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While driving to Winterfest last night, I noticed that Orion and Diamondback look like dueling coasters from a distance as the track seems to mimic each other.

At this point, the only two things I'm hoping for is that they sell some of the scrap to the public and that the station stays.

OMG, just realized I recently passed another KIC milestone! My membership can get its learner's permit in a few months!

I have two theories about why this part of the track was removed: 1. This is normal to prevent any trains from being dispatched. Yes, I know, I know. 2. The remove track that connects to the station so when they start major demolition, it will not be connected to the station, which will not damage the station because it's staying. One can hope, right?

I think it will take a bit longer than a few days. It's not as simple as bringing in a wrecking ball and going to town. They started taking down SoB sometime in August/September and I remember the lift hill didn't come down until the week of Thanksgiving.

Banshee took several months to build. My guess is that Vortex isn't being dismantled piece by piece. Demo will take a few days, maybe less... And with any luck, since that land is apparently sinking- once the coaster falls to the ground it could get swallowed up and they wouldn't have to worry about hauling it away.

I have to imagine it would run better with Millennium Flyers than those track shredding three bench PTC's.

Sure do - beautiful night

Tonights probably the perfect night to be at Winterfest so far this season.

only to say that Vortex won't be "dismantled" and demo last long enough to have a reverse construction map

Whoever's making these complaints is also probably the president of an HOA. They just seem like the type.

My best attempt at a Mike Baxter Vlog entry. You know what one of the best Christmas-time jobs is? No, I’m not talking about the corner Walmart Santa- I mean, who would want hundreds of snot-nosed kids sitting on your lap telling you all of the multi-hundred dollar things they want that their parents will never buy? I’m talking about the theme park Christmas show cast. Years from now kids will forget the giant, elegantly wrapped box that contained the ugly sweatshirt mom liked but they’ll never wear- but things kids will remember long into adulthood right until dementia sets in are the sights and sounds they experience in their childhood. There are probably 50+ individuals on the payroll of Kings Island, or some 3rd party company that participate in this every time they take to the stage. Kids from 1 to 92 adore you, sing your songs in the car coming and going from the park. Yes, they’re campy shows with goofy storylines- they’re Christmas shows, they’re supposed to be. Just watch any Hallmark Christmas movie. However, some characters seem to have lost sight (not all) of what their “work” means this time of year and come across as they are too busy to come out and make some kids night with a photo op. Maybe not kids from 1 to 92, but definitely 1 to 10- your physical presence is as real to them as the fat guy himself and they’ll remember you a lot longer than a Christmas sweater. So, for the cast of Tinker, Charlie Brown, What the Dickens, and all the others- before or after your show (if you’re on here)- take a moment to come out, smile for the camera and be part of someone’s memory for a lifetime. Remember, you’re in your 20’s now… won’t be long and you’ll be in your 30’s and 40’s writing messages to those in their 20’s to remind them of these things. Oh, and to the Santa’s workshop Elf that stayed in character to break the news to my daughter that Tinker couldn’t come out for a picture because he was making cookies… well done. The picture of you and our daughter will be in our Christmas memories for years to come; and archived in Google Photos beyond that. Baxter, out.

So it would appear one of Vortex's trains arrived at Carowinds. I'm curious as to if they will use the train on the ride or just part it out.

Heading east on Western Row Rd there's a spot were they match up almost perfectly.

Son of Beast was also in a significantly more accessible location without as much risk for collateral damage should demolition go wrong. (The Beast's station)

Going tonight with family. Looking forward to it!

It could also be as simple as them sending a piece of track to a museum before a certain date. Or, since they removed the lift gear for reuse, it may have been easier to just cut off the rails at the bottom of the lift.

My heart is sad, I can't believe this day is here

Oh God, here we go.

For Yukon Striker they adjusted the supports by a degree or so that the track would fit.

Wow! we have a lot of more supports up! Edit: tallest support finished!

By whole ride - probably meant track work?

Per Don, the whole ride should be completed by the end of January!

My family made it to Winterfest last weekend. Here are a few of my observations: The Sweet Shop never ceases to amaze me...they come up with such amazing creations! The park looked great, as always...I really could go there and not ride a single ride and be happy. Making cookies with Mrs. Claus is always fun...one of the best family oriented activities at Winterfest. I love the endless photo ops that the park has set up all around the park. I am sure that for decades to come people will look back fondly at some of the pictures that they have taken. (I think the nostalgic TV was my favorite.) The roaming characters couldn’t have been better...I love how Scrooge can stay in character yet not scare the young ones. (Side note, is Jingle Balls still around this year?) I skipped the train ride...seeing the 12 Days Of Christmas from Mystic Timbers was plenty...please change the theme next year! I wish they could improve meeting Santa. For those who have never done it, it is actually kind of creepy. It is not bright and cheery inside, it is only lit by black lights...perfect for Halloween, not Christmas. My guess for the reason they do this is to guarantee that parents will buy the photos...since flash photography is not allowed, you would not be able to get a decent picture unless you purchased it. Not that I have a problem with buying them, we always buy the photos, and still would not matter what. My problem is that this makes meeting Santa a surreal experience...how does a kid process that Santa likes sitting in a darkly lit room instead of a brightly lit one? Santa, as always looked great, different from last year, but always great...and we love our photos. I just wish the park could figure out how to prevent cell phone photo taking and have it lit nicely for the kids. Here is a shot of the room and Santa in case you’re curious. Kings Island, thanks for another great Winterfest!

I'd love to have a piece of track as a makeshift club for my car. Imagine beating some mugger into submission with The Vortex.

From what I was informed, one train is going to CP for Corkscrew, one to Carowinds for Carolina Cyclone, and one to CGA for Demon. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What about this link like a well themrd above the mine, kind of dark ride, a few Animatronics, and some projections, etc. Rivertown mining, the ride. https://www.producers-group.com/2019/11/20/the-dark-rider/

Hopefully this ride gets the lift hill system that Racer 75 at Kings Dominion got fir 2019. As long as the trains are released within something like 30 seconds of each other, The lift hill synchronize them so they go over the top at the same time.

If it's already been mentioned, please accept my apologies. But....

Boy did this not age well.......