Leaderboard

Sounds like someone just put out an old tombstone/decoration where the coloring on the name had deteriorated. I don't think there's a whole conspiracy afoot here. Probably some seasonal employee grabbed it from the storage area, threw it on a truck, set it out with a bunch of others, and then went about their day.

Here is my perspective: staff are pressed for time. But there should be a process to cull damaged items to either fix or do away with. With this issue, given the subject, they should have taken the 5-10 minutes to fix it The motive will be clear next weekend. If it's not fixed after this uproar, it will speak volumes to the theory of the park intentionally did this. If it's removed it still could be interpreted many ways. If it's fixed, that will allay many of these concerns about ki screwing Don Helbig.

Im 100% on board with this as well, even as I am (continually unsuccessfully) trying to eliminate drinking pop, the TD Cherry Coke is a certain go-to when the stand is open. Also, even though I Love the Freestyle machines, either they need at least 2 more locations with them (I know, too cost prohibitive) or they need to police the one by SolSpin better because of humans' lack of ability to master the rudimentary task of operating said machines, and then there was the time I was there Sunday before Labor Day when I had to have the "That is a move that you really dont want to make again" conversation with a family that looked like the O'Doyles (O' Doyles rule!) who decided it would be a good idea to jump the line for the machines.

If I remember correctly, if there were to be any new tombstones like for a ride about to be retired (which for Firehawk and Vortex there was a funeral set up in the graveyard area) that doesn't get put out until the week of the opening of Haunt likely bc they don't want anyone to see it and leak it before the actual kick off of Haunt.

I was a Scarowinds Saturday night but did not see the parade. It took a good while to get through the gates for some reason so I assume that I missed it if it was at the start of the event. I did see the floats in their shed on the way out so I was a little confused at the time as to why I did no see a parade.

Is there any new tombstones this year?

Yes. It was added in the last year or two.

Anyone seen parade(s) at Carrowinds? I’m not sure how I feel about it. I was bummed we weren’t one of the pilot parks, but now…? Eh. It’s a bit cringy during the “nightmare” version and a bit weak with the Tricks and Treats version. Almost wish they would combine into one , less scary, better staged, with peanuts trick or treat costumes characters super strong parade. Maybe it just happens at the “end” of daily ops to give a “walk out” to that crowd. I’m surprised with budget cuts they are running or 2x. It’s not working for me having “dancing Freddy” and choreography that’s way too “happy” and not slutty enough LOL. The crowd at least on the clips I’ve seen from Friday night didn’t seem that enthusiastic, but I get that it’s early in the run. I’m sure they will be watching this investment closely, but it doesn’t seem needed to keep people in the park later the way it’s currently structured and timed.

I say Voyage is 100% a woodie. Wood topper track makes it a woodie. Steel support structure has minimal impact on ride experience. It is done for costs and assembly.

@BoddaH1994, I do not know you personally, but coming from someone who is a casual fan of Kings Island and rollercoasters, all of your posts as of late seem to have one purpose: to go at the park and constantly say negative things about their PR or operations. ON this site, we often voice our frustrations to certain users who always come to the parks aide (even when times they shouldnt), I see no difference with what you are doing here. I see your posts as forcing a narrative on the people on this website to try to prove a point. That being said, you have every right to voice your own opinions, but at some point, it does come off as beating a dead horse. I do not know what your end goals are here. It seems that you are much more upset about this than anyone else (including Don). I mean no ill will towards you at all, I just wanted to voice how your posts over the past few months have brought quite the negative outlook on the park.

I can’t tell you how many times, even running this site, I was told to reply to various posters calling them liars if they had any kind of critique. This was countless times by countless associates. I was told that those who made mention of the fact that SIX and SEAS had nice, indoor VIP lounges were “entitled” and should appreciate the lean-to that they built. A former employee (not Don) told me an anecdote in which, when they were being trained to host the Gold Pass holder breakfast was told that it was their obligation because that’s what the “entitled” season passholders demand. This was a while ago, but it was an advertised perk, so it’s not like the season pass people demanded it out of nowhere. The whole fiasco with the bait-and-switch with Prestige, without Mr Selfie or Koontz ever addressing it. That’s in addition to putting the VIP between the restroom and the very active dumpster. These are just some small examples that I saw myself. It is quite evident that their culture is that, the more loyal a guest is, the more they dislike them. Defacing Don’s grave doesn’t not prove that they hate you, it’s just a symptom of it.

Don Helbig spearheaded enthusiast events, including three KIC-exclusive events, at Kings Island. He was also the person most responsible for the fan-favorite Coasterstock. The biggest advocate for KIC, ACE, the Facebook groups, and KI guests in general. Two months after his departure, this was done to his prop grave. Several other former employees are still marked on their graves. This was clearly intentional. They hate him because they hate you. Remember this when they’re begging you for USA Today and Golden Ticket votes.

Having more drink stations open for quicker access and variety, especially for fans of specific beverages like Cherry Coke, would indeed enhance the overall park experience. It's unfortunate when budget constraints impact these conveniences.

I think Don mentioned once that his Racer count has held steady for awhile and he was comfortable with the number it was at. Maybe he will post the last time he rode it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was over a year ago.

They HOF that you are talking about was originally done somewhere in the park. Showplace first year then front of the park the next year. They did the hand print thing and those blocks ended up in Tower Gardens in the planters. Then it was added to the wall to the left of the Kings Island Theater. TBH, it looked like a mausoleum. Then it disappeared and we would see things about it on various social media, as they made the ceremony private and I think they did a diner. This is why it’s in HR and not customer-facing. The people that were inducted was an odd choice. Gary Wachs and Dennis Speigel make sense because of their contributions to the park and the industry. But Carmen Electra didn’t even fulfill her contract in entertainment. All of her contributions to the world were after KI. They also had some talking head radio hosts inducted. About half were, “did you know they worked here???” inductions. This was obviously just a PR stunt, but there are dozens of people who should have been inducted but they decided to forego them in favor of people that had almost no impact on the park.

So how long do we have to wait to see Don in ki's hall of fame or whatever they call it? Lol if anyone is deserving of it, it is definitely him. I loved talking to him any chance I got when I used to work at the park. Such an awesome person and I wish him the best of luck in his next chapter. Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

It probably was more like the person who signed off said "Oh, I didn't know we had that ride in the waterpark...I should ride it sometime!"

Thanks to all who have expressed their feelings about Don no longer working at KI. Don has been an instrumental part of the history at Kings Island, not only as an employee but as a park enthusiast. He became an employee almost right after Cedar Fair bought the park. He has showcased his knowledge and his love for the park, guests, and enthusiasts alike. This is a very emotional subject for all KI enthusiasts brining about negative and positive feelings forward. As the park's biggest supporters (KIC members), we are also just as passionate about its success going forward. We all want to see that position filled with the same enthusiasm, passion, and love Don demonstrated every day. Even though we know that is going to be a tall order to fill, let's hope they can find that person. From here on out, this threads subject will be about Don and not get into other subjects or people. Thanks KIC Staff.