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Showing content with the highest reputation on 05/10/2021 in Posts

  1. I saw guests on Saturday carrying around paper maps! I was overjoyed. They said they got them over by the height checking station near the front gate.
    5 points
  2. What a refreshing statement. Couldn’t agree more.
    4 points
  3. Got my second covid-19 vaccine dose Saturday morning. Aside from a few side effects Sunday (very sore arm, low fever, headache, and a little nausea) I am fine now. Excited to be fully vaccinated.
    4 points
  4. One of the photos your are probably referring to was mine. I didn't post it as a social distancing observation. I posted it to discuss the 2021 season, as in the ride was officially running and we were in line. Now, it seems from your posts that you are not comfortable going to Kings Island at this point. Guess what? That is totally fine. No one is forcing anyone to go. Was the social distancing as good as it should have been? No. Did I feel uncomfortable at any point during the day? No. Here's why. I've gotten vaccinated. (I AM NOT STARTING A VACCINATION DEBATE. SIMPLY STATING A FACT). I did this to get back to normal. Saturday was one of the most "back to normal" experiences that I have had in the past year. Bottom line, if you feel comfortable in maskless crowds, enjoy the park. If not, then either wear a mask or don't go. As for me, I plan to enjoy the heck out of KI this summer.
    4 points
  5. It makes a lot of money for the chain. They need to build coasters and stuff to draw crowds, but a lot of those “nice to have” upgrades like painted buildings, pavers, and renovations stem from the fact that the company has a lot more cash flow. FL is a big reason why.
    3 points
  6. Obviously it was very crowded Saturday, I was disappointed to see how some folks were treating the kids working at Juke Box. They were obviously overwhelmed and most seemed to be in training. I will say the one young lady that was attempting to get food out was taking the brunt of the abuse, and she just kept smiling, and doing her best. Yesterday was great - walked on most, and only waited a ride cycle for the ones we did have to wait for. After waiting 2.5 hrs for Orion Sat night, it was a strange feeling walking on the next day lol.
    3 points
  7. Our two year old got her first credit Saturday. She rode with her hands up.
    3 points
  8. That is great to hear! Now all Kings Island needs to do is put paper maps back by the entrance.
    2 points
  9. Someone like me who travels a long distance to visit a park I like fastlane. If I am driving 5+ hours to visit a park I wanna ride everything. I try to visit 5ish new parks a year and I want to get all the coaster credits. I recently visited Wild Adventures and they did not offer a fast pass and I missed 2 credits.
    2 points
  10. Most of today's bands/performers/musical acts are contracted through an outside "promoter." For instance, Live Nation is a concert/act promoter. Many promoters, have their own venues. That, or they have contracts/agreements with independent venues to bring their acts there. Those contracts can differ, depending on the facility and are often financially complex. Successful venues often use very current technology - not only the staging, lighting and technical needs of today's acts - but also event admissions technology such as mobile barcode scanners, live analytics data, and database-driven sales feeds etc. Many of those venues also have contracts, or agreements with successful ticketing software/distribution providers (i.e. Ticketmaster) Kings Island (TMK) does not have a contract, or agreement with major concert promoters (outside of Spirit Song - which I'll get to in a bit.) So any concerts they *may* do (at this point) would likely be, one-offs. Kings Island does have a contract with Ticketmaster to not only sell and distribute tickets - but to also supply the software and ticketing equipment on site (such as Boca printers, dumb terminals etc.) Because of the infrequency of concerts, there's not been a need for KI to invest in the costly ticketing technology themselves. That infrequency is due, IMO, to a number of things... competition from other venues (better & larger facilities/better options for inclement elements etc.) Also, the "face" of concerts has drastically changed in the past 40 years. Most of today's performers are heavily reliant on theatrics... so they travel with their own stages and massive rigging so they can distract audiences with light shows/hydraulic lifts/scenery changes/fire and special effects etc. Such performances are best seen at night - or in a darkened venue. Timberwolf wasn't really built for that - it was built for static performers and bands. Demands of artists play a role as well - and KI simply isn't in the business to cater to most of today's intricate tech-riders themselves. Spirit Song is a low-risk, successful event that has proven to be a large draw for decades. The performers are more traditional "static" performers that don't rely heavily on theatrics or complex tech-riders. Its a "festival", so it is an admissions draw to the park for an entire weekend. Because of the nature of the concerts, and the fact that it is at a family-oriented theme park - its a huge draw for churches and youth groups across the Midwest. A great portion of ticket sales are to large groups that are maintained, and return, year after year. There's a built-in base of buyers that help guarantee that it's a success. Now, I am not privy to what type of a contract SS's promoter may have with KI... but I'd guess its a simple 4-wall, where they are essentially just renting the venue and KI only retains the profits from park admissions and concessions. It is my opinion that the reason Timberwolf still exists is literally because of Spirit Song. The event is obviously a large enough draw that the park continues to see its merit (As recent as 2020 - which was cancelled due to Covid.) And as long as Kings Island deems the facility's use for Spirit Song as a viable use of the "real estate", then Timberwolf will continue. Also, as long as SS's promoter deems the facility adequate, then KI will likely just "maintain" it rather than heavily re-investing. If the park deems the land's use better suited for something that can be better marketed, or produce a larger return on investment, then it will be removed. If they are faced with a costly renovation or remodel (in order to maintain some sort of standard for future use) then they'll run the metrics to find out what the better monetary use is. As of now, its costing them little to nothing to just sit there... and its tucked away in a spot that isn't really prime midway real-estate. I do not think the land clearing seen this season is reflective of anything related to a removal of Timberwolf - I think its just a simple clearing of foliage overgrowth.
    2 points
  11. Only problem I see is people waiting that long for Banshee lmao
    2 points
  12. I think it was a combination of factors that lead to the craziness yesterday. Understaffed in some locations, first day on the job for many, and the weather forecast for Sunday looked pitiful so anyone that wanted to go this weekend, showed up on Saturday. If the forecast for each day was similar, it would have spread out the crowds a bit more.
    2 points
  13. I don't see it leaving anytime soon but I would much rather see it's removal for new rides than for it to be upgraded and take up more park space. There is still plenty of area for them to add new stuff over the next years, but I feel like overall they are more likely to remove it than upgrade. There's just no need to remove it until they really need that space.
    2 points
  14. I'm not for removing Timberwolf. Once something is gone, its hard to bring back. I'd rather them fix it up and make it work vs demolishing it. We don't need a coaster on every vacant piece of land. Most music venues are downtown over 20 miles away so there's enough distance for it to work. Its not like Dave Matthews would stop playing at Riverbend to go to Timberwolf. KI could host their own music festival and bring in people who are looking for their big break.
    2 points
  15. I think it'll be at least another 3 years until we start to see any action there unless it's for a flat ride
    2 points
  16. 2 points
  17. Covid is not lethal? Have you been living in a cave? I suppose you are one of those "Covid is no worse than the flu" people. There are tons of people that have serious side effects a YEAR after contacting this disease. The long term health effects will not be known for some time. Downplaying this virus is not helpful.
    2 points
  18. As we inch closer and closer to season pass holder preview on May 8th and 9th, and the start of the general season on May 15th, Kings Island is getting to be on everyone's mind. So many people are ready to get out of the house and enjoy yet another year of thrills, friends, and making memories at their favorite park, Kings Island. After an uncertain 2020 year with a shortened season, mask wearing, health screenings, and all that went into being safe at the park, we are starting to be able to get a little normalcy in 2021. Along with that is the return of Soak City, Shows, 10PM closes, fireworks, and much more. KICentral members and other Kings Island fans are figuring out the logistics of getting their families & friends over to the park and making vacation plans that include visits to Kings Island and possibly a day or two at Soak City. As you start making your plans to visit Kings Island the park map is a great way to show your first time family, friends, and neighbors the layout of Kings Island you might be bringing this summer. Visit our Park Maps Page to not only download the electronic version of the full map, but also reference the park maps anytime. KICentral wishes everyone a great year at Kings Island. We look forward to not only seeing you on the forums, but out on the midways! KICentral Admin 2021 Park Map
    1 point
  19. I always thought he’d do a hockey podcast or something next. This is way out of left field! I present to you Don Helbig Sporting Goods! https://www.donhelbigsportinggoods.com
    1 point
  20. Fast Lane and the like are only what I would consider to be negatively impactful to the average guest at a few parks around the country - Cedar Point and the Disney parks leading the way. I would argue on the "average" Kings Island day Fast Lane is really more of a nuisance. The problem is that when the park is moderately busy or busier then it becomes a real impediment to the standby line at the popular rides, particularly at Orion, Diamondback and The Beast. The reason that it's an issue at those rides is because they're allowing half of each train to be filled with Fast Lane guests (I'll leave aside the issue of them receiving the first choice of seats, as that's a separate issue). It's clear that management is trying to artificially suppress the Fast Lane waits at the popular rides to make the Fast Laners happy. The problem with that is that the overwhelming majority of Fast Lane usage is at a handful of rides, which creates even more demand for the stuff everyone wants to ride. I would argue that the best thing for everyone involved would be for Kings Island to raise the price of Fast Lane on weekends ($75 FL/$90 FLP is too inexpensive for weekends, and especially Saturdays IMO) and/or limit the volume of Fast Laners allowed on each train to a more reasonable number. Cutting that Fast Lane allotment each train from half down to a third would make a significant difference to standby waits.
    1 point
  21. Rode Sunday and it felt amazing! The bottoms of the hills where the train always kind of felt like it “crashed” were way more comfortable. Totally like a new ride! Now I wish I could have ridden it in ‘72 when it was ALL new!
    1 point
  22. I used FLP on Saturday when I went. I did get some looks every once in a while and was able to hit 20 rides. I could have had many many more if I wanted but thought it would be entirely disrespectful to marathon "Orion" on a day like that. I wanted to badly but decided against doing something like that on a VERY busy day. I usually go to Kings Island during the week and never buy FLP or FL because it's never needed. However, I almost always buy FLP if I go on a weekend. It certainly has it's pro's and con's. Overall I think it's balances out most of the time as the park isn't as busy as Saturday even 90% of it's operating season.
    1 point
  23. I get put in seats at random as a FLP holder. It is not any particular row. I prefer the back row anyways over the front. I find maybe the only downside to fastlane is I am a lot less likely to get my favorite seat. Because prior to Covid I was used to fill empty seats. That means left side on Mystic when right side has the most airtime for example. I am a single rider so maybe its different for people who have fastlane with friends or family. I get more rides with fastlane and I know with more rides sooner or later I will get that seat I want. If its a new ride to me like Orion last year I will go out of my way to request one front and one back row ride but I don't like to push it.
    1 point
  24. I get every Friday and Saturday off and I am almost 2 hours away from King's Island and 3 hours from Cedar Point. I have all season all chain Fast Lane. Without it I would not be able to enjoy the park on the weekends and would likely not be going near as much as I do. That would mean a lot less spending on merchandise, beer, food not on the mealplan, lockers etc. Plus the money that goes to businesses outside the park like hotels. I certainly would not have visited Cedar Point twice last fall without it. Or on Sept Friday the 13th 2019 the first night of Haunt. On the other hand I went to Holiday World for Holiwood Nights last year and on Saturday during regular park hours coasters all had a 2 hour wait. The park was only open to the public from 10am to 6pm. They started closing off quick queue lines at around 4pm.That park does not offer fastlane. Now if I had driven 5 hours to go visit that park on a Saturday only to get 3-4 rides in total I would not be happy and likely would have never went back. Thankfully I was there for an event and had plenty of ERT.
    1 point
  25. There's two sides to this coin. Local guests, or guests on a limited budget: It's bad. Lines for the general public are much slower. Out of town guests: It's good. If I'm visiting a park that I may never get to visit again, I'm buying the Fast Lane. Especially if the park is going to be crowded. I didn't come all that way to miss out on some rides because I ran out of time. Ideally I believe it hinders the overall guest experience, but I see where they can have their place. I'd say keep them, but limit them much more than they are.
    1 point
  26. Several years ago at Coasterstock it was suggested by several to invite a different local band each week to come perform at Timberwolf (CP is already doing something similar as part of their 150 celebration). This would make good use of the facility, especially during a pandemic using outside for another entertainment option. Maybe KI is cleaning things up in preparation for such idea.
    1 point
  27. They do! Still included with the soup!
    1 point
  28. I hear you there, looking forward to visiting this season! Not concerned with being outdoors in crowds, but I'm also one of those people that has been deemed "essential" (expendable?) in a position where I work with the general public all day. I have managed to not only stay COVID free, so I'm not really feeling the discomfort that others are.
    1 point
  29. IMO wing coasters have become saturated in our region; we have four within 5 hours of our own park. The only way a wing coaster works, again IMO, is if its gimmicky. A compact wing with a ton of near miss elements, like you see with X-Flight at Six Flags Great America, is the only type of wing coaster I would ever want to see at KI.
    1 point
  30. I picked up a copy at the Emporium yesterday in the park. I don't normally like to read books but this will be a good read. I skimmed through the pages and looks like lots of good details in there. I'll start reading it after this weekend when I get home from my trip.
    1 point
  31. Going on I have to return to normal at somE point. COVID is here to stay just like the flew
    1 point
  32. Couldn't agree more. The first half of the ride is butter smooth. Problem is it makes the last half seem rough. Not that it's rough, just not as smooth as the 1st half. Here's hoping the do the last half so it may be enjoyed for 50 more years!
    1 point
  33. 1 point
  34. I would like to see completely different attractions here vs Cedar Point. No Dive, Wing ect. There seems to be enough companies and products out there to diversify their profiles. I know there will always be overlap (wood, invert ect) but this park could go with a Mach mega coaster with a launch, A new age Vekoma and have a kick a$$ ride without over lapping Cedar Point.
    1 point
  35. Thunderbird is a walk on especially at HWN's.
    1 point
  36. A few years ago the then General Manager Greg Scheid at an event asked how we liked Thunderbird at Holiday World. I don't know if there was any significance to this but it makes me wonder if a wing-rider launch is planned for the old Vortex area. Seems like it would be a perfect spot. ( Note: I am usually wrong when I try to guess on amusement park plans.)
    1 point
  37. I just hope that if they are getting rid of the park maps for good they do what Cedar Point does and have a poster sized souvenir map that you can buy
    1 point
  38. I am sure not printing 20 million maps for all the parks saves a pretty penny
    1 point
  39. The NEW 2021 Kings Island Park Map/Guides looks good....although I did print out a limited number of copies of the new KI Park Map/Guide (pdf copy via Adobe Acrobat Reader) at the library downtown earlier this afternoon so I know some people don't like seeing the maps electronically on smart phones because it makes it harder to read the map on where the rides are. I wouldn't be surprised if Kings Island and all of the Cedar Fair parks would return to paper maps again....but I'm not sure why they decided to phase it out for no apparent reason at all....That's what got me concerned.
    1 point
  40. I would be very surprised if we see park maps return. Respectively, I am one who does not want to carry anything in the park.
    1 point
  41. Made another concept! This time uses the combined plots of Vortex and Backlot Stunt Coaster (if the park were to remove it) Credit for photo: Kyle Kruthoffer https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x88405801b48c9003%3A0x64f9f426e5e19765!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPT9-R0xB7cCJ62410rLZVnO3MfEEPlH6OQeWmX%3Dw213-h160-k-no!5sKings Island - Google Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipNKe4VaFAum79GwxSi9VBSqEPMivewX0T5u1g7A&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi_3rHH9rXwAhUDPK0KHXXOBGUQoiowN3oECFkQAw
    1 point
  42. Idk if we'll ever see the return to paper maps. Especially since it is much easier to have one to download and use on the mobile app. I could see them being available to download and print for those who like collecting them. I just have this feeling that 2019 was the final year of paper maps.
    1 point
  43. I never pull out the maps when I get them (I've been going to KI all my life, so I don't need it; there are also electronic maps everywhere). For me, it's what KIghostguy said. It's about collecting; it's a nostalgic thing. When I was a kid, the first thing I did when we got to the park was grab the map and unfold it to look for showtimes, find where the new ride was, etc. I like the idea that I can still do that, and I love that now my kids get just as excited about it. They may be inessential, but for some it's a big part of the experience.
    1 point
  44. I like to collect them. Plus, I prefer the physical aspect of holding it in my hands versus looking at an image on my phone. I would be legitimately surprised if there’s anyone that wants them to remain electronic for this year.
    1 point
  45. I really, really hope that we’re back to paper maps this year. I was at Dollywood in March and they were using paper maps, so it’s definitely safe to do.
    1 point
  46. People have turned it into a political thing unfortunately.
    1 point
  47. It's not being "handed to them" if they are working for it. It's not a handout. It wouldn't be a big change if we kept minimum wage up with inflation but we haven't. Now it's a much more painful fix. There is no need to raise other workers pay that has kept up with inflation, this pay has already raised. (The rest is not pointed at any person just a statement on it's own)For decades we have lived off others suffering, be that underpaid minimum wage workers here or sweatshops abroad. It needs to change. Don't short change workers and belittle them as beggars just because they work a minimum wage job. This isn't a political concern but an ethical one.
    1 point
  48. ^The countries with $15 minimum wage and higher would like to disagree. They make it work fine, can't see why the US can't. There's also little if any correlation between prices of things and higher minimum wages.
    1 point
  49. Excellent move, KI! If people are making more on unemployment than they are at a company, then there is something wrong with that company!
    1 point
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