Leaderboard

They also, understandably, want to make money doing it. They are already finding out how difficult dealing with the Fair Board can be. Running a park on leased land in an urban area is a lot different than running a family park in rural Indiana. Add to that the challenge of starting with a park with a less than wonderful reputation and perceived clientele and equipment in bad condition. The challenges abound.

I can't imagine that CP/Engineers couldn't work the coaster around Space Spiral... rather I think the execs feel SS no longer serves a purpose. CP has always been pretty transparent in their installs. When they start "working on an area" - shifting rides or revitalizing nearby attractions - you can bet they are making way for a coaster. Hence I think that the initial thought of a coaster taking DT's spot has been in the works for sometime. Re-development of the area no doubt cast a speculative eye on the usefulness of SS... Thus last year CP got a version of WindSeeker which, more or less, serves the same purpose as the Spiral in a much more modern/marketable way. I am one of those old schoolers that rode DT prior to it being enclosed. I rode the year it opened as Avalanche run and distinctly recall being dissapointed with it. When Avalanche Run opened, people waited for hours in excruciatingly hot sun reflecting off the water (long before the park began covering queues and using fan misters.) The benefit of it being enclosed and turned into DT was that you no longer baked in the sun waiting for it. But enclosed or not, the ride never was a redeemable one. You wait(ed) eons for a coaster that never delivers - it's just eh. Finally, I never thought of it as a "family" coaster - it wasn't built to be a "family attraction." When it opened, it was promoted as a big-bad new coaster - so imagine the dissapointment it held. I always considered it a rare mis-step by CP that originally predicted it to be more thrilling than it turned out. Heck, Falfas was embarassed of the ride from the start. As for WildCat - seems to me that removal was not pre-meditated. I would suspect it simply reached the end of it's maintenance life and the cost of maintaining overrode it's validity as an attraction. Wildcat was not marketable, the new nightime show is. Both are geared to families - so I dont think the park sees the loss of Wildcat as a loss to the family attractions - rather a trade off. In addition, Wildcat is easily replacable. It wouldn't surprise me to see CP install a small mouse-type ride to up the coaster ante - I don't expect it, but it wouldn't surprise me. Ultimately, a ride or attraction must be markatable, viable, and crowd-drawing. Parks must survey if the turnstyles "turns" warrant a ride's upkeep and real-estate value. DT, SS and WC obviously do not meet those requirements.

Removing two family-friendly coasters and an observation tower in one season seems to be odd for a company that has said it's placing more emphasis on families...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMT4YcmiZks

...because this place isn't enough like FaceBook already? Terp of the hurting head.

This is similar to my Lion Country Safari Spotlight that I shared in March, so if you haven't already, be sure to check it out. - Anyhow, a brief explanation of what this is... I find Kings Island history interesting and I love Halloween. Combine the two with Kings Island's Halloween Haunt now being in its twelfth year and, well, you get something like this. This is the product of a bit too much time and quite an interest in the event, but hopefully some people here find it interesting and informative - All years, including 2011, are written in past tense. Pictures are taken from miscellaneous websites and Kings Island's official facebook, alongside select ones being from my own personal collection. - Any questions or comments, feel free to post. Also, if you have any photos for an attraction(s) that's currently lacking any (cough 2000's FearFest cough), feel free to share. - Alrighty, that's about it. Enjoy - 2000 The inaugural year for Paramount's Kings Island's FearFest. Debuted Friday, September 29 and ran for fourteen nights through October 31. According to PKI's executive vice president and general manager Tim V. Fisher, "This will be the largest and scariest haunted experience in the Midwest." Various "mazes" and attractions, all designed by Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company, were announced for the event. Several other minor attractions were also present, alongside a limited selection of the park's thrill rides. Full list, including quotes from UltimateRollerCoaster.com press report: Torture Tower (On Eiffel Tower) - Guests took an elevator to the 265-foot platform, where they would experience "wind howling through the bars of the tower" and encounter a "world filled with scenes of terror and torture including an electrocution." According to an online review of the event, the top of the tower also featured a mad scientist lab, a "wheel of death" and a performer who produced sparks with a cattle prod (similar to what is currently found in Massacre Manor) The Freezer (Beneath Eiffel Tower) - Reportedly the only true “maze” of the event, The Freezer was “FearFest’s coolest attraction” and was a stainless steel meat locker filled with mirrors and “crammed with corpses, crazed prisoners and ghouls.” Pirate Jack & the Legend of Halloween in 4-D (Paramount Theater Backstage) - Comic-book style, black-light maze. Centered around characters “Pirate Jack with his cronies Feer, Dowt and Worrry” and told the “tale of Halloween in horrific 4-D”. Featured “a combination of 3-D effects and the use of sets, special lighting and atmospheric illusion.” 3D glasses were available for an upcharge. The Sewer in 4-D (New York Nightmare, aka Festhaus) - Black-light maze with a spinning tunnel and “toxic waste and a host of bizarre creatures.” 3D glasses were available for an upcharge of $1. The Mummy's Revenge (Enchanted Theater) - A “claustrophobic journey through the catacombs of a ruin where the Mummy is [brought] back to life in search of revenge.” Included performers and themeing in the queue. Museum of Horrors (Phantom Theater) - A renovation of the family-friendly Phantom Theater into a gory and gruesome attraction. Additional props and performers were added through-out the attraction, as were moments of darkness and a change in operating procedures – only ½ of the cars were loaded to increase the distance between riders. While some scenes were intensified, others were simply covered with black scrim. The attraction's music was also switched-out to a different soundtrack. Club Studio Fifty-Gore (New York Nightmare) - Dance-club like environment with music and miscellaneous arcade games. Freak Show (Paramount Theater) - A short film, approximately six minutes. At least on certain nights, a fire juggler was featured prior to the movie. Pirate Jack, often considered the "mascot" of FearFest 2000 Action Zone's thrill rides (King Cobra, Top Gun, Drop Zone, Face/Off and Son of Beast) were also open during the night. The event featured a separate admission price of $19.99 ($17.99 when bought at the park alongside daily admission, $16.99 for season pass holders). Parking was $7. Due to the separate admission price, Kings Island would need to divide the daytime guests from the FearFest guests on Saturday nights. In order to do this, wristbands were issued to FearFest participants. Once FearFest started for the night, guests were required to have a wristband in order to experience any of the rides or mazes. Also, in order to avoid a massive mess at the park entrance, daytime guests were directed out through the former season pass entrance while FearFest guests entered via the standard entrance. - Advertisement in 2000 park map - On Fridays and Saturdays, FearFest ran 8pm-12am. On select Thursdays and the weekdays leading up to Halloween, the hours were 8pm-11pm. 2001 FearFest underwent major changes in 2001. Sudden Impact! Entertainment Company did not assist in the design or creation of the attractions, leading to a brand new list of haunted houses and trails. Outside of standard thrill rides, the majority of the event was shifted from International Street / Hanna Barbera to "Coney Maul". Circus of Horrors 3D (Festhaus) - A black-light maze with a spinning tunnel and an extensive usage of clowns. House of Darkness (Rock Shop Building) - The standard haunted house maze. Curse of the Crypt (Back of Arcade) - A dark and claustrophobic haunted house themed to the classic Egyptian tails of mummies and pharaohs. The attraction's entrance was at the spot of the current Plate Break game. Maze of Madness (Red Barn) - Originally to be named "The Morgue", prior to sensitivity concerns. A chain-link fence and mirror maze with loud noises and nauseating effects. Guests entered the attraction at the end of the building facing Racer. Trail of Terror (North Woods) - A dark pathway that twisted through Kings Island's woods. Featured zombies and other characters. Apparently had a minor back-story involving missing campers. During the attraction, visitors were required to hold onto a yellow "safety-rope" that linked all guests together. Elvira's Superstition (Paramount Action FX Theater) - A simulator attraction that took guests through Elvira's "Scream Park" Sleepy Hollow (Pathway from Vortex to Beast) - A foggy pathway with various monsters The list of thrill rides expanded with Xtreme Skyflyer, Days of Thunder, Adventure Express, Racer, Flight of Fear, Vortex and The Beast, alongside everything from 2001. The event was still an additional cost - $24.99 at the gate ($18.99 for season pass holders), $19.99 in advance ($16.99 for season pass holders). It ran for a total of eight nights from 8pm-1am. 2002 - FearFest returned for its third year with two "new" attractions. WEBN Celebrity Slaughter (International Showplace) - A nightly show where "your not-so-favorite celebrities, and possibly your 'friends,' come to their demise at the bloody hands of a demented DJ," according to the 2001 FearFest website. Psycho Path (North Woods) - An upgrade to the former Trail of Terror - Returning attractions were Circus of Horrors 3D, House of Darkness, Curse of the Crypt, Maze of Madness and Elvira's Superstition. Sleepy Hollow apparently did not return. - - The available thrill rides remained the same from the year before, only minus King Cobra and plus Tomb Raider: The Ride. Tickets were available at the park for $21.99 at the Return Visit Booth. The event again ran for eight nights from 8pm-1am. 2003 - FearFest dropped its extra admission fee in 2003 and expanded with two "new" attractions. Route 666 (Antique Cars) - An abandoned highway in which guests were able to drive through miscellaneous sets and scenes Curse of the Crypt (Back of Arcade) - A renovation of the pre-existing attraction. The entrance was presumably switched from the Coney Mall midway to between the Arcade and Racer this year, reducing the crowds on the path Returning attractions were Circus of Horrors 3D, House of Darkness, Maze of Madness, Psycho Path and Elvira's Superstition. WEBN Celebrity Slaughter did not return. The majority of the thrill rides, alongside many family rides, were made available during the event. This trend has continued since with the children's area and select family attractions typically shutting-down at a designated time. Now that the haunted attractions were included with park admission, select indoor haunted houses were able to open at 3pm. The outdoor attractions (alongside Circus of Horrors 3D) opened at 8pm. FearFest ran for five Saturday nights, closing at midnight. Additional FearFest 2003 Photos 2004 The park added three new attractions. Friday the 13th (Paramount Theater) - A montage of some of the bloodiest and goriest moments from the Friday the 13th franchise Sleepy Hollow Horror (Temporary Tent) - Built in a temporary tent near the back of Eiffel Tower, Sleepy Hollow Horror took visitors to the 1700s and into a creepy farmhouse. --- Dracula's Haunted Castle (Paramount Action FX Theater) - A simulator attraction that transported visitors on a thrill ride through a haunted castle Returning attractions were Circus of Horrors 3D, House of Darkness, Maze of Madness, Psycho Path and Curse of the Crypt. Elvira's Superstition did not return, having been replaced by Dracula's Haunted Castle. - FearFest 2004 Entrance Display - Curse of the Crypt entrance Like before, select indoor haunted houses opened at 3pm. Other attractions opened at 4pm, 7pm or 8pm, depending on location. FearFest ran for five Saturday nights, closing at midnight. Midway through the event, a section of Psycho Path caught fire. The cause was unknown and the attraction was temporarily shut-down, but it later reopened. Additional FearFest 2004 Photos

I think he still works at Carowinds.

Something tells me that the toilets were filled by those that visited the park after it was abandoned. Same thing goes for some missing things.

How about you read the first page of posts again? My predictions throughout this matter have been spot on. I didn't start by predicting a big new ride in 2011, either. Planning I know. Negotiations, too. No one is a bigger park industry supporter than this writer. This deal will shock and amaze me if it happens. I'd not be planning on riding any Koch owned and operated roller coasters in Jefferson County, Kentucky in 2015.

I wish Kings Island would get a wing coaster or Giga!!

Terpy did say before that we should watch what CF does and not what they say. Diversion, is what he said also...

So are you saying this picture could be true

I'm very mixed about the addition. I've been waiting for a new roller coaster at Cedar Point. To me, none of the additions since Maverick have been that exciting. Knowing that this will be the longest wing rider is great since the others seem to be a little short. I am sad to see Disaster Transport go. My family goes on a trip to Cedar Point once a year. While my Mom doesn't ride much, she loved Wildcat and Disaster Transport. While these weren't my favorite rides, I enjoyed getting to ride them with my Mom. Now all that remains is Iron Dragon for her to ride. While I'm sure that the ride will be great and may possibly become one of my favorites, I wish it wasn't at the loss of one of my Mom's favorite rides.

When did Diamondback get its own Dippin' Dots stand?

What a generic name. . .

So wait - you are saying it isn't dead, it's only SBNO, which assuming you have inside information means its going to reopen, with a new loop, and ... Just pointing out that you can read almost anything into the most basic comment. As for closing the thread, Do you remember the days when SoB threads were closed/magically disappeared? I wonder what we could interpret from the fact that that no longer happens?

The way the FUN Perks system works is the more you eat, shop and visit, the more rewards you will earn. It's not a system that anyone on this site will be able to decode. After you eat, shop and visit, check your account to see what you've earned.

I think this is a question that would be best answered by a PR Guy (hint hint) and a good, clear explanation of the Perks benefits and how the Tier system works would definitely make PR Guys look good in some peoples eyes who otherwise have less than stellar opinions of PR Guys.

I'm going to sound like a grumpy old man for this, lol. I, being a father with kids who at one time or another were a little freaked out to try a new ride, really really dislike childish people who do this. You have no idea the amount of coaxing and reassuring it sometimes takes to get a youngster onto a ride (especially a dark ride) just to have all that calm, hard work completely undone because some idiot the next car back decides to "be funny" and scream like hell. Luckily, my youngest isn't afraid of anything, lol. Oh, and yeah, I was one of those stupid, inconsiderate kids that did that before, so I understand why people think it's funny, but it's extremely inconsiderate to other guests with small children on the ride. Time and children really do change a person. If I could, I'd go back and punch myself in the mouth for doing it, lol.

June 1. Current date by which Kochs can opt out. August 16. Date the Kochs have asked this be extended to. Lease in place? No. Final rides list? No. Perhaps the Kochs are beginning to realize the Herculean tasks in front of them. $13 million. Amount Kochs would borrow for first year operation. Pat Koch. One of the Kochs not a member of this business unit. Smart lady.

It is cheaper... much much cheaper. Not that it's not a quality show, it's just that those ice shows are SO expensive.

I don't care how good/bad this show is. It's freeing up a lot of capital for the entertainment department that the ice show was eating up. Hopefully they can use this as a means of doing some much-needed upgrades.

Wait a second....you mean to tell me they're doing a show that ISN'T a musical revue?! Somebody pinch me, I must be dreaming.

Continued from above Trail of Terror (North Woods) - The former Psycho Path under a new name Red Beard's Revenge (Rivertown Mining Company) - The former Cowboy Carnage under a new name and with a slight retheming --- --- Photo from 2008 CarnEVIL (Enchanted Theater) - The former Circus of Horrors 3D under a new name. --- The Wasteland (Action Zone) - A scare-zone located around Action Zone's water tower. Featured heavy fog and miscellaneous props, including several large aliens. Also included new banners on all the signs around the tower. --- --- Returning attractions were The Worksite, Massacre Manor, Elvira's Superstition and CornSTALKERS. Monster Bash was replaced by Torture Chamber. Heckle & Howl's "house" was repurposed as queue-line entertainment for Trail of Terror and, therefore, Heckle & Howl did not return. Fear Feast did not return, but WINGS Diner remained open during the event. Holiday Horror and FearFest Hauncert Series did not return. The Worksite was expanded with more props than the previous year. --- --- --- Halloween Haunt 2007 Entrance Display The park featured various displays around the park that utilized former ride props and parts. Former Son of Beast and Phantom Theater cars were used outside the park while Phantom Theater characters were placed throughout Coney Mall. --- The park held "Bare Bone Nights", a collection of evenings during the week that the park was open for Halloween Haunt. The number of available attractions was severely limited to only Club Blood, Massacre Manor, Death Row, CarnEVIL, and Red Beard's Revenge, alongside seven thrill rides - Drop Zone, Delirium, Flight of Fear, Firehawk, Italian Job, Vortex and Beast. Additional Halloween Haunt 2007 Photos - KIC Additional Dead Awakening Photos - KIC Additional Torture Chamber Photos - KIC Additional Halloween Haunt 2007 Photos - KIE