Jump to content

Hmrapp

Members
  • Posts

    140
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    1

Everything posted by Hmrapp

  1. Surprised no one has looked at the "top of pier cap elevations" in the second photo @Bansheeback posted. It doesn't make sense that so many footers are on the exact same elevation (and at that precision as well). It also appears to be that there is only a ten foot elevation change throughout the whole coaster. That just doesn't add up. First value set: Second value set:
  2. No sir. Just helps me keep tabs on what I've already read. Plus, what isn' t there to love about this seemingly endless game of cat and mouse?
  3. Could you imagine the buzz around this community if we get back to the park Friday and massive amounts of land not seen in the layout have been bulldozed. God, the energy in this thread would be unparalleled.
  4. On behalf of everyone else gnawing at the bit for anymore information, please show us the photos!
  5. Storm Chaser Review: Yesterday I had the opportunity to ride Storm Chaser 21 times in a three hour period. After being slightly disappointed with Steel Vengeance’s lack of insane ejector, I wanted to make an effort to get to Kentucky Kingdom. Interestingly, Storm Chaser opened an hour after the park itself opened. I ran into the plaza, through the queue, and into the station. Despite the one hour delayed opening of Storm Chaser, ops still had to wait for their supervisor to check restraints, back pads, and run two test trains. Sadly the back row was closed due to a poor adhesive job. There was no question... Only one train was going to be in operation throughout the day, however, this seemed to cause no problems. I boarded into a middle row for my first ride. I tightened my restraint, allowing a substantial gap between by thighs and the restraint. The op who checked my restraint encouraged this and never tightened my restraint. We slowly pulled out of the station, gaining speed and descending to the right. I immediately noticed the lack of clever tensioning mechanism (I would love for u/noxegon to explain this), providing a slight jolt when the train engages the chain. The ascent was quick and relatively steep, providing amazing views of downtown Louisville and the rolling Indiana hills. The bank left is taken quickly no matter your seat. The first drop is a definite highlight of the ride experience, giving sensations I’ve felt no where else. The “hangtime” acts in such whacky ways. The best way to describe this phenom is “reverse airtime”. I felt the front provided this sensation the best. The train quickly rises again into the star moment of the ride, a large parabolic airtime hill. This hill provided the craziest sustained ejector airtime I’ve ever felt (stronger than any Vengeance pop). Gaining speed quickly, the train glides through a 140 degree overbank turn, making it the second inversion. The extreme diversification through the first three elements allow for a top tier RMC case to be made. The train rockets up into an off-axis airtime hill, again, providing extreme ejector airtime. It then dips into a small turnaround, this element slams you into your seat allowing for you to experience positive forces. Then again, you get insane ejector twice in a row with a twisted airtime hill and another airtime hill. Both these moments feel like you’re riding a buckin’ bronco. Once you hit your seat your upside down in the best zero-g-roll (corked roll) I’ve experienced. You feel weightless without getting dragged out of your seat. It’s a refreshing element before all hell breaks loose. This fabled section of track compares to no other. Your thighs grimace and prepare for Lucifer’s lash... The trick track double-up and double down. No words can describe this element. You can hear the anti-rollbacks retract and fall after every pop. The ride concludes with a underrated, low to the ground “FEAR” helix and inward banking turn, which caught me off by surprise. That element felt somewhat similar to Vengeance’s in between the first and second inversion. The unbanked turn into the brakes packs lateral forces into a somewhat perfect coaster. The extreme diversification of forces makes for a seamlessly flawless coaster. It’s short layout packs every force under the sun. I preferred the front of the train, the “hangtime” in the downward barrel roll drop felt exponentially stronger. This coaster is a MUST ride! A 10/10 ride and possibly my favourite coaster (ahead of Vengeance).
  6. Saw this guy at Cedar Point. Quickly knew Malem would be the only one wearing a KIC t-shirt and shorts on a cold Sandusky day. Great meeting you! I’ll be posting a review in the Steel Vengeance thread in the upcoming days.
  7. Hopefully this can get SeaWorld back on track. The unexpected departure of Joel Manby has left the company in a scramble. To make matters worse, Six Flags has made their intentions clear as day, as they are looking to purchase domestic parks. I’m really hoping that John Reilly can turn the tide back in favour of the company.
  8. @rhyano has said it best; Paddlewheel Excursions if rethemed and executed properly, could provide elegant views of the park. Just standing in Rougarou’s station makes me appreciate the geographic beauty of Cedar Point. Thanks to RonAnnArbor for these photos...
  9. @Outdoor Man... You could be sweltering on a brake run in the 90 degree, summer, Mason heat. I understand the disappointment that many recieved. However, the shed adds character, theming, and excitement to an already fantastic coaster. I believe that if everyone’s pre-conceived ideas were obliterated, the shed would have been considered a plot deepening element.
  10. Perfectly stated @whengodsaysgo. The imagery gave me chills. As much as a love the park itself, the community behind it has to be the most underrated thing about the park. The unity the park has created for hundreds upon hundreds of users is incredible. The tight knit relationships that have seemed to form from a simple passion of Kings Island is truly the most under rated thing about Kings Island.
  11. Thanks to StrategyOnline.Ca for this photo. I heard a mention of the infamous Leviathan billboard that was placed in outside of Toronto. I love the way the coaster POPS. If I was driving down I-71 and saw a billboard of these sorts advertising a Giga at KI, I would swerve off the road. Here is a photo... (Sorry for the poor quality)
  12. I'm shocked! No one has mentioned two AMAZING cloned coasters (I can think of numerous more models, hopefully this post can spark these ideas to float out). Firstly, Intamin Mega-Lites. These small, yet, intense coasters are notorious among Asian and Northern European enthusiasts. Five currently are operating (In chronological order of opening)... Kawasemi (Tobu Zoo Park), Piraten (Djurs Sommerland), Fly Over Mediterranean (Happy Valley Jinniu), Mega-Lite (Happy Valley Songjiang), and Light Speed (Visionland). I've heard many enthusiasts rave about these airtime machines. Secondly, Mack Hyper coasters. Yes, they're is only one clone currently operating (Flash at Lewa Adventure). However, a clone of Flash has been confirmed by Mack and will be coming to Land of Legends Theme Park in Antalya, Turkey. The combination of hangtime in the Zero-G-Roll, the plethora of floater over the airtime hills, the comfy, improved Mack restraints, and the world's tallest vertical loop, make for a great overall experince. I'm surprised no one has touched on the Ispee...Oh wait. @Maverick44 or @goettablitz, I'll let you take that one.
  13. I've been chomping at the bits to start speaking again in this thread. It seems this thread is constantly radiating with activity and energy. I'm completely open-minded about Kings Island receiving a Giga. I've heard many opinions regarding this topic. In an industry of this magnitude, credibility is cherished like gold. I've heard very little talk about Zimmerman's new role in the chain, and have been pondering how much the absence of Mr. Ouimet will be felt. The Kinzel era and Ouimet era had their fair share of differences, how will the next compare? If Cedar Fair continues to venture down the innovative path, I wouldn't be surprised to see something along the lines of DC Rivals HyperCoaster at Warner Bros. Movie World (Gold Coast, Australia) or the Flash clones; Of course on steroids, considering it would be a Giga. New for 2017 Mack Hyper Coaster... DC Rivals HyperCoaster at Warner Bros. Movie World
  14. SeaWorld is sadly in an insurmountable of trouble. I've discussed possibilities with fellow enthusiasts and have come to a general consensus that many would be pleased with the Herschend Family taking ownership of the franchise. Herschend has done a great job with both Dollywood and Silver Dollar City; As for Wild Adventures, the park definitely lacks a standout coaster (Cheetah is most definitely one of the most underrated woodies in North America though). The park overall has made huge strides since being sold from Adventure Parks Group. If one company could keep theming at par, add additional attractions, and thrill thousands for years to come, it's the Herschend Family. For reference, SeaWorld's stock (SEAS) has been on a consistent decline for the past five years. The company alone has lost $200 million this year. For comparison, Cedar Fair (FUN) and Six Flags (SIX) have been maintaining a solid growth for the past five years. I know there has been extreme speculation regarding Busch Gardens Williamsburg receiving a massive Giga in the near future (in reference to the permits that have filed). I don't see anything drastic occurring any time soon. Hopefully the company can finds in niche in the community and turn everything around. Edit: @IndyGuy4KI, I definitely feel that Blackfish alone didn't bring the companies into shambles. It's definitely helped raise the eyebrows of consumers towards SeaWorld, though.
  15. When you desperately try to control your dreams, or a start experimenting with lucid dream... Just to experience a slice of KI again.
  16. It’s amazing how observant we all are. It truly is a game of cat and mouse, and I love the constant uncertainty of what the future awaits. PR staff does a GREAT job keeping us on our toes as we do the same for them. This is some pure off-season fun! -Rapp will tell these stories of amazing times to the future crop of enthusiasts [emoji5]
  17. A new spark of hope just ignited into my little KI fanboy heart. I know it’s nothing grand or confirmed, yet, it’s the icing on the cake of such a fantastic and memorable year at Kings Island. The future is bright for us Kings Island enthusiasts.
  18. Thanks to Kentucky Kingdom and Reddit's r/rollercoasters I stumbled upon this teaser trailer. The trailer is quite vague and leads to many questions. However, a few facts can be drawn from the trailer... There appears to be a change from black and white into crisp color, there numerous video clips stretching from aerial views of the park, coaster POV's and dining options. Dramatic and climatic music plays throughout the trailer. A voice over states "You may know who I am", "You may not know who I am"... "You may know where I am", "You may not know where I am"..."But you will soon". Let the 2019 teasing begin! Are you ready for it?
  19. Looks like the Eiffel Tower is suffering from flat-head syndrome. At least the LeVeque Tower is no longer alone [emoji23]. The symptoms are apparent.
  20. I feel this is a coaster enthuasist age old question, and truly has no definitive answer. Both manufacturers are innovative, brilliant and bright in the industry and have provided some breathtaking thrills throughout the amusement park world. The aesthetics of B&M’s have always struck me. Something about their perfectly symmetric steel track and the way the spine interacts with the narrow, parallel rails. The recent B&M’s front plazas are just gorgeous and stunning (Fury 325, Banshee, Thunderbird, Leviathan). The name... Bolliger and Mabillard sounds so professional and strikes fear into any non-seasoned manufacturer. The sounds of B&M’s are heaven to the ears. Each coaster has it’s diverse noise it creates throughout traversing the circuit, whether it’s the loud, jar rattling roar of Raptor or the endless WHOOOOSH of Banshee. Yes, B&M’s can be slightly lackluster (Rougarou, Apocalypse, Raging Bull) yet, there are far too many amazing and G-force packed B&M’s (Fury, Kumba, Behemoth) to accuse “B&M’s of being forceless”. The consistency and capacity of B&M’s are often regarded as top tier of the coaster spectrum. There’s truly no reason to completely despise B&M. Intamin is a similar yet different manufacturer. In a metaphorical sense, Intamin is the father of a run away child (Claude and Walt originally worked under Intamin until they branched off to form B&M). Intamin coasters seem more intimidating and in your face. Their steep lift hills found on Millennium Force and Intimidator 305, their blazing fast accelerations found on Formula Rossa, Kingda Ka, and Top Thrill Dragster, and steep vertical lifts found on coasters such as Fahrenheit make even the most seasoned enthusiasts shudder. Intamin trains sit lower on the track giving yourself and increased perception of speed. Innovation is in Intamin’s blood. Millennium Force and Superman the Ride have led to the B&M hypers models. Intamin stretches far from coasters as well. The manufacturer is infamous for its drop rides and water rides. I firmly believe that this is pure personal preference and no manufacturer is better than the other. Hopefully, this debate continues to rage for years to come. Thoughts?
  21. Carowinds went the extra mile decorating Fury 325. Hopefully Mystie is decorated or additional theming is added to truly spruce up the Christmas theming. Source: https://www.coaster101.com/2017/11/11/beginning-look-lot-like-christmas-carowinds-prepares-winterfest/
  22. I have to agree that BLSC doesn't fit it's current location and plays a quite odd role in Kings Islands coaster lineup. I personally feel that BLSC is a strong coaster with a variety of forces, the first launch into the helix has had me seeing stars on a few occasions. Yet, it's something about the dilapidated theme and long lines that seem to repel me away from it's tacky and uninviting entrance. Kings Dominion's and Canada's Wonderland's BLSC's both look to be wasted space. I wouldn't be surprised if these clones were to get the chopping block sometime in the next 5-10 years. Now what would takes its spot? Due to the open, arid, grassy area in which BLSC lays I feel it would be amazing if Cedar Fair would experiment with a new method, artificially created theming (Taron at Phantasialand). Kings Island lacks an intense low to the ground coaster such as a Maverick, Skyrush or Intimidator 305. A Mack or Intamin multi-launch coaster with interactive theming (Mystic Timbers thrives in this category) would help strengthen Kings Islands lineup. Adjusting the entrance from the busy and crowded Vortex midway to the less densely populated path between Diamonback's splashdown and BLSC would also be a positive. All in all, it's not necessarily BLSC itself, however, the acreage it possesses is far to valuable. - As for you BFF, you are truly a coaster enthusiast anomaly
  23. That Eiffel Tower reminds me of something down south... Hmm... Yes! Here it is!
  24. I have been thinking about a speculation fence a LOT lately. My coaster enthusiasm was truly started at Kings Island and I will forever cherish the sacred land, no matter the coaster lineup. On August 8th, 2013 Banshee was announced, a record-breaking B&M invert that would establish KI's dominance in the Midwest. However, I had solidified the thought that Kings Island would be receiving a B&M Giga, similar to what Canada's Wonderland had received only a year prior. I was slightly disappointed but was ecstatic that my home park was getting some 24 million dollar TLC from Cedar Fair (Cough, Cough, Michigan's Adventure).Three years past only to be once again surprised with another good ol' fence. Again, my early enthusiasm Deja Vu struck hard and was once again believing that Kings Island was going to be receiving a Giga in 2017. These thoughts were quickly spoiled as a GCI was leaked to wreck havoc in Rivertown. Don't get me wrong both Banshee and Mystic Timbers are both Fantastic coasters, and fit Kings Islands lineup needs greatly. I don't want my statements to have come across as greedy or ungrateful, I'm so thankful to have a home park filled with like-minded individuals, as well as, great coasters and flats. However, Banshee and Mystie aren't a Fury. A seemingly reoccurring thought hits me as I roam Banshee's Plaza, Kings Island has steadily grown in the last ten years and Cedar Fair has refurbished the coaster lineup exponentially. A B&M Giga with a dedicated and well-drawn out plaza would make the atmosphere of Kings Island feel like a clean, utopian wonderland. Metaphorically speaking, Kings Island is sleeping giant, a B&M Giga would wake up the coaster world. Take the addition of Fury 325 to Carowinds and Intimidator 305 to Kings Dominion as prime examples. I have a feeling that the fourth gold ol' fence since 2014 will be the largest, tallest, fastest KI gem.
×
×
  • Create New...