BeeastFarmer

Today is a much different story. Long lines and no rerides. I'll be leaving early afternoon after morning ERT. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

At CP yesterday, the park was dead. Ride ops we're not only allowing, but we're encouraging rerides. It was a wonderful day! Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

This is my second visit this season. Am I seeing things, or is there a new marquee sign for The Beast? Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

This was my first visit since season pass preview, glad to see they have added "Miami River Lumber Co" on the shed! Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I love Facebook memories! This is a post from three years ago that started my "enthusiast" journey. I had enjoyed parks and coasters before this, but getting to ride The Beast multiple times was such a rush. And to think that the employees that day made all the difference. This day changed my life! May 16, 2014 · Florence, KY · I had a great time at Kings Island. It was cold and miserable and the employees had to wear shorts, but they all smiled, were cheerful and seemed genuinely happy. That goes a long way. It was great going on a "slow" day when you can walk right up to any ride. I was able to ride The Beast probably twelve times. I don't think my stomach can handle the new ride, Banshee, but Jenny braved it and Delerium without me. It's so great to be blessed with friends like Jenny who you can just be stupid and weird with.

@chugh43, You're welcome! I did look up current info and parking is still $8.00. I also have to correct a previous post--my preferred entrance is on Crittenden Dr, not Phillips Ln. Gate #2.

I haven't had to pay for parking with my season pass, but I think it is $8.00. It is not controlled by KK, the fair board controls the parking lot. There is no preferred parking. Other than that, it is pretty much the same as any other park. Just be advised that the park will direct you to the fair board if there is a parking issue.

My guess is whatever happened at the Miami Valley Lumber Co-the entity that caused it to be suddenly vacated-is upset with all the crowds and is carrying out a plot to cause the crowds to vacate KI.

I usually stop by GS for compliments and concerns and they have a form to fill out for a response. I've checked yes, I would like a response, a few times. Never a response from the park. CWinds, KD, KK and even SFOG have responded, but KI hasn't. Not that it would validate my existence, but when you would like a response to know that an employee's outstanding efforts have been recognized, it would be nice knowing it was. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I've had that "texture burger" at Carowinds and Knott's, too. Each time I'm lured in by the grilling smell, only to regret my choice. It looks like raw hamburger texture formed into a patty. Does not have a good taste at all. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Louie's Fresh Market by Storm Chaser has great sandwiches. Taco Tequila by T3 has great food and a bar if you indulge. Try Kearns Derby pie, I think you can get that at Swamp Water Jack's My main advice is to not expect a KI or CP experience. Have fun and enjoy it for what it is. Also, if you don't like road construction, use 264 south and enter off Phillips Lane. I usually park near the cemetery. Take advantage of the out of state admission price. There is also a nice shop that is associated with ACE that has some cool stuff. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I just saw my first commercial for Mystic Timbers on my local station. Well done overall, but they did take quite a bit of artistic license. What I thought was very funny was that I used the DVR to rewatch and following the commercial for Kings Island was a commercial for Kings Gardens--a local plant nursery!

Financially, the All Season Dining is a great deal. As is the drink plan. I think, from reading the posts here and from my one visit this year, the park is trying to improve and has listened to guests. Having been to a few other parks now, I can say that KI has some goals to reach to improve the speed of service, and I am glad to see/hear they are doing that. Also, I am glad to hear that they are decreasing serving portion sizes. I am a big guy, but I couldn't eat what was presented to me most of the time and felt bad throwing it away. Almost like the scene from one of The Hunger Games movie.

So is Thunder Run at Kentucky Kingdom a new credit this year? New train some retracking done.

^ #WatchForFallingConcrete

^I agree that the park didn't hype the shed outright, but they did pull off a genius strategy in order to build up suspense, which hyped up the shed and therefore the ride. I do remember people complaining about the ride animation. I am not into the programs that do animations, but even though it was done professionally, I don't think it did the actual ride justice. But then again, how can a computer simulation deliver something exciting as the real thing? Banshee's animation, in my opinion, was closer to the actual ride experience. But even that is nothing like riding it or seeing it in front of your eyes. I was not let down with the shed, and as I said, I think it is a great solution to a normally bland brake run and transfer track. My point with my post was that with both rides, I think KI and KK did underpromise and overdeliver with the final products they built.

I'll get crucified for this opinion, I'm sure. Maybe KI pulled a modified Storm Chaser with the Mystic Timbers announcement. I remember many were let down by the animation (even though it was much better than Storm Chaser's announcement animation!). So maybe they presented an underwhelming version of the ride, but build up the shed component, when in reality the coaster was much better than the shed. Most people I have talked to said the same about Storm Chaser--underwhelm and overdeliver. But...I really like the shed as it's a creative solution for a brake run and transfer track.

Thank you CoasterOhio! More things to be happy about this season for--I can listen to KI's music when I am not at KI!

^I can so remember that! Besides Mystic Timbers, this is one of the best changes the park has made this year.

I drive my co-workers up the wall each weekend because I play the "International Street Soundtrack-Kings Dominion Music" by Busch Dominion on YouTube. I'm hoping an adept YouTuber can do something of a like manner with the IS Soundtrack for KI. Sounds like KI's version is much longer. I'm looking forward to my next visit already.

I've never heard of this option, but it would be a nice option to have. Preferred parking was much cheaper than a locker, but with the disposable cup plan, my need for storage has gone way down!

Magenta Lizard, no problem! Things happen and I'm bad with names too. I'm not one of the more well-known KICers, but I feel like I got to know people more on Thursday and for that I'm grateful. This was in spite of alll the hootin' and hollerin' that went on Wednesday night at the Super8!

I was only able to go on Friday. I had a meal at Street Pizza, waited about 20 minutes, but line was out to the fountain when I left. The cashier was the bottleneck--there was only one and she appeared new and nervous. The menu board advertised the drink plans, so assumed I could buy there (big mistake, huge!). I got my drink honestly drank half of it before I got to the cashier. She said that you could only buy the drink plan at Guest Services or online. But, she did have some autonomy to not charge for the drink. I noticed that for non meal plan options, they have lowered the price but excluded the drink. I hope service is better than in past years, it seems as if they are trying, which is what we can ask for.

MagentaLizard, please pass along many thanks to the creators of the IS playlist! One of the highlights of my visit on Friday! Probably the whole season! Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

The shrubbery has been removed and some smaller trees planted. Out front, the pear trees near the ticket building were old and worn out and the crabapples in the tram circle were still nice but they got the ax too. I'd venture a guess that they'll plant evergreens so they can use them for Winterfear. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk