KIfan73

I hate to not get a pass, but I'll probably just plan on going maybe once during the season, and just buying a single day pass. Even with a pass, its a 160 mile round trip, so, at best, its $25 for gas. Plus at least one meal, and if I have to pay for parking, and the pass goes up, trips to the park will go under the "unnecessary spending" column in my budget.

If parking isn't included, I know I'll be out.

Any ideas yet?

Wow, what a nice visit to the park on Friday! Was going to head down earlier in the week, but decided not to in light of the 100+ degree heat index. My cousin hadn't been there since grad night '98, so he rode along too. Friday was showing a chance of showers, but boy did we luck out. Absolutely gorgeous day. Got to ride all the major rides, save for IJ, and some twice. FOF was actually a virtual walk on, and so was TRTR. I rode Delerium for the first time on Friday. Wow, that is one incredible ride. Also got to ride F/O for the first time since '00. That one is pretty intense, as well. One of the caricature girls was so bored she offered to draw me for free. Very talented, but didn't care for the drawing or I would have offered to buy it. New experience @ the park, anyway. Also, rode WWC for the first time since '92....For years I've just walked past it, not noticing it, finally found it my last visit, and actually rode it this time...that was maybe the most fun thing I rode all day....the way it is back in the woods, and the length of it (plus I got soaked) made it a blast. Anway, just one more great visit!

Is this park in Myrtle Beach for real?

I honestly started to avoid SOB starting last fall. I'm not a spring chicken (33), and I honestly felt like the couple times I have been in a car accident after I rode it. I really hate it for the park, because it was such a huge undertaking, and sucha great concept. I've never liked its placement, either. To me, it almost seems like an afterthought. Like, its just kind of out on the outskirts, and has such a nondescript queue. Of course, The Beast is WAY out there, but I don't get the same feeling with it. I really hope I'm in the minority, and they can get it up and running SAFELY asap.

I ate at Bubba Gumps my last visit. That was the first time I had eaten there. I got a really good, BIG chicken club sandwich, almost more fries that I could eat and cole slaw for around $8. I didn't think that was bad. I would have paid more for that at a restaurant. Of course, I asked for a cup of ice water

Do you ride any of the other coasters at Kings Island?

Thanks. I have faith somebody on here will connect the dots before an official announcement. I know its not going to be anything major, just always neat to think of something new.

I read somewhere on here that Kings Island is getting some sort of new ride or something in '07. Couldn't find the thread. Anyone have any ideas what it is? I remember a few people figuring out the Italian Job before it was officially announced. I apologize in advance if there is another thread like this one.

When I finally worked my nerve up, it was kind of weird. Once you actually get in line, your mind is more on just standing in line than actually thinking about the ride. Once you're in the queue, its like the anxiety goes away. Then if you just concentrate on gettting in and locking up, it doesn't really seem that bad. At least thats what worked for me.

Man, that makes me wish I would have went...especially now that it sounds like it ain't going to be around anymore...

wow, I typed in "Kings Island" in youtube, and theres all kinds of videos. I'm in the middle of Evel Kneivel's Jump @ KI You can watch people riding the skyrider (whatever they were called) in the background on this one.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NciJeHEGxzU...ngs%20island%22

I found this link on another website...are they in Kings Island during the video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQuFbAKMzL8...banana%20splits

That sounds like a great idea. Do they serve breakfast?

You were there opening day? Unreal. What was it like?

I think that the "Paramount" above the KI name has just always been sort of an asterisk to most people. I think they've done fine with the park; however, I've never heard anyone that I've talked to ever refer to the park as "Paramount's Kings Island". I don't think most people would ever notice whether its there or not. I think its mostly viewed as like a sponsor of a sporting event. Winston Cup, Nextel Cup, its still NASCAR. A small percentage of enthusiasts pay attention to things like this, but not the majority. By the beginning of next season, I think the "Paramount" name should quietly be removed. Let the sun shine down on "Kings Island" again!

You know, I've always liked TG, but probably the last 2 or 3 visits, I don't ever even think to walk back there to ride it. Maybe it does need to go. I was going to say the "V" word, but don't want to start a firestorm.

You mean riding in the 'tiques? Thats a good idea, too.

Yeah, and actually, the launch could be the entry gates with IS on either side and then the helix would be you circling the Tower. The part the slows down could be the replica of the Wild Animal Habitat. The drop down aqueduct part could be like you're going down into the Royal fountains. The dark part could have elements from all the previous dark rides, back to the original Enchanted (never can think of the second part)... And plant some grass seed and trees!!

Wow, this kind of opened up a can of worms. I have an awesome idea. You never know who is reading this! This could be the opportunity for KI to showcase its history. Turn this ride into the "ride through KI's history!" Leave the road signs up, but make them into "Kings Island Next Exit" signs. Have the antique cars parked at various places. Get a couple of the old cars that used to be on the turnpike. Put a mini Eiffel Tower in the middle of the helix. At the helicoptor scene, have that become a mini International Street (circa 1972), and have fountains on either side, like you are shooting through the middle of all of it. Have a small version of the skyride go just over the track. Have one part be a replica of the old wild animal habitat like you were on the monorail. The possibilities are endless! Slap me! I'm out of control! Man, could that be awesome.

But you can see FaceOff at the bottom right, and the water tower in Action Zone...So, again, 1999-2001. Anyone able to narrow it down more than that? Flight of Fear is clearly visible in that photo, too...or rather, the building is! Boy, I really blew that one. I thought I was going to be really smart there...lol

Well, KC is still there, but its under Paramount control. No FOF. Has to be '93-'94.

Personally, I like the theming. I think TRTR is possibly the most fun ride @ KI. I also like FOF. To me, those rides are in areas where their structures don't stand out so bad. Its just with IJST its right in the middle of everything, and the props they chose for the theming just looks like an out of control road project. It would probably look cool in AZ. It just looks so out of place where its at.

When they were building the Italian Job, it was exciting. The first couple of times I rode it, I thought it was really neat. The last two times I have been there, I have decided it is THE BIGGEST EYESORE in the entire park. Since the newness has wore off, I sorely miss the Antique Cars. They have completely ruined that area of the park. I really don't think it would be nearly as bad if they kept the coaster and got rid of all that theming, with just grass underneath. What started out for me as neat Hollywood-style theming now just looks like a big pile of junk. All the barrels and corrugated metal all over the place. It looks worse than what I have to look at when I drive route 35 to get to the park. Right in what was the prettiest, dare I say most sacred, part of the park with its vicinity to the Eiffel Tower. Now its depressing to think how many decades that thing is going to sit there.