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Well...that was a very long title....

You could abbreviate it like you did Longlive's screenname and call it: "Ikiwtcaywtoyoaptchtrwtawyg."

Read about Keith's passing yesterday. I only knew him through his posts, smiles, and waves during ERT. Heartbreaking loss of someone I never met but got to know through funny and deep thoughts and well placed words. Yesterday's rain just made Stevie Ray's song "The Sky Is Crying" more powerful thinking about his family's loss. I hope his kids keep a warm spot in their hearts for KI and remember their good times with Dad. Good Journey Keith.

Ugh, guess I'll have to call the priest back and tell him the wedding's off

1. Eiffel Tower, only this time build it 50' taller than the one in Vegas; 2. The Beast 3. The Vortex (smoother, and built 10% bigger) Twin Deliria (counts as 2; mirrored so they come within a few feet of each other (pun intended))... over a lake... with fountains! 4. North Delirium 5. South Delirium 6. King Cobra 7, Smurf Blasters on Phantom Hill...with Boats 8. Diamondback 9. Drop Tower 10. Adventure Express

It was a pleasure to have met him and converse with him... He always seemed to have a smile on his face. Glad to see he got to see his boys ride some of his favorites. As good as a man he was... He did not deserve to suffer. RIP Keith

Such sad news. Having been a member on this site for so long I remember reading most of Keiths trip reports and everytime I'd read one I felt like I knew him a little more. His trip reports were so well done I actually felt like he wanted us to relive every part of his trips along with him. Each one of his trip reports would bring a smile to my face in one way or another. I am truelly saddened that I was only ever able to meet him just one time. Like others have said before he was a great asset to this community and he will be missed by many. R.I.P

Wow...such shocking and sad news to learn. I didn't know the man, but like so many others, I had seen his posts here on KIC. I do know what it's like to lose a father to Cancer (that's how my dad died back in 2006), so I give my best wishes to his friends and family through what are sure to be tough times...

And what is Flight Deck? A scrambler?

I have never known the man but he seems like a nice gentelman. Sounds like he was a great part of the KIC family. I know wat its like to have a passing. 3 of my grandparents have passed and 1 is still going on stroing. She has had cancer not once, not twice, not even three times but 7. Yeah thats right 7, and still going on strong. Good bye fellow family member of Kings Island Cenrtal.

All 3 of you nailed it! I was there on monday, and had a fantastic time. We abused the prices (XD), and we had a great time. We won a giant pillow pet penguin (thanks to the carnival topic), and his name is Pablo the Penguin . Im sitting on him now typing and he is HUMUNGUS!!!

Are you really that big a fan of mediocre GoCarts?

I just found out that a fellow KIC member Keith Harrison (KIFan1980) passed away last night after a heroic battle with cancer. I first met Keith at the Diamondback station waiting in line. I was new to KIC and to being a coaster enthusiast. Keith recognized me from my avatar and extended his hand to welcome me to the family. I will miss you for now, but am sure that we will meet again and i know that his hand will be outstretched when we reunite. (Contributed by DaveStroem)

Yeah. That's a bunch of ka ka.

Sorry in advance for the double post. From Labor Day, September 3rd: (note: all of these were said by the same op) "Enjoy your ride on the best coaster in the world: The Vortex!!" Op: "Welcome back, Train 1! How was your ride?" Riders: "WOOOHOOOYEAH!!!" Op: "Wicked Twister! Push down and pull up on your restraint, exit to the left and enjoy the rest of your day at Kings Dominion.........Island.........Point...whatever." Op: "I win." (he and another op were checking the restraints on a Vortex train that was tested after a technical delay. He finished checking his side of the train first) Other op: "But it was never a race!" Op: "That's what the losers always say." That's only a few of them.

Was this person by any chance trying to sell you Dippin' Dots?

Thank you KI for those wonderful bargains-stuffed myself on the $1 per slice pizza. ( I'm not sure I'm happy about what it did to my waist line-lol.) Also, the park was practically empty the whole weekend, so had nice short waits. ( Not sure it proves my point about holiday weekends not being crowded or because of the threat of bad weather.) At any rate, a nice, pleasant weekend. Next up Haunt.

uh... Well... This thread got kinda awkward rather quickly... n'est pas?

I was so sad to hear about Keith's passing. It was an honor to know him. This just shows how fragile life is. I cherish the times that I spent with him. We first met in line for Diamondback, I was wearing my KIC shirt with my user name on the back. He was in the next row over and introduced himself to me. It was a few months later until we met again at the Gravity Group tour & bowling afterwards. You could tell he was a caring father, who loved being with his sons. He was so proud of them, and it was so fun to spend time with them at the park. We would often talk about our kids' first times on rides, and how we couldn't wait until they were tall enough to hit the next height requirement, their first rides on Beast, and so on. I was one of those in that group that MF2000CMH spoke about above on opening day last year. I don't know how we decided it was Keith's fault that the rides kept going down. I think it was because until we met up with him, everything had been running smoothly, but then after we met up the rides started going down. It became a running joke all year, and he took it in stride. When I first heard of his cancer diagnosis, I thought "he'll make it." After all, my sister had made it through hers and I knew Keith would have the right attitude to help him through. I had a goal during Coasting for Kids, and that was to get over 100 laps on Racer. But when I saw Keith there, I just had to get off and spend some time with him. It had been too long since I had seen him, and I wanted to see how he was doing. It was difficult to understand what he was saying at times, but he still kept his sense of humor. When he was discussing how he couldn't eat and on a feeding tube that bypassed his mouth and throat, Avatar asked, "So what's your favorite flavor?" We all laughed, including Keith. I didn't make my 100 lap goal, but I said even then that it was so worth it just to talk to him again after so long. And sadly, that was the last time I saw him and talked to him in person, outside of KIC and Facebook. It was so good to see him continuing to post on here, and on Facebook, and keeping up on his KIC fantasy NASCAR team. I assumed things were getting better for him, so it was a shock when I got the text from rotag yesterday telling me that he had passed away. I feel for his wife and kids, losing their husband and dad at such a young age. We were close to the same age, and had gone to neighboring high schools around the same time, but it took this site to introduce us. Cherish your time with friends and family, they may be gone too soon.

Hello again! I visited KI on Friday, and I am going to write a PTR. Ok. So, I went with my mom and sister, and met up with my dad later on. I got there at around 3:40PM and got greeted to green and orange leaves on the parking entrance thing. Hello Diamondback! Nice to see you. The green and orange leaves were also on the ticket booths. We entered the park to find the Gold Pass sale already being advertised. I believe it is $10 more than last year, but it would still be worth every penny. We agreed to walk to Flight of Fear, hoping the line would be shorter now than later. Lots of Haunt decorations were already set up by the fountains. Décor was also set up by the Eiffel Tower. Corn stalkers has made some progress sense my last visit. I love how this is changed every single day. The last day of August. Yeah yeah, we all know what that is. The outside of Massacre Manor seems finished. (Unless it is being renamed) It’s Zephyr! Yay. After the walk of observing a bunch of stuff, we made it to Flight of Fear. The line started just outside the entrance to the building, as seen here. When I walked in, I noticed the alarm thing was actually on. I forgot my film badge again. We proceeded into the hangar and I got to see a part of the movie I rarely actually get to see. (I usually go in the hangar and it’s always “Roll Call, all stations reporting. Station 101”. So, I continued onward. We soon headed into the Flying Saucer. I can never solve this! After about a 15 minute wait, we got on. I tried to notice any daylight shining thru, from the crack in the building. I thought I might have seen just a tiny bit. But anyways, it was a really fun Flight of Fear ride. I also love that it seems the Flight of Fear exit person seems to be asking how our ride was more often this year. We now decided to head to Backlot. When we got to Backlot, the line was just over the bridge, and it was about 10 minutes. One thing I didn’t like, is sense there was no separator, Whenever someone at the station saw Fast Laners, we all had to get along the fence and let them walk to the station. That’s weird. Time to get on, The Italian Job: Stunt Track? I remember watching Diamondback construction from this line. “Ok stunt team, listen up. As with any driving stunt, Safety First. So stay seated, keep your head against the head rest, and your hands and arms inside the vehicle At All Times. Secure all loose articles, or leave them, with the crew, before we roll”. After about a 10 minute wait, we got on for a FUN ride. Another great ride on Backlot. We then decided to head to The Beast. I noticed these orange and black flags scattered across Rivertown. Nice, peaceful Diamondback pond. The Beast! We walked right up to the station, and just had a station wait. We quickly got on for an awesome ride on The Beast. And the speakers on the lift were working! I love them. So, after that awesome ride, we headed to Diamondback. Wonder how exactly this will work come Haunt time. Looks like the Souvenir Cup unlimited refill is now $7 instead of $5. What’s hiding behind the trees? It’s Diamondback! We walked right up to the station and had a station wait for Diamondback, waiting a little extra for the back row. It was a great, airtime filled ride on Diamondback! I also put my arms back for the splashdown to get them wet. We were going to go and try Backyard BBQ today, and it was getting close to time for it. We decided to head to Flying Ace, just because I did see a short line for it on Diamondback. I wonder what this “Top Secret” box is for. I’m guessing it has to do with Haunt. Plenty of these colorful boxes were all around Planet Snoopy. Ready for Flying Ace! We walked right up to the station and waited a couple of rides for the back row. I got on for a nice ride. I hate how the head rest isn’t soft, though. Made my head hurt a bit. It was a nice ride on Flying Ace Aerial Chase. We now headed to Woodstock Express. It looks like they had the walls set up for Holiday Horror, I believe. Another one of the boxes. More PS Halloween decorations. Woodstock had about a 5 minute wait. It was a nice ride on Woodstock Express, my favorite PS coaster. We now were trying to call my dad, but my mom’s cell signal was really bad, and it was hard to hear him. I soon was able to understand he is coming now and will try to get to Backyard BBQ. He said we could head on to it though. While walking there, it was really quiet. We got to the entrance of Picnic Grove and did 3 transactions to get us all counted for FUN Perks. I never knew the shelters in Picnic Grove were named after rides. (Beast, Scrambler, Carousel, etc.) There was a small buffet in the middle of “The Carousel”. It had hot dogs, baked beans, pulled pork, fried chicken, rolls, and a couple other stuff. There was also a freezer with “Ice Cream Treats”. There is also soft drinks you just get, (As much as you want) but bees were all around them. I’m not sure if they are the kind that sting or not, but it was hard to get a drink. Here is the food I got first go round. The hot dogs tasted like All-Beef hot dogs, which I don’t prefer, but I still like. I guess my sister Lucy really likes All-Beef hot dogs, cause she was saying she really liked it. The roll and fried chicken were pretty good. But, when I was getting close to being finished with my first plate, a bee stops by and wants my fried chicken. If I had a good camera, this would make for a really cool photo. Later, I also got some pulled pork, which wasn’t all that good. My mom got a text from my dad saying he wouldn’t make it for the Backyard BBQ. We decided we would meet up with him at Diamondback when we were done eating. The employee that you entered from looked bored out of his mind. He was doing weird stuff, leaning against the lamppost, and yeah, he was bored. I got an ice cream thing before we left. It was kind of melty and drippy. I ate it on the way to Diamondback. Overall, Backyard BBQ was pretty good. All the food wasn’t the best, and there were lots of bees, but for $11 for pass holders it wasn’t bad. We saw my dad at Diamondback and got in line. Due to too many photos in 1 post, right below here I should have part 2.

5 stands for the 5th car on the train. 1 stands for the first seat in that car. If you look, the brackets stand for each car on the train, the dots are the break in the cars. Seat 5-1 is the stared one. (I just thought this would be a cool way to try and explane it. I know its probably overdone, but, oh well.) [____] [____] ......... [____] [____] ......... [____] [____] ......... [____] [____] ......... [**___] [____] ......... [____] [____] ......... [____] [____] .........

I like the idea but isnt there enough problems with just having one Delirium?

All 3 of you nailed it! I was there on monday, and had a fantastic time. We abused the prices (XD), and we had a great time. We won a giant pillow pet penguin (thanks to the carnival topic), and his name is Pablo the Penguin . Im sitting on him now typing and he is HUMUNGUS!!! I was there on Monday too!! I wrote a PTR about it. My mom and I each got two slices of LaRosa's for only $4! What a deal! Plus I finally got past 100 overall rides on Vortex (rode it 12 times on 9/03) and am now at 102!

How in the world did a simple post of mine cause all this? I'm a she, and it's much more than "perhaps." Now if we can eventually get back on the REAL topic here... BFF, still wondering.

WOW! Haha, sounds cool. I had a "vision" that there could be a second Mondo Monsoon on the left side of the first one with the funnels side to side, and this one could be pink and green (oppisant of orange and blue?). That would be cool. IF I had photoshop I would make a picture.... but... I have NO expeirnce at all. (hint hint thrill_biscuit)

1. Adventure Express 2. Georgia Scorcher 3. Flight of Fear (KI) 4. Raging Bull 5. The recaR 6. Kings Mills Log Flume--I call it that as everything was natural, no association with Planet Snoopy, water wheel, and NO SPITTING BEAGLE! 7. Maverick 8. The Crypt (Kings Dominion) 9. Thunderhead/Skyhawk 10. Viking Fury

1. Kennywood's Thunderbolt 2. The Raven 3. The Beast 4. Kennywood's, KI's, or CP's carousel 5. Adventure Express 6. Liberty Launch 7. Michigan's Adventure's old Falling Star 8. Stricker's Grove's flying scooters 9. Kings Dominion's Dominator 10. Either Cedar Point's Giant Wheel or Great Adventure's ferris wheel With more options, I'd also toss in Demon Drop (or some generic S&S Drop Tower) and either Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown or Frightful Falls.

Top thrill dragster Diamondback Beast I305 MF Drop Tower Hulk FoF Delirium Haunted Mansion

I was on the kic sign shop tour a few years back. It is contained in a portion of one of the metal sided buildings behind Surf Dog. There were various signs from past attractions on the walls, as well as then- under construction 'tombstones' for Haunt. Aside from the signs on the walls, which def brought back some memories, there really wasn't much to see. if you're interested, email Don and see if he'll post some pics of the signs.

We went on Saturday & Monday, and left with very full tummys both days after eating our fair share of cheese coneys, pizza & blue ice cream, not to mention finally using our drink wristbands. Great promo, KI!

And if they can't, they can be made.

the first bit can be answered simply, block section. FD has always (in my memory) crawled up the lift hill, till about mid way up the lift. Sort of like The Beast. All about blocks. For the second bit; if I remember correctly Terpy once, twice, thrice even, spoke that parts can always be ordered.

Ahh young love... good times

Sorry didnt notice

I accidently messed up the year of Kings Island's 40th anniversary and The Beast's 30th. I was talking about The Beast's 30th anniversary sign that said "30 Years Of Terror".

@RadioRiders This isn't #Twitter!

That was a fun day with Keith. I also remember standing outside in the parking lot of KI last season after the park closed talking with Keith, Ryan (BoddaH1994) and a few others discussing the coming Soak City. Keith was one of those guys that enjoyed people and made friends with everyone. After meeting him and hanging with him for a few hours you would have thought you had been buddies for years. I got to say, I always enjoyed hearing his accent as well. Avatar, IBEW_Sparky, and I visited Keith before the GOCC holdiay party last December at his home. We were so hopeful that he would be able to beat the cancer. I am sure Avatar and Sparky will agree that we are so glad that we took the extra hour of our trip that day to stop and see him. He was a true friend to not only us, but everyone on KIC, even if you had never meet him and just read his posts. He made it to the park this year as well. Maybe not as a rider, but he came and took pictures of the KIC group at the Coasting for Kids event this year. KingsIslandPR (Don) even walked him back to get some pics of us ridding in areas that only the media can go. We appreciate the park extending that to privilege to Keith. I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of such a great friend, father, and loyal KIC'er. He was such an asset to this community. May he be in peace, cancer free, and enjoying that Kings Island in the sky. A few pics he took from this years Coasting for Kids!

IBEW_Sparky I'm as nostalgic as anyone, I still miss Mill Race, but I have to say with respect that leaving the big 12-E Box is the worst idea I've ever heard. Haha I'm so happy to see that ugly box gone forever.

Prayers to the family. I know what it feels like to lose someone to such an unfair disease, one of my friends just passed away three days ago after a battling cancer throughout high school. He was only 17 and I can tell you, people with cancer are stronger than anything else on this earth. Their courage is unreal. I can only hope that one day cancer is just a zodiac sign...

KIfan1980. A good man. A friend. Tremendous father. Valiant cancer fighter. A role model for us all. And gone so young.

I contemplated creating a Post of this type, but hesitated, mainly because I was having a hard time finding words that fit. I first met Keith at HolliWood Nights 2010, and quickly became Friends with Him throughout the weekend. He genuinely is one of the best Men Ive ever had the Honor of knowing, and my Heart goes out to His Wife and two young Sons. The textbook example of the phrase "Only the good die young". One of the best, and taken far too soon.

I rode in the front of AE and it had to be the most smoothest ride I had ever had on it.

He said SHIP!? Your children must be scarred for life now.

To echo the Interpreter, Idlewild is a fantastic amusement park almost entirely for kids. Also consider: is Planet Snoopy really better than The Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland? Universal's Islands of Adventure's Seuss Landing? Paultons' Peppa Pig World? LEGOLAND Parks? Maybe it is... But don't allow yourself to accept the Amusement Today "awards" without looking at how those awards are distributed and why? I've often asked how Cedar Point fails to place in best food, cleanest park, best entertainment, friendliest employees, best dark ride, best water ride, or best landscaping, but somehow manages to snag best amusement park. Maybe I'm wrong, but shouldn't the "best amusement park in the world" place first in all of those categories, or at least one?

One would think BB1's favorite ride was in Boomerang Bay.

I struggle with how to say what I think you are saying. From a visual standpoint, the image of SoB is quite impressive, with all that lumber rising so high the atructure does look impressive. But at the same time, it is the technical inadequacy of the design, materials, and construction of that structure that has led to all the problems from what I understand - this is far from impressive. One can't help but wonder - what if it had been impressive from both the visual and technical perspective.

Due diligence. Cedar Fair had ample opportunity to inspect and investigate what it was buying. The acquisition contract, which has never been made public, specifies how liability as between the parties was to be handled in situations occurring shortly after the acquisition. Also, Paramount Parks may well have not operated Son of Beast that day. Cedar Fair did. Even though Paramount Parks had sold out lock, stock and coaster, somehow TheCrypt tells us Cedar Fair was not responsible. In the interests of public safety, should the park have been closed until the owner and operator felt responsible? TheCrypt apparently has access to information the rest of us do not.

And MiniCoopers ain't race cars.

Since when do race cars create huge waves of water? Even Formula One will stop the race if there's that much water on the track.