Jack Rabbit

The Jack Rabbit is a must-​ride coaster whenever I’m at Kennywood. It was built in 1920, so it’s one of the oldest operating coasters in the world (the 4^th oldest, I believe), and it’s entirely made of wood — something that’s becoming less and less common in amusement parks these days. This particular coaster has survived this long because of just how much children and older guests alike enjoy this ride — in fact, I think many child riders end up having a lot of nostalgia for the ride later in life. Yes, myself included. I’m definitely biased when it comes to this ride!
Despite its age, the Jack Rabbit is a blast — you coast up and down multiple hills when you’re on this coaster, in a fashion that definitely justifies the ride’s name. The Jack Rabbit is particularly famous for the double dip that’s placed near the end of the ride, and you’ll often hear people yelling excitedly as they exit the ride that the train left the track during the dip. (Don’t worry, it doesn’t — you DO bounce up in your seat on the way down though!)
But don’t think for a minute that this is an uncomfortable ride! It’s certainly a bit bouncier than a newer coaster, and it’s quite a different experience from many modern-​day coasters (which are designed to be sleek speed devils). But it’s fun and enjoyable nonetheless. I’ve never had a problem riding it (despite having an admittedly sensitive back). And while it never goes faster than 45 MPH, it’s an absolute delight and it’s earned its place in this park right alongside rides such as the Phantom’s Revenge. This one is definitely a must for Kennywood newcomers, repeat customers, and — of course — roller coaster fans.

The Kennywood Krucible Part 2:
The Jack Rabbit is the weak link of Kennywood’s cabal of coaster beasts. That’s not to say that it is child’s play, however. A rickety, cantankerous old coaster, The Jack Rabbit manages to be less harrowing than the Phantom’s Revenge or The Thunderbolt or even The Racer yet still instills fear through its «bunny-​hops» and the tendency its cars have for jumping (!) from the track. It is easily conquered by novices but not too easily, thus making it a gatekeeper ride, the one that gives the rider a false sense of confidence for having ridden it. One is left thinking that the Jack Rabbit one isn’t so bad. After all, it was scary enough. So the others should be a cakewalk, right?
The Hateful Hare is but a lackey to more powerful, more evil forces. It merely existed to soften Kay and I up for horrors to come. Limping away, it cackled, muttering in between snickers that «Master» will have his way soon…