KIBOB

As Goodyellowkorn pointed out, the ride started off as Scooby Zoom, before being renamed Top Cat's Taxi Jam, then Fairly Odd Coaster, and now the Great Pumpkin Coaster. I'm not %100 sure, but I think that Les Taxis may have been the Rivertown side of the 'tiques. *Sometimes it does look like a fun little ride; the only coaster that could easily fit in my backyard!

Also, don't let the current anticipated line-up of large attractions for next year give you any glimpse into Mr. Ouimet's future plans for the parks. Likely all large attractions slated to open for next season are the final orders of the Carowinds GM's daddy. It does take some time to do all the planning, whether it be conceptually, physically, or financially. Sure the new leader may have put into place some new attractions and improvements, but it's going to be a little while longer before we are really able to wet our feet with the new boss's plans. I for one, cannot wait for what's in store. There are more to parks than just big steel coasters don' cha know.

Just a tip: Don't ever trust all of the photos on the park websites....

I actually really like WindSeeker's location. In my opinion, it does not seem like a quick "where can we find space to put this thing?" descision. From what I can tell, WindSeeker's placement was well thought out. This may just be coincidence, but I just wanted to point it out: -When on International Street, stop in front of the fountains and take in the picturesque view for a moment. See WindSeeker? That's right! WindSeeker seems to hide perfectly behind the Eiffel Tower as to not ruin the view. In fact, from most of the many great photo spots in and around International Street, it is difficult to see WindSeeker. -WindSeeker's location in relation to Coney seems much like the Eiffel Tower's location in relation to International Street. They both seem to mark the ends of their designated areas. -WindSeeker finally brought much needed improvements to the vacant ghost town that was the rear end of Coney Mall. It may seem crammed, but it makes use of that once depressing space very nicely, plus, the ride in general fits perfectly with the area. Just my $0.02...

(Wonder what would happen if the same thing happened at Kings Island, Cedar Point, a Six Flags, Busch, Disney, etc etc...) Hopefully, with the new CEO at the reigns of CF, the situation wouldn't be all that bad. That is absolutely outstanding! The Kochs are just one example of the few businesses that actually seem to legitimately care about its customers.

I suppose, what I meant to say was that the Crypt had been shut down, which appears to be a recent descision. No, Ouimet may not have anything to do with the removal of DT, I'm just saying how weird it is that the opposite of what many of us may have been thinking would happen is happening.

However, this is likely not Ouimet at all. Big projects, such as coasters (if they are being designed brand new for a park, and not a transplant) usually take a few years to plan. As was mentioned on here before, Kinzel stated last year that there would be a big announcement for CP this year. I wouldn't put it past anyone that Ouimet may have added a bit of a twist to the plans. Like Goodyellowkorn, I am hoping for at least a little bit of nice themeing to go along with this new ride. It appears to work very well with the other two installations, and would make an already unique coaster even more unique. Not just another bland pad on concrete with a bare red coaster sitting on top. The company will do what's financially fitting though.... *Anyone else notice that so far under Ouimet, we have/will be losing two dark rides, which is the complete oppositie of what many of us were thinking. Hopefully we will get some nice dark rides in the future, but I can see the point, CF's dark rides, for the most part, were mediocre. The company did not place much an emphasis on them on planning (even though TR:TR was a Paramount addition, and the licensing was strict, I'm sure the company could have been much more creative) and on upkeep. Hopefully, we'll see most of that change.

The additon up north is consuming a large chunk of capital, but that does not necessarily mean that there won't be any room for some more improvements. Both Intimidators were installed in the same year, and both were the largest ride investments in their respective park's histories. Then again, a large chunk of capital was spent this year as well: Leviathan, Celebration Plaza, a second order of WindSeekers and a new shipment from Dinos Unearthed, plus Soak City. Who knows what plans are being discussed at CF headquarters. Only Mr. Oiumet, and those with the sole priveleges know. I fully trust the new CEO in his judgements though, and beleive that we have entered a new generation of word class amusement/theme parks.

I have always thought that while absolutely marvelous to look at, Son of Beast's sturcture appeared questionable. If you look at Son of Beast's architecture as opposed to other wooden coasters in the park, it definintely looks more unorganized, or as I like to describe it, a rat's nest of wood. The lateral supports look as if they were rushed with construction. To sum it all up, the entire thing just looks misaligned. If the awkward sturctural style of Son of Beast is due to the rides incredible scale, and not a factor of being rushed, then perhaps wood really shouldn't be built to those heights.

The Crypt's ride chamber, maybe, but I think that the bunker-style cave entrance and queue would actually offer adequate protection. That is, if the antechamber holds up.

Just to add to your question, I know that it has been mentioned before, I just forget where. Being in the midwest, I wonder if Kings Island has organized procedures, as well as multiple shelters in the event of a tornado. I did see a video of people hiding in the basement under Action Theater during a tornado warning, but does the park have any other practical shelters solely for this purpose? I'm not sure what KI's procedures are because i have never been at KI during a tornado, but i was at Cedar Point during one and i was inline for Disaster Transport. They had us go into the other part of the building where the que line is where the working props were at. We couldn't leave no matter what till they gave us the all clear. I know that the BLSC has a tornado shelter in the steel buildings they have around the ride. Seen the signs. Ok, thanks guys. I've always wanted to know.

Just to add to your question, I know that it has been mentioned before, I just forget where. Being in the midwest, I wonder if Kings Island has organized procedures, as well as multiple shelters in the event of a tornado. I did see a video of people hiding in the basement under Action Theater during a tornado warning, but does the park have any other practical shelters solely for this purpose?

Obviously, there are a vast array of possibilities, but I'm going to go out on a limb and analyze the situation. First, the park removed the faultering Giant Top Spin from the inside of the building (which looks as though it would not be an easy task whatsoever). It looks as though the building has been unscaved in the process. Second, just as the first, the building is still there. There is a possibility that the powers at hand could have decided that A: The cost of removing the building would be too great for this year, or B: There may not have been enough time before the start of the season to remove the building. However, the fact that the park still plans on utilizing the building for a haunt attraction tells me that the building may possibly be around for a while. The haunt attraction may even be a sort of "placeholder". Third, the park decided to pull the plug on the final incarnation of the ride just as Mr. Ouimet took over as CEO. With a greater emphasis on providing a "best day of the year" for park guests, as well as an increased emphasis on the park's atmosphere, quality, and family fun, perhaps plans are in the works for a future family-friendly dark ride to go inside of that building; one that fits the theme of the area. Again, I'm just listing a single possible scenario out of a dozen. So, in my opinion, I believe that the crypt's building would provide a prime opportunity for Cedar Fair to implement a new family-friendly dark ride. There is the possibility that the building could be demolished, and another ride put in its place, but whatever ride it is, I'd be willing to bet that it's a family attraction. Take it as you wish, but that building has the infrastructure, people management, and space which could make a great family attraction. Whatever they decide to do with that particular building, I, like Pillsberry, hope that they put a little more thought into making the area blend in. Just my 2 cents.

Yes, the "runners" of a lightning bolt are able to travel significantly far distances. Here is an old video from NYC where the same bolt strikes both the old World Trade Center and the Empire State Building at the same time, which are pretty a pretty good distance from each other.

Although WindSeeker looks like it's down for other reasons, it is possible that the large lightning strike at the park Friday night was a forked bolt containing multiple strokes, which could have struck multiple objects in the park such as WindSeeker, Drop Tower, and the Eiffel Tower; all from the same discharge.

Apparently, the ride has been having significant mechanical issues over the past few years due to its age. Also, steel does tend to weaken/soften after a significant amount of time, which may make a careful dismantling process near impossible. For a good example of this, check out some of the pictures of the Great American Screem Machine during its dissasembly to see just how much old steel can weaken once its allowed to morph. The materials currently used for the ride's structure may soon find a new life as someone's car, the skeleton of a building, or even a new coaster.

Just out of curiosity, what previous shop has this replaced, or was it worked in to another existing shop? The only three that I can think of on the left side of International Street are Emporium, Thrill Seekers, and Thrill Seekers Jr. (which seems kind of silly to me). Although I was born in the 90's, I sure can't wait to check this place out!

Especially when it comes to promoting the newest heavily themed, totally immersive, dark ride adventure! I wonder what he thinks about that at this point?

I was thinking exactly that as I was reading his post. Then I scrolled down to your post. What is it they say about great minds? I distinctly remember when Paramount Parks had the annoying habit of emphasising new attractions by using nothing but CAPITAL LETTERS. It still happens, but not nearly as much it seems. I just find it slightly aggravating.

And being a PR guy, he may be walking the fine official line right now. I personally believe that decision is made, has now been reviewed and agreed to with the new guy, but is just not ready for announcement yet - which leads me to beleive SBNO for 2012, construction area in 2013, new ride/attraction and update to AZ in 2104. That sure is a long time to wait for a new attraction, I think I need to have a talk with Doc. Brown.

It's beginning to look as though WindSeeker could be added to the bucket list of unreliable rides.

I haven't seen this question brought up, but what about the age-old opening day question regarding the choice of music being played throughout the park?

Bump For those who have not seen this yet, http://www.visitkingsisland.com/article/media-center/Kings-Island-introduces-new-food-options. It looks as though we're getting some more healthier food options as well. Also, I've noticed that Cedar Fair seems to be taking sponsorships more seriously with the names given to some of their newest additions. Lastly, it's nice to see some more unique foods returning to the park. Bavarian pretzels? Churros? Sounds good to me!

Each time I see stories like this, it makes me even more optimistic that some of the parks, such as Kings Island, will return to the values of their heydays.

Imagine, however, if those tracks were not at their peek of perfection and needed a retracking.... </pain>