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In today's photo set you get to see one of the nicest shots in the series...and the worst. 1974 Is this not impressive?! 2011 Is this not depressing?! Out of all the shots in my series this is the ONLY one that screams "What went wrong?!" How could an area that looked so nice turn into something so bad? The park should make some kind of lift-on/off decorative covering to disguise that ugly thing. (They could even sell advertising space on it! 1974 or 2011....I need not answer...it's way too obvious.

Actually, I'd have to oppose that. I've seen wooden coasters last a lot longer SBNO than steel coasters.

Don't forget (even thought this might totally wrong info by now) that Kinzel mentioned at Coaster Mania that CF was looking at several different options for SOB. He also went on to state they were waiting to see how some new technologies applied to other coasters like the TG treatment have worked out before moving forward. It could be another 2 seasons before they have good enough data on a new application like that before a intelligent decision can be made for SOB. Then, you have to figure in when are they going to have room in the budget to apply the said fix or removal... KI not making a quick decision shows me they are thinking things out and want to make a rational decision . Making a quick decision to please the enthusiasts is not rational.

^74Gibson...I always like to think of myself as fairly diplomatic...but that feeling disappears when I read some of your posts.

To be fair... that box looks horribly ugly, so ugly I'm surprised I've NEVER seen it. Times also change. KI was formerly about overall experience, an escape to a beautiful get-away with attention paid to every detail and some great rides. Now it's more about having a bunch of great rides, a national trend. It can be said that KI has so much else going on that the green space we're looking at isn't nearly as important as electrical access, perhaps for ambient lighting and other guest experiences, IDK I genuinely believe (based on the trend of in park improvements) that KI management really cares about ambiance and landscaping and really look forward to continued improvements. Thanks again for all your work. I can't imagine the hours you spent setting up these shots, oh and running this thread too

My thoughts exactly on that post. I am really surprised no decisions have been made yet on what to do with the ride, but if you really step back and think it has only been 2 FULL seasons of the ride being close, 3 overall seasons of it being closed. That isn't a terribly long time compared to oh say Drachen Fire that closed down in 1998, was put up for sale in 1999, lay dormant until opening day 2001 where a train was circuiting the course to possibly re-open the ride, and then demolished in February of 2002.

What went wrong? The park has been acquired by companies that have cared far more about upcharge attractions, 3-point challenges, and price increases than about the overall guest experience.

Did you say "The Diamondback"? **Shivers**

If KI loses Crypt i will not care,and Im willing to bet its not going to be around much longer. I have rode it twice maybe, and that was back when it was TR:TR and even then I didnt care for it.

This reason is, at best, vague. It sounds more of a personal hope than a reason. As opposed to 15+ years ago, records are a minor part of a ride's attraction today. The competition for -est between parks became so tainted (i.e. highest full circut coaster, fastest coaster in midwest, most coasters at one park) and changed so often, it has turned off guests. Also- you really need a more in depth explanation than safety as to why SoB closed? And there has been no notice of SoB being closed? Really? You must be joking.... The last time a park goer did zero planning and traveled down the holiday road; a moose was assaulted, park security was treated like a dog with another park security member being shot in the behind with a BB gun. Why not? What does a SBNO ride hurt? Other parks have down the same thing. How does anyone know what is in line next for an update/ remodel, and, if an update/ remodel did happen to be true for AZ, you believe KI has waited to work on SoB for the supposed update/ remodel date? I can sense your frustration with a ride that can be seen, but not enjoyed, but honestly, grasping onto dream scenarios is a set-up for disappointment.

Why do you believe SoB deserves 1 more chance & what makes you believe it is 2013? I think it is 2013 because if KI was to do anything with it at all they couldn't do it in 2012 unless they have secretly already started with construction because what ever they do will take quite a while. So 2013 I believe will be the year of the return of SOB. Second, I believe it deserves another chance because it is the worlds tallest, fastest wooden roller coaster and anyone who never got to ride it but wanted to was turned away with no notice that it would be closed for 2+ years, while most coasters are given final rides or at least a more in depth explanation for closing reasons. KI would not have let it sit this long if they weren't going to do something with it and I think with Action Zone being the next in line for an update/remodel, SOB will be the start of that renovation of Action Zone. SOB Project 2013

I miss my friends that I typically see at the park. Whether hanging out or riding rides, there is a group of people I know through KI and KIC. I haven't seen most in months as I was unable to visit the park in late Sept/Oct and have not been able to meet up outside the park. Looking forward to telling everyone "Happy New Year" in April!