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Photo #35 - Hanna Barbara Land - 1973

First off I want to apologize for using the posessive form of the word King. I didn't realize that it would affect people that much. Next, I bought the auction from the eBay link. They are all official lighters from Kings Island. Last year I won three of them in the arcade closest to the entrance to The Racer. I currently have a red version of the Firehawk lighter and two versions of the tribal logo Kings Island lighters. One is black and the other is brushed aluminum just like the one in the auction picture. The guy that sold the ones on eBay said he had a season pass a few years ago. He won them from the arcades just as I did. I have a season pass for this year so I will look around to see what I can find. I am not a smoker. Never have been and never will be. I like to collect the Zippo lighters from Kings Island because they look cool. I like the artwork on them. Also, I would like to thank the people that gave an honest answer.

A new member politely asks a question... And you all respond by attacking him or complaining about a small spelling error? Great way to welcome people to the site guys.

No. This is a parking lot coaster. Gatekeeper is not even comparable to bland, un-original coasters, like this.

And look at it now.

Photo #34- Oktober Gardens

Luckily it was low enough that the unfortunate WindSeekers could be reached. I bet they wouldn't let something like that happen today...

I think's I can.

Photo #32 - Wild Animal Habit 1977- (Action Zone)

water features are generally a pain in the butt to maintain, which is a shame b/c it was a beautiful part of the park back in its day, would love to see it come back to its original glory, or short of that, be converted to something other than a "smoking" area.

Not being rude, but I remember you attacking some KIC members in the past over simple stuff..... S.O.B. is just trying to be fair Attacking? Not quite. Someone was continually using others' photos without permission or proper attribution, I pointed that out to them. Pretty different from a new user unknowingly adding an apostrophe to a name and being ridiculed by other members. In response to BlackLabelRules, as no one seems to have responded to your inquiry, I'd say your best bet of building to your collection would be to just buy them directly from the park. I've seen lighters from Kings Island on eBay here-and-there, but not too frequently.

Pet peeve alert. Pet peeve alert. Pet peeve alert. Can anyone find it?

Photo #33 - Paramount Story (Tower Gardens) - Waynes World Prop - 1990's

In August, when I ride Racer, I see all the Haunt props sitting out in the sun. I saw Jack in the box one time being tested when we went down the first hill.

Gravity will have a sinking affect on everything at one point or another.

Zippo lighters are very collectable, no matter where they are from. My good friend from school has an engraved zippo lighter from his near 30 years he had spent in the 5th Special Forces Group. They are very popular among all soldiers in special forces because they are very durable and will light almost under all conditions.

Anyone who puts an apostrophe in Kings Island should be put in prison without parole.

I know they sell some just outside of Diamondback's gift shop adjacent to the smoking area, but that's the only location inside the park of which I am aware. They probably sell them in different merchandise shops. I'm not a smoker (I'd be breaking the law if I were), so I've never had to look out for them.

I love Zippo lighters. I'll keep my eye out for KI lighters for you just in case. My prize Zippo is one from Jon Kricfalusi, featuring his character "Sody Pop".

Yet the Thunder Alley sign said King's Island....

No other Cedar Fair park does this. No other California park does this. With all due respect, this no-glasses policy is beyond stupid.

This is one of the most ridiculous posts on this site I've ever seen.

Photo #31 - Antique Cars 1973

I was assigned a trip to southern California for 1/28-1/29. Having nothing better to do (other than to get our passengers out there) I packed my platinum pass and made my way up the 710 to the 91 and was at the front gate within an hour of landing. I figured that on a Monday during the school year the crowds would be minimal and I was right. Most rides were either walk right on or a very short wait. Most roller coasters were running with only one train and the other train was being be maintained on the maintenance siding. The only hiccup was with the parking lot attendant who after scanning my pass he said it wasn't valid. I told him I had paid for it a few weeks ago and he let me in to park and told me to go to information booth. I didn't see the information booth so I just went up to the gate where my pass was scanned in and welcomed into the park. As anticipated the WindSeeker was closed but unfortunately so was the Ghostrider, their wooden coaster. The first coaster I had to ride was the Silver Bullet, a suspended roller coaster. It has six (and some say 6.5) inversions. The closest thing KI had to it is the Flying Ace (minus the invertions). A great ride that would fill a gap in the current KI lineup. I then moved on to the Xcelerator. I think the Xcelerator was the inspiration for Kinga Ka and the Top Thrill Dragster. The ride is not nearly as tall but still an intense experience. 0-80 mph then straight up 200 feet, then down, around and back to the station. An added bonus was the view to the north of downtown LA and the Hollywood sign. (20 miles or so in the distance) In my mind the theming wasn't that great but it didn't detract from the ride. A space/aviation theme would work much better. The Boomerang was next. The layout is exactly the same as Invertigo with a Vortex type train. The ride is quick and intense. It didn't bang my head around like The Vortex. But I only rode it once! The next coaster was the Jaguar. The Jaguar is a small steel coaster with great theming. Unfortunately the ride is pretty tame. The best part of the ride is the view of the park it provides. Interestingly enough you could look under the station platform where numerous workers were rebuilding electric motors for the lift hill. On the lift hill I noticed at least three wheels not turning. I then took a break from the coasters and did the Supreme Scream (up, then down, ok) and the La Revolucion (I thought it would be Delirium like but its much smaller and in my mind its better to look out rather than in). The Riptide was an outside version of the Crypt. (The inside setting of the Crypt gave it an big edge over the outside setting but it was probably the best non-coaster ride) I went back to the coasters and tried Montezooma's Revenge. It was the closest thing I had been on previously was the old Screamin' Demon.(Minus the steps!) A very quick out and back looper with a power launch. The lights dimming in the station at launch was an ominious touch (or power surge, who can say) Neat older ride. The Sierra Sidewinder was in kiddie land (Peanuts theme) and was a pretty intense little coaster. It is a small steel coaster with rotating cars. As my car crested the hill it spun and I ended up going down the hill backwards. Pretty cool! The ride ends with a small helix and with your car pointed down it seems as if the gravel is but a few inches away! On the way across the park to re-ride a few of the previously mentioned coasters I stopped and did the Western Stunt Show. About 100 people watched the show which was heavy on slapstick type humor and a few jokes about other parks in southern California. The last coaster was the Pony Express. Another power launch with horse themed cars. You actually sit on a horse like seat to ride. It goes up, around and through a tunnel. The cars were unique but the ride was disappointing. I did the Ghost Town diner for lunch. $17 for a burger, fries and a drink. There were cheaper options out there but I was looking for table service. At that point it was time to head on out. All in all it was a great quick day at Knott's Berry Farm. Having a platinum pass made the trip a no brainer cost wise. Their rides were pretty good and different enough from KI to make things interesting. Being able to walk on to rollercoasters in 60 degree temperatures (cool for SOCAL) in January was a great way to pass the time. Still waiting for the April KI opening!

Some of those look suspiciously like someone bought the sticker set and stuck them on some lighters. The only "official" ones I ever saw were etched, not color.

To be fair, I thought it was pretty gaudy when it was the Paramount Story. For example, that Gremlin kills the aesthetics of the fountain.

As Dick can do at Carowinds. He knew the GM when...

Today, Hart & Co. to survey Kentucky Kingdom: http://m.wdrb.com/default.aspx?pid=2705&wnfeedurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.wdrb.com%2fstory%2f20952743%2fdeveloper-ed-hart-to-survey-closed-kentucky-kingdom%3fclienttype%3drssstory

Should the same go for Airbrush Tee's?

I think your referencing the "log flume" that was at Carowinds. (removed for the B&M Intimidator) or "Diamond Falls" that was at (removed for IJST)

Not being rude, but I remember you attacking some KIC members in the past over simple stuff..... S.O.B. is just trying to be fair

It was used a lot, before somebody decided not to maintain it, to take out the attractions, and then convert it to a smoking area. Of all things.

Return of the Phantom Theater would be awesome, but an arrow points in a different direction for Phantoms Revenge.

I think more than anything else at an amusement park, Halloween events are truly a case where "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Everybody has different expectations, as well as different preferences for intensity, gore, and the like. In 2011, my group of five were discussing favorites at the end of the night; everybody had a different favorite, and some people's favorite mazes were another person's worst maze. Even the exact night you go can greatly color your view as crowd sizes can vary wildly depending on weather and are far heavier on Saturdays then Fridays. In 2012, we had off and on rain all night on a Friday, and the park was dead to the point that most mazes were walk-ons, leaving us happy that could do them all with plenty of extra time. Somehow, I doubt the people that visited eight days later on the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend had the same experience.

Thanks for the great report. Somehow, when I end up in that part of the country, I always end up at California Adventure, Disneyland and Magic Mountain, knott the Cedar Fair park. Did you happen to see if they were letting people ride the coasters with spectacles attached?

You'll have to pardon me for not trying that out at Carowinds, thank you very much. Mr. Reid-Anderson will be happy to know I'll make that day a great advencha.

According to Coasterbuzz, BeastBuzz is making its return on August 10, 2013! Link. No details have been released yet besides the date, but the fact that it's happening is exciting enough!

Per Twitter, the days/hours for early season pass processing have been announced: http://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/things-to-do/special-events/Season-Pass-Processing-Dates-and-Hours There's also information on the Opening Day schedule: http://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/things-to-do/special-events/Opening-Day-2013 (turnstiles won't open until ERT starts at 9:30)

Believe me, I rode it on it's opening day, and have fond memories of that day when my friends and I picked up our friend Doug and forced him to stand on the bridge as a boat passed underneath. Doug didn't speak to me again until 4 months later, as I was the main instiGator. I meant give it a true Amazon theme. Yeah I'm sure the ride has never changed decoration wise. Not going to lie there really isn't much to it. I have similar memories of tricking people on to getting on the Flight of Fear. lolol " Oh it's just a simulation ride."

You may not see the hint, but Dolly would.

Kings Island was like a bad dog when they took out the cars, we all found ourselves saying, "NO, BAD. WE DON'T DO THAT"

You fanboys complain about the supposed long walk to Flightdeck yet you walk around a big ass amusement park all day?

I'm glad someone appreciates that. Mrs. Diamondbill and I were in the Diamondback station and they were playing KI trivia for stuffed animals. It must of been newb day because we were answering all the questions and had the ride operators give the prizes to kids in the parent swap area. We gave 5 or 6 away with not one thank you. By the way that wasn't me at the 3 point challenge.

You can also find me watching the 3 point challenge for atleast a half hour during each visit,dont ask me why? A very nice young man gave my 4 year old daughter a stuffed animal he won once,a father never forgets moments like that.

Photo #4 - Vortex Construction opening in 1987 As I like to say "BEND IT LIKE AN ARROW!"

Wow, look at the line for the Flying Eagles! Anyone want to buy Fast Lane?

Photo #1 - Coney Mall 1974

Kings Island will open its gates for its 42nd season in 2013.

These are always a treat. Thanks for doing this again.

Hooray for Delirium no puking guests!