Maddog

^ Well if it is anything like their WiFi or in-park mobile app... And why do I need to have a separate app for each park, both excessively bloated and significant battery hogs? Now compare this to the design of Disney World where practically everything is on the network for automation and control (at one time they used to brag about all of the VLANs in use--network design articles can be found online). You can really tell those parks that from the ground up were 'designed' as a system versus patched in later.

You can add me to the list of those with Platinum pass woes at CP. I've renewed this pass a couple of times, visit KI quite often, and make a couple of trips to CP (multi-day) each year. Mid-June this year went to CP, friends passes worked without issue, my pass red X (my first 2016 arrival at CP). Said I needed to go to Season Pass processing to get it straightened out. The supervisor in processing took 15 minutes on his computer to get the pass functioning again. I don't know what takes that long on a computer to do...but he was intently focused trying to correct whatever problem it was... At least on day two there were no pass issues. I'll be back up there end of this month, hopefully no issues then. I get the occasional computer issue, but what I didn't appreciate was the second class status I was treated to by both the gate agent and pass processing agent: "Oh, this is a 'Kings Island' pass, you didn't purchase this pass here at Cedar Point?" What's with the tone in their voice?

I'll have to disagree with another poster regarding Banshee vs. Raptor. Banshee is better hands down, the restraint style makes all the difference. I hate riding between two ear knockers. But that's a personal opinion...

Could they? Sure, anything is possible. It is likely? I highly doubt it. As others have mentioned many pages back anything that can be fabricated off-site is the preferred method from a cost/quality/control standpoint. Raw steel work on-site is not ideal, usually that stuff shows up ready to bolt together. Also, there would likely be different sub-contractors doing station assembly. The chance they are sharing raw materials is slim.

Hmm... pilings onsite, now a pump in place, drawings indicating "area of work" very near/at waterline... Cofferdam anyone?

Didn't get a chance to post yesterday, but saw the pictures of the steel. #TeamPile here

If you want to drink from the firehouse of cruising knowledge, head on over to http://www.cruisecritic.com and check out the community boards! That is by far the most active forum site I have seen regarding cruise information. The good/bad/downright ugly all there to find, at your fingertips for searching. There are forums by cruise line, general cruise questions, roll-calls for those going on the same cruise and more. I'd highly recommend joining (easy) so you can ask questions and get quick responses.

Getting consensus here is like herding cats... Obviously there is some difference of what people would like or expect. Maybe take it up with the park? If you observe something, go to guest relations and tell them. Good/bad/ugly, they seem receptive to user experience comments.

I do appreciate the suggestions here to make these more professional, and I agree I'd love to avoid the completely pointless "Bwaa, Bwaa, Bwaa" that I hear due to bad mic usage. Hopefully KI hears these as an encouragement to improve the ride experience. Some additional training pointers would help. However I think some here are assuming a bit too much when they say "necessary safety information" must be heard by all. If it was legally required for every rider to hear/understand the spiel, you can rest assured it would be a canned message which is always intelligently offered--this would not be left to the whim of a ride op. Too much liability. The posted placards around the ride serve to ensure they've conformed to some minimum legal coverage, any announcement is more CYA. As technically those with certain disabilities don't even hear the spiel...don't get started on ADA compliance, you would rather not go there.

Agreed, I've always thought it looked like a good scrubbing was needed. I don't know what is so different about the restraint system, maybe the color just shows dirt more than others?

It doesn't make too big of a difference actually. The footers for a coaster that is skewed would actually still be in the same place, since they are at ground level and the ground isn't skewed much at all. There will always be some very minor problems, but nothing big at all. For a coaster the size of that, the coaster might be off say one or two meters.(I've worked with Google Earth almost every day for the past couple of years for some projects (including KI), so I've gotten fairly knowledgeable about it. ) In your experience how much does that affect the view? While the footers may end up in the same place do they appear to hit someplace else on the map? Plus 2 meters could be the difference between going over the turn table or the line. There are other online resources you can seek out for better mapping. Around here the county geographic information systems are really useful. They have higher resolution aerial imaging, topo layers, measurement tools, all with coordinates. Search for Warren County GIS.

Don't forget, no snapping! (Sorry, couldn't resist)

I've seen more than one layout taking this right over top of significant portions of WWC. This one takes the track on top of the big round-table? Not saying it isn't possible, but something just doesn't seem right. That's a huge span to deal with via wood construction.

I guessing those 'who know' aren't going to come out and say "it's right". Hmm...we could use this to our advantage. Post a bunch of different plans, see how many get told "it's wrong" and use to figure out what a correct placement may be. Just thinking outside the box.

Okay, since everyone else is, I'll through my thoughts on a layout out there... I don't have exact details, just the screenshots others posted to work from. This hugs and works with the land topography, goes under the train bridge, and interacts with Diamondback pretty well. Also note, not a lot of tree clearing left to complete based upon others pictures of the onsite work. Thoughts?

This...seems a plausible connection , not too much of a leap.

Just to clarify my response/opinion from above: DON'T change the layout or track! If you want to improve the lap/"leg crusher" bar I'm all for it, maybe some better foam padding to help those who need more "meat" on their bones!

Seems to be a theme in the comments regarding the roughness along with a mind-set of "when I was younger I could take it...but now..." <my interpretation, NOT a direct quote from anyone> Something to think about, if you smooth out the ride significantly it will likely speed up. A non-trivial amount of energy is lost due to the cars banging around the track. I agree with Terp's comment, so imagine a smoother ride with more trim to keep the forces/speed in check. I think this would take a lot of the excitement out of the ride. On the other hand, if you could keep the restraints/padding from interpreting the roughness directly onto those bodies pinned into the seats we might be getting somewhere. I wouldn't mind some effort into restraint/car redesign.

Thanks for the welcome! Long time reader, finally signed up. Visited the park Friday evening, rode a bunch of flats with our neice. Was watching the ride wait times in the app and was really confused with some of the numbers put out.

Anyone else having issues with the app ride times? Friday night mine listed The Beast at 2min?? Went to check, line was out past the vending machines.