Texas Giant

Shockwave (SFOT) has some serious G's and if you're ever going to black out on a roller coaster it will be at the base of the first loop during a heat wave! As mentioned, Titan also packs a punch and is known for blackouts. Surprisingly, Fahrenheit produced a pretty significant "grey-out" moment for me as well. KI's coasters have never been a problem for me as far as blackouts go...Invertigo may be an exception there.

Here's one of my favorite shots from KI taken on 7/12/07: Here's one of Maverick, my favorite shot from CP (6/12/07): ...and one from Indiana Beach, taken on 6/20/07: Thanks, Braden

My first visit to Kings Island was in 2000, just a few years after moving to the midwest. Now I make it out to the park a few times a year. I can't remember when I first discovered this website, but I became a regular reader last year while following the SOB accident/Cedar Fair buyout/Firehawk construction.

Thanks for the great trip report! I grew up in Arlington and called SFOT my home park for many years. It is truly a shame to have watched Texas Giant become what it is today. In the '90s, this ride was as good as a wooden coaster gets. The speed, transitions, layout, and 'magic carpet' ending were absoultely incredible. My last trip was in 2003 and I still had fun on the Giant, but from what I hear it has only gotten worse each year since. Still, it was my first 'adult' coaster and it will always have a special place in my heart (hence my screen name). As for your other observations, I'd pretty much have to agree with you. Casa Magnetica was a very cool experience for me as a child, but I can see how it might seem lame to an older person. It was closed for many years and finally reopened a couple of seasons ago (I'm happy that it's still around). Titan is amazing, and I agree that KI could definitely use a coaster like that! Shockwave, Freeze, Batman, Superman, and the Mine Train are all great rides as well. Overall, the park has a lot of history and some of the best rides around, but there are quite a few negative aspects as well. Their last coaster was in 2001, so I'm really hoping they add a new signature ride in the next few years. Now living 2 hours away from KI (enough for me to call it my home park), I'd also have to say that it is far better than SFOT. Still, thanks for the report from my first home park.

Here's the view from Thursday (7/12) evening: As I pulled into the parking lot in the morning (around 9:45) I noticed the blue train testing, which got me really excited for what would have been my first ride on SOB this year (haha). By afternoon the red train was stopped on the lifthill for quite some time and by the evening everything looked completely normal (and quiet) from the Eiffel Tower. Both trains were parked on the storage track and there was no noticeable work being done anywhere on the ride.

I feel your pain! I drove 2 hours to experience the 'new' SOB for myself (well, that's not the only reason...I happen to love KI) and was pretty disappointed to find it shut down all day. FOF was also a letdown, as it never opened today either. Still a great day at the park however...hopefully they'll work all of the bugs out of SOB by the time I make it back down there.

To add to this, I was at the park on Thursday (6/14) and also noticed 4-5 men working on the section bparrott pointed out in this pic. I also zoomed in from the Eiffel Tower to see a clear view of the station. There were no trains to be seen, but there were a bunch of water dummies on the side closest to me. Hopefully all of this is a good sign.

Try changing the direction of your view with the N-S-E-W toolbar. These pictures were obviously taken at many different times and pasted together, since one view has IJST, but when changed directions slightly it becomes the Antiques/Flying Eagles. Pretty cool.

Magnum for 25 minutes while the train in front of us hit a seagull and had to be cleaned up. I'm guessing the bird had a harder time than we did.

Thanks welche for helping out a newbie! Now I'm even more excited for my trip to the park on Thursday!

Speaking of Gold Passes, could someone please point me to a link containing the gold pass perks/dates. The park's homepage had them under the season pass section when they were still selling Gold Passes yet now I cannot find that info anywhere (didn't get a calendar from season pass processing either). Thanks!

Even though it has been confirmed by many here, some are still questioning its authenticity. I would just like to add that I too was at the park Sunday and noticed the Fort Kinzel change. It's 100% real. The Sandusky highway = not so much

Well that seems like a good sign to me...hopefully everything will be up and running tomorrow. Thanks!

Nice report, thanks! Any word on The Beast's status by the end of the day? I'm planning on driving two hours to KI tomorrow and want to make sure I get to ride my favorite coaster in the park!! Thanks!

I wasn't sure on the exact date...sorry if you posted that previously and I missed it.

Thanks for the help!

Quick newbie question: When is the last date that Gold Pass perks are applied to a reg. or Maxx Pass purchase? I'm hoping to make it to the park by early-mid May and just want to make sure I'll be able to get the Gold upgrade for free. Thanks!

KI.com updated for April 9th!! http://www3.cedarfair.com/kingsisland/news...cfm?item_id=487 Almost done with the track construction...that helix looks FUN! Braden

First post, long time reader. Just wanted to thank all involved for getting these great pictures. The flyover shots as well as that one picture with Firehawk's turn peeking over the FOF building have really gotten me excited. This site is really helping to hold me over during the off-season! Braden