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Showing content with the highest reputation on 01/16/2019 in Posts

  1. FYI... just to add some tid-bits here... The "Pedestals" you see today were altered for either the 2nd or 3rd season of operation. Originally, the water bowls sat on top of the simple round cylindrical "tubes." Later, for decoration (and added support) the bowls were given 8 support arms each. In the pictures above you can see how the original pedestal "tubes" still exist and the original bowls with the later-added arms sit over top of them. The original IS configuration's street-scapes, curbs etc were all removed/altered for the first Winterfest in 1982. That's also when the "trees" were added along the fountains. The pavers on IS are the oldest in the park - and were added many seasons (1982) before other areas in KI - they have been repaired/replaced a few times over the years. The fountain and its filtration system was completely overhauled in 2003 due to a severe series of "cracks" that left the original concrete crumbling and leaking underground in places. Basically, they built a fountain over the fountain. This was also done in prep for the return of the 2005 Winterfest. For 2005's Winterfest, additional pathways from IS down to the fountain were added for access to the ice-rink. There is a long-standing rumor that a capsule of personal momentos may have been placed under IS by the original designers/contractors. But I've never had it verified officially.
    8 points
  2. Sweet--Just don't touch the Don Quixote statue!
    6 points
  3. From the KI Blog: Kings Island’s International Street is set to receive its first complete makeover since the park opened in 1972. No element of International Street will be left untouched as crews update the Royal Fountain, install more than 130,000 new pavers, improve each building façade and enhance the landscaping. More details can be found on the the KI Blog here: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2019/january/international-street-and-royal-fountain-to-get-major-offseason-renovation?fbclid=IwAR251DIOLgO6Xh04pHIq9Z4vVmo656i3rLX8vFOPoAgDoIxHdhgs-X9XQZQ
    6 points
  4. With Firehawk being removed and the speculated giga it's quite easy for the cars to be overlooked. I think we hit a jackpot with this year's additions.
    5 points
  5. Geeze.... I love those pavers. It almost looks like cobblestone to me.
    5 points
  6. In no particular order The Crypt building This is one of the biggest eyesores in the park and I'm sure park officials want to do something with it Boo Blasters At the rate we've been seeing old attractions rise form the grave, I wouldn't count out the possible return of the Phantom Theater- if not that, an improved dark ride experience with a similar theme Oktoberfest Hank's Burrito Shack in a German themed area, need I say more? Also on a more personal note I would like to see BLSC get rethemed but I don't think that'll happen anytime soon
    5 points
  7. Wow! Never saw this coming! Between this and the return of the Antique Cars, this will be quite the memorable season!
    5 points
  8. I wonder if we'll be seeing a return of this type of design http://www.cincinnativiews.net/kings_island.htm
    5 points
  9. I really really hope they don’t cut down the I street trees. Other than that, SUPER exciting!!
    5 points
  10. Here is an interesting tidbit that has slipped through the cracks: It was mentioned that the International Street Bandstand would also be expanded. This is both an upgrade and a logistical piece. It’s a not-so-kept secret that the Bandstand is simply the roof of the pump house for the fountains. The current fountain setup consists of sand filters, which are an old technology. These are very large - about the size of a Smart Car and a half. These will likely be replaced with cartridge filters that will both increase the fountain’s turbidity and be able to handle the PSI associated with the new fountain technology. These are much smaller. To remove the old sand filters would be an interesting feat. You could cut them up, or (more likely) destroy the stage and remove them vertically. So the fact that the Bandstand is being redone and the fountains are being redone at the same time. I am familiar with the “show fountain” technology that is typically used, but do not know the specifics of what they are doing. Kings Dominion has a pump house the size of Kings Island’s current one, but their fountain lacks the inherent complexity of KI’s. I have a feeling that more space is needed. The cool part about this is that, if they do essentially raze the Bandstand then they have a fantastic opportunity to start from scratch and build it in a manner that meets the needs of 2019 and beyond. Don’t forget that for the core season, Peanuts Celebration, and Winterfest, they extended the stage with large risers, which may not be necessary moving forward.
    4 points
  11. @Imperial79 At one time all of them did. Octoberfest had signs right off international street. Coney of course and then Planet Snoopy was Hanna Barberra. Rivertown currently has one near RFYLCB, as well as X-Base. I’ll see if I can locate a picture of the Octoberfest sign. edit: here is the Oktoberfest sign.
    4 points
  12. Please keep the pedestals! It's very ironic that this was released today. Last night I was looking at YouTube videos of Canada's Wonderland IS and I thought to myself how much nicer the KI Royal Fountain looks.
    4 points
  13. This is awesome news! This is actually the best improvement they could make at the park IMO. Kings Island's International Street has been way outdated and not-so-nice for a while. Lack of shade. The hideous white picnic tables. Tables right up against the walkways. King's Dominion's International Street is so much nicer that present KI. Kings Dominion has lots of wonderful trees and lush landscaping. There is shade EVERYWHERE. There are nice umbrella tables by the fountain to sit, and they are separated from the walkways with landscape islands. Let's hope that King's Islands ends up like this as well. Lets hope the plant more TREES! King's Dominion International Street at Winterfest also blew way the Kings Island version. It was much more immersive with the lights in the trees all above you wherever you were walking. Although King's Island's Snowflake lake was better because it was lower in the ground and more visible. It looks like they are taking the ugly pedestal fountains out. Kings Dominion and Canada's Wonderland's fountains come directly out of the water, which is a much sleeker look. Hopefully that is the case as well. I am soooo happy Cedar Fair bought these parks. In the begin, I thought they would become generic parks because of the way Cedar Fair didn't care much about atmosphere or theming in the past. But they are returning the Taft parks to their former glory after the destruction that Paramount did.
    4 points
  14. This is great! Hopefully the ambient music will go along with all of these wonderful updates.
    4 points
  15. I feel like the park is going back to its 70s-80s roots with its look and charm. We've seen the return of some old attractions like The Bat, Winterfest, the Antique Cars, and now Racer and I-Street are getting some work done. I wonder if Cedar Fair and Kings Island are trying to bring back/mimic the success of the Taft Era.
    4 points
  16. @SonofBaconatorI was thinking along the same lines. I think this summer Kings Island is going to hit some feels for the older generations.
    4 points
  17. I really hope you’re right too. What I’m thinking is that based on the fact that the pedestals are clearly being painted in the photos they’re here to stay.
    3 points
  18. Found some pics in our gallery of early IS fountains and path. I wonder how close it will be to this for 2019?
    3 points
  19. My pitch for overhauling Oktoberfest to its former glory while adding a new twist to the once beloved section. Expand Oktoberfest to include Tower Gardens to add more space Remove Hank's Burrito Shack and replace it with something more "German" Have the area sell exclusively German food like giant pretzels, sausage, etc. Bring back the classic Spinning Keggers Bring back the old clock outside of the Festhaus Add German theming around the area like flags, possible FCC soccer banners because of their German roots Move Slingshot to X-Base to allow more room for another flat Remove the ladder game and shorten the Adventure Express que to allow for more room Oktoberfest has been arguably the most neglected of the original 5 sections that debuted when the park opened in 1972 so bringing the area back to its former glory would be a welcomed return- especially if its done for the park's 50th anniversary.
    3 points
  20. Hope to see the Coney Mall sign return, I think there is a chance for it too, since KI is bringing back the theming.
    3 points
  21. True. And Bellagio style shows in the fountain will be fantastic! Also.... does this new makeover include a new entry gate? Are they going to update the International restaurant too? Are they cutting out the trees? (I hope not). Perhaps they are adding additional shops and restaurants too or are they only updating facades.... hmmmm can’t wait to see the results.
    3 points
  22. https://www.wcpo.com/news/crime/mason/kings-island-international-street-gets-facelift-before-spring-opening Looks like the Royal Fountain will be getting new LED lights and new nozzles. Hopefully the pedestals return as well. Curious to know what the more room in front of the Eiffel Tower for celebrations means. Are they taking out the bandstand, or pulling the midway closer to the base of the tower? I too hope they do not cut down all of the trees. I also hope that the seat walls return. It is a great place to grab a quick seat. I am excited to see what the finished product looks like. Is it April yet?
    3 points
  23. They said families can get closer to the pools than before, hopefully that doesn't mean taking out the trees
    3 points
  24. Wave pool on international Street! Confirmed!!!
    3 points
  25. I bet they'll be untouched.... Something tells me they'll be needed again.
    3 points
  26. I bet games and mech is where they need to increase per caps on us pass holders. That might be their target?
    3 points
  27. Would like to see the Coney Mall sign return - when the concrete walkway was enlarged several years ago, the sign disappeared. Creative ways like at Haunt with portable concrete anchors or large flower pots could hold it
    3 points
  28. https://www.wlwt.com/article/kings-islands-international-street-getting-first-ever-complete-makeover/25916527 HOLY SMOKES!!!!!!! I had a gut feeling this was coming soon!
    2 points
  29. I love all the TLC Cedar Fair is putting into the park...with that said, this news both scares & excites me! I can think of things that I would love changed...but fear that they will remove things I love. (I'll keep my fingers crossed.)
    2 points
  30. I don’t want them to get rid of the pedestals. There’s still plenty of room to skate around them especially now that they took out 2 of them during Winterfest. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2 points
  31. I'd be for the return of the "Bavarian Beetle" along with the Kegs. KI is one of the only main CF parks without a wildmouse.
    2 points
  32. A spinning Wildmouse coaster would fit in nicely with the theme... I’d personally like to see all of the themed area signs return.
    2 points
  33. Oktoberfest. That area is due to be brought back to how it was. It now feels like the small part between Coney Mall and AZ. I would bring back some of the german stuff (like they had at Winterfest, but keep it permanent.) I would also love to see the barrels return and some more flat rides. They could even do a coaster in that area. Maybe something like Copperhead Strike or even Maverick over the pond themed to the area. I would like to see Slingshot removed or relocated to Xbase or something.
    2 points
  34. I'd die if the Phantom came back!!
    2 points
  35. Keep the fountains and pedestals, its an iconic look for KI when you walk into the park. Not every park should be the same. I like the way the Royal Fountain is better then what KD or CW has, they all look great in their own way though!
    2 points
  36. The best thing is I would assume the parks are biggest part of Cedar Fair income so they actually care about them. During the Paramount days it was hardly a drop in the bucket income wise for CBS.
    2 points
  37. So to be clear, the large trees would not be in line with how I Street looked in the 1970’s. I know that one apprehension that the design company had with doing the “fountain” treatment years back was that the trees obstructed the view of the fountain. Most old schoolers don’t like the trees. My main concern is that they did some cool stuff with them during WF, so it’ll be interesting to see what, if anything, they do to replace that. Also, and this is a long shot, but removing the trees does make the possibility of projection mapping the IS buildings for Haunt a real possibility too.
    2 points
  38. I actually prefer KI's because you can actually see the Eiffel Tower. KD's Eiffel Tower seems obstructed due to the abundance of trees.
    2 points
  39. Sounds pretty wonderful. I hope to see some additional “international” additions in the coming years! Very excited for this!
    2 points
  40. I just think the main focus this year is Antique Autos then this year is like an s upgrade to iPhone, what really is happening is behind the scenes that we cant see but will be announced and or teased later this year.
    2 points
  41. From @DonHelbig Mark your calendar! Coasterstock 2019 at Kings Island will be held May 17-18. Full details will be released later this month including the on-sale date for tickets.
    2 points
  42. I am also more excited about the rehab of IS then cars. I actually keep forgetting about the cars.
    1 point
  43. 1 point
  44. I have to agree, I’m quite excited about the upgrades being made but also hope they keep the pedestals. I also hope they don’t have to paint the floor of the fountain a dark color like they’ve had to do with KD and CW in order to hide the mechanics.
    1 point
  45. The problem is that most people on here don’t remember the original paint scheme. Most that saw it would agree with you.
    1 point
  46. I was thinking about this. Imagine if it were a dive coaster. Every headline would be about the disappointment and would completely overshadow the product. It’s obvious that dive coasters are at a discount (comparatively for a B&M) and offer a “meh” experience. They are great for high end transitional years, but not for a blockbuster landmark.
    1 point
  47. Why dont you have your good coasters open for Winterfest?
    1 point
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