Phantom’s Revenge Review: A Personal Look at Kennywood’s Iconic Coaster

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Imagine if Frankenstein’s Monster was a roller coaster. Well, believe it or not, there actually is a roller coaster like that: the best of two coasters stitched together. That’s exactly what Phantom’s Revenge at Kennywood Park is.

There are plenty of videos and articles that cover the history of Phantom’s Revenge in a very factual way. But this Phantom’s Revenge review is different.

I want to share what it was like to see this coaster get built and how it ties into my own history with Kennywood, a park that shaped my love for theme parks and roller coasters.

Growing Up with Kennywood

Kennywood is my home park. I grew up in Pittsburgh and lived there until 2017. I went to Kennywood every single year as a kid, and once I got older, I had a season pass and was there constantly. I even worked at Kennywood in high school and again after college.

Kennywood is the park that made me realize I loved theme parks. Without it, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

I still remember the first time I saw the park – driving past at night, the park closed and dark, and spotting the giant Steel Phantom standing over everything. I didn’t even know what it was, but I knew I wanted to be part of it.

My first roller coaster was the Racer, and from that moment I was hooked. I devoured every documentary, every Discovery Channel special, every roller coaster game (shoutout to RollerCoaster Tycoon).

All of that started because of Kennywood.

From Steel Phantom to Phantom’s Revenge

To really understand Phantom’s Revenge, you have to start with the Steel Phantom.

• In 1991, Kennywood shocked everyone by announcing a world-record-breaking coaster.
• It had a 160-foot first drop, and then a massive 225-foot second drop into a ravine, diving through the wooden Thunderbolt.
• It hit 80 mph and flipped riders upside down four times.

For a small park like Kennywood, that was wild. Suddenly, they were competing with Cedar Point and Six Flags.

But here’s the problem: Steel Phantom was rough. Riders came off with neck aches, headaches, sometimes even bruises. People loved the idea of it but didn’t re-ride often.

Then in 2000, Kennywood dropped a bomb: they were removing Steel Phantom.

Pittsburghers do not like change, so this did not go over well. Petitions popped up, people freaked out – but then came the twist.

Instead of tearing it down completely, Kennywood announced that they were keeping the best parts of the ride (the record-breaking drops) and replacing everything else.

The result? Phantom’s Revenge, which opened in 2001.

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Riding Phantom’s Revenge for the First Time

I’ll never forget the anticipation. I checked the Kennywood website all winter for construction updates. When it finally opened, I stood in line forever, but it was worth every second.

Phantom’s Revenge kept the original drops but ditched the painful inversions. The new Morgan-built trains only had lap bars, which made the ride buttery smooth and incredibly freeing. No more headbanging, just pure airtime.

• First Drop: Tall, fast, and thrilling.
• Second Drop: Even bigger than the first at 228 feet, flying through Thunderbolt’s structure. You feel like you’re going to hit the wood supports while also being ejected from your seat.
• Airtime Hills: You start the second half by flying through the Thunderbolt with ejector airtime. You feel like you’re going to hit the wood supports while also being ejected from your seat. The second half of the ride is all ejector airtime. Back then, airtime like that wasn’t common. Now, with RMC coasters it’s everywhere, but in 2001, Phantom’s Revenge was a pioneer.

It felt like a fever dream in the best way possible. Smooth, intense, and unforgettable. Everything Steel Phantom wanted to be, but couldn’t.

Why Phantom’s Revenge Is Special

Here’s what makes Phantom’s Revenge stand out even today:

• The second drop is bigger than the first (rare in coaster design).
• It’s a true terrain coaster, perfectly using Kennywood’s ravine.
• It was revolutionary – a major coaster rebuild years before RMC came along.
• It’s become an icon of Kennywood, right alongside Thunderbolt.

Recently, it even got a fresh coat of purple paint, which looks amazing and proves Kennywood is still investing in it.

Final Thoughts on Phantom’s Revenge

Even though VelociCoaster might be my new number one, Phantom’s Revenge will always be my “number zero” – the coaster that made me fall in love with theme parks before I even rode it.

It’s one of the most unique coasters in the world, and honestly, I can’t imagine a Kennywood without it. If you’re visiting Pittsburgh, Phantom’s Revenge is a must-ride.

And if you want help planning your next theme park trip, whether to Kennywood, Disney, Universal, or beyond, reach out. I specialize in planning stress-free, magical vacations so you can just enjoy the rides and experiences.

Phantom’s Revenge Review: FAQs

Is Phantom’s Revenge rough?

No. Unlike Steel Phantom, it’s surprisingly smooth—even decades later.

How tall is Phantom’s Revenge?

The coaster stands 160 feet tall, but the second drop is 228 feet into a ravine.

How fast does Phantom’s Revenge go?

It hits speeds of 85 mph.

Does Phantom’s Revenge go upside down?

No. The inversions were removed when it was rebuilt in 2001.

Where is Phantom’s Revenge located?

At Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburgh.