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I'd re-theme Boo Blasters to something that looked like an old, rundown theater. Then on the inside I'd add characters that looked like ghosts of the old performers. I'd have one of them playing an old organ in the ride queue, and throughout the ride I'd have all the ghost performers doing their act. I think that would be a great ride!

The Tower Gardens area will remain a designated smoking area during the spring and summer months and be used for a Haunt attraction in the fall in the foreseeable future. I know its not your call, but this dissapoints me. Such a potentally beautiful space (as it was in the past) wasted on a typically empty smoking area. Would love to see this area used as some sort of "history of KI" section, I guess if they ever put me in charge Thanks for taking the time to answer questions. The area where the Kings Island Hall of Fame resides near the KI Theater is a location that we have discussed adding a park history piece to at some point.

Sea World, Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Island's of Adventure, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, & Magic Kingdom (again). The Schrute’s did a new Christmas “tradition” this year, and after it is all said and done, I think I am going to stop what I’m doing professionally and work with the vacation industry. I’ll try to keep this as short as possible. In December I closed a couple of large sales and needed to “splurge” in the 2012 Calendar year, since a significant tax increase was coming to income made after 1/1/13- so I made due dates 12/31/12 and am writing off as much as allowable. Our journey began shortly before Christmas Eve where all in the Schrute clan contracted that stupid flu virus and passed it through the family. I was the only hold out (and still am), though thought I’d get it at any moment. Christmas morning began at 7am where we opened santa’s gifts as well as ours and set off to Columbus for a 1pm flight to Orlando. Made in great time and arrived on time via Delta. Rented our mid-size vehicle through Advantage Rent-a-Car for 13 days out of Orlando for $471. Getting the rental out of the location was time consuming, but all the other agencies were at $1350. I’m not sure how we snagged that price, but will take it. Started out in the Snow-Bird community before heading to Clearwater Beach for a few days. Stayed at the Hilton Clearwater- on the beach! Great location, though it was cold the first day. Moved on to a vacation home rental in Orlando, 7-bedroom with private pool and home theater with 12 of those recliner seats in the garage. Great location in Kissimmee with great access to everything! We eventually went back to the Snowbird Community for a few days prior to venturing back to Orlando to stay on-property at Saratoga Springs. Then headed home on the 9th (and brought some of the warm weather back). Park Trip Report: We hit just about every park we could in the time we had. I think I am going to retire from my business and work consulting in the industry J. Park #1- Sea World (prior to new years). Great “forgotten” park. Very well dressed up for Christmas; I was VERY surprised to see how “Christ-centered” the whole event was. It was very unapologetic in not giving the typical “Happy Holiday’s” greeting. Though, knowing that they held an international audience with different backgrounds, it was done very tastefully. Highlights: All of the animal shows were excellent; though they were all mostly Choreographed. I seem to recall a long time ago there was more of an educational element to it, but this time around it was mostly a “show.” Developed a terrible headache early and had to rest in the first aid area before taking in the rest of the day. The “Greatest Story Never Told” was a nativity story that was on par with some of the best I’ve ever seen. The fireworks show was what you’d expect from an Orlando attraction. Got to ride both roller coasters- Manta & Kraken (too cold for Venture to Atlantis). Kraken, I’m thinking is my new favorite roller coaster. Manta could be a close #2. It is somewhat a similar experience to Firehawk, but at the same time completely different. There’s themed vegetation growing around it instead of grass and cement – which I think adds to the experience. Rode Kraken three times after dark. Park #2- Universal/Islands of Adventure. Park at near-sell out, though it rained in the morning and seemed the lines would be in-check for most of the day. Spiderman was THE favorite; rode twice. Simpson’s Ride wasn’t as fun as I was expecting. I liked the movie it played to, but the ride experience was pretty jerky. Revenge of the Mummy was a pretty cool indoor/all-dark experience. Near the same ride as the one in California as I recall. Really wanted to but didn’t get to ride the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Dudley Do-Rights waterfall is one of the best themed water rides. Only rode once but could have a few times. Incredible Hulk…. I recall riding up the lift hill years ago thinking “I thought the train always comes shooting out of….” Then we took off! Duelling Dragons, nka Dragon Challenge used to be one of my favorites but I guess because some idiots decided it was fun to throw things at the opposing train, they don’t duel anymore. The whole “Third Day Free” is an interesting marketing program, basically they want to make sure that you’re their audience for your trip… don’t want you visiting the mouse. We saw a lot more, but I’ll save the details. Coaster Challenge (for me): advantage Kraken. Magic Kingdom (visit #1)- there is more to do at Magic Kingdom than could possibly be done in one day. Plus our first visit with the 3-day Hopper Pass was sold out to new entries by noon- the wait for Space Mountain was FOUR (4) HOURS at one point. Needless to say, we didn’t ride. I love how all the girls in the park are referred to as “Princess”- in a conversation with a few park employees, Jan. 3 was to be a lighter attended day and the underestimated by approx.. 11,000. People in suits were directing traffic. And though you could tell they were stressed, were still in Disney etiquette. Ariel’s Underwater adventure- uses the clamshell ride units, with a near similar path to the one in California. Journey through Belle’s house and discover the story of how Belle and The Beast fell in love: our daughters were picked to play parts in it… MEMORIES- they are 7 and 3… and the camera’s were clicking. We got to meet Gaston and eat at his tavern… which if you’ve seen the movie the tavern is almost exact. I cannot wait until the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train opens. It was just a construction shell while there. “Small World” is a perennial favorite, as are ALL the parades and shows. Rode the Jungle Cruise, which I love the sarcastic commentary by the boat operators, but I could tell the guide in the first one was still “earning her ears”- as she seemed to be “reading” it. Watched the Castle Party show, Share the Magic show- which is stunning how they play it off Cinderella’s Castle. Then watched the Fireworks (can’t remember name). The park was open until 1am, so the Schrute’s dragged the girls around till at least 12:30… and rode Ariel’s ride again as well as Walt’s Carousel of Progress and Tomorrow Land People Mover (lame, yes- but no line). Day #2- Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. By the way, EPCOT is no longer EPCOT Center, it’s just Epcot. Hollywood Studios was sold out early. The Christmas décor was amazing, and probably the most “done-up” of all the parks. Rode the Hollywood Tower of Terror, but with kids too small to ride and a 90-minute wait, its about the only “big” ride we rode. Walked around and saw Disney Junior- live on stage, rode Toy Story Mania, the Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour (which hasn’t changed much in the last ten years), and Muppet Vision 3D. We didn’t get to Epcot until later and mostly walked the circle. It was a near sell-out as well. By the time we circled back to visit Magic Kingdom for #2- the park crowds were SMALL and mostly walk-on’s. if you’re ever visiting, I suggest January 8. Did Storybook Princesses to start the day and the nightly fireworks to end it. In between we saw the Hall of President’s Show (which is a favorite of mine), girls got to meet Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, Aladdin, Princess Aurora, Sleeping Beauty. In addition got to eat at the new “Be Our Guest” restaurant. Etc… Recap. Through our resort package we had the “Quick Service” dining plan with “Snacks”- was perfect! It provided us with more than enough food for the trip, and then some. It will be my youngest daughter’s birthday in a few weeks, so she wore her “Birthday” button to MK and got wished a Happy Birthday all day. Which was special. Of the three- in order of “customer service” I would say that Universal, though good, was #3. It definitely plays to a different audience, and more of a thrill seeker mode. If I were to guess I would say their target audience is 14-24, then families with teens. Sea World was #2- only because Disney is… Disney. Sea World genuinely seemed to go out of their way to assure that the guests had a great experience. We will definitely go back some day. There is just no topping Disney. From customer service to plain park experience, there’s no one better. From entering the property to being greeted by “Welcome Home” to “How can we assist you”- by name. I like Kings Island, don’t get me wrong. I’ve had season passes for 17 years, getting ready to enjoy #18. But I took a picture of a sign along the fence of the area they’re building the new “Tangled” area quoting Walt Disney where it said- “I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the park. I want them to feel they’re in another world.” Disney does that, and does it well. One of the problems with most parks is that they are always trying to build Roller Coaster taller, faster, more loops, steeper drops, etc… The problem with that is, thrills wear off. What seems thrilling today will seem ordinary tomorrow. Fantasy Experience doesn’t wear off. A parent can NEVER get tired of their daughters immersing themselves into “the story”- being called princess, getting autographs from their favorite characters, a park employee asking THEM for an autograph because they’re dressed up like a princess. AND, most importantly for me. I have never been compelled to get up and walk out of a Disney show turned off because of the conduct displayed in one. I did that at least four times at KI last year. Disney costs a fortune to experience- but the experience “experienced” compels you to drop more $$ in Cinderella’s coffers. Thrills wear off, but experiences last a lifetime. I hope that once CF’s not-so-new CEO begins placing his Disney-trained fingerprint on the parks that Guest “Experience” begins to take hold and starts to reflect in the footprint of the parks.

Are you really implying that there was foul play? Really? IT WAS PROFESSOR PLUM, ON THE TILT-A-WHIRL, WITH THE GOBBLER GETAWAY GUN. Amusement parks, serious business.

Photo #11 - Coney Mall 1981 - Notice the absence of Monster.

Because we are part of a publicly traded partnership with Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., we do not release attendance info on an individual park basis. What I can tell you is Diamondback quickly established itself as one of the most popular rides in park history. People have come from all over the world specifically to ride it.

You read my mind. I would also put a tunnel on Woodstock Express and rename it Beastie.

I'd bring back and expand theming along the train route. Sure, most people use it for waterpark transportation, but why not have entertainment as well? At Shoot the Rapids at Cedar Point, I'd add more effects and some animatronics to make the slow sections more interesting.

watching this unfold just makes me ill. I hope they are able to mend things in the family and that the business remains in the hands of the Kochs rather than sold off.

Easy - White Water Canyon Turntable Hard - Coney Subway Expert - Park Map rack at front gate

Within hours after the last day of the season preparations begin for the next season in each department. Sometimes you'd like to have more time, but we're always ready to go when the bell rings on Opening Day. Pizza and fresh-cut thick fries are my favorite food items but some of the menu items that were added last year like the cheese steaks at the Snake Pit in Rivertown and the Italian Sausage that was out in Soak City are knocking at the door. There was a time when a hot dog with chili and a large Mello Yellow from the Lunch Basket (now Skyline Chili) in Coney Mall was what I had every visit.

Retheme or restore? There are a couple rides needing to be restored. *cough*Adventure Express *cough* As far as new theming, get rid of the Diamondback queue TV's and get some area-specific music back in the park.

The Tower Gardens area will remain a designated smoking area during the spring and summer months and be used for a Haunt attraction in the fall in the foreseeable future. I know its not your call, but this dissapoints me. Such a potentally beautiful space (as it was in the past) wasted on a typically empty smoking area. Would love to see this area used as some sort of "history of KI" section, I guess if they ever put me in charge Thanks for taking the time to answer questions.

The people I work with and interacting with park guests.

It was asked of all Coasting for Kids participants to remain in the Coney Mall area by The Racer until all areas of the park were open at 10am so guests weren't going through areas of the park that were not open, unescorted. It is important that all participants follow the guidelines that have been established when parks have these types of events.

Oh no! I like that song

Terpy, I don't know why, but I always get a kick out of your legal disclaimers.

^Looks like Subway needs some TLC to it's shingling.

jerk.

"The Schrute’s did a new Christmas “tradition” this year, and after it is all said and done, I think I am going to stop what I’m doing professionally and work with the vacation industry. I’ll try to keep this as short as possible." haha, well at least you tried

I see you did not mention Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey. Please tell me you rode it. If not, you missed out on a LOT. I'm envious you got to experience New Fantasyland, as I went in June last year and it wasn't open yet. Oh, well. Maybe next time. Also I love the point you made in the last paragraph. I love how Disney hasn't built some big, fast roller coaster just for the sake of breaking records. They have Expedition Everest and Rock n' Roller Coaster but the experience along with it is amazing. Kings Island (and every other Cedar Fair & Six Flags park) is so generic that it gets kind of boring after awhile (I still love it though) but Disney World and Universal are both amazing experiences that I can never get tired of, because it's so amazing to immerse yourself in what's happening around you. At Kings Island, a day typically goes like this: "Let's go ride Diamondback." "Okay." "That was fun." "Wanna go on The Beast?" "Yeah, sure." A day at Disney World is full of "wow!" and "that made me cry!" and etc., etc.

i hope they show a little bit of love to The Racer before the park opens. the ride looks and feels a little neglected.

I'll never forgot one year I went to the park and there was a stray cat hanging out in front of TR:TR the whole night. Just seeing that picture reminded me of that for some reason. It was laying around and getting attention from guest like it owned the place.

Please don't sit on the handrails.

Racer, the biggest and flagship coaster in the park, almost always had very long lines. The queues were often full, with lines spilling out into the midway. When Beast opened, it often had multi-hour lines.

1. A wise choice in Indiana. Terp, strong believer in merit based promotions.

I find the new details incredibly sad. I can see Lori's argument, as that is what they agreed to, but on the other hand, they're debating the difference between $26,886,014.39 (number of shares x $541.93) and $32,399,847.61 (# shares x $653.07). At what point does $5.5 million of personal gain (on top of enough money to buy a full-size B&M roller coaster) become the difference between regular business and "I hereby use my new-found power to declare you unfit to fill the lead position in your parents' own company because you're out to get me"? I dunno. I guess I've never been through whatever the Koch family may have been dealing with lately, but there isn't a price that would put my family on the back burner. Edited to add for clarity: I'm also disappointed in trying to stick a price not agreed upon to the seller. I don't think either side in this is exactly spotless.

When does the park start to prepare for the next season and how much time does it take to get the park ready and open? How many people are on these crews? Is it one of those things where there is plenty of time, or do you ever wonder if you will be ready on time? Also, whats your favorite food item, past or current in the park?

I would retheme Garfield's Nightmare to a bunch of skeletons and rename it Old Mill. It could also be rethemed to anything else, as a pitch black tunnel would be better then what it is now.

This matter is still in litigation. Unless the parties come to an amicable settlement, a court will ultimately decide the fate of the family business. It is my understanding Dan Koch is appealing. It seems a rather novel concept of law that because a party may have attempted to underpay in a buy/sell arrangement, the previously agreed to sale need not be consummated. That conclusion may not be supported on appeal. Terp, who adds there is no intent to advise any party in this transaction by virtue of this public Internet post. Consult a competent attorney in your jurisdiction if you have or think you may have a legal problem. The author is not engaged in the private practice of law in Indiana, Florida, Virginia, the District of Columbia or any United State. Disclaimer included to satisfy certain requirements.

Or pehaps just deciding on a stain?

I have seen this said since there has been internet to see it on.

Paramount is only licensing its intellectual properties in exchange for monetary considerations. It does not intend to own or manage the parks nor to risk financial loss.

So the Monster we have today is not the original Monster? My whole life has been a lie!!!

Never heard of Murica before, so the first thing I saw when I read the title was:

I'd re-theme BLSC by getting rid of all of the LA Freeway/ "Journey-Separate-Ways-Video-looking" nonsense and replacing it with fun, european theming and antique car... um... ...cars. I'd change the mid-course helicopter scene to some kind of roaring 20's "Grand Prix" countdown clock... or something. BLSC is just a bittersweet ride for me. It's a great ride that looks like crap . Reference:

Wow, just...wow...didn't see this coming...the Koch family did a good job, until very recently, of hiding the fact there was a war going on between them over control of the park...suddenly, we all know now... The park, it seems, will stay in the hands of "A" Koch...but will it be Will's Wife, Lori, or Dan and his group? I feel really bad for Pat Koch right now, having to be in the middle of all this...hopefully, the family can mend this wound, and the new CEO does a good job running the park and keeps it going in the direction Will Koch had it (and Dan did appear to be in-line with that direction during his 2-year run)...it could end up sucking though, if whomever does get control decides to pull a cash grab and sells the park to a major chain or outside company. Like what happened to Indiana Beach...ugh. On another note: Huh, Rhinoblaster is no more? Say hello to Hyena Falls...well, it was actually 100% unrelated to the family fued, but apparently a company that makes sand-blasting equipment used the Rhinoblaster name, and HW doesn't wanted to get sued by an outside company...ESPECIALLY right now...still, I feel a Rhino would whoop a Hyena's butt any day of the week. (^Me trying to give topic a little "brightness", to ease the mood, via joke... )

^ The new CEO appears to be a good choice. It's in the interest of both sides that the park continues doing well, regardless of the behind-the-scenes feud. The comments this morning in the Evansville Courier & Press article are interesting.

Easy - Racer entrance Medium - Flight Deck queue bridge Hard - Close-up of WWC geyser tubes

Fireworks keep people in the park and spending money until closing time. There is such a thing as false economy. Think how much money the park could save if: * they didn't pay the employees. * they cut food quality and portion sizes by 90 percent. * they cut out all entertainment except one show a day, put on free by aspiring artists from a local school. * they quit painting rides. * they did all park publicity for all Cedar Fair parks from Cedar Point. * they never again installed a new ride. * they required guests to bring their own toilet paper.

And that is saying something, considering that Kings Island`s fireworks usually last about five minutes give or take. That is a tradition that was started back at Coney Island when Arthur Rozzi first launched fireworks at Coney in 1931.

Photo #10 - Tomb Raider The Ride - 2002

http://www.spencercountyjournal.com/content/control-holiday-world-stake-legal-battle anyone else see this yet? way more to this than originally reported.

Snow woman and I have been to BGW and loved every part of it. The food, atmosphere, and rides were wonderful. Got to ride Big Bad Wolf, (will muchly miss) have read about a new coaster there. We couldn't afford to hit KD on that trip seven years ago. I don't know if we'll have time to go to both parks this trip, and we want to give the KD coasters and rides the time they sound like they deserve. Thanks for all the posts, we're reading every update. Any thoughts about Richmond as a place to stay and eat?

Good for Matt! I spoke with him very briefly at the park a couple years ago, seems like a nice guy. He's been with the company for over a decade, so he knows the park's values and vision.

I think its safe to say that Bluegrass Boardwalk certainly distracted them from their main property. It is really amazing how Holiday World has blossomed over the years. Hopefully they can pull from a larger demographic area in the coming years. Although, some of their geographic area also is the same geographic area in which Kings Island pulls from.

Take a look at the posts in a similar topic that I started in July of last year. http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?/topic/25914-kings-dominion-tips/ . Kings Dominion is so far my favorite park and home to several of my favorite rides including my #1 I-305. Also check out my trip report about the trip for some more information.http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?/topic/26108-kings-dominion-trip-report/

Birds, the park is closed.

Common Kings Island... Common Kings Island If you don't get what I mean, look at the date.

To some people, a new restaurant is a major new attraction. Or an updated menu. Or a new park playlist. Even new benches!