Here’s how families can use Kennywood’s disability accommodations

Above photo courtesy of Kennywood Park.

Kennywood Park is officially open for the 2025 season, and it’s their longest season yet. That means there are even more chances to bounce along the Thunderbolt, get squished on the Music Express, and eat Potato Patch fries in the shade while your kids get soaked as the Pittsburg Plunge (spelled the old-fashioned way, without the “h”!) splashes down over and over.

For park guests with disabilities, the park has quite a few accommodations that let everyone enjoy the day.

This spring, Kennywood Park announced that it had begun using the IBCCES Accessibility Card Registration, an online verification program for guests who need to use the Ride Accessibility Program. The announcement of this new option sparked rumors in Pittsburgh’s online parenting community that disability access at the park had become more complicated.

Kidsburgh reached out to Kennywood to ask for clarification. Here’s what we found:

Those rumors just aren’t true. “The Ride Admission Program is the same as it has always been,” says Communications Director Lynsey Winters. “We recommend using the IBCCES accessibility card to save time at the park, but this is not required to receive a RAP. Even with the IBCCES card, you will still need to go to the Rider’s Safety Center or in-park service center upon arrival to receive your Ride Admission Pass, as was the previous procedure.”

The IBCCES card will make obtaining a Ride Admission Pass (RAP) at the park a quicker process. The park has outlined the application process here. The card is also accepted at other parks across the country, so it may be beneficial for families who travel to sign up.

With or without the IBCCES card, though, guests with disabilities can still go to the Rider’s Safety Center or guest services upon arrival for their Ride Admission Pass. If a child or adult has disabilities that make waiting in line difficult, the Ride Admission Pass allows the person to use the handicapped/accessible entrance to bypass the physical line.

Here’s how it works: Staff will record on the rider’s Ride Admission Pass the time of the ride and what time they may return to ride it again. It’s not a “skip the line” pass, but a way of allowing guests with disabilities to wait for their turn to ride in a way that meets their needs.

When applying for a Ride Admission Pass, park staff will review each rider’s needs and note which rides are safe for them. For example, some rides are not approved for a child wearing a cast, while others are safe. Find the full list of requirements here.

In addition to this new digital certification process, the park now has mobile passes this year that can be added to Apple or Google wallets. Physical season pass cards will still be accepted, but for families who prefer digital methods, this is a welcome upgrade. Find all the details about digital passes here.

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