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Here are some updates from yesterday: Bamboo railings going up for Cargo Loco's entrance/queue. Also the water tower seen in the concept art in the queue has begun construction. Additional bamboo has been installed for Sol Spin's queue/entrance. Something worth noting is that speakers have been added to almost all the light posts across Adventure Port. You can see them if you zoom in on the below picture. Hopefully for an IMAScore soundtrack?? Or unthemed pop/jazz music. Not much in-between at Kings Island these days! Rockwork(?) in front of Sol Spin for a sign(?). Last week it was just a wire frame. There is a new, painted Mercado sign that was added to the building. The painted Enrique's sign has been added to the front facade. I think this sign looks really, really good. Hopefully they're able to stick a fake window on there like in the concept art but I'm just not sure how it would fit given the size/location of the sign. Additional painted detail work has been added to the Coca-Cola Freestyle building compared to last week. Who knows when it's going to open...but I would say that it's certainly encouraging to see that when it does, it will be detailed and high-quality, based on the progress I've seen so far!

I ate at Grain and Grill yesterday. Here is my review! Entree: I got the beef option, which I thought was very good, if a little dry. My friend got the pork and I sampled a bit of his. I thought this was very good as well. Portion size was very small, though. I don't think either of these compared to the incredible crispy hoisin pork that I had at Kings Dominion last year. I enjoy that KI and KD's Grain and Grills have different menus, but something with a similar texture/flavor to that crispy hoisin pork would be very much enjoyed at Kings Island. The sauce selection to pair with your entree was great. I don't recall Kings Dominion having that option. Side: I got the pierogis, which I thought were just okay. I tried my friend's potatoes, which were excellent, probably the best side I have had at a Kings Island meal. I thought the wide selection and variety of sides were fantastic. There is a much larger selection than at Kings Dominion. Bread: I liked that there were three different bread options. I got the artisan bread and my friend got the focaccia. The artisan bread was fine, it was basically just a baguette you could get from the supermarket. The focaccia bread is definitely where it's at, though! Interior: This might actually be my favorite part of Grain and Grill overall. The interior of Grain and Grill is beautiful, and very much an improvement over what it was when it was Skyline. The tile on the floor, the tables and chairs, the wallpaper and colors, everything compliments each other very nicely and it feels elegant and mature. There are some nice decor touches, including a vintage Kings Island plate. One thing that did stick out to me was that there is a sign at both parks talking about how Grain and Grill sources their products from local farms. KD lists the exact farms on the sign, KI does not. I thought this was a bit strange. It's worth nothing that Kings Dominion's Grain and Grill doesn't have indoor seating, so this is a nice bonus for Kings Island. However, at Kings Dominion you can listen to appropriately themed music while you eat on their International Street while at Kings Island you are stuck listening to the stupid, random jazz music. So bonus points to Kings Dominion! Value: I personally feel like the portion sizes might be too small for the price point. I was still hungry after my meal, while I was full after eating at Kings Dominion. I personally would rather "regularly" eat at Coney Bar-B-Que or Brewhouse before Grain and Grill because I just feel like there is more bang for your buck there as far as price vs. portion size. I feel like this is definitely more of a "meal plan" type of restaurant, if that makes sense. Final thoughts: Overall, I would give the edge to Grain and Grill at Kings Dominion. But that being said, I still would say that I had an overall quality meal at Kings Island. It's a good, different option from anything we've had at Kings Island previously. Any way you slice it, this is a massive improvement in literally every single way from when Skyline occupied the space. Good job Kings Island!

WindSeeker is still playing Haunt music, just heard music from Nightmare Before Christmas.

While everyone this weekend will have their focus on The Bat reopening and the grand opening of the Grain and Grill. Kings Island has secretly been refilling the pond underneath The Beast.

There looks to be a lot of new speakers in the queues for the new rides as well in front of Enrique’s. I assume there are additional speakers in Adventure Express’ queue line and around the whole area. Obviously rides usually have speakers in their queue lines for communication with guests and for FunTV’s, but there are A LOT of new speakers for just a few FunTV’s (which usually have a sound bar for the sound anyways). The sound system setup in the queues honestly reminds me of Mystic Timbers’ queue, which plays an IMAscore soundtrack throughout the entire queue. Seeing these updates makes me really hopeful for a custom Adventure Port soundtrack! Atmospheric music really enhances the feel of any area by helping set the theme. Edit: I just realized @KIghostguy already mentioned this. I guess I am just really excited.

It was great!

YES!!! It flies again! I can't wait to get back to the park and ride it again!

Here at Apple, we ask ourselves everyday about how we can make the world a better place. That's why we're excited to announce our newest innovation. We call it iPipeline!

Some temple pieces going up!

I think @KIghostguynailed with the Grain & Grill opinion. My experience was different, but I have a similar opinion. I had the pork shoulder. It was good. Had a bit of a sweet glaze. Girlfriend had the shrimp. They nailed the shrimp. That was good enough to write home about, rather than just being good like the pork. I’m not sure what they called them (words are hard) but we both had the side of potatoes with the sauce. That was good, but I feel like my body was expecting a meatball but got a potato. Maybe it’s because I don’t have the diversity of pallet that some others have? I also got the artisan bread. As KIGhostGuy said, it’s fine. Very small. My girlfriend got the naan bread with the pesto dip, which was very good. What was funny was, about two hours later some friend showed up and wanted to try it. They got the pork and both said it was too spicy. Spicy? Mine was sweet! I tried a piece and it tasted like it was covered in chili powder! Not gonna lie, I kind of liked it. But the product they got was extremely different from mine. Must have been a mistake. They also got some sort of churro brownie, which I sampled and it was excellent. My only concern is, as many have expressed inside and outside of the forums, the portions are probably too small. Most of us have the meal plan, so if that’s what you’re craving then that’s fine, but I would have been disappointed if I had paid $18.99 or whatever it costs. I do what to give a HUGE shout out to the crew working yesterday. They had been opened for about two hours and were doing a GREAT job of cranking through people, keeping the place clean, being polite, and making recommendations. They now have a four register setup and it is no longer the bottleneck that it was. Overall, good-not-great, but if it’s good on day zero then it has a very bright future. I would agree that KD’s is better, but it’s had years to refine. I’m very confident that this will be an asset to the park experience.

The Bat is back! Just waited more than an hour (1 hr, 5 min, to be exact) and I’d say it was worth it. Line started to move faster once I got to the last set of downward stairs. While I’m glad I got to ride, if it’s time, it’s time. I just hope its (eventual) replacement keeps the rainforest

It's a non stop fright...only at Kings Island.

Diamondback has the bottom of about every drop painted now. I think the new paint sections also feel slightly smoother. EDIT- I also see that Backlot has had its trains repainted.

Got to try the Grain and Grill yesterday. The food was good, but to me the star of the show was definitely the Brussel sprouts. They were incredible! Definitely a unique side item for an amusement park and most definitely an overlooked one.

I could see a new water park addition along with a new Planet Snoopy addition. It is of note that the theater in the back of Planet Snoopy is not hosting any shows this year. Maybe Kings Island could demolish the theater and build a brand new food hall or add new rides. Kings Island was conducting guests surveys about Planet Snoopy in 2021 after all, and they even asked people about a new dining hall.

What are your thoughts?

Thoughts on the Skyline operations- First, it is well staffed for the small menu they have, just coneys, ways, salads and fries, simple stuff. 4 on table is pretty adequate. However, they could REALLY crank food out better if they did stations instead of like an assembly line. They'll get better with practice, and they are doing quite well for the 3rd weekend, but a few small changes in operations could really improve their efficiency. Also, even compared to the Skyline I work at where we're generous with cheese portions, they use a TON. I also like the hot dogs better than mine. Got coneys today that were of good quality. They do need to open the buns up and put a bit more chili on coneys, but not drastically off what's done at the outside restaurants.

Unlike the Crypt's bamboo fences. Adventure port's version is actually bamboo.

I watched Fenton unload one of the PLC cabinets for one of the new rides yesterday. Big, shiny, stainless steel.

Had the beef, brussel sprouts and garlic naan. Fantastic! The brussel sprouts are like CP's definitely a favorite.

The Bat did indeed open this evening. It wasn't open around 1 PM when I first checked but then I went back after 5:30 or so. Got 3 rides. Honestly, I think its running a bit shakier than it has in the past.

I got the news while working today and let me say I'm not shocked. I've always thought it was on the chopping block for years now and I believe it's very rarely open. Now for replacement, I've had this feeling that 2024 is a Soak City year fir awhile now. Honestly if they don't want to reroute the employee access road, they could put in something like Canada's Wonderland did in 2021 with Mountain Bay Cliffs where it's like a cliff jumping experience with multiple levels. Also an upside to this addition, it doesn't have to be the only addition. They could put in a new family or thrilling flat ride in the dry park. We'll have to wait and see though.

The Bat is open.

I’ve been watching Bat test for the last ~20 minutes… cautiously optimistic and very relieved!

Similarly, I wouldn’t want to give our railroad away either. Even if Kings Dominion asked for it to replace the one Paramount removed.

Ironic given its designer and its history.

I wonder if the meal plan holders should plan a class action suit?

I was at Enrique's yesterday (Friday afternoon) and got shredded cheese on my burrito bowl as I always have. Maybe they ran out? It's typically one of the last options alongside the lettuce, sour cream, etc and I don't remember there being other options aside from queso (though its definitely a bummer that that's no longer included). As far as Grain and Grill, I'm wondering if I got different potatoes than everyone else. I'll try the beef next time but the portion you get does seem smallish. With the chicken, I got two fairly big legs, but that's a cheap meat by comparison and @disco2000 apparently only got one. Sounds like they're still experimenting with portions? Or maybe there's a training issue? Obviously food prices are higher than they were a year ago, so I'm kind of surprised we aren't seeing more shrinkflation at the park.

I had the beef twice today at Grain and Grill, the first time the portions of beef was very well sized, the second time they was half the size. Brussel sprouts was delicious as was the potatoes. Wife had the pork and chicken, she loved the pork, didn't care for the chicken. I think it's a great addition to the park

Tried Enrique’s and was a little dissapointed the only cheese option was the Queso and it was and additional $3 so I passed. $2 maybe (like the upcharge for sides at Tom & Chee) but just couldn't pull the trigger at the $3 mark. I believe they had 2 or more options last year, but I could be wrong. Did the Shrimp, Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts (Paid the extra, I'm hooked) and the naan. As mentioned previously the potatoes are excellent and had a little kick to them. Grain & Grill is definietly a fantastic addition. I checked and you may get 2 sides in place of the protien on the meal plan. Might do that to try some more of what they have to offer. The line at Skyline was very long. Again, I don't think it's the staff, but the fact that it is so popular (especially with kids). My grandchildren would always get the kidde dog meal when they were tired of pizza. Really hope they re-consider and move Tom & Chee to the old Subway building and put another Skyline where Tom & Chee is now. Didn't notice a long line all day for Tom & Chee. Juke Box Diner on the other had and a line out the door (again). That place is conistantly busy. People are loving what they are selling and willing to wait for it so cudo's to them! Finally Sweet Spot is really hitting it's stride. The Confetti Cookies are amazing. Also found out that the crew at Sweet Spot are doing all the deserts for the park. I'm finding myself spending money there on the way home.

Or it could just be the rain filling up what use to be the pond.

Anyone know why Banshee is currently closed?

So far they haven't.

Are they no longer serving the crinkle cut fries at KI Skyline? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It honestly seems like KI wanted their Grain and Grill to be different from KD's version of it as the menu items are a little different which isn't a bad thing. A bit of variety is always a good thing. Looking forward to trying it soon.

Grain and Grill- A+. Had the shrimp, and while it needs to be a tad more tender, it's still good. Potatoes and focaccia bread also good. Light on the stomach compared to other park food.

Sorry for double but yesterday they’re was a huge wait for the Juke Box dinner, not because the kitchen was slow, but it was due to a crowd of like 30 or so people who were apart of the same group event I guess? They were redeeming their food and drink wrist bands. Now I understand having some behind the counter as a one off but I would think that being a large group that more than likely purchased them in advance, they would have those ready for those folks for pickup near the entrance of the park?

And yet we expect a chaperone policy to keep same kids in line LOL.... Whatever happened to following rules and not touching what isn't yours LOL. Same with the stage by the fountain, or Festhaus, or just about any stage KI puts up. Despite the signs, parents are having their kids go up there every day for a picture.

I wonder if they'll keep the part of the ride outside the theater like they did last year? Loved seeing that! Reading is fundamental, but it didn't keep some people from letting their kids crawl all over it...I think it was a rope & not enough of a deterrent for some... so I wonder if they will take more measures to ensure people will look but not touch...

For those who are curious about what the temporary vip area looks like now

Might be worth mentioning as well, if you enjoy it like I do, the whole place smells really nice fresh cut pine

I am most definitely not upset about T3 disappearing. I got the credit and that was enough.

I believe both Vortex and now Bat have similar problems, metal fatigue. Arrow Dynamics requires Non Destructive Testing annually. If you are a seasonal park with freezing temperatures the instructions say to do the testing towards the end of the off season. The requirement is 20% of high G areas and 5% of the rest, typically you rotate what you inspect so every few years you have hit everything. When multiple problems are found you expand your search, if those areas also show defects you do 100% inspection. Every defect you find has to be repaired. I suspect The Bat needed 100% inspection. The problem is at some point you’re fixing too many issues, the steel is just too worn out. You can fix the problems, and increase inspections throughout the year, but realistically the track just needs replaced. More often than not when a ride reaches this point the parks solution is to remove the ride. I believe this is what Kings Island really meant when they said Vortex had reached the end of its service life. To my knowledge Arrow never specified an end of life for their coasters. They specified where and how to test for defects. They also provided guidance on how to perform repairs. But from the documentation I have seen and read when a park states a ride has reached the end of its life, that is due to the park or chains standards not Arrows. The claim going around for The Bat is that the incident with the wheel last year caused more damage than was originally known or found at the time. It’s very possible this is wrong. No one is ever going to discuss issues like this publicly. Metal fatigue is an area where a park running all the trains all the time ends up hurting the coaster. The more days a year and hours in a day the park is open it does more damage. Cycles do matter on metal fatigue. So do the forces that the ride produces, those swinging cars might be fun, but they are not easy on the track. IF I am right, this likely would have only been found a few weeks ago.

rlentless...I cannot agree more! I miss The Flying Eagles so much. Got to ride them at Carowinds a few years back and it was a Zen day to say the least!

The 2023 Haunt and Winterfest hours were silently added to the website. As of right now everything is the exact same as last year other than the fact that New Years will go from 4-12 AM instead of 4-1 AM. The addition of Sunday haunt hours remain in place from last year's test run. Park Calendar & Hours of Operation | Kings Island (visitkingsisland.com)

I must be living under a rock. Can you explain to me what KI Universe is?

Pipeline Paradise, Soak City's flowrider, will be removed. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10210021652254160&set=gm.1981204652212642&idorvanity=250076451992146

I’ve not been on here in several years and wasn’t sure if this was mentioned anywhere on here. Got news that Karen passed away recently. I have not spoken to her in years, but just wanted a moment of silence to remember her. carry on