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robintodd

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Everything posted by robintodd

  1. Actually this serves two purposes. It gives them a head start on decorating AND serves as great advertisement for Winterfest. I'm all for it.
  2. I saw Cracker Barrel having Christmas stuff out before Haunt started!
  3. Just had my first major disappointment with KI and wanted to warn everyone here. I understand the "no re-entry after 6pm" for Haunt. I went to KI this am to ride The Beast, Diamondback and have the Posiden dish at French Quater (it was fantastic!). After the Bengals game I went to go pick up my grandson and take him to haunt for a couple of mazes and night rides on The Beast and they wouldn't let me in because "I was re-entering the park" after 6. My understanding has always been that the meaning of that rule was that if you enter after 6pm (start of Haunt), you can't re-enter after 6pm. The lady at the entry gate, her supervisor and 2 people in guest relations all said the same thing and how it was "clearly labeled". Low and behold I got home and looked on the website and found this: Again, it says "during Halloween Haunt". I inturpret this to mean that if you enter during Halloween Haunt, you can not re enter during Halloween Haunt. And accroding to the webiste Haunt doesn't start till 6pm. Again I did not leave the park after 6pm. I left the part at Noon (which last I checked was not after 6pm) On the calendar for October 8th it reads: So it seems that my interpretation of the rule was correct and according to the website I could enter Haunt (which started at 6) but not re-enter it once I left Haunt (after 6). Just wanted to give this cautionary tale to others so they can be clear with what I experienced and what the policy says. Very dissapointed in the confusing rule. No biggie, just thought I'd let others know so they do get put in the same boat I found myself in. Oh well, live and learn.
  4. Once again, why are parents bringing little ones? Back when I was young we had these things called babysitters. I knew some teens in my neighborhood that would make some good money babysitting. Don't parents have "date night" anymore? Also, it's ok to tell little Johnny he has to wait to experience some things in life. (they have to wait for a license, etc). oing to KI for Haunt should be an experience you do once you have reached a certain level of maturity (actually now that I think of it going to KI alone should have the same criteria.) I don't blame the kids, I blame their parents. We are practically forcing these kids to grow up faster than they should. They are missing (in my opinion) crutial parts of their childhood necessary to become a well rounded, thoughtful, mature and kind adult. I feel the past couple of generations have had a hard time telling their kids NO. To me it was a vital part of my childhood. Understanding to be patient and good things come to those who wait and if you break an expensive toy you don't automatically get another one is, in my opinion, crutial to becoming a well rounded person. Obviously you were too irresponsible to have the expensive toy in the first place and should do without to make you appreciate what you had (and people wonder where this "entitled" mentatlity comes from, It's a learned behavior.). Look I understand especially with the cost of living that it takes 2 parents working to raise a child and I hate that. Gone are the days when wages were such that a family could have 1 bread winner (wife or the husband) and I think childeren in the end has suffered because of that and it's more a product of our society rather than the fault of the parents. But in the end having a child is a responsibilty and sacrifices are to be made. If you only get to go to Haunt once a year when you can afford a sitter instead of every weekend then so be it. Eventually your child will be grown and out of the house and you'll be able to go when you want again. But those years you have with your child are you raising the next generation slip away far faster than you can ever imagine. Before you know it you'll have grandchildren and hopefully you'll be able to watch them while your adult kids get to have a "datenight" off and go to Haunt while you experience the wonderful time of letting your grandkids eat what they want, have tons of sugar and stay up late. As a grandparent of 4 myself I can truley say those times are ones I cherish much more than any Haunt, and in the future when I'm gone and my grandkids look back I hope they cherish time spent with me and my wife more than time at an amusement park. As a society I hope we get back to focusing what's really important before it's gone. After all once you loose your parents/grandparents you don't get to go on Amazon and order another one. The fact that you can't is what makes them so precious in the first place. Thanks for hanging on till the end, this really went in a different direction than I though it would when I started. But hopefully some out there can read this and it will make a difference. We're all in this together, keep your stick on the ice.
  5. Yes they did have a fountain show at Midnight. Looks like it lastst about 5 min.
  6. It really seems like a mixed message when describing the event going in the direction of more family friendly yet they are pushing alcohol more. Hoever I do agree that it's always amazed me that people are taking strollers and carts with kids in them through the houses.
  7. Saw the last show last night. Overall the show was fantastic and a change from last years. I missed the "main" female dancer character from last year but I think the characters omission I believe was to try and make the story easier to follow. Overall the energy and choreography was fantastic and I look forward to seeing it again. Finally my biggest complaint is the same as last year. Whereas during the show the video screens were not nearly as distracting attention away from the performers they still have "Mr. Baldy" and "Mr. Devil" dancing in the video in the final song. For the life of me I don't get how this fits the stroy and completely distracts attention from what I'm there to see: the live perfomers. Simply omitting all the "dancing characters" and just having the firey background would be so much better. (The "Mr. Devil" is just disturbing with his gyrations in my opinion). Overall fantastic show and the performers are top notch! My grandson (12) and I enjoyed it very much.
  8. Roamers are a great part of the experience. Not only for the atomosphere but from the aspect of having employees among the crowd that can report anything "unruly" going on. It's like having more security around, not just for unruly behavior, but to help out people with question, problems, etc. Also I'm sure there are several people who only work haunt at night. In my opinion haunt should be intended for adults (18+). This is why the kids area is closed. They are open during the day and on Sunday for the family crowd but, in my opinion, Fri and Sat nights should be for the adults to play. In all we're talking about 12 nights out of the year for adult haunt. In the past when they first started the event you never saw kids. They closed the park at 6 and re-opened at 7 (literally clearing the park). Nowadays people are pushing strollers at 11pm at night. As far as the "no boo" I would love to see those go away. It does look like a money grab. If you don't want to be scared then leave before 7. I think some of the scareactors "edit" themselves because of the chance of kids being around and I think they sould be free to do their best. It's only 12 nights out of the year.
  9. If you're talking about the 5 you get for renewing/buying a 2024 passs, reading the info they are good for 2023 only and then only good this Tues (8/15), Wed(8/16), and Thurs(8/17) and Fridays and Sundays with the exception of Sunday, 9/3. Remeber daily operation ends 8/17. From the site: Purchase between 8/10-8/13/23 and get 5 FREE Single Use Fast Lanes. Single Use Fast Lanes are valid 1 per day any public operating day 8/15-10/29/23, excluding Saturdays and Sunday, 9/3.
  10. I was at the 2 oclock show and the last show. Alas I feel Phantom will not make it's return next year. Instead of the "we'll see you next season" that they did last year, they thanked the crowd for the support over the last 2. Noone came out for the meet and greet after the performance and serveral references were made during the show that it was the "last one". It certainly had the feeling of a final curtain call. Maestro even shook Larry's hand at the apropriate spot which drew quite the response from eveyone there. So many inside jokes, the Maestro's first call for applause for himself was so long he had to tell everyone to stop! The love was flowing to and from the stage it will be a memory I will carry with me always. Special shout out to the two young men who dressed up as Legless Larry and Maestro, both with blue face paint. You two definitely added to the ambiance. I didn't get the Vinyl soundtrack I wanted, nor a picture of the cast in and out of makeup (but still in costume). I hope someone did get that shot for the cast as a keepsake. I did get merch for a show that I will be sporting thorughout the years. So it is with a bit of sadness that I say farewell to this wonderful, top of the line show. Happy Feet is definitely the best act of any show at anytime in the history of that theatre and Phantom is the greatest show it's ever seen (Celebration is a very close second). (both my opinion of course, your mileage may vary ) Thanks to KI management, cast, crew and everyone who made the show possible (including RB & company). It was nice to see a broadway style original show done at that theatre once again, and done right!
  11. After some research this am I can't find any pictures showing 2 train operation so my memory of 2 train operation is incorrect. All listings of it also have 1 train operation. Getting old is no fun
  12. I have mentioned before that Prestige should go away and they should just offer the benefits as an add-on to gold. ie. $100 for vip access, $100 for preferred parking, $100 for 1 front of the line each visit, $100 for bring a friend, etc. I think in the end they would end up making more money. Some may see the value in just getting parking and/or front of the line but not the other benefits. The park would end up ahead in my opinion. For that matter, they could even offer passport options for $20 more like they are doing the dining plan. Some may only want the parking for KI and not care about CP (ie. my wife and I only stay at the Breakers when we go so preffered parking would not be a benefit).
  13. 2 of my grandchildren had Platinum in 2022 and I downgraded them to gold in 2023 and their platinum passes still worked. My wife and I still have our original platinum passes (the ones branded Kings Island) and they still work as well. It's just a barcode at this point.
  14. If I remember correctly when it first opened they had 2 train operation.
  15. Great addition Nice to see Planet Snoopy get some love!
  16. Just listened to Celebration (I do have the vinyl but it was easier to click). Brought back so many memories (I miss Sarah and Harry). I so wish there was a video of the show. The closest I've been able to find was the 84 show at Carowinds on you tube (which doesn't include The Bat sequence of course). Thanks for the trip back.
  17. What a creative name, concept and video. Well done! Only way it could have been better was to name it Wavy Gravy and have music by the Greatful Dead playing in the que
  18. While I do appreciate the rollback aspect (although some will make the comment that it will not be a complete rollback like was experienced by few in the past). I am a bit concerned about throughput. The switch track is just one more possible thing to break down. Plus before the ride took 18 seconds (10 to clear the top hat). Once the top hat was cleared a new coaster could be (actually already was) put in place. With the new design it will be longer to slide the new car onto the track. Plus the next car can't be put on until the first one clears the top hat (after 3 launches). Seems like the wait will be longer (no more staging/loading 2 vehicles at a time) and the posibility to go down will be greater (with the addition of the switch track). Both are things that should have been avoided at all costs in my opinion. As for the name....UGH. I was sure they would have stayed away from the previous name entirely because of the previous incident. For those of us old enought to remember another re-used ride I shall come to call it Top-Thrill Re-Run! (Rest in peace Avalance).
  19. There is also probably cost in solution/soap for the truck. Just a guess.
  20. BTW on the webcams looks like they are getting ready to do a run through of the carnival parade.
  21. I got it as well. 3 times It only allowed me to take it once though.
  22. Was impressed as well. Although my 2nd cousin and her family (who have a special needs kid) drove an hour to get to the park and ended up leaving because there was simply too many people. The difference this year from what I understand was last year it was only Ohio participants in A Kid Again and this year more states were involved. That along with the nice weather after a rainy Saturday really overcrowded both sides of the park. (I felt really bad for those kids with breathing problems when the air quality hit 156 (unhealthy) around 4 oclock). But yes, the employees did an AMAZING job and seemed to handle the crowds along with security who seems to be overly busy as well. Great job KI!
  23. I see the simplification. Actually I would go a step further and get rid of prestige. Make preffered parking, single use fastpass per visit, vip acces add-ons to the gold pass as well and then add the passport on to be able to use the benefits at all parks. Trust that those surveys the've been sending out aren't just for fun. They gather information we are not privy to and is used to guide the parks decision.
  24. I think this is just a sign of the times. I've noticed short lines on Diamondback on the web cams early in the days. Remember they raised the cheapest price of a gold pass from 99 to 120 last year. I think this price point proved to be where some people decided not to renew or buy a gold pass. This in turn with the presige pass not selling as well as they expected (the VIP area's are almost wasted space it seems as I don't notice alot of people in them). That on top of it seems the entire amusement industry is experiencing lower numbers. Remember it's not just Disney in Florida, but also Universal that is experiencing a downturn in attendance. We are entering a post pandemic world where more and more local options are available. Disney and KI were also bolstered by a 50th anniversary season which would naturally increase attendance. Looks like the 24 seat SolSpin was the right call I think we may see Gold Passes on sale for 110 this year early promo price to try and get revenues up a little and a small increase in the annual meal plan. Either way, after the extra year they gave us during COVID, I'm standing by Cedar Fair and will continue to buy my passess and meal plans. That move by the park impressed me and I still find it a great value. It's just a though, y'all have a good day.
  25. Best of luck Don. Thanks for all the conversations in the past and here's to more when I see you in the park in the future! Oh, and WHO DEY
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