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I lost a phone off Gemini at Cedar Point in 09. That was kind of embarrassing, especially as it was in a fastened cargo pocket. Lol. That pair of pants now has zippers on the pockets. People lose phones out of pockets pretty much constantly on some rides. Diamondback is one of them. Mystery Mine and Wild Eagle at Dollywood are also cell phone theives. We picked up an average of 2-5 from under Mystery Mine daily. We could always tell whether it came out of a pocket or out of a hand based on where in the ride they lost it. Under the loop: pocket. At the bottom of the first drop: hand. We weren't in a hurry to pick up the phones at the bottom of the first drop for that reason.

I used to enjoy riding all the rides with my girlfriend, but this season I'm looking forward to riding with my fiance

Does anyone have a way to contact Paul? It's great that this community is showing this kind of concern for one of our members and I believe he is pleased that there is an attempt to keep his thread going until he returns Enjoy this shot of the terra cotta reliefs that were once affixed to the former "Kafe Kilimanjaro" in "Adventure Village"

I like to ride with my best friends. There's nothing quite like bonding over a ride on Diamondback. I wish I could say I like to ride with my wife, but she is terrified of any coaster but the Raven at Holiday World for some reason.

Have you ever been hit by a penny on Diamondback? It hurts. Now think about being hit by a cellphone. Or a camera. Ow.

Last night, my most recent KI dream started with me being in line for WindSeeker. Strangely enough, all my friends from school were there too! I went into the ride area, thinking that I had forgotten my seat number, so I just sat in a random seat. Now, the thing I don't like about ride dreams like this is that I never encounter the real-life ride experience. This was apparently the case, again. The ride only went up a little ways and then stopped, and then this marching band with all these dancers came in right under the ride, and put on a show! I thought it was interesting, despite the fact that the ride stood still the whole time. When I was back on the ground, I thought, "I'll ride WindSeeker one more time; then I'll ride Vortex." By that time it was evening. The sun was setting, the lights were coming on and all my school friends had mysteriously disappeared. In the dream, WindSeeker's lights looked just like they did in real life! I rode WS again. This time, the ride actually went up pretty high, although it rotated very slowly. Afterward, this other ride, which looked almost the same as WindSeeker, caught my attention. The other ride stood on the other side of Vortex, and had exactly the same looks as WindSeeker, lights and everything. But this one didn't just go up and down a tower. It also went around a track circuit. I walked over to the ride, looked at it, and exclaimed, "It's Kings Island's new ride!!!" I never rode the ride though; before I knew it, my radio alarm was going off and pulling me away from dream land. I had almost no trouble recalling that dream in my memory after I woke up, and as I did, I thought, "I'm so posting this on KIC when I get home from school today..." -BFF, who hopes to ride WindSeeker as soon as possible this year, since it is one of her favorite rides.

http://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/Behind-the-Scenes-at-Cedar-Downs Some good photos of the work being done and a photo underneath the floor showing the mechanism that makes the horses go up and down. (Note that a couple of the captions apparently got transposed and haven't been fixed as of this posting; the "You can actually see the difference..." and "Here is a bonus shot..." captions should be swapped.)

Not enough! I'm gonna try to make it out more this season for sure!

I hear he goes to school in North Korea. Contact him there. Ed Alonzo.

An analyst asked whether there would be additional upside from Fast Lane in 2013, as predicted last year, considering that more growth than expected was realized in 2012. Mr. Ouimet answered, vaguely, that "meaningful opportunity" still exists. There could be a change in philosophy, but I don't think that this response signals one. Tweaking Fast Lane pricing and implementation is nothing new, and revenue has always been the goal. After a full year at all their parks, they're probably better at finding the "sweet spot".

That would look good in Dinosaurs Alive.

Cedar Fair today reported record numbers for 2012 including net revenues of $1.068 billion, up 3.9% year over year, net income of $101.2 million up $30.5 million, and EBITDA up 4.4%. Average guest per capita spending increased 4.8%, gate receipts increased, total debt leverage ratio was reduced to 3.9, and the company reaffirmed it is on pace to achieve $450 million in adjusted EBITDA by 2016. The company did not achieve record in attendance in 2012. Attendance fell slightly and was attributed in part to poor weather, primarily in the fall. The fourth quarter was down 11%. CEO Matt Ouimet stated, “We do not believe we suppressed attendance with pricing.” Ouimet further noted "you do not change pricing strategy due to rainy [October] weather." Meaningful opportunities to build upon the rather late advertising agency change and Fast Lane pass sales were seen for 2013. Cedar Fair continues to study the Fast Lane pass and make refinements to maximize revenues and customer adoption. Traction gained by installment sales of season passes, introduced late in the year last season, was above expectations. New refinements to installment sales, including six payment installments rather than four payments, and an earlier introduction of the installment plan to coincide with ride and park improvement announcements, has improved the productivity in this sales channel. Installment purchase plans for hotel, parking, and meal programs are also seeing favorable adoption by customers. This provides a buffer for poor weather and commits guests to FUN summer plans far in advance thus reducing marketing costs and capturing revenues early. Improvements to sales forces, season pass sales, and a new incentive program for sales staff has lead to record migration to season pass sales, now representing about 40% of park admissions. Season pass sales are up 6%, corporate group business sales were also reported up last year, trends expected to continue. Tighter relationships and management of promotional partnerships was also credited with increasing sales gains. Capital projects are on time, and on budget, with the major projects expected to open as scheduled including Gatekeeper, and the new wooden coaster in California. Four additional parks will receive Point of Sale (POS) systems including the recent completion of the POS system at Knott's Berry Farm. POS will be operating on all parks with the exception of Michigan's Adventure which is expected to be completed by the 2014 season. March and April will see the full implementation of a CMR program. This is expected to allow management to identify additional revenue opportunities and seek incremental sales and revenues. Management expects returns on capital from this system to be "North of 15 percent." High interest bonds are not callable until August 2014 and thus opportunities to reduce those expenses are limited at this time. The additional capital program of $15 to $20 million per year to address hotel refreshment, employee dorms, POS system upgrades, and CRM, announced as a three year plan, was suggested may expand to a fourth year. Hotel refreshment and employee dorm 2014 expenditures are expected to come in the second half of the year. Canada's Wonderland was the leader in sales gains for 2013, primarily attributed to the new coaster introduced last year. The $3 million increase in cost of goods sold was attributed primarily to quality improvements particularly in the food sold on parks. Matt Ouimet was "Very confident headed into 2013." The company reaffirmed the intention to achieve the $2.50 per unit payout announced for 2013. The company attributed the record performance to successful implementation of the FUNForward initiative. Capital plans for 2014 were pegged in the $100 million range. Several areas were left unaddressed in the fourth quarter and year end report and analyst conference call. The status of WindSeeker rides was not addressed much less clarified. It was most disappointing management did not update on that situation. The silence on this topic was stunning. One may infer the WindSeeker news must not be good. An analysis of the food and beverage improvements, particularly at Knott's, was not provided. F&B improvements at other parks was not addressed leaving one to ponder both the success of the Knott's program and future roll-out plans. Specific pricing strategies for premium parking, Fast Lane, and other products were not addressed. No significant new revenue streams were announced. To view the Cedar Fair 2012 financial results press release please see: http://www.cedarfair.com/ir/press_releases/index.cfm?current_root=15&mode=story&story_id=371 Conference Call transcript here: http://seekingalpha.com/article/1203551-cedar-fair-s-ceo-discusses-q4-2012-results-earnings-call-transcript?source=yahoo

Australia and the Islands opened in 2003 (Decade ago) is what I believe Kat is talking about.

Yes, the boat ride line is at a T by the river. However there is no path along the river to the carousel. There is a boardwalk but it only goes to the rental pavilions which I believe are behind Asia Quest.The only way to get to the boat ride through public areas is via Australia and the Islands exhibits (past the gibbons and the komodo dragon). On the map posted above it shows empty space by the boardwalk, behind the carousel, but I'm pretty sure that's all admin buildings.

We went in October and I would say absolutely don't miss it while you're there. It's got several fun flats but the Giant Dipper is a great classic with an absolutely amazing story. They have a nice little museum set up by it about the story, with pictures of it during it's entire life, including the SBNO years and the rebuild. While you're there, make sure you eat at one of the taco shops on Mission Blvd. We ate at Marcy's (it's the smaller one that's over shadowed by big flashy Roberto's on the corner) and it was seriously some of the best food I've ever had. Belmont's Giant Dipper was the first coaster of our honeymoon! Marcy's Taco Shop. Amazing!

Blackstone reports SeaWorld IPO more likely than sale to Apollo or other entities: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-20/blackstone-said-to-favor-seaworld-ipo-as-it-weighs-takeover-bids.html

Speaking of zoos and costs...I visited the San Diego Zoo for the first time last week, and while I really liked it (the Panda exhibits were great...much more close up than the National Zoo), I really have to say that I think overall the Columbus Zoo is better. (I guess that's why the Columbus Zoo is ranked #1 now and the SD Zoo is #2...) But, what really surprised me was the the one day admission cost--$44 per adult. Granted, that includes the sky ride and tour busses, but it was still a little bit of sticker shock when comparing to the Ohio zoos.

They had one of these in Downtown Disney. It's called T-Rex Cafe. It's kind of like a Rainforest Cafe except with Dinosaurs. The family and I ate there when we vacationed at Disney back in 2011 and it was a really neat experience. Maybe KI should put one of these near Dinosaurs Alive, or maybe a scaled down version. It was quite a big place!

So, are they closing off Australia and the Islands and making it a $3.00 upcharge with Dinosaurs? That's what it sounds like to me... I sure hope I'm wrong. The way it seems to me is that just the boat ride will be an up-charge, and there will probably be an area open to everyone with a gift shop and dig site. I can't imagine them closing off the whole Australia and the Islands... sure hope i'm not wrong because I love doing the Kangaroo walkabout and wouldn't want to pay extra to do it

So, are they closing off Australia and the Islands and making it a $3.00 upcharge with Dinosaurs? That's what it sounds like to me... I sure hope I'm wrong.

The park cannot succeed on Louisville alone. The tax incentives require it draw from out of state in certain proportions. If it does not do so, the tax incentives go away. Mr. Hart himself is insistent that the incentives are necessary. Remember, there were no other parties interested in reopening this park. No other bidders. Only one other party even looked into it on a serious basis, and that party did not bid.

Everyone, he is fine... no need to go sending him messages.

The question is, would people rather drive an extra 1-2 hours to two other great amusement parks? I know Kentucky Kingdom already dealt with that competition, but it'll especially be hard because people may already have set parks to visit thanks to its closing for a few years. I think the question is, will people come back? The park had reputation for being rough and despite hardly any major capital investments in its last few years, Six Flags always maintained that it did very well in season pass sales. Yet, the accident. I don't think it recovered well from that publicity and Six bailed pretty quick, taking the only things they felt were worth taking. Now with being closed, the park has a stigma.

Wow that is insane! Is the actual bathead from the ride? Thanks for sharing! In that earlier thread I went into depth about some of these items that I acquired. This example was the first to be pulled from the mold, cast in fiberglass and fully painted for management approval. Somewhere along the way it was decided that not all the colors represented in this example were used once it went into full production. Who knows what those factors may be; money, time, appearance, etc. In any case, it was never used inside the park on the ride. I also own the original presentation of The Beastie logo this is similar in nature to The Bat head. ~Josh

http://www.fox19.com/category/240225/video-landing-page?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8429966

When anyone quotes a post, as I just did, the timestamp in the quote header is five minutes ahead from the timestamp on the original post that was quoted. It seems to be consistent, both in terms of always occurring on every quote, and in terms of always being exactly a five-minute difference. Who's playing with the time machine?

I have been on the fence on going to KI on opening day or to do the Louisville half with some running friends. I see them all the time and besides I have another half marathon schduled for the next weekend that I don't want to miss. I think this would be a great event to do on openong day especially if there are others who would like to do it together. These type of runs are for fun and the more that do it together the funner it is. So who all is in.

The question is, would people rather drive an extra 1-2 hours to two other great amusement parks? I know Kentucky Kingdom already dealt with that competition, but it'll especially be hard because people may already have set parks to visit thanks to its closing for a few years.

I have pictures and videos of most of the dark rides at Disney World. However, taking video or pictures on a dark ride and taking video or pictures on a roller coaster are quite different. Not sure how anyone could get hurt by video taping Pirates of the Caribbean. If you dropped your camera, it'll be your loss. It's not like it's going to fly back and hit someone in the face at 70 miles an hour!

I've crashed into a tree branch on Holiday World's, but nothing ever resembling a snap. I find KI's former Eagles (now Woodstock Gliders at Carowinds) to be the easiest to snap, though I also found Stricker's to be pretty good and of course, Knoebels' famous Flyer is a darn good one as well. Sometimes I'm surprised when highly snappable scooters turn up in small parks unexpectedly. For instance: SS Stingray (formerly Mission Macaw) at Columbus Zoo is insanely snappable. As are the scooters at Fun Spot in Orlando. And neither of them had operators that cared, so I happily snapped away on both. Edited to add: I'm overly amused by how far this ancient topic has derailed. But hey, scooters are a favorite topic of mine, so I'll add to the erosion!

^How about this one then... The real reason they took out the water in Blazing Fury's splashdown was because someone fell out and nearly drowned, but was saved when the fireman finally made it all the way down the pole in the station and pulled them to safety! (You asked for a rumor, you got one...) FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!

Usually, with my husband (dare-to-fly), though if we're with friends I like to switch up riding partners so I can ride with everyone at some point.

^ On a side note: the wild mouse is gone, too. It's at Six Flags New England with the world's longest coaster name ever. The Gravity Group was apparently willing to refurbish Mega Zeph, complete with Timberliners, as a part of a proposed SFNO/Jazzland renovation from a while ago. I wonder if something similar could be in the works for Twisted Twins.

At least I can say I've ridden one coaster in the Top 30 on that list. The Voyage's rank at #3 is further proof that I need to seriously find a way to get to Holiday World this summer...

^Fortunately on Thunderhead, I can usually go down the exit and up the entrance in time for the next train. I remember at Indiana Beach, the ride operators on Hoosier Hurricane and Cornball Express would time the dispatches so both trains would come down the side-by-side hill about the same time. One of the C.E. ops would tell us if our coaster got to the bottom first, that we could go get free tacos from the H.H. ride ops.

Just once, I would have liked to talk about what the OP posted about, TOPGUN1993 in this case. I finally saw an opportunity to discuss this topic, but as soon as I opened it up, I already realized that the topic had been hijacked by "diversion" talk and facepalm pictures. That force the OP to just edit their original entry because they realize it's pointless to even continue. It is something like this that make me not want to be a part of this site anymore. I come here to discuss the topics in the title, not the "diversion." If all the topics start turning to "diversions" then what's the point of even posting? I'm sorry Interpreter, but I don't know what definition you are using for diversion, because when I looked it up on Merriam-Webster it said something that it would be the act of providing entertainment. In reality it ticks me off that it's done one all kinds of topics throwing people off. I'm not entertained. I would rather be entertained by the original topic than a "diversion."

Yes, it is for FUN, but those of us who have been here for a very long time can say it has at least SIX other purposes, from education to fellowship to collaboration to commiseration and on and on. At times, we have dealt with the joys of new life, with the sadness of deaths of family members, friends and even members. Like much of life, to a very large extent, this place is what we make it. Civility is important, yes. That being said, each of us brings a different tone, level of interest, level of information, willingness and/or ability to share information, etc. to this here place. Some who have the most information or insight to share may APPEAR to be the least gracious when in fact that is very seldom the case. Also, many here have known each other for a good many years. Others have not even met. What may appear to be rude may be gentle ribbing. It's paramount we be amused, entertained and informed. It's more important that we not be misinformed on matters of great importance. Stick around a while and the carousel of life will take many turns, some grand and good, others more difficult to accept. If we can help with that, this place has served its porpoise.

The music made the ride and the music made it the intense fun thrill it was,,,

I am The Interpreter. I interpret. I intuit. I advise. I am frequently right. Sometimes I am very wrong. Sometimes I am right at the time, but things change. This was a diversion. Time for thoughts. The signs are there, we must read them and discern what we can. Some ignore the signs, some see them early, others not at all. And that's that. For now.

^Who are you? What do you know? Why do you know it? Have you just pulled the thread bump of the millennium...and why? (I think I'm channeling Hunter S.)

Okay. An old thread. Well worth reading. From post one. Especially NOW. Hmmm. Must choose words (and paths) carefully. An interesting....diversion. Even some....cross threading. For every post like this, there is a reason. A lot can be learned from careful reading of this old thread, and not just by coaster and park fans. Especially now. Two paths lie ahead. Only one will be chosen. And that will make all the difference for years ahead. Which way? One way chosen. One not. A diversion. Yes, a diversion. And how. Well underway. A work...in progress. The best in fun, now playing....out, over time.

Northern California's tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster. Wow, amazing record broken right there.