Shaggy

I rode the Zodiac at Kings Island several times, as well as the one (Giant Wheel) that was at Hersheypark. (Trivia - all of KI's promotional materials for the addition of Zodiac in '75 used images of Hershey's Giant Wheel.) Although it was always closed when I went to the park prior to its removal, there was a triple-arm version at Great America in Chicago (Skywhirl.) They removed it for Deja Vu'. My fondest memory of the Zodiac at KI was riding it to see "The Bat" from the air. My Dad and I first rode it specifically so I could get a better view of the coaster. What sticks out in my mind about the ride experience itself was that the "barrels" needed a paint job in those later years. They were held on to the arms by chains - so that was a bit unnerving. There was a pole that ran down the center of each barrel with a metal wheel - much like spinning teacups - that allowed you to rotate. But the barrels were hard to turn and they didn't rotate that quickly and made a "sqeeeeeak." There were also legs on the bottom of the barrels that would "scrape" the concrete a bit when it reached the ground. The ride cycle was a long one - because they had to fill and lock each of the tubs one at a time on the loading side - much like how long it takes to load and lock the Scrambler and/or Monster. The ops used a "key" to unlock each barrel like they do skyride tubs. Finally, the ride was essentially a walk-on at anytime. I don't ever remember a long line. The wait was akin to the wait for Eiffel Tower. Since it was more of an "observation" ride rather than a "thrill" ride, it wasn't a big draw. Before I knew better, I always thought they had taken Skyride Tubs and built the ride - LOL. They looked the same to my young, untrained eyes back then. I recall the barrels on Zodiac being fairly wide - each held at least 4 people.

Here’s the big question. Will Rinkel’s Rock be relocated to the new entrance plaza, or stay put where it’s been for 30+ years?

Nope - that's the queue line for Cargo Loco.

My favorite part is that it is a nod to KI's second season flat ride additions. They are essentially installing 2 "new" flats in precisely the same spots that they added Bayern Curve and Flying Dutchman in '73. Its a great move, and shows that the park intends to take steps forward while keeping one foot in it's historical past. Great addition.

The point here is, that doesn’t seem to be controlled demolition. It appears something fell on it.

I looked, but didn’t see any related posts…. If so, I’m shocked no one here has posted about it: Grizzly at KD

Its instructions for the landscapers. Mo Hr

I cant speak to the Timberwolf statement, but I can tell you that when I interviewed Mr. Koontz for ACE, he confirmed a couple locations in the park were spec'd for the coaster that eventually became Orion. Here's what he said: “We looked at a number of different designs and had discussions with Walter (Bolliger) at B&M about the different possibilities.” “We looked at the opportunities throughout the park, and they produced designs for different areas.” He also said “It would have been a lot easier if we had built this coaster in the parking lot. “ He then alluded to the perimeter of the park being one of the areas spec'd in early proposals. I think the important thing to remember is Orion's installation at KI was kind of a perfect storm. Several things aligned (a couple ironic and timely) to help make the decisions for where it was built and what it became. However, just with many other rides - it originated as several initial ideas & proposals for various areas in the park. Back to the topic at hand... 2023.... I stand by my belief that we will see a themed area re-hab. I suspect at least part of Planet Snoopy might be on the bill for a re-do. I noted this past season that the back half of it was in an obvious state of transition and vacancy. Plus, I would suspect KI might want that "Best Kids Area" moniker back... If memory serves me, back when they expanded HB Land in '98, they didn't announce it until late in the season (August/Fall.) Also, (P)KI didn't announce the Nick Central expansion until January 2001.

I have one of the ultra-rare opening day bronze coins from the 1972 grand opening of KI in my personal collection. So I am very glad to see that they are offering one for the 50th!

Well, I'm sure there's lots more coming...

Of particular note, CP hosted a portion of ACE Coaster Con this summer - just prior to the ballets being cast. I believe a large number of ACE members are voters. That speaks volumes. The Marketing/PR Team sets a tone - and often drives the perception of a park. Warranted or not, there's a distinct tone of negativity toward enthusiasts coming out of CP. I will say that I know a lot of people are VERY "put off" by a particular CP spokesperson. There's been a great deal of buzz among the enthusiast community about it. That having been said, I'm sure the next time CP has a major install they'll call out the enthusiast troops to help drum it up. And they'll no doubt climb the charts again - the Golden Ticket Awards are very fickle that way.

CP has installed a wooden wall around TTD. Rumor is they are beginning the process of removing the Grandstand.

“As you know it…” ”Re-imagined…” I was fortunate to join the elusive “rollback” club about 5 or 6 years ago. Once I had that experience, I moved on. A fun ride, but it is time for change. It had a good run.

My bad - you are absolutely correct

I hope Jess Naderman will eventually (someday) fill a lead position at KI. She and I started on Beast crew together in 1999.... now she's the Director of Operations at Dorney. (Following stints as the Dir of Ops at Valleyfair, Asst GM at Schlitterbaun etc ) She's a gem, and going places. Id love for her to come full circle.

The next two are up today…. Viking Fury and Winterfest ‘82. They seem to be following the KI timeline with the pin releases.

Sounds similar to the SOB accident - ledgers breaking. I hope all those injured recover!

Glad you had a good time! I really enjoy this park. I first went as a part of an 8-day/10-park trip back around 2001 when Superman was still new. I FLIPPED over it and it easily took my top steel spot where it has remained ever since. I re-rode it as recently as July 2018, and it still remains at the top. The park is very Six Flags at this point. But it still have several charming pieces/holdovers from its heyday as Riverside... the carousel and Thunderbolt are maintained very well and are the two most charming rides in the park. Here's a pic from my first visit in 2001... It sure is a beauty...

I love the throwback to the old Swarzkopf! Kudos to them!

My predictions... CoW - Area re-theme with flat ride package WOF - Hybrid CP -Pavillion with family coaster & flats KI & CW - Planet Snoopy makeovers/expansions

Don't waste your punctuation.

Actually, the new pins are for The Demon and Lion Country Safari.. The other pins produced prior were for Wild Animal Habitat and The Screamin Demon. Remember, (Screamin) Demon had 2 logos - "Screamin" was dropped in 1983 to better align its name with the other coasters. Lion Country Safari was the name that pre-dated Wild Animal Habitat from 1974-1976. Its a subtle - but noteworthy difference. I'm glad someone in merch is being savvy and knows the history/difference.

Good Lord KI is killing my wallet this season! The merch is simply the best its been in 30 years... Now they need to sell maquettes of the Phantom Theater characters. Those would blow my mind...

The price of gas... plain and simple. Less people traveling.