S&EMom

I just got off the phone this morning and they said just go to guest services and they would look her up and verify she has a pass. So simple. I don't know why we had issues at Michigan Adventure. Just in case, I am having my husband send us a picture of the back of the card.

We went through this a few years ago with my daughter. She left her pass at home and we went to Michigan Adventure. They made us pay the replacement fee and she had a Michigan Adventure Platinum Pass the rest of the season. That's why I'm concerned about what Cedar Point will do.

This post belongs in the what-else-can-go-wrong category. Due to softball schedules, lousy weather, etc. we have been to KI a grand total of one time with my granddaughter (14 y.o.) . Early in June we processed her Platinum pass and she and her friend went on their merry way to enjoy the park, I supervised from the waterpark under an umbrella. Had a good day. A couple of days later when I asked her for her pass, of course, it's missing. Thinking we might go to CP Independence day weekend, her grandfather made a trip to KI to process his pass (unused so far this year) and see if Lost and Found might have her pass. They did not, so he forked out the $15 to replace hers and got his pass. Due to overcrowding at all the hotels, we cancelled plans for the Fourth. Deciding to splurge, we have 3 days booked this week, staying in a cottage at Lighthouse Point. Our plan is to visit the park early Wednesday, before checking in at Lighthouse Point (1/2 of us have Platinum Passes/the rest will purchase a 3 day ticket. Grandpa (my husband) is on a business trip and will meet us there later Wednesday evening. About an hour ago, he texted me that he has granddaughter's pass with him in St. Louis. I really don't want to pay another $15 for a pass that is in the wrong State, not lost. It will be there for the other two days we visit the park. Do you think they will let her in without replacing her pass?

So this is going to be one of the shortest trip reports (not the report--the trip). Today is my husband and my 30th Wedding Anniversary. We started out the evening with dinner at McCormick' & Schmicks' at the Greene near Beavercreek, Ohio. We had casually discussed previously going to KI before the end of June some evening to ride Banshee in the dark. Just before we left for dinner a severe thunderstorm was issued for our area. By the time we arrived at the Greene, it was not raining. However, by dessert (my favorite, Crème brûlée) a line of several severe storms were in the area. We looked at the weather radar for Kings Island, and it looked iffy. The rain let up enough to dash for our car and we decided to give it a try (8:39 p.m.). Rain accompanied our drive all the way from Beavercreek, through Xenia and down Route 42. We turned off the windshield wipers when we got on I-71. We arrived at KI around 9:30 p.m. There was a slight drizzle, but we could see some rides were operating. We made it into the gate, went straight to Banshee and practically walked on. We waited about 2-3 train cycles for a ride in the front--our first. Some of the people in line probably wondered why we were a bit over-dressed for an outing at the amusement park. We purchased the picture since it was our anniversary. It took 3-4 tries to get the picture loaded on a jump drive which probably took another 10 minutes. We left the park at 10:08. Sadly, we missed out on fireworks, due to the weather. That would have been a nice finish to our evening. Driving back home, the Banshee fog seemed to follow us with light ground level fog most of the way. We listened to the Reds on the way home and got in the house just in time to see them pull out a win, including a grand slam home run. Pretty good evening all in all.

We arrived at the parking entrance around 2:30-3 p.m. planning to head to Soak City. Seeing how full the parking lot was for KI, I pretty much decided it would be a waterpark day only. We found a not-too-far-from-the-entrance parking spot someone had vacated at Soak City and went in. It was very crowded, but I was interested in getting wet and getting some sun, so I wasn't too concerned. The food lines were ridiculous for $1 hot dogs and pizza. We went to Subway to get refills for our cups and since we weren't getting subs, it was quick. We found two chairs (later graduated to 2 lounge chairs around 5 p.m.). Spent some time in the tube/wave pool and did a round of the lazy river. Having snagged a lounge chair, I got out my magazine, positioned the chair to get some sun and listened to the Reds game go down-hill on my old-fashioned radio with ear buds. Other than less sun and more cloud time than I liked, it was a perfect day. We opted for chicken tenders and a burger rather than wait for pizza/hot dogs. We left around 7 p.m. Would be back tomorrow, but sadly, I work at a hospital and get to work tomorrow. I can handle big crowds at the waterpark, but have no patience for the lines in the heat for rides--save that for another day this fall.

Dayton-Xenia Road between Fairfield Road and Meadowbridge Dr (Friendlys to McDonalds). Food vendors are supposed to sell something with popped popcorn in it (Jaycees used to sell hamburgers with popcorn mixed in--actually tasted pretty good (because they used fresh hamburger). The usual craft vendors, etc. I think they have a 5K, car show, entertainment stage and a kiddee game/bounce area. Always the weekend after Labor Day (Saturday & Sunday). Kettel corn vendors expanded to two booths last two years and always have about a dozen or more people in line.. They also sell homemade root beer, sarsparilla, etc.

Recommend this for a great day trip for families or any age: We make a trek to the fair every year--probably for the past 10 years. Always purchase the ride bands before the fair starts at Kroger. When I went to buy them this year, was told Kroger only sold gate tickets. After a trip home to research the problem, found out on the state fair web site that ride bands were now sold by ticketmaster outlets. Concerned, there would be an additional charge that would cancel out the $3 advance sale discount, I was pleased to find out back at Kroger, that there was no additional fee. Did not buy advance gate tickets at Kroger (on sale throughout the fair), because we planned to go on a day when all tickets at the gate were $5 ($10 usual adult price). It's my policy to avoid family day to avoid big crowds for the rides--usually Monday. We hit some of the craft exhibits--amazing what you can do with duct tape and brillo pads. We hit the big hall with all the venders. My husband spent considerable time telling the DISH sattelite folks what they need to improve on. We ate in the center of the hall, getting my annual pierogie fix. We did not hit the giant candy sellers this year (cash only inside the hall, credit card accepted at the vendor on the midway) You name any old time candy and these booths will have it--even candy cigarettes--explain these to your little ones! We always visit the Ohio Parks area for a nice green space break--butterfly house, bald eagles, beaver, fox and other animals. My daughter's boyfriend was able to get the latest scoop on new hunting/fishing regulations in the state. Free kyacking experience for kids here also. We shared a pretty good blooming onion from a midway booth. Got a buffalo boiled egg in the Ohio food area (Ohio Beef, Pork, Poultry, etc.) located in a round building (sorry I don't have the specific names). Did not try the maple bacon ice cream since I don't eat pork. VIsited the butter cow and this year's butter Ohio State Choir/founder tribute. Every year I buy 2-3 large ($10) bags of kettle corn from the booth just before the North gate. Best kettle corn I've had--lasts 3-4 days at our house. They also have two booths at the annual Beavercreek (Ohio) Popcorn Festival the 1st weekend after Labor Day. So every year I get my kettle corn and say "see you in Beavercreek." Corny--I know. My husband purchased a very nice wallet at one of the leather vendors. Also got a nice coin purse/key case this year. Daughter, her boyfriend, his sister and a granddaughter rode the rides. I bought tickets for the final ride--the giant ferris wheel and rode it as the fireworks went off along with a light rain shower. Did not get our "fried cheese" as we left this year--I love the pepper jack variety. Too tired and my daughter had to be at work at McD's back in Dayton at 5 a.m. Tip: I save our lemon shake-up cups and bring them back to take advantage of the refill price without buying new cups. Nice, since I've had to invest in a new set of refill cups at K.I. LIke the original trip report posted above, we enjoy some of the flat rides that you don't see often. We also like to ride the ones they have at Cedar Point. Looking forward to our return trip next year. Weather was newsworthy this year--the temps the day we went were low eightys with some threatening skies that never really let loose with rain. Heard the vendors were very busy this year since weather was milder. one of the Schmitz (sp?) vendors (German Village Restaurant--cream puffs, etc) was heard on 610 WTBN news to be lamenting that he would not lose his usual 10 lbs sweating over grills minus the heat this year. They broke the attendance record on Sunday, 7/28, attributed to the cooler climate.

Rode the train this evening to go from Back Yard BBQ to The Beast, rather than take a long walk. I wish they could return some of the original theming to the ride. It's functional for getting from one side of the park to the waterpark, but it is rather boring otherwise.

Would love to experience staying at a Cedar Fair Property, but the cost is not in our budget. We have stayed 2-3x at the Knight's Inn , 2405 Cleveland Rd, 1 mile east of Cedar Point Drive. 1-419-621-9000. Has a small pool. An outdoor screened pavilion where they serve a very nice breakfast. Trains across the street, but they never bothered us. Not fancy but clean enough and close. We paid $58.91per night for a Tue/Wed in August last year (AAA Discount)--two double beds. Room had a refrigerator and a microwave. The property also has a laundry room. All in all, we figure it is a real bargain.

We have several family members registered. We got at least 3 instant perks yesterday--popcorn, $5 game play, and $5 merchandise coupon. Our grandson used the $5 game play to shoot 2 basketballs. I think the program is encouraging extra sales. I do appreciate efforts to make some things like drink refills more affordable. So far, I think the program was a good idea.

Gettting ready to head down to Soak City this afternoon. Can free drink wrist band vouchers be processed at Soak City, or do we have to go to the main gate?

So I went to Krogers this afternoon, purchased two adult pass gift cards from a special display advertising gold passes for $99. I paid $99 for both cards. My daughter who is spending the night at a rugby teammates home, just called to make sure the cards are for gold passes. The cards say they are regular passes. I looked at my receipt and it says "KNGS ISL REG $99." I sure hope they don't have problems processing them as gold passes tomorrow. She is stopping by the house before they head down to KI to get a copy of the receipt (and her just-printed Fun Perks All-Day Drinks Wristband--yay!). Since they have to go tomorrow, I didn't get to take advantage of Kroger's 4x gas points deal that runs from May 21 to June 17 (I think). The KI gift card purchase did put us over the $1 off/gallon mark. We took 3 cars and got 35 gallons of gas. Next step is to renew granddaughters gold pass (with 4x points). I'm assuming I can do this at the Kroger Service Desk. Anything to save a buck....

Just learned Kroger offering 4x points on Kings Island Gift Cards from May 21-June17 (must purchase gold pass by May 28). Unfortunately my daughter and friends plan to go down Saturday, so we'll just get 2x points. Story of my life.....

I figure I can wait until next Sunday's Kroger flyer comes out. I found the display at my local Krogers' with the gold pass cards. I had missed it when looking previously and only found regular season passes on display. I'm planning to pass on whatever gas discount I get to them, as they need it more than I do.

Thanks. I wish they were running a 4x gas points gift card deal now, but hey--anything helps.