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“When Kings Island opens to Gold and Platinum Passholders for preview night on April 19th, guests will get a first look at the completely restored characters and new clock at the main Festhaus entrance in the Oktoberfest area of the park.” https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2019/march/glockenspiel-to-return-for-kings-island’s-2019-season

I love the renovations that we are seeing this off season. A big ride is nice, but these little things make a big impact as well. To me they are just as appreciated!

I find it really interesting that after Mike Koontz became GM/VP of KI we're getting all these awesome renovations. Truly feels as if we've got someone in leadership that really cares about the park, the history and the like.

Hmm...it's as if someone reads these message boards, listens, and implements... Winterfest, IS restoration, themed music, glockenspiel...all things we have discussed here. Dare we discuss a Racer renovation? Lol. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

My Lord they are not only knocking the ball out of the park... they are hitting the moon. I cannot tell you how much the restorative effort they are putting into the park means to me, us, all. I am so glad to know KI is finally in the hands of those that cherish, respect and honor it's past as much as its future. APPLAUSE!!!

Giga Confirmed! Once I saw this, I knew I had to post it!

Not be blunt, but I cannot for the life of me understand why some are thinking that a flyer is within the reasonable realm of possibilities. If this means anything, the flying concept has been available for nearly two decades now, and Cedar Fair has yet to originally install one (X-Flight opened under Six Flags). I'd think it be even more unlikely that they start on this concept at a park that just removed one. (And for this same reason, I'm skeptical as to whether we will see a flyer (albeit a B&M one) installed at CP or any CF park for this matter). Personally, I give the chance of a flyer at KI about the same chance of a stand-up. Which is to say - practically zero. Banshee - while there was just a modest increase in attendance (+0.9) seen from its debut year, as far as ridership goes, it actually performed incredibly well - took in over 2,000,000 riders. Also there was a huge jump in attendance in 2015 (+2.9). While that year also saw the additions of Woodstock Gliders, and Snoopy's Space Buggies, I can imagine a good amount of those extra attendees were going to experience Banshee for the first time after perhaps not having been able to make it out to KI the year before. Either way, the situation is most certainly not "stagnant" Mystic Timbers - As noted above, 2017 was a particularly strong year for KI. While there were other factors at play, I would surmise based on how well-received the ride was by the average guest, it was a driving factor. And its intectually dishonest to call it "one of the most expensive wooden coasters" (Do you mean in park history, or industry-wide?). First off, as of a few years ago, Cedar Fair no longer releases official investment numbers on rides, as they consider it propriety. There is a number floating around on Wikipedia claiming "$15,000,000" but I take with that with less than a grain of salt as there was not a reference attached to that claim. Based on similiar rides and with inflation, I'd estimate MT to have cost somewhere between $10-12 million. Prowler for example, which opened in 2009, cost about $8 million. Typical GCIs are relatively inexpensive to large B&Ms such as DB ($22m) and Banshee ($24m). As for 2018? Yes, the park did have a disappointing year. However, this was not unique to KI, but chainwide - even at CP amidst opening Steel Vengeance. Barring the economy retracting significantly this upcoming summer, I'd predict a bounce-back year, particularly at KI with the long-awaited return of Antique Cars. While I will not deny there has sort of been an 'entitlement' aspect to all of this - almost to the point where it feels like were "owed" something (even though were not "owed" anything) - I'd say there's been plenty of legitimate circumstancial evidence to hypothesize a giga. I mean after all, there's way to have "legitimate proof" until its announced or if/when blueprints get leaked. Let me put it this way... Suppose that GM Mike Koontz didn't say at Coasterstock last year that he recommended a giga to the board, and there weren't NOC documents filed listing B&M for years 2018-2020, and that it wasn't true that KI outranks both CW and Carowinds (parks which both have a hyper and giga each) by a large margin in revenue ? Then yes, I guess you could see it as being 'built up by the fans more than legitimate proof'. But this simply isn't the case... Hype surrounding SOB 2.0 last summer? Now THAT was built up entirely by the fans. But project giga? Not nearly as much... Well, the thing is Mr. Koontz already had said that he recommended a giga to Cedar Fair. Therefore, you're implying the GM was unwise in doing so!

Mr Koontz is doing an amazing job! In addition, it seems as though this new emphasis on theming, atmosphere, and restoration may be more chain wide. Worlds of Fun just announced similar changes, including theming enhancements across the park, which I’m guessing will help take guests back into the classic Jules Verne story it was originally themed after: https://www.worldsoffun.com/blog/2019/cotton-blossom-bbq-new-2019 Amazing things are happening with Cedar Fair.

Now if they announce these for 2020 I’m going to lose it with happy tears. (Photo courtesy of Kings Island: 50 Years of Memories) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Request is granted! [emoji16][emoji215][emoji213][emoji1045] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Here is another view of the clock. It is really exciting to see all the detail work this season! If you have not read the whole blog post, please do so and see the rest of the pics.

I think Mr. Kootnz has a huge influence, but I also think the reaction to Winterfest has energized the park. I think the company is seeing the value of the investment and furthering it more. Winterfest has really excited me. I am an old man, but it truly brought back the magic of the KI of my youth. IS seemed alive. Kids may not express it, but the music, smells and sights can be cemented in your mind. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Things like this matter in park quality. Without a doubt, current mgmt is sending the Taft parks back to the top after they bottomed out during the Paramount years.

2019 is definitely going to be a year to remember!

The thing that I think a lot of folks on here are forgetting is that we're enthusiasts. It's nothing for us to make 4 or 5 trips a year to our favorite theme park. 10 to 15 times a year isn't even unheard of, but for the general public, you sometimes go once a year, every couple of years. New rides typically will draw a bigger crowd, but how many of those people are the enthusiasts that would have been there to ride their favorite coaster, and how many are the general public coming to the park for a day with their family? Life's expensive now a days. Here in Indianapolis, house prices are soaring to new heights (anecdotally, my neighborhood crested 200k for houses like mine, that I paid 115k for 10 years ago). The days of family vacations are getting slimmer. Do I believe a giga coaster would draw crowds? Sure. I'm certain it would draw me, and most of the forum members.... but I try to go at least 1 time a year to KI among my other favorite theme parks around the country. On the flip side of that, however, I am 100% certain that I'll make a couple trips this summer with my family, because I know my kids will love the new KMAA the same way I loved them when I was their age. Basically what I'm getting at here, is that throwing new and better coasters brings people that like coasters, but putting in flat rides and family experiences brings families, and while I eat at least 2 meals a day when I'm in the park on one of my "daddy is going coastering" days, I buy 8 meals a day, souvenirs, game play, and about 50 drinks when I'm there with my whole family. The money comes from the family friendly things to build the giant earth shattering coasters that we all love. All of that being said, BRING IN THE GIGA FOR '20!!

#whatsinthebar I just saw that.... which is wildly disappointing because the last time I looked at the camera, the cars were all still sitting and waiting. I love watching the process happen on that camera, and I missed it on the first train!!

Its little improvements/restorations like this that make Kings Island special. Hopefully they continue to update things like this. I am excited that they have spent the time, money and energy to make this happen! Truly a wise investment that will help create memories for scores of Cincinnatians and tourists alike!

I'll take all the 2019 improvements over a big ride any time. Just awesome stuff. The Festhaus getting some much needed German flair back!

Cue the chicken dance!!! Seriously there are so many great improvements this season I'm PUMPED. =D

This is cool to see. Just keep it working, please. For multiple seasons, not multiple months.

Awesome!! Had a feeling this might happen seeing the new little fountain or garden being built in front of Festhaus. Hopefully we see more German themes return to oktoberfest!

Since the park has shown their pictures of the new Kings Mills Antique Autos from just above the ride, I feel I can post this. Of course, I took it with my S9+ from around 600 feet in the air.

Most have watched the Youtube video of "Beast Unleashed", a non official Giga concept making its way across the internet. This spawned a wave of excitement on social media, the enthusiast community, and even made local news. Kings Island fans believed, and some still believe, the park will be getting "Beast Unleashed" in the next season or two. This of course, was just an excellent fan made concept that was not associated with the park. In this latest podcast we talk with KIC Member RuthlessAirtime who was the creator of "Beast Unleashed". Before listening to the podcast, please watch the video if you have not already done so: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV5UyTOezvY https://kicentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/KIC-Podcast-5.mp3

Spectacle of Color Parade Duration: 30 - 40 Minutes Take in extraordinary sights and sounds of sparkling floats and extravagantly costumed performers during the Spectacle of Color parade hosted by the King of Carnivale. An electrifying musical score fills the air as a larger-than-life elephant, Bollywood performers, a Jules Verne airship and more take to the street to delight park guests. Activities and interactive experiences make this one parade you won’t want to miss. Carnivale Street Party Duration: Until Park Closes As the parade concludes, thunderous music builds to a crescendo and the King of Carnivale kicks off a street party filled with performers, an interactive dance party and more. Grand Carnivale

For my part of the conversation, it's just a wish. I like the maze, but it's an eyesore during the main season, in my opinion. With KMAA going next door, the park may enhance the facade. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Now all we need is the Coney Mall signs back. That would be extremely inexpensive & make all kinds of people happy. Keep up the great work KI

I'm glad to see this returning as well. Now if we could only get some decent German food to go in there instead of pizza, burgers and Chinese food.

This looks amazing, I had long ago given up on this ever being fixed and assumed it would never return. Between this, the festival this summer, and the Internal Street renovations, I am really starting to look forward to spending the summer at Kings Island in a way I was not expecting at the end of last year. I figured this would be a slow year with just the antique cars and I am very happy to say I was wrong. I would love to see some interior renovations, mostly because I would like to see more food options, I feel like a third restaurant should be possible with some minor building expansion. I really want to see a harmony hall style food court but that feels unlikely, but then so did the return of the glockenspiel.

I wonder if there will be any other surprises they have in store for us. Not getting my hopes up but at this rate who knows what else they have done!

I could not agree more. I want a 500 foot tall coaster, I really do, but this is the kind of stuff that I can now bring my kids to a park I enjoyed as a child and point out and say "Daddy thought this was so cool when I was your age". These are those memories that most of us have of KI, and the types of things that you get to see all over again through the eyes of your own kiddos. Huge thanks to KI for seemingly doing most of what is being begged for on the forum!!

I'm loving what the park is doing. Just when you think they are done announcing new things they pull something else out of their sleeve. Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

I’m a cubs fan but that is a great stadium to watch a game. Got family down that way but mostly visit KI 3-4 times a year...and the Horseshoe casino hahaha

Well, we have a name at least... I can see it now... "Coming in 2021, it's Gigabar, the 345 ft. tall coaster with an 85 degree first drop, that sets the bar for other coasters to follow. This coaster races along 6,392 ft of track at speeds of up to 91 mph. Gigabar... Set the Bar!" #setthebar -MDMC, letting his imagination run wild!

Anyone else wish the ride was less compact? I kinda of wish the ride was spread out and in a different location. Be interesting to see how ‘natural’ flowing this area will look like

I’m so excited! I have never seen the clock and glockenspiel in their full glory...yet. Add this to the growing list of exciting improvements for this year!!

This makes me so happy! I remember watching the figurines dance as a kid. Hopefully they will still use the Chicken Dance Song. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I could have swore Behemoth that opened in '08 was the one that started that trend...with DB following in '09....followed by Intimidator in '10 and Shambhala in '12. The same year Shambhala opened, B&M brought their first version of a Giga Coaster with Leviathan, utilizing the 4-across seating, Fury 325 also utilized the 4-across seating. The most recent hyper, Mako, opened in 2016 with the 4-across seating as well.

Fresh deep fried corn dogs anyone?

We brought the wrong stroller to Disney and they told us at the gate and took us over to get a stroller rental free of charge and we picked up our banned stroller when we left for the day.

I don't care about the quote, I just like the screen name!

Say what you want about Disney, but they have their stuff together. They will come up with a fair and reasonable process to make this all work. Maybe let them use a rental stroller in place of their own. Remember when KI had a Jr Gold Pass and if your kid grew to be higher than 48" (or whatever) it was the responsibility of the admissions employee to tell the person, "Sorry, I know this pass worked last week, but you're going to have to stand in another line and then pay us an additional $25. Next please!" Yeah, that doesn't happen with Disney. Thank goodness Jr Gold Passes (at least) are gone now.

That may be true, but I think that the DB-style seating was also more of a trend for the 2005-10 range and both guests and parks prefer the shorter 4 person across trains. Otherwise some parks would still spring for it.

And now it's named Hank's, like Tom Hanks. Coincidence? Probably.

@Drummermattk nice pic! I really need to make my way to that park and check it out for myself.

I'm really looking forward to the cod at Brew House. I'm also looking forward to Tots!

Personally, I'd like to see KI get another launch coaster at some point, one that shows how far launch tech has come since the 2 coasters it currently has (I'm talking 70+ mph launch and elements getting towards 200 ft). A 3rd Premier or a S&S would be great.

You could very well be correct. I’ve heard they’ve put quite a bit into this. This will be interesting to say the least.

I’m really glad to see things like this coming to fruition. It reminds me of how Universal does things - seasonal festivals that become a “must see” throughout the year. Very cool!

Yesterday, in line for Vortex, a group of non-enthusiasts overhearing our conversation about the ride asked us about it sinking into the ground. I held back my laughter. A bit disheartening to see that the rumor has spread beyond enthusiasts, but I was glad that I could dispel it for them!

“?” Just a suggestion but a bit more proper grammar, maybe a tad less pithy, liberal use of emoticons and people may just start liking you around here. It helps.