markr

A shout out to a neglected group of employees, those in food service. Just wanted you all to know that I appreciate your hard work as I know that food service is not easy.

We have no idea what happened until the investigation is completed.

Let's also give a big shout out to Miythandria for starting what in my opinion is one of the nicest if not the nicest threads on KI Central.

Shout out all the ride crews at KI for their friendliness as well as professionalism while doing an outstanding job at their heavy responsibility of keeping us safe. I would like to also thank Ed in security and Diane in Guest Services for always making me feel at home. Another awesome person is Zak in the Banshee shop who just exudes warmth. ( You can tell that he just loves people.) And I don't know his name but one of the Banshee crew does a Minnie Pearl imitation of saying Banshee. ( Bansheeeee!!! as in Howdieeee!!!)-I get the biggest kick out of that. There have been many changes through the years at KI in ownership, rides, etc but one thing that has always remained a constant for me has always been the dedicated, wonderful people there.

Would not be concerned about big crowds not showing up on holidays. Has been like that for years and KI ( and CP) have both survived and will continue to survive.

Shhh, I forgot to say don't spread the word around that park usually not busy on holidays.

Less than 5 minute wait for Banshee. Still waiting for those crowds you are all talking about

So far KI practically empty today.

Was at KI 4th of July last year which was Friday and remember crowds not being bad. Only got real busy in evening. Then headed to CP the next day which was Sat the 5th and, again, crowds not bad at all. I think holidays may be a smidge busier than they used to be with the free military tickets ( well deserved to honor our troops) but I still don't notice huge crowds on holidays like people seem to always predict.

Just reviewing those posts back from 2009 and was there Saturday the 4th. I remember that as day shared Darlene's 500th ride on DB. Remember day not being that crowded as above posters predicted.

I sometimes ( but not often) wear my water shoes ( which are like flip flops since they are not secured to my feet) because they are more water ride friendly than smelly socks and sneakers. Glad to hear from Malem that flip flops can now be left at the Banshee station again. Will save me a trip back to the car to change shoes if I want to ride water rides on a hot day.

Also as I stated I thought but I am not sure that the attendant said you could hold the flip flops. I rather doubt it because of safety concerns, ie shoes accidently hitting someone although that can happen if you are wearing them.

Normally I wear sneakers to the park but today I was wearing what I call my water shoes because I wanted to ride water rides. My water shoes do not secure to my feet and they are too big to sit on so I folded my feet to keep the shoes secure which was very uncomfortable. At any rate I guess its back to sneakers. ( Will simply have to get water shoes from car if want to do water rides.)

New rule for Banshee, re flip flops: They must now ride with you-either you have to sit on them or wear them. ( I thought but I am not sure that they said you could hold them while riding-I doubt this but will clarify next time at park. ) At any rate you cannot leave them at the station any more.

The point I have been trying to make. Note: was trying to quote Terpie's post above but somehow my quote link isn't working.

Amusement rides especially coasters are different Shark6495. I would direct your attention to the signs by the rides which I will paraphrase. They state that while amusement rides may be exciting people have different physical limitations. They stress that while you may know your limitations Kings Island does not. The last sentence states that if you are in doubt about your safety to ride a ride, DO NOT RIDE. ( My emphasis.) My point is that while you and me may not have trouble with coasters, others do-extreme G forces can cause many people ( and I assume that includes children) to faint or possibly worse. I previously mentioned my niece-I would like to talk about my nephew as another example. I took him also to KI as a child and he would not ride coasters-to this day he will not ride coasters. He is now 17 years old, an honor student, a state debate champion as well as a state swimming champion. I do not think his fear of coasters has hindered him in any way from being successful in life do you?

My interpretation too Jsus. And with all due respect, I do not think pushing a child to ride when they are reluctant or unwilling is right either. It just seems like a lot of enthusiasts can get a little carried away with trying to force their love of coasters on others, both children and adults, when it is not their cup of tea. I am crazy about coasters but my sister cannot stand them and gets very ill on them. However, we both respect each others' differences. My sister blesses my enjoyment of my hobby while I understand why my hobby is just not for her. That is the key word, RESPECT in the words of Aretha Franklin.

Was at SC a week ago and the water was freezing cold even though it was a warm day. However, would expect it to warm up in the next few weeks as it gets more hot and humid.

And one more thing-please do not take this the wrong way but I find some of these assertions that you are being over protective of your child and that your child will have trouble in later life if you do not force them to go on a silly amusement ride to be other nonsense. My niece is a happy, healthy 23 year old young lady who successfully earned her mechanical engineering degree and has a great job. And many other kids who decide that amusement rides are not their cup of tea have also been very successful in life. OK, I feel better now that I have gotten this off my chest. ( lol.)

There are many people, adults and children, who love thrill rides while there are many others, yes, adults and children, who hate them. We need to lay off those non riders and let them be. To shame people whether adults or children into riding rides that they are terrified of is not only cruel but downright dangerous. I used to take my niece to KI when she was little. I always showed her what a ride did before riding it and, if she was scared, I would no way, no how force her to ride the ride. I let her decide when she was ready to ride a ride. Gradually as she got older, she felt less scared and willingly rode without pressure. Guess what? She absolutely loves coasters. Studies have shown that kids are more likely to hate and be terrified of amusement rides if you use the high pressure method as opposed to letting them go at their own pace.

Loved it , loved it, loved it!. Only complaint? When Dennis Spiegel's talk was over-did not want his talk to end. Did get to chat with him a little and what a super nice guy.

Have already seen it 4 times-never gets old.

Perfect place for Rotor if possible to bring one back would be the location of old Flight Commander . At any rate, love the various suggestions as to flats that others wish we could bring back. ( Especially Cuddle Up.)

During the Paramount years the pass preview nights were open to all pass holders and CP is having preview night on 5/8/15 for all pass holders regardless of renewal date. ( Can't wait-sounds like that will be a fun night. ) I agree that it would have been nice to have officially invited all pass holders. I am not complaining as was made fully aware of having to renew by end of last season-just saying would have been nice.

Yes Jsus I am sure. Was at CP last year on the Saturday of 4th of July weekend-got there at 3p and went to Dragster first-it was about a 15 minute wait. The rest of the rides were also short waits that day. Also remember being at KI back in 2010 on a 4th of July weekend Saturday-it was absolutely gorgeous out and the park was practically empty. Was also at CP Memorial Day weekend back in 2012 and, again, crowds not bad at all. I just don't think amusement parks are a popular form of entertainment on holiday weekends-people prefer to do other things like family picnics.