King Maple The Tree King
Members-
Posts
433 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Calendar
Everything posted by King Maple The Tree King
-
KI Now Offers B-Day Party service!
King Maple The Tree King replied to kjkjkj's topic in Kings Island
Given how KI's food service currently operates, I bet the cake is served cold! - Maple, looking towards the door for terpy. -
Absolute WORST park-going experience of my life!
King Maple The Tree King replied to IBEW_Sparky's topic in Trip Reports
What boggles me is how poorly the single rider line at Kings Island is set up and why they constructed it in that way. You would think the park would have learned a thing or two by now or done their homework before investing in this attraction. I don't think that is so much due to the fact that the employees are not enforcing these so much as it is the poor design of the rides queue. If you visit a park like Disney or Universal, typically the single rider or fast pass lanes do not come anywhere close to or near the regular queue line as to prevent line jumping. I remember a few seasons back wen Gold Passholders were treated to the perk of "Walk on Weekends." At rides like The Beast, where the walk on line and regular queue line ran parallel, line jumping was a common ocurrance. I still don't understand why Kings Island didn't set up a walk on line like Maverick's where all guests wait in the same queue but don't have the option to join the single rider line until just before entering the station. People aren't complaining about line jumping just to be on a "bandwagon," they're complaining because due to the design of the Diamondback queue it's become a very common ocurrance at a very popular new ride. It's the same thing with the "Walk on Weekends" lines a few seasons back, either do it right or don't do it at all. Sparky, I realize you are very heated and you make some valid points. However, I would suggest returning to Kings Island at some point down the road. As the Guest Relations office and that employee Jeremey you mentioned showed; KI has many good employees who will go out of their way to help you. These first few weekends of regular operation are always terrible. As a passholder, I stopped coming at this time. Many rides are not open and schoolchildren run around unsupervised, just not worth the hassle. -
Small and insignificant like posting only to spite The Interpreter? Victoria's Secret is running a huge sale that ends Monday. If you're looking to get a good deal on panties, since it always seems yours are in a twist, I'd stop by one of their locations. You can find the one nearest you at http://www.victoriassecret.com/ I believe the poster in the other thread was recommended to write to the CEO because, while it may not end up flat on the desk of Mr. Kinzel himself, Kings Island pretty much gave the poster the impression that they do not care for his side of the story and were going to do nothing to rectify the situation. The behavior of a few employees tainted his view of all of them. This happens in all kinds of customer service oriented industry all the time. Kings Island's Guest Relations office would be the ones he would need to speak to, according to him; he tried. Also according to his story, nothing was done. Time to start moving up the ladder at that point, if so inclined.
-
I currently have a voucher for my 2009 season pass. Now, my home park is Kings Island, but I was planning on visiting Carowinds this weekend and getting my pass processed there. However, there seems to be some confusion: -Don Helbig, Kings Island Insider: http://www.kingsislandinsider.blogspot.com/ 3/25/09 but... -Tony Clark, OnPoint! - The Cedar Point Blog: http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/fun/blog/...29-c18a24634326 3/15/09 Anyone know which one is which? If not, I'll just plan on giving Carowinds a call this weekend.
-
^Yup, it's a brilliant strategy. Another great amusement strategy playing out these days, and one that seems likely to continue this season, is how Six Flags has been slowly reducing food prices throughout the recent seasons and reported higher in park spending among guests, while other park chains continue to raise food prices and report decreases in per cap spending in their conference calls. I'm still amazed that I have to spend nearly four dollars for a Coke at Kings Island, but only two dollars for one at Disney. And at Disney I'm guaranteed fast and friendly service, where as Kings Island I'm lucky to if the Coke isn't flat. Pilgrims Plunge looks interesting. It will certainly be interesting to watch and see if this new concept spurs a new age of water rides. I'm more excited for the elevator ride up than the actual drop.
-
Diamondback Construction Thread (Updated 3-19-09)
King Maple The Tree King replied to BoddaH1994's topic in Kings Island
Okay, here's the actual route of riders when entering and exiting the ride: Your black line with the arrowhead shows the entrance to the queue. After wrapping back and forth several times in the queue, the rider comes back out of the queue (against the arrow) and up into the station via the orange line. The blue line is the exit from the station. All riders will exit through the merchandise shop. Your piece of black line with the right angle goes nowhere. There is nothing under the station for guests as it is a restricted area. I hope this clears it up a bit. Actually, I'm willing to wager that you enter the queue right where you said but then cross beneath the lift hill to the East side of the station where you will ascend the stairs up to the station. If you notice, the stairs have two lanes. I'm guessing that is to have one for the regular line and one for single riders...similar to Maverick's queue line....should they chose to exercise that option. Recently, Mr. Helbig said that was something they were considering but didn't mention if it was definite at the winter blues party. The exit ramp you guys have seen before....kind of....you just flew right over it. If you follow this drawing I bet you exit down the blue line into the gift shop, while the orange line will be a ramp for guests using the Attractions Boarding Pass. Most likely there will be a greeter out front, just like they have it set up at Firehawk! Just my observations, hope that makes some sense. -KM EDIT: I just realized Big Whitey said the exact same thing, I didn't realize old Joe had quote Whitey. My apologies. I was agreeing with Old Whitey. -
From my daughter, a former Rides Department Area Manager: You would be correct. EDIT: in the beginning of the season when they aren't open everyday they do put the trains in their sheds, if they had one. Not every ride places it's trains in the storage sheds. The Arrow roller coasters use a different kind of air "pinch" brake than roller coasters like The Beast or The Racers. At the beginning of the season, the only reason they'd place a trains on the storage tracks for AE, TG/FD, and Vortex is if ridership is so slow only two trains or needed or one train has problem. Due the air compressors of Arrow roller coasters being emptied every night one train is always parked on a lift and the train in the station is secured via a latch and chalking system. On Adventure Express one train in the station, one on the brakes before the station and one on the second lift hill. On Vortex it's just as TG93 said; one on the lift, one in the station, and one on the brakes before the station. Top Gun/Flight Deck: Station and lift. As far as the other roller coasters that she can remember: The Beast - The crew takes all three trains off every night after closing and puts them back on in the morning. The Racer - One train in the station, one train in the storage shed (It's been a few years, she thinks this may have changed). The Beastie/FOC - One train in the station, one train in the storage shed (she thinks this one may have also changed since she left) Son of Beast - Station and brakes before the turnaround into the station. Flight of Fear - One train in each station, one on the brakes before the exit station when it ran three trains. King Cobra - She doesn't seem to recall this one specifically but believes it was the station and brakes directly before the station.
-
I just hope they spruce up the train a little. I realize it primarily serves as transport to and from the waterpark, but some fresh paint here and there and cleaning up the station would do the old Rivertown some good. The train is a great centerpiece to Rivertown. Maybe Mr. Helbig's little joke about the 'trains' at the KIC winter blues party is a hint of things to come.
-
River Downs Closing?
King Maple The Tree King replied to Coney Islander's topic in Coney Island Central
^Uh, how old are you that you're going in to River Downs? -
Ah ha! I get it now! Thanks Beastfan! I was thinking of like rope nets beneath the track, not the fencing on the side. Edit: at first because of the light I thought it was wooden framing, like that of a roof. Thought maybe there was some work being done on the new Beast entrance.
-
Which nets? Are there photographs of them on the Diamondback site?
-
What is that?
-
Cedar Fair buying P parks rumor.
King Maple The Tree King replied to DegenRider's topic in Kings Island
Really? Really Beast1979? Let's see, you were 7 then. I hardly doubt you were following the industry with your crystal ball saying "2.75 years from now they'll be wrong!" I know I don't post much, but I do read a lot. RailRider, you are a voice of reason and I echo what you said. -
Diamondback Construction Thread (Updated 3-19-09)
King Maple The Tree King replied to BoddaH1994's topic in Kings Island
Just checking folks, didn't make much sense to me either. Hmm, I wouldn't say that, there are mistakes in the video that don't reflect the actual construction. -
Diamondback Construction Thread (Updated 3-19-09)
King Maple The Tree King replied to BoddaH1994's topic in Kings Island
Actually, you are. We're not trying to poke fun at you or hurt you Beast, but it gets really annoying when you post constantly without any thought, content or substantial knowledge to back up your posts. It clutters up the boards and gets really annoying. Ya know, this is the kind of attitude that gets you in trouble. For a year now I have watched people like RailRider, Cory, Interpreter and Gordon Bombay try to help you and you never seem to learn. You don't listen, you always assume that you are right and know everything. Take a break from posting, sit back and learn something from the great members around here who do know what they're talking about, instead of trying to be a "know-it-all." I think it's your attitude and constant arrogance that has turned people against you. Now back to the regularly scheduled topic, I have a question: -
Diamondback Construction Thread (Updated 3-19-09)
King Maple The Tree King replied to BoddaH1994's topic in Kings Island
Here! Here! Well said Mr. Butcher. Beast1979, you should be thankful he even took the time out of his day to respond to you, yet despite that you reinterpret his statement to make some snide remark because your upset over season pass preview day getting canceled. I thought the minimum age to be on these boards was 13? -
3? I don't think they had ACE in 1953, I believe it was founded some time in 1977. I stopped being an ACE member in 1993 when I was 43.
-
Unfortunately I am out of the country for awhile and unable to attend the event if I could've bought tickets. I look forward to seeing everyone's photos and reports! For those who weren't able to get tickets, don't worry, I'm sure the KIC staff and the awesome members here will have plenty to share. Just something amusing I saw today....ACE announced their winter event, it's twice the cost for the same features and you have to be a member of that organization. What a joke! I'm glad there is a community like KIC that caters to a wide variety of guests rather than the elite Sam's Club of amusement enthusiasts. -King Maple, glad he stopped being an ACE member in the early 90's!
-
KI Should Get This Ride!
King Maple The Tree King replied to FOFirehawkFAN's topic in Coming Attractions
They could probably fit one where that virtual reality/Coke zone/remote control car game is between Adventure Express and The Racer. I think great names for it would be "skylab," "closed" or "removed." -
I wouldn't poke fun, someone could do that to a picture of you in the same situation, then again you would have had to have been at an exclusive construction tour such as that one.
-
That website is about as credible as Wikipedia cited on a college term paper (that means not credible at all). I would not take the opinions of the ASO website for even the smallest grain of salt. There is a fantastic team of state inspectors and work men who inspect that ride and maintain it EVERY day before it operates for the public. They are among some of the most highly trained and professional individuals in the industry. Kings Island's Wood Coaster Maintenance team and the rest of the KI staff is a real treasure in the industry. There was a point once where you were just as naive as those "people." (Quiz show anyone? )
-
Chippewa Lake Park at Kings Island
King Maple The Tree King replied to chippewa&idora4ever's topic in Kings Island
Incorrect, the ride was for sale as scrap metal and eventually was hauled off to a steel recycling plant along with the former Son of Beast loop. The trains still survive today inside the Flight of Fear bowl, in a field back in the woods near Psycho Path, and at times as random Haunt decorations. The safari ride actually only took up a portion of Action Zone and was located primarily on land that SOB now occupies, it once even extended to the East of The Racer nearly back to the river. Actually, the house was kept because it served as a "green room" and preparation/makeup area for the actors who once performed along the train ride when it used to make a stop there. I would re-read your "at-will employment agreement."