KIfan73

It's important to keep in mind that any system(s) that Kings Island develops must be implemented by a 15 year old that more likely than not is working their first-ever job.

The price of fuel always comes up when discussing a return of the Antique cars. I don't think a lot of people have realized that the energy used to tug multiple-ton coaster trains up lift hills all day long isn't free.

@KingsMills79 Of all the many Kings Island stories I have heard, that has to be one of the best! Going to school next door (can't imagine!) to Kings Island? Being bused right to the front gate? Beast themed Corvettes?? Awesome story, thanks for sharing!!

Posted July 1:

Rode it the first time in June of 2000; last time was during Haunt 2007. Was always extremely rough and painful. An awe-inspiring structure, though. If someone never got to see it in person, pictures won't do it justice. It was absolutely massive. Still a real shame that it had to go down.

Cool Google-generated pano from my visit on July 17:

I was at Kings Island last week (2nd visit this season), and even though I've already commented about MT, I really wanted to again. It is just so good. From beginning to end. I swear, somehow, you are virtually lifted out of your seat the entire ride. I've never ridden anything that engages you from beginning to end the way it does. The terrain, the trees, the traversing of WWC, the theme, just everything...it has almost ruined me for everything else in the park. Like I said before, it's almost too good. It's not the tallest, longest, fastest, or most thrilling (debatable, though), but I think it is the most fun ride in the park.

Thanks. I've been there twice this season, and I was thinking after I got home "wonder where those signs went"...I'm going to have to be more observant!

Did they take all of these out, or did I just not see them this year?

Pay-per-ride (Coney Island, pre-Kings Island) Pay one price, ride everything all day Season passes, pay once, visit all year Season-long pre-paid meal plans Season-long pre-paid drinks Season-long pre-paid photos Fast Lane Each one of these has surely changed the in-park experience once it was implemented. The only thing I can wonder, is what in the world is next??

That's too bad. Eating there has been a bright spot for the last few seasons. Does the bar still operate? How does that work since it's changed from full-service? It was so nice to go in there, have a seat at the bar, and get waited on. I always got really good food, and service.

You could drive down Kings Island Drive to McDonald's and get an order of magnitude better service and food.

I'm no engineer, but I'd say that the former FC spot is virtually worthless, as-is, for a new attraction, speaking specifically about any residual structures still there (not that the KI history nut in me wouldn't like to see them use it somehow). So, if something new were to go there, everything would have be removed, and they would have to start over from scratch. To me, that makes it an even less desirable location than a spot that's never been used in the first place (due to the costs of removing what's left of FC). Additionally, that is not a real large area, and I can't imagine any attraction that Kings Island would be interested in fitting there. I can only see the Flight Commander spot being used if it was a part of a much larger development, where they would be taking out multiple unused areas all in one shot to make way for something new.

I started visiting KI regularly in the early '90's, and KCKC was one of those rides that got me hooked. I love how it was "set-in" and interacted with the woods around it. It's one reason I'm so happy about MT. It has a very similar vibe, helped in no small part by it interacting with WWC.

Made me think of something I posted a few years ago (love the search function): It does make one wonder....

Finally got to ride MT last Friday (June 9). Better than I thought it would be. Very, very clever theming. Best queue since Adventure Express - actual thought put into it, not just aluminum railings sunk into cement. I really like how it interacts with its surroundings. Not to mention the coaster itself is amazing. Non-stop, constant changes in direction, and easy on the body. I'm going to go so far to say that it's almost too good. Kings Island didn't seem to "need" this ride, it's almost like a gift. Personally, if I could have imagined what I would have liked to have them build, it would have been something just like this. Installs like this are what put Kings Island on the map. Outstanding job, Kings Island!!!

That's a great idea!

For me, part of the fun (no pun intended) of visiting the park was eating while I was there. For the last few seasons, that's been pretty much reduced to RHoFG, as I could sit down and relax and get waited on. I really hate to read that they've changed their format. I always thought it would be lame to drive clear to Kings Island and not eat in the park, but I think I'm going to have to join the parking lot eater's club this year.

This may have already been discussed, but is this the same building the appears to be under construction when you are looking at the far left side of the Banshee cam?

As much as I like the style of those handrails ^, and hope they get to stay, I'm really surprised those were approved for use. People are constantly sitting/climbing/leaning on every handrail of any ride I've ever stood in line for.

Speaking of when Kings Island was considered a resort at one time...I have close friends that were very regular visitors to the park in its early years, and they talk about how people would travel to Kings Island just for the food.

What I like so much about the theme of MT is that the theme is really Kings Island itself. The park has definitely has its own aura, and I don't really feel that it has been showcased much since the early years of the park.

I'm loving this "Miami River Lumber Company" storyline. I'm hoping that Mystic Timbers won't be the last place we see it. I'm also hoping the park sells "Miami River Lumber Company" t-shirts. They would be subtle, and only people that "get it" would understand what your shirt means.