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PKI A Theme ParK?


PKI Homey
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How can PKI continuely claim to be a theme park when most of their themeing gets trashed in a couple of years and they do nothing to improve upon it. And, I mean more than just a new paint job or totally rebuilding a ride(*cough cough*) like Scooby Doo and the Haunted Mansion. I'd like to start a betting pool on how long it is going to take before SD & HM starts deteriorating with no upkeep. Paramount might as well sell the franchise to some company who cares more about their parks than the crappy movies they keep producing every year. Let's not forget Top Gun which hasn't looked good for at least the last five years. I don't seem to recall crappy upkeep at CP, why can't PKI seem to do this? The only major problem I see at CP is that they need a better kids' area.

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For starters, at least PKI themes some of their rides. As far as upkeep goes, I`m sure that Paramount takes better care of theming than Six Flags. Also, while some theming has deteriorated, especially the original theme of each section, the park especially as of late, have continued to add themed attractions. PKI is a theme park because they have themed areas with some themed rides. It is also interesting to note that the guy in charge of construction at PKI cares about theming because he used to work for Disney, which is why the theming has been improved over the last couple of seasons, especially for Nick Central and TRTR. Also, over half of the capital dollars for BB are being spent on theming and landscaping and not new attractions. Afterall, the park wants BB to become a water park resort that is better themed than other water parks in surrounding states.

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Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle, not haunted mansion. Sorry, names are a little pet peeve of mine. biggrin.gif

Anyway, I agree that the themeing at Paramount's Kings Island is average at best, but like other people have said, they are slowly improving. As much as I hate to admit it, but if they spend all of there money on fixing themeing around the park, they won't bring in guests to make more money. No guests = no money = no more park. It's nice that they are slowly improving the park ( Tomb Raider: The Ride, Boomerang Bay, Bubba Gumps Shrimp Shack, etc. ) but I do feel that it could go a little faster. We should just be happy that PKI cares about its guests, unlike other parks.

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It's not that I mind them themeing their rides. It's just that within three or less years, their themeing goes straight down the drain and they never bother to fix that problem. So, why not just come up with a cool name and forget about themeing? Look at Cedar Point, they only have one themed coaster and that is TTD. I don't think that too many people care about that kind of crap when you have to look at some old, beat up, rusted out themeing. I was not comparing PKI to Six Flags anyway. They are just a joke and will probably go bankrupt within ten years anyway. And, what about the general upkeep of this park? The only thing that I can see that they manage to do right is keep the trash under control. I wouldn't mind at all if they did not put in a coaster in 2005 if they would spend the money to get that place back to its former glory like when I first started going there before Paramount bought it and ruined the darn park. Yes, they have built some first class rides, and soon afterwords, they become an eyesore.

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maybe they don't want to waste money on TG because something new will replace it soon, that is the only ride majorly affected by low upkeep, so that is something to watch.

What about AE? It gets no upkeep and a bunch of the stuff that used to work on the ride, doesn't work anymore. What about TR:TR? Its theming was great when it first opened, and thing went well. Now when you are in the Antechamber, the traingle of light does not line up with the door, and then the door just kinda opens. There are several things that the park does not stay on top of, not just one.

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I`ll agree that the park does tend to let theming go to waste, which is ashame because of the amount of money they probably have invested in it. I personally think that theming adds to the experience and atmosphere of a park. I think that while theming may not directly bring in more guests and money, it will create an interesting park that will create more lasting memories, requiring that people return a second time to re-experience the theming.

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PKI is a theme park in my book. When I think of "theme park," I think of a "park" with "themes" in it. (Not unlike the "Jump to Conclusions Mat" from Office Space - its a mat with conclusions that you jump to...) Themes in PKI: Action Zone, Rivertown, Nickelodeon Central (or whatever), and HB-land (or whatever its called), Oktoberfest, Coney Mall and International Street.

As for the rides and their themes, it doesn't matter to me what condition they're in or if the rides themselves have a theme.

PKI has "themes" and it's a "park," therefore, its a "theme park."

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Top gun has been confirmed its staying for awhile longer. You may see the themeing fixed back up again soon. As for AE alot was worked on. 2002-2003 was a big improvement. For TRTR the triangle thingy is problematic sometimes it works other times it craps out.

Bubba Gumps was a HUGE improvement over what was there before IMO. I never really got the whole Octoberfest thing anyways. Plus it looks a whole lot nicer.

Flight of Fear was constantly being worked on this year.

The rivertown theme is kinda dead. No one gets it but TRTR was a step in the right direction.

Coney needs some work BAD! better lighting and some paint would help alot there. It needs a rehab.

With the water park its definatly a step in the right direction. I went to water works for a whole week this year early in the season and there was no body there at all. The main park was busy but the water park was deserted. I got pretty good at wipeout beach though smile.gif

The park will never be PKI Cira 1972 again. Its just not going to happen, but they are improving and listening and thats the key.

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I don't think we will ever see PKI return to what it was back in the 80's with themed lands, and rides that fit into each section. With that said I do think PKI is working to improve the theming of the park. I think the past couple years they have realized that they need to improve in that department and have been doing it, slowly. The problem as I see it is today's economy, it is not about investing for the future, but what the current bottom line is. Across the board details are considered unimportant, just look at Disney lately, the theming of their rides is no where near what it used to be. (ie Dinoramo) I think PKI is trying to improve, but corporate America depends profit, and to get profit PKI needs to keep building new attractions to bring in guest, and therefore can't spend a lot on general upkeep. I think it would be great for PKI to take a year off and just fix everything in the park, but we all know that is never going to happen. So let's just be happy that they are trying with what they have. I mean this off season may bring an updated TR:TR and Top Gun improvements. I just hope in the near future the main entrance and International Street get some much need improvements. all of the building and the Eiffel Tower are starting to show their age, and at night the lighting is just sad. And one more thing please PKI remove the ivy from buildings on IS, we all know it is not good for the buildings.

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Obviously, Paramount's Kings Island will NEVER be Kings Island 1972. However, PKI can reach that amount of themeing and atmosphere. ( I wasn't born until 1986, so I'm going off what other people have said ) Slowly, the park is being transformed, and we are hopefully only seeing the beginning of it.

I do think though, that little things such as Tomb Raiders lighting effects should AWLWAYS be kept in perfect working condition. I understand why a major effect may go down once in a while ( and I stress ONCE IN A WHILE ) but a simple change of a lightbulb should NEVER be overlooked or forgotten. Like people have said before, there is no point in themeing a ride if you don't plan on keeping it in prestine condition. Then it's just an eyesore, like Top Gun and Adventure Express. Run down themeing really leaves something to be desired, and guests don't want to come back to the park if they had an "okay" experience the last time they went.

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Actually, besides bringing back the lights on he IS buildings, and painting the faded and peeling/rusting Eiffel Tower, there isn`t really much that needs to be improved on IS. I agree that Coney Mall needs some updates as its last new addition was techniocally Flight of Fear back in 1996 (i know they`ve added quite a few movies in the action FX theater, but they required no new construction in Coney Mall). With the exception of the landlocked IS and Ocktoberfest, this is the only area that hasn`t recieved a new addition in the past four years.

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...Bubba Gumps was a HUGE improvement over what was there before IMO. I never really got the whole Octoberfest thing anyways. Plus it looks a whole lot nicer. ...

...Coney needs some work BAD! better lighting and some paint would help alot there. It needs a rehab. ...

The whole Oktoberfest theme and festhaus, and viking fury, and what used to be the beer garden, are all references to Cincinnati's rich German heritage. I would bet that is why it was put in the park in the first place, and why there are still parts of it around, and it hasn't left or been renamed.

I have mentioned Coney needing lots of work in the past. I think it can look like old coney, but get some neon and stuff in there, so it has an Old Coney/retro 80's look. Nice street lamps that are like old coney. Outcaves in the top of buildings with either pink or light blue neon lighting the tops of the buildings. New lightup signs on the buildings and rides, and a new arch that reads coney Mall in cursive neon colored red. I think there is a lot they could do to give it an updated look, and still have that retro Old Coney feel. The additon of some fiber optic either as lighting or in some of the signs would be awesome as well. I think they can easily give Coney Mall a facelift and still maintain the retro feel of it.

Edited by fyrfyter
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I agree that Coney could use a little TLC. Landscaping, paint and just a general sprucing up of the area would make the entire atmosphere in that area of the park better. I don`t know if they`ll be returning lights to the ride signs as they got ride of them this season on every ride but Vortex. I agree that adding some neon lights to Coney and the ride signs in that area would make Coney feel festive and fresh again.

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How can PKI continuely claim to be a theme park I don't seem to recall crappy upkeep at CP, why can't PKI seem to do this? The only major problem I see at CP is that they need a better kids' area.

Do you know the definition of theme park?.

and CP is not perfect on up keep. In fact PKI's themed areas are great, but the visitors are to blame, because of the constant vandalism. I can't tell you how many holes I've seen patched up in FOF's building. I'm sure there is countless other places where vandalism happens. Upkeep would be better if there were no vandals, but that will never happen.............again, do you know the definition of theme park?

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The wallpaper in Scooby Doo`s line at the beginning of the season was particularly bad as people picked away at it. After the first couple weekends, they fixed it and placed plexiglass over it to prevent people from picking at it. Also, the bamboo style queue rails outside TRTR continually have their paint picked off by guests waiting in line. The park has been continually repainting those rails. A theme park, according to my definition, is a park that has themed areas and attractions. I consider PKI more of a theme park than CP. 300th Post!

Edited by CoasterRZ
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For starters, at least PKI themes some of their rides. As far as upkeep goes, I`m sure that Paramount takes better care of theming than Six Flags.

CP does not claim to be a theme park.

There is a constant statement on this board stating that Viacom has more money than Cedar Fair. Well it would be nice to see PKI do some of the little things, with all that money, to make the experiance more memorable for first time guests.

Yet in PKI's defense; we are die hard PKI fans, and we go to the park numerous times during the summer. It is easier for us to see the faults that the park has because the novelty has worn off. We are the biggest supporters of PKI, but also it's harshest critics. CP has had many of the same problems with Disaster Transport (once themed VERY well), and it has gone to crap. but again CP does not claim to be a theme park.

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Actually, if you're considering naming certain parts of the park as themeing, then CP is just as much a theme park as PKI. You have the Main Midway, the Gemini Midway, Frontier Trail, Oceana Midway, and Challenge Park. These are themed Midways even though they are not themed to movies. Disaster Transport is a waste of money and I hope that they tear that thing out to make way for a new coaster or ride. So, before anyone says that it is not a large enough area to put in a coaster, you obviosly have not been to the park or know that these coaster builders can do wonders with limited space. I also agree that some of the damage to PKI is done by the losers who have nothing better to do with their time than to pick the paint off of themeing. My message to them is get a life and learn some respect for OPP. Aiding in the destruction of themeing does not make you "cool". How would you like it if I came to your neighborhood, saw your or your parents car and just started peeling the paint off of your car or house because it seemed like the cool thing to do. I highly doubt that you or your parents would think that it is too cool because it takes money to repair these things. (Getting off soapbox now). People who do this just make me sick.

Edited by PKI Homey
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Well said Homey!

PKI is doing much beter when it comes to themeing than what it used to do. I do really miss the perfectly pruned gardens and shrubs that used to line the entire park. And of course, where did the worlds largest hanging basket go? Not that it was much to look at, but it was neat. The park, in my opinion, is attempting to spruce to the park up back to its former glory. Granted shrubs have givin away to big signs. I really enjoyed going to KI as a kid, and wondering how they carved Yogi out of some shrubs. PKI, please bring our beautiful park back to its former glory. O'yeah, and add a roller coaster too.

Hey, had to at least try.

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Actually, if you're considering naming certain parts of the park as themeing, then CP is just as much a theme park as PKI. You have the Main Midway, the Gemini Midway, Frontier Trail, Oceana Midway, and Challenge Park. These are themed Midways even though they are not themed to movies.

Defining certain parts of a park with the biggest attraction in that part is not theming, it helps those who do not know the park very well to get around. As far as themed areas at CP, there is only one- Frontier Trail, and that is pretty self explanitory. Challenge Park is outside of the main park, and is a pay-per-ride area, like Soak City. Just because it has a name, does not mean that it is themed.

I also hate to see morons vandalize anything in a park. I honestly think if PKI, or any park for that matter, would take a proactive approach to stop things like vandalizing, smoking in line. etc. we would all benefit. The best was to do this is make it known to everyone that the rules will be enforced and if someone is seen doing somthing that is against the rules, they will be escorted out of the park- zero tolerance. But to have this work, park guests would have to get involved to let security which opens a new can of worms. No matter what is done, it needs to be changed from the way it is now, status quo gets us nowhere.

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To go along with that...

If you count any park that names an the areas of the park something, then every amusement park is a "Theme Park" in your words. Naming areas of parks something makes it easier on guests to find where they are going. Someone asks "where is Bowler Roller" (thats a game at PKI) then you can answer "in Coney Mall". That automatically directs the guest toward that area of the park not the remaining couple of hundred acres.

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well the park needs alot of sprucing up some of the old rides need repainting EVEN coney mall thats looking duller by the moment. Needs serious renovation keeping the old coney name. But the Action Zone some of the rides (this excludes Delirium)

repainted to make the area look more lively. But HB needs another face lift the most (no new ride). When 2004 rolls Around they. Bommerang Bay will be the biggest upgrade to the park.

~M~

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So, beastfreak, if somwone says where is the Top Chill Snow Cones located , then I can't direct them anywhere because it's not in a "themed" area. It is actually located on the Gemini Midway. And, if someone asks where SOB is, you can't actually say the Action Zone because technically it's a giant slab of concrete, not a well themed area. When I say themeing, I'm not just referring to a name. That's the simple definiton. True themeing is the atmosphere that surrounds that area whether it be coasters, food stands, or bushes, trees, benches and etc. So, when you get right down to it, every park has themed areas. IMO, the only true themed parks would be Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Disney. What makes Frontier Trail any more of a themed area than anywhere else in the park? Because it has water rides that go along with the name and a petting zoo to boot. You're just splitting hairs when it comes to "themed areas". Just because it is called the Gemini Midway doesn't mean that that is the only thing located there. They are often surrounded by games, food stands and merchant sellers there. CP has just chosen a different way of naming their areas instead of just a general area theme. It doesn't make it any less of a themed area.

Edited by PKI Homey
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I still think PKI is a theme park with my Office Space analogy. I'll admit, AZ isn't that great in the way of scenery and environment, but that stuff costs money. Not only that, it's fairly well-themed in my opinion - It's got that water tower thing and the movie poster things and the names of the rides fit, too. Sure, the scenery isn't great, but I like it. Rivertown is great. It feels like you're in the woods kinda. Not very "high-tech" on the outside and kinda gives me the western/countryside feeling.

I give PKI a pat on the back for at least trying. Hey, our park could always be like something from Six Flags and have coasters built in the parking lot. wink.gif

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So, beastfreak, if somwone says where is the Top Chill Snow Cones located , then I can't direct them anywhere because it's not in a "themed" area. It is actually located on the Gemini Midway.

Does that mean when you park your car at PKI at Huckleberry Hound row 5, that area is Huckleberry Hound themed?

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