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.

My daughter's boyfirend and sister want to purchase passes for this summer. We are encouraging them to get gold passes (we have platinum) for the best benefits (ERT, parking, etc.). Always trying to save some $$, I am thinking I can purchase KI Season Pass gift cards at Kroger and they can use these to purchase gold passes, adding the necessary cash to upgrade to gold. I figure I'll get about $7.00 savings in gas points for each pass purchased($.20 per gallon x 35 gallons--we bring 2 cars per fill up). Has anyone tried this? Is it possible to purchase passes on line with gift cards.\

Since it was my first visit and it was mostly after dark, I didn't get a good feel for the park. It was beautiful with the lights. Don't expect to get back anytime soon, but really enjoyed this trip.

I don't remember when the pool was removed for sure, but I believe it was around the time they expanded the water park with the wave pool--maybe '94 or '95. It was located next to the recreation area/office/store. This is around the time my daughter was injured, which was also probably the last year we got complimentary KI passes from work. We started getting season passes when my daughter turned 2 or 3. I also remember a terrifying night at the campground when we were tent camping during a huge lightening storm. I estimated we camped 8-10 times (always in a tent). I insisted on a camp site with electricity. I converted the back of our minivan into a kitchen and brought a microwave and electric griddle/skillet. I think we also brought a little TV with a built in VCR so we could bring tapes to entertain the kids. It was always great to return from a day at the park, light up a campfire, and roast hot dogs and/or s'mores. I would be up very late washing beach towels at the laundry. A campgrounds with pool, store, laundry, showers, running water, tram to the park--my idea of primitive camping. It was great!

Many camping memories--camping with groups from work when our employer gave passes annually; camping by myself with my 2 girls when Dad was out of town, camping for Spirit Song weekends with lots of advance planning and reservations. Loved it when the campground had it's own pool. We always had "party lights" strung on our canopy and plugged in to a light sensor so that they would come on at dusk. We would ride Top Gun and fly by our campsite. Biggest memory is bittersweet--we were packing up with the group from work (I work at a hospital). My daughter was 18 mths old and toddling around the site. Some how, she tripped near the fire pit, which we thought was extinguished. Falling hands first, she burned the palms and wrists of her hands on buried embers in the firepit. I rushed her to water. Since we were camping with paramedics and intensive care nurses (including my sister-in-law), she had immediate first aid. She and I were taken by ambulance to the old college football hall of fame parking lot and flown by helicopter to UC/Childrens and taken to Shriners. We spent one scary night there and they sent her home under our care. Shriner's still follows her, she has had 2 minor surgeries on her fingers to release scaring bands. She will likely have one more follow-up visit next year when she will "graduate" because she will be 18. Every time she had opportunity, she took her little pressure gloves to show and tell at school. We have pictures of her sitting in her high chair with the gloves on at the computer keyboard--remember Jumpstart computer programs anyone? I should try to find a picture and post it. We camped several times after that episode, but it will also be a "remember when" moment of our camping at King's Island. If they ever bring back a camp ground, I'll gladly return--no tent, an RV this time lol.

Just returned from a 3 day quick trip to Virginia. Goal was to help a friend who works at Busch Gardens to move back here temporarily. Left 6 a.m. Wednesday, 12/28 and drove straight to Busch. After waiting for her to meet us at a local fast food joint, she got us into the park with complimentary tickets (Saving $37.95 x 4). She had to work until 6:30 p.m., so we took off to explore. We rode "Air over Europe" with is a moving seat to give the effect of flying over European landmarks. Next, we purchased a round of hot chocolate and stood in line for "Ice Palace--a Penguin Paradise." Featured were several live penguins on loan from the Columbus Zoo. Unfortunately, They had just finished swimming and were drying off for the night. Not much action. By this time, our friend was off work (She has been working since June in the makeup/costumes--being in charge of the Busch Santa for Christmas Town. We met at the Festhaus (Germany) and saw the singing/dancing show "Deck the Halls." which was very entertaining and featured great talent. Following the show, we ate at the Festhaus. Selections included Prime Rib Sandwiches (lean on the size of prime rib), pizza, fries, chocolate cake, eggnog cheesecake, etc. Her employee discount got us $30 off the total bill. Next she took us to meet Santa (his greeting "ya'all" amused my granddaughter (11 y.o.). After that, we went to Ireland for the "Gloria" show--a gospel rendition of the story of Christ's birth--the real reason for Christmas. It was wonderful. Great effects and beautiful voices. She took us backstage to meet the performers after. Next we headed for Italy to see "Miracles" a dazzling show featuring magnificant singers, ballet dancers and more special effects. On the way, we passed "Alpengeist". Thinking we did not have time to ride and make the show, I made the "adult" decision not to ride and still regret it. Turns out, there was no wait (was the 40 degree weather a factor?) My 17 y.o. daughter and our friend rode while we went to the show. Turns out they made the show as well. It was then closing time. Not mentioned previously was the glorious lights. Apparently, they bumped it up from 3 million lights last year to 5 million this year. The lights were fantastic. I now have a plan to order some gold strings for my yard next year. According to our frend, the tree at the Festhaus has it's own crew just to keep it going. It had a dancing lights to music show of it's own. Polar Pathway had a water ride building litterally blanketed in white lights, with blue lights covering the water ways. It was beautiful and apparently, visible from Skylab in outerspace. After a few souvenir purchases, we left for the evening. PLEASE Cedar Fair--BRING BACK WINTERFEST. On a side note: the flowers were still blooming. They had beds of petunias, pansies and flowering shrubs. Seemed kind of strange for December (almost January). Turns out we were there on the coldest night so far for the area--probably in the low 40s but dropped lower that night.. On Thursday afternoon (it took all morning to get an 11 y.o. and 17 y.o up and fed at the local IHOP) we visited Colonial Williamsburg. We were pretty much dragging the kids, but I think they secretly enjoyed it. You have to purchase a ticket to get into the buildings. We were short on time, but got our money's worth. We were participants in the courthouse reinactment. Husband stayed to watch the "Tavern Lighting" I had to get the kids back to civilization (visitor center with shopping). We then met up with our friend, packed up the back of our minivan with her belongs that won't fit in her car when she drives back tonight after Christmas Town closes. We ordered pizza and drove through the Newport News Christmas Light display at a local park. It was pretty, but I was disappointed it was 100% secular--no nativity. Drove back to Dayton on Friday. Had beautiful weather both directions to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains. Happy New Year.

I've seen the same old binder at Guest Relations. (There is a logo for Nathan's Hotdogs at the stand in the waterpark, but they do not serve everything adertised on the sign--just the standard hotdog as described below) I've copied the email response from KI (Same every year when I inquire) "From: Oldfield, Heidi <Heidi.Oldfield@visitkingsisland.com> Date: Thursday, April 15, 2010, 5:14 PM Dear *****, Thank you for your interest in Kings Island . In regards to your question, we do not currently offer 100% beef hotdogs. They are a combination of beef and pork. I hope this information helps. Please contact me should you be in need of any additional information. Sincerely, Heidi Oldfield Department Supervisor Sales and Service Center Kings Island

We are a family of five that just renewed platinum passes. This summer we visited Michigan's Adventure and Cedar Point in addition to our base KI. When we spend a day at the water park side, I bring refill cups to save $ on drinks. I get mine filled with ice and water and add my own tea bag and sweet & low and I'm good. I usually spend $30-40 on food. I rarely let my kids play games unless they are the every-time-a-winner variety. I hate just throwing money away I had the air brush stand decorate two batting helmets for my kids ($$$). The kids usually get Dip-n-dots (sp?). We took my 10 y.o. granddaughter and friend through the Dinosaur money grabber--once was way more than enough. My philosophy is the pass is relatively cheap entertainment. Since I know Cedar Fair runs on profit, I justify an occasional meal to keep the electricity on and keep employees working. I would like better food (I'm GF and choices are limited--I tire of salads); and the food lines at the waterpark were ridiculous in the heat this summer--more of a reason to skip eating than the price. WHO THINKS ONE REGISTER FOR PIZZA IS ENOUGH-AND WHY A SEPARATE LINE AT ALL (Sorry, off topic). We've alternated between gold passes and platinum. I always hope to visit other parks through the summer. I would like more platinum-only perks. How about $5 parking in the preferred lot? Another off topic gripe--why can't KI serve a 100% beef hot dog anywhere. They are every where at CP. All in all we think it's a good value. I think we have had passes for 15 years. Husband just "graduated" to senior pricing--yeah!!

I'm assuming renewing platinum passes gets the free ticket also.

I am not aware of any new slides/changes at CP's Soak City as a result of separate gate charge over the past 3-4 years that we have visited. However, they are pretty limited space wise.

Very glad to hear about the updates in the water park area. Name change is of no concern to our family. We are platinum pass holders and have visited Michigan's Adventure, Cedar Point and of course, our home park, KI this summer. We visited MA on a very hot day and went to the water park around 4-5 pm to cool off (like KI, no separate admission) It was so crowded we literally took a dip in the wave pool and left. I estimate 75% of the crowd was at the water park--5-10 minute waits for the coasters was good though.. I avoid the dry side of KI on very hot days and usually spend full days at BB, arriving early to grab seats under an umbrella. We like the tube river at CP better than the one at KI and are glad for the improvements. We've often wished KI's river was more like CPs. Our granddaughter also wished KI allowed tubes in the wave pool--her wish is granted. Economics will determine our renewal to gold pass or platinum. We would not want separate admission for future at KI Soak City if we go back to gold passes as our visits are probably 50-50 split between rides and water park.