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Showing content with the highest reputation on 05/25/2017 in all areas

  1. Hey guys! I purchased a Gold Pass for the first time in a very long time. I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and have so many fond memories of the park in all of its various states since the 80s. I'm also new to the forum. Just wanted to say, "Hey, guys!" I went for my first visit last Friday night, and got my pass and everything squared away. Rode Vortex for the first time in a good while. Is it me or is it different when your 34 than when you're 10? I wasn't expecting to be so dizzy! LOL I also rode BLSC, Eiffel Tower twice (LOVE IT!), Boo Blasters twice and walked around reacquainting myself a bit. I'm looking forward to a great season! Any tips on how to best use this forum via cell phone? I have an iPhone. Also, any vloggers/YouTube peeps out there? I'm hoping to make some nerdy vlogs about the park itself, the history and ride reports and such. I realize it's all probably been said and done before, but this is a new medium for me and I can't wait to film at KI. I'm excited to be here! Maybe I'll see some of you around?
    6 points
  2. May 24, 2017 (First Close Shift Ever!) Today started out like any other day (other than the chance of storms) and the lines (or lack thereof) were a nice surprise! Going an hour and a half before my shift proved a great decision. I would have gone earlier but my dad had errands to run and my mom was working, so I didn't have transportation until 12:45. But getting to the park at 1:50 and having just over an hour to ride as a guest before my shift is better than having no time before my shift at all, especially since today was a great day to be a guest! I didn't have my camera with me and my phone has very limited storage, so I have only 15 photos including four FunPix photos. You know the park isn't crowded at all when even the lower capacity rides don't have a line! I took great advantage of Invertigo's one-cycle wait and rode it twice - once on the backwards-first end row and once in another backwards-first row closer to the "front" of the train (the end closer to Action Zone). It sure felt great to ride Invertigo again, especially since there was no long line to deter me or anyone else from enjoying it! Next I rode Drop Tower, also twice in Seats 1 and 20 respectively. On the second time, I closed my eyes during the drop, which made it even more exciting since I didn't know as exactly when it would slow down. I HIGHLY recommend closing your eyes if you want your drop to be even more exciting! Next came a front-row spin on Banshee. The front row was a one train wait while everything else was walk-on (no surprise for a day like this!). Flying through seven inversions at 67 mph felt great! After Banshee it was already 2:30, so I started to Rivertown as I wanted to at least hit Diamondback and Mystic Timbers before it was time for work. On the way, I stopped by the Emporium on International Street, as I had heard of collector's pins being sold there including a Vortex 30th Anniversary pin. I searched for a few minutes before finally finding the pins, and bought a Vortex 30th Anniversary pin which I would wear on my uniform! I reached Diamondback a few minutes before 3. Thankfully, its line was also a station wait though it was a two train wait unlike at Banshee. I chose Row 13 and rode on the Green Train for my long-awaited first Diamondback ride of the season! Hopefully it won't be too long before I fly down that 215-foot drop again!! Now came the time for my second ride of the season on Mystic Timbers. This was the shortest I had seen Mysty's line by far and I knew it would be a while before I saw such a line again, especially with Memorial Day and summer right around the corner. The wait appeared to be ten minutes, but my wait was cut a few minutes short when a group in front invited me to go in front of them and right onto Row 7! My second ride on Mysty was definitely a lot of fun, and I think it will start to grow on me (no pun intended ) in due time. I had just enough time to skedaddle up to Coney Mall, greeted by Vortex flying over my head as always. WindSeeker happened to be mid-cycle so it added to the already lovely greeting! Just like my 330th ride on Easter Sunday, I had a train to myself for my 332nd ride (and technically also my 331st ride which was a test ride). While departing the station, I already knew that I would be in for a rather slow work evening. Train #3 had the privilege of careening me through my first six inversions for the 332nd time. On Easter Sunday for my 330th ride, I posed for the on ride-photo making a heart with my hands, but to my dismay I never saw it as the FunPix kiosk wasn't updating. Since I had my own train again, I tried it again on my 332nd ride. This time, the kiosk was working like it was supposed to (though it was a bit slow to update so I actually found and downloaded the photo after I came back to work), so I got it! It was almost 3:30 and I had to return in uniform in 15 minutes, so I walked out of the Front Gate and to HR to change before heading right back into the park and back to Vortex. I fastened my new Vortex 30th Anniversary pin to the collar of my uniform shirt so I could sport my favorite ride proudly. I returned to Vortex and clocked in at 3:48. My first hour was as separator, though I was convinced one wasn't needed because there was no line. But I didn't mind standing in the mostly empty station, especially when I could look back and watch the trains traverse the course with ease! It was actually slow (as in, not very many people) enough and there were enough of us on the platform that a few of us took turns riding (which is how I got my 333rd, 334th, and 335th rides!) which was pretty sweet! Another cool thing was that my 333rd ride was on Train #3. For the next two hours I was supposed to work Op-3 and Op-2 on WindSeeker, but it had closed since the weather had started acting up. So I instead spent an hour telling guests that WindSeeker was closed, while during the following hour came one of the biggest highlights of the evening: I became a Level 2 Vortex Associate! My supervisor trained me on the "dual" position, which is one of two positions needed to send a train. Essentially, I was controlling part of Vortex! My very first time working Dual made the 6:00 hour very fun, especially when it came to dodging the gates as they opened as well as getting my right hand used to checking restraints. Not long after I had signed off for my Dual training, it was time to rotate for the last hour. I was back on none other than Unload. During the last half hour, the rain started, and so did the increase in the number of empty trains we sent out. I think we saw only five riders during the last 15-20 minutes of the day, including one guest who literally had the whole ride to herself since every train except hers was empty! We did have a few riders show up for the last train of the night, after which my very first Close shift came to a close. Overall, I had an extremely fun (and later WET!) Wednesday at Kings Island. With all the fun had tonight, here's to hoping my next Close shift this Friday will be just as fun! It literally went from sunny to this...good job Ohio. +Invertigo: 2 Total: 18 +Drop Tower: 2 Total: 32 +Banshee: 1 Total: 20 +Diamondback: 1 Total: 93 (Getting close to 100!!) +Mystic Timbers: 1 YTD: 2 +Vortex: 4 YTD: 18 Total: 335 Notes: -Vortex's FunPix kiosk was actually working properly - hopefully that persists for a long time. I'm still against Vortex being FunPix only though as I saw a number of guests disappointed that they didn't have access to their photos. But you can't please everyone, unfortunately... -I took my 20th ride on Banshee in the front seat. -A number of Vortex riders (especially the kids) were saying that they really enjoy Vortex. It warms my heart that a lot of people, especially the younger crowd, still love Vortex and I hope that continues for a long time! -I can't be thankful enough for my job at Vortex. Working to help operate my favorite ride is something I had always wanted to do since I took my first ride at age 11! I'm literally living a dream! My crew is so great to work with and I love working with them! -Again, if I'm saying too much about my work, let me know and I'll fix the post as soon as possible!
    3 points
  3. Here are a couple of pics I snapped during my social media escapades at Coasterstock. (Yes, I won the Social Media Rockstar contest) Not an easy task, but it was fun. [emoji4] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    3 points
  4. Just got in the park. A lot of busses in the lot. In line for Diamondback. Looks like a 10 minute wait. Edit: Lines moving quickly. Within an hour rose Diamondback once, Mystic Timbers three times and ate at Chic Fil A.
    2 points
  5. I would be ok with something like Kaiju in X-Base; it's very twisty and it reminds me of Maverick. Also, I really like those tunnels; for some reason, it reminds me of Mystic Timbers.
    2 points
  6. Hey chugh,. Don't leave Nicorette mini lozenges in your front shirt pocket when riding Lightening Run...they will eject out of your pocket in slow motion rather clumsily in front of your face and you will not be able to grab them. You will look like a clown shoe grasping futily and wishing you didn't forget about them for some reason. Probably goes for other objects too. Edit: Crap. My advice was Ill-fated...you already went. Did you enjoy yourself? Lose anything? I had a great first time last year. My first RMC.
    2 points
  7. 2 points
  8. It appears that the train soundtrack has changed this year. I heard the following songs today: "Ghost Riders In The Sky" by The Outlaws "Theme From The Magnificent Seven" by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra "Rocky Top" by The Osborne Brothers "Surfin Safari" by The Beach Boys Another couple songs that I was unable to identify In addition, the end of the ride is now tied in to Mystic Timbers (I won't spoil it beyond that for those who haven't experienced it yet).
    2 points
  9. ^ Mike Koontz revealed in an interview that Mystic Timbers is among the rides being worked on for Winterfest. Lance Heal told us at Coasterstock that the full ride list is still being finalized with help from ride maintenance, though he couldn't share any specifies. Operating temperatures & maintenance schedules will be the big factors.
    2 points
  10. I rode the KI&MV Railroad twice this weekend, and the new soundtrack fits Rivertown very nicely. Those interested in the Mystic Timbers backstory should pay special attention to the aforementioned tie-in. (P.S. to keep this post from getting lost, I split it into a new topic.)
    2 points
  11. At Cedar Point today (and yesterday). Currently in the shelter area of Maverick's queue line waiting on this rain storm to pass. We stayed at a Cottage last night which was very fun especially when it was super close to the construction happening in the old Mean Streak area. Also had this view of Mean Streak's old lift in the hot tub area .
    1 point
  12. Not until 3:45. Diamondback is currently no more than a two train wait.
    1 point
  13. Are you not suppose to be sending trains on Vortex?
    1 point
  14. Mystic Timbers is new...wasn't there last year
    1 point
  15. April 15 Part 2: Guest Standpoint of Opening Day 2017 After I changed, I sat in the changing room at HR for a few good moments, checking up on KIC and texting my plans to my parents in the meantime. I was planning to ride a few rides and then leave the park at 6 as it was pretty crowded. Plus, I wanted to save some time for a visit on Sunday! As I now had my camera with me, I began taking pictures, as I always do on every trip! My first ride of the year as a guest was Zephyr. Despite the crowds, it only had a cycle wait. Zephyr had to suffice for WindSeeker, which had closed during my earlier shift. I greatly enjoyed it (when do I not? )! After Zephyr, I went to X-Base to check out Firehawk and Flight of Fear, but the lines for both were too long, so I immediately backtracked to Coney Mall. I wanted to get all-season FunPix before I rode Vortex again, so I headed toward Banshee, catching a Red Racer ride on the way. I rode in my favorite row, 5-2, on my first coaster ride of the year as a guest. Man, it felt so great to race alongside Blue over those hills again!! However, I forgot my original plans and started heading back up the midway toward Vortex. It wasn't until I reached the Juke Box Diner that I realized that I had gotten literally nothing done in the last ten to fifteen minutes (other than that Racer ride). Since I was now closer to Diamondback than to Banshee, I started heading there instead. (This would be [another] one of my gripes against Vortex being FunPix only -- you can't buy it there anymore!! To get it, you would now have to walk all the way to Diamondback, Mystic Timbers, or Banshee to buy it! And they can be quite the walk from the back of the park!). On my way to Diamondback, I came face-to-face with Vortex's classic view for the first time since October 30, 2016. Whether I fully believed it or not at that time, I was BACK! Back at one of my favorite places!! Back at my favorite ride! Back at...my workplace! I passed Mystic Timbers, which looked to be a two-hour long wait at this time. I didn't care if I rode it then or on Easter, since the line would be shorter on Easter anyway. Diamondback's line looked to be an hour so I bypassed it (as it was 5:30 and I wanted to leave at 6). I also happened to notice a prize wheel offering nothing but front-of-the-line passes; each wedge showed a different ride for which you would win a pass (including Vortex, hence why I handled dozens of front-of-the-line passes there when I was separator!), while one wedge was winner's choice. After I finally got my FunPix at Diamondback's outpost, I decided to give the wheel a spin in order to determine my next ride. Lo and behold, the wheel landed on...Mystic Timbers! I got to ride it on Opening Day after all! Instead of waiting two hours, I waited only fifteen minutes to board the third row. I'm impressed, as many people are, by the generous theming. The park did a great job! And the ride was cool too. My favorite part is the hills right before the tunnel and before the shed - basically the second half of the ride. The first moments spent in the shed underwhelmed me a little (I was thinking it would be more like Mystery Mine where there is near constant suspense), but the big surprise at the end (as we rolled out) made it worth it. I think the shed is pretty neat! I have to say, the refurbished sign looks amazing. When I first saw it while walking back to work, all I could say was "Wow!" My test train (Train #1) with the "Vortex 1987" decoration. My drawing in the drive box! I went back to Vortex not just to visit my crew again before I left, but also to take my first ride of the year on it as a guest. Props to those who took the time to refurbish the sign (and add new signs too) and paint the entire station building! Everything looks fabulous!! I took my 319th fun Vortex ride in 2-1, since I didn't care to wait for the front when I wanted to go home soon. So I started and ended my day on Vortex. Pretty appropriate if you ask me. Knowing Easter Sunday would not have crowds like this, I took no hesitation in leaving the park. That decision would prove very wise the next day... As you can tell, I let my pictures do most of the talking. This is rather typical of my trip reports (as a picture is worth a thousand words) so if you're not photo savvy, then I apologize. Thanks for waiting patiently for my trip report to continue, as now that I have finally finished school I actually have time to finish this!! Yay!! +Vortex: 2 Total: 319 +Zephyr: 1 Total: 22 +Red Racer: 1 Total: 19 +Mystic Timbers: 1 Notes: -Like I said, Vortex's repainted (and re-signed) station looks fabulous! -If you're in the back of the park and you want FunPix, enjoy the walk to Banshee, Mysty or Diamondback... -The front-of-the-line-pass prize wheel is a genius idea. -Mystic Timbers crew was really working! And of course mine (Vortex) did a great job too. -That music on International Street had better stay around for a long time! I feel like breaking out into a graceful dance whenever I hear it.
    1 point
  16. On my back from CP today, I saw a KK billboard in Cincy, on I-75 north of downtown. A few minutes later, as I was listening to WHAS (a Louisville radio station), Ed Hart was interviewed. The host was making jokes about him being the king of the Kingdom and Mr. Hart repeatedly said that the praise goes to the 1400 team members. I thought that was pretty nice of him to say that.
    1 point
  17. Back of the park early & front of the park in the evening is good general advice. Getting to Maverick during Early Entry is well-advised. My usual Early Entry strategy is to get in line early at the marina gate, ride Millennium Force once, then get as many rides on Maverick as possible before the park opens. Main gate turnstiles open before the marina gate turnstiles (8:45am vs 9:00am), so entering there instead is beneficial if you're not in line early. Early Entry guests entering via the main gate aren't allowed past Raptor until 9:00am. As soon as the park opens to the general public, I like to get an early train on Top Thrill Dragster (hoping for a rollback), get a few rides on Magnum, then ride whatever still has a short line. I typically save Gemini until both sides are running and save Gatekeeper & Raptor until early evening.
    1 point
  18. At CP yesterday, the park was dead. Ride ops we're not only allowing, but we're encouraging rerides. It was a wonderful day! Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
    1 point
  19. I saw it happen first-hand, but it happened so fast I don't have all the details. I'm not sure what started it - they were part of a group of kids/teens running around near the Action Zone entrance. I have no idea what started it, but someone flung a half-empty bottle of water at another person (presumably a friend of theirs?), who flung it back at the first person. More food was thrown after that, including ice cream. It was all over within a minute but I'm assuming someone from Panda Express called security about it as a security guard and KI Park Police officer showed up a few minutes later. After talking to the people in question, they made them leave and also made a couple of other kids put chairs from the patio back outside.
    1 point
  20. It was so nice having people tell us to drive safe and thanking us for sticking it out. I was checking bars that last hour and everyone was so friendly and knew what they were doing and it made that last hour of work awesome. Thanks to everyone who came out for Coasterstock!
    1 point
  21. I was among those who stayed; I got 1 (rainy) ride on The Beast and 3 (dry) rides on Mystic Timbers after the storm finally passed. Kudos to park operations and all the ride crews for sticking it out through the ~2.5hr weather delay. Plenty of fun was had passing the time in the Festhaus. More later, after I get some sleep and collect my thoughts.
    1 point
  22. I had a conversation with a fellow co-worker about coasters the other day. He was from around Sandusky so he knew a lot about Cedar Fair and it's coasters. I asked him if he thinks KI will get a giga soon. To my surprise he said no. However his reasoning was interesting. He said coasters like Millennium Force are fun because of the height and speed but other than that, he preferred coasters like Maverick and Valravn. He said that parks should go for more unique rides like speedsters or 90 degree drops. While I disagreed with his response that the park shouldn't get a giga, he did make an interesting point.
    1 point
  23. From #Coasterstock lunch guest speaker: Lance Heal - Manager of Entertainment. New for Haunt - 2 new attractions! 2 new Skeleton Keys! Winterfest update - 2 years in the making. Concrete work already being done. 70 ft tree at the gates! Lots and lots of lights, 12 days of Christmas display, nativity scene, reindeer games and Santa list writing. Possible rides!
    1 point
  24. Good review. Interesting way to point out the mentality of how the ride thrills riders, etc. and why it doesn't work on everyone. It works on me for sure, Beast is my favorite coaster of the few I have been on so far (20+ or so so far). (Aka had that been my review I'd have given it a 10/10 instead of a 7) Also saw your review of The Voyage @ Holiday World, which was also well done much in the same way. Didn't realize the back half of that coaster was actually 100 feet in the "air" versus the station, hidden behind trees and stuff. No wonder it gains so much speed on the return run.
    1 point
  25. Pretty sure you're preaching to the choir on this one, considering what website this is.
    1 point
  26. I'm not happy about the storm chances but it hopefully will keep crowds down. I do wish they were only calling for rain. I know from previous experience Coasterstock can still be a lot of fun in the rain!
    1 point
  27. As for actual advice, KK is kind of set up to do whatever at you leisure. I spend time wondering around and riding whatever I felt like and still got a lot done including hitting the 4 main coasters multiple times (sans T3, not that great a coaster IMO). Just try not to traverse the bridge too much. Lots of climbing involved, though, there is a crosswalk below it. Also be forewarned- the water park side of the park makes no sense from a logical path point of view.
    1 point
  28. No offense to the employees as I 'm sure they are told to say this, but PLEASE stop asking my how my ride was! It gets very old very quickly.
    1 point
  29. I know multiple people who assume all coasters make them sick/give them headaches because of Vortex. I'd hate to see it go because it is a classic and I remember it from when I was a kid, but all I hear from people is how rough it is. If someone who lives in this area says they don't like coasters and you ask them why, I'd be willing to be the root of it will be a bad ride on The Vortex where it ruined the rest of their visit.
    1 point
  30. Or you could do what I did and pull in at a random gate and drive the big circle around the expo center.
    1 point
  31. As for Family restrooms, they are at about all of the restroom areas. Heres the list that I know of: Edge of Planet Snoopy / Diamondback area (Near the womens entrance) By Backlot Stunt Coaster (Near the womens entrance) Near WindSeeker (on the front by the water fountains, on the Mens side) Across from Hanks (Near the womens entrance) By Invertigo (on the front by the water fountains, on the Mens side) Granted, at these locations, there is just one bathroom, so when the lone person comes strolling out, it gets me.
    1 point
  32. I love Facebook memories! This is a post from three years ago that started my "enthusiast" journey. I had enjoyed parks and coasters before this, but getting to ride The Beast multiple times was such a rush. And to think that the employees that day made all the difference. This day changed my life! May 16, 2014 · Florence, KY · I had a great time at Kings Island. It was cold and miserable and the employees had to wear shorts, but they all smiled, were cheerful and seemed genuinely happy. That goes a long way. It was great going on a "slow" day when you can walk right up to any ride. I was able to ride The Beast probably twelve times. I don't think my stomach can handle the new ride, Banshee, but Jenny braved it and Delerium without me. It's so great to be blessed with friends like Jenny who you can just be stupid and weird with.
    1 point
  33. I haven't had to pay for parking with my season pass, but I think it is $8.00. It is not controlled by KK, the fair board controls the parking lot. There is no preferred parking. Other than that, it is pretty much the same as any other park. Just be advised that the park will direct you to the fair board if there is a parking issue.
    1 point
  34. I think Jason was just trolling....I highly doubt Cedar Point is going to get 2 coasters next year, with RMC already there. I mean it's a possibility but a very slim one. Why would Jason be teasing for another Cedar Fair park? However, I do believe Intamin is coming back and putting a ride at California's Great America.
    1 point
  35. I enjoy it a lot more since I've learned it is the only coaster I /want/ to be stapled into. Getting the ride-op to click the lap bar at least one more than I can do on my own makes the actual ride much more comfortable. Before I would sort of rock back and forth and it made it hell on my shinbones. But being locked in as tightly as possible stops that and I can enjoy the ride. I've been riding it much more often now. Yesterday I even got a zen ride on it, that was interesting.
    1 point
  36. Remember to be extra kind to the employees who are staying late for Timbers Tuesdays for us passholders. They'd normally be going home shortly after 8 with the normal closing time, but they'll likely be there until after 10 with the additional ride time, so be kind and say thanks to people like first aid workers, ride ops, guest services, security, lost and found workers, etc who will be there extended hours for us!
    1 point
  37. The only way to improve an Oreo is to dip it in chocolate, as Sweet Spot typically does for Dollar Days.
    1 point
  38. Just reading that, thinking about it made my mouth water... #foodie #fatty lol
    1 point
  39. You must not go to many fairs because deep fried junk food has become a standard item. Deep fried Twinkies, Oreos, Snickers, even a stick of butter. Typically they are made by freezing the item, putting it on a wood stick, covering it in batter, and frying it to a golden brown.
    1 point
  40. ^ That deal is also available to GOCC members, if that is helpful to anyone else who might be reading this thread.
    1 point
  41. I'm all for intense rides but B&M is that one company where people can grow old and still enjoy their coasters. On average, when I go to the park anyway, I see more older guests on rides like Banshee and Diamondback as opposed to say Vortex and Invertigo. Younger enthusiasts might like head banging and graying out but as people get older they don't like it as much.
    1 point
  42. 1987 called-I answered
    1 point
  43. How did you come up with such a unique layout? Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
    1 point
  44. ^ As long as it still fits you are doing something right.
    1 point
  45. So when a beer stand changes it's name does it count as a new beer stand credit?
    1 point
  46. At the end of the night, the crew said it was too cold to send an empty train, so they had to evacuate us from the brake run. Most of the train was filled with enthusiasts who had been waiting in the station.
    1 point
  47. Maybe they do and I suppose I am not a true enthusiast. I guess I kind of view it like a vehicle breakdown on the highway. Yahoo! I get to sit here for twenty minutes or more doing nothing and then ride in a tow truck! Actually completing the circuit and having time for another ride sounds much more exciting to me. Different strokes. Contratulations Malem and Pianoman on your exciting evacuation!
    1 point
  48. I mean, I'd be excited if it were me. Heck, I'm excited for them. I though all enthusiasts want evacs?
    1 point
  49. The "!" seems to indicate you are excited about this?
    1 point
  50. Malem and I just got an evacuation on Millennium Force! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    1 point
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