possibility that it will not yet be operational in time for the convention. Conneaut Lake Park’s Blue Streak has been out of service for two years and there are plans to restore it for 2010, but there’s a possibil- ity that it, too, may not be operational in time for the convention.
Both parks have the best intentions to have these rides ready for Coaster Con and are hopeful that they will be open. Because ACE would rather under-prom- ise and over-deliver, these rides have not been incorporated into scheduled ERT, but if they are operational, you can count on them being included!