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Ah. No. We have so much expansion space, why are we so hell bent on ripping out foilige and squeezing in attractions? Let's put in a Ferris Wheel. And some Flyers.

Kings Island: now with 47% more hipster filters!

My view as a local to Geauga Lake: Problem one - Combining Six Flags Ohio and SeaWorld Ohio created - as Six Flags proudly trumpeted - three parks in one: a thrill park, an animal park, and a water park. That is not only huge in terms of theoretical scope, but in terms of size. Two stand-alone theme parks were literally connected together. Two massive parking lots with guests finding out that they'd ended their day near the wrong one. Every year, the park moved and toyed with floating boardwalks, pathways, and ferries to move people between the two separate sides that hadn't been constructed with idea that they'd ever merge. A Google search says that Six Flags Ohio was 520 acres, and SeaWorld was 230. Their merger created a park more than twice as large, land-wise, as Kings Island. It was simply too big. Problem two - Six Flags infused massive amounts of money into the park as Six Flags Ohio during the early years as a clear attempt to compete with Cedar Point. The problems with that theory are plentiful, least of which being that the park didn't have the notoriety or fame that Cedar Point has. Cedar Point arose into pop culture gradually and with record-after-record of quality roller coasters. "Plopping" roller coasters into what had been a local park couldn't have the same effect. Also remember that Six Flags had to bring in their own arsenal of animals to repopulate the "animal park" - everything from orcas to dolphins to fish to sharks to penguins to turtles that SeaWorld had, of course, taken with them when they left. Then, after a notoriously short season, they had to transport those animals elsewhere or take care of them for the six months a year that no guests even saw them. Problem three - The original Geauga Lake and SeaWorld, separately, were local family parks. By making a 700-acre mega-park, Six Flags alienated the clientele that had appreciated both Geauga Lake and SeaWorld for their simplicity. It shouldn't be a surprise that SeaWorld Ohio operated differently from SeaWorld Orlando. No one was under the impression that SeaWorld Ohio was a destination park. It was a local attraction with a few tendrils out into the region. The attempt to market the park as a national destination and a flagship of Six Flags' arsenal hurt long-time visitors. Problem four - The people who DID come to Six Flags Worlds of Adventure for that thrilling, mile-a-minute mega-park experience were greeted by the Six Flags norm of the time (unhelpful and inattentive employees, little interest in cleanliness, questionable operations, "parking lot coasters," rampant greed in food pricing but non-existant ticket-pricing integrity) AND the perils of a family-park turned mega-park (not enough food service, small bathrooms that couldn't keep up with demand, odd layout from organic growth, two parking lots and no simple way to cross the 700 acre facility). Problem five - Despite marketing tying the parks to Cleveland, the park was located about 45 minutes southeast of Cleveland, with much of that drive through rural areas and small towns whose infrastructure would not allow for the massive crowds Six Flags sought. The park's rural location also meant that there were virtually no hotels anywhere near it - because, why would someone need a hotel room to visit little Geauga Lake, given that its primary visitors were locals? Still today the area has hastily-constructed roads where two-lane paths suddenly have three left-turn lanes with a rusted sign pointing to "Geauga Lake" in Cedar Fair font. I don't think anyone would argue that Cedar Point handled the closing of Geauga Lake particularly well and you can, of course, see why locals were ENRAGED by that, but angry even earlier as they saw conditions deteriorate and rides disappear one by one. I don't think Cedar Fair purchased Geauga Lake with the intention of closing it. It's clear, though, that Cedar Point's intention was to downsize the park, perhaps to the size of Michigan's Adventure or Valleyfair, where it would once against settle into the family niche - basically, to remove the four huge coasters Six Flags had added, and replace the animal park with a water park. Not 100% necessarily to "erase Cedar Point competition," but also because that's where the park belonged, and what its infrastructure allowed for. Somewhere along the line, that failed and the result is what we have today - a water park. To my understanding, water parks have a surprisingly high profit margin, and whether we as park-fans like it or not, WildWater Kingdom DOES cater to a family market, with a lot of locals getting season passes for their whole family. It's a shame, and a shock, and a tragic loss for the area, but if you've seen the state of the "rides" side of the park, you recognize that it won't be back. And WildWater Kingdom's "phase II" never happened, so either 1) the park is doing just fine as is, or 2) its fate is undecided, too. EDIT: And Google Map "WildWater Kingdom," then move over to the south side of the lake - everything is gone. Everything. Food stands, gates, fountains, bathrooms, etc. are all square piles of rubble.

Another musical revue.... Once upon a time shows at Kings Island had story lines and not just song, song, song (more accurately song snippet, song snippet, song snippet).

I loved the Dollar Days! I ate WAY too many cheese coneys and pizza slices that day! Up until last year, we were one of those families that, if we were staying the whole day at the park, we ate in the parking lot. With the introduction of Fun Perks and the special deals such as the burger combos in Soak City, we didn't have a parking lot picnic at all in 2012. On the visits that I didn't have the family with me, Hank's Burrito Shack increased my personal per cap too (GatorGirl's a picky eater and didn't like anything there, hence the reason I ate there when they weren't with me). Chipotle-like food, rewards for spending money, better meal deals that a family of three or individuals can actually use (unlike the old "Buy a pizza, 4 salads and 4 drinks for $XX.99 deals they had in the past) and now the re-introduction of German food to the park... I see myself continuing to spend more money in the park again this year.

Right, but funperks allows them to look at pass holders as a group and see what they are buying and when. Typically pass holders do not buy much in the parks. If they can figure out what they are buying and entice them to buy more, they can generate more revenue off of the pass holders. How many pass holders do you know that pack a lunch, eat it out in the parking lot, and typically do not spend a dime in the park on any given visit? From a business standpoint, you want those pass holders spending money inside the park instead of eating a packed lunch in the car. FunPerks is an attempt to get them spending more money inside of the park.

I've heard a lot of people say the park was doomed when SeaWorld left. I've heard people say the Six Flags trying to directly compete with Cedar Point and adding too many rides in a short period of time is what doomed the park. We've all heard that Cedar Fair bought it for the sole purpose of closing it and sending the rides to other parks. I'm sure only a select group really know. I tend to think it was Six Flags' rapid expansion of the park that started the end. The park couldn't support the extra rides all at once, and all they did was increase the operating costs. The park relied on its charm. Family picnics, local business' outings, and small families is what made Geauga Lake work. When Six Flags tried to commercialize it and make it Cedar Point Over Cleveland (made that up) it just couldn't sustain a worthwhile profit. I really have no clue, it is just my opinion. I do, however, think you are insane if you think Cedar Fair bought it just to close it.

I want those to come back! I'd actually watch the shows if they had a plot!

The circuit is now complete! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151290488511463&set=a.319129566462.158310.10625691462&type=1&theater

While I agree with the theory that you are stating, your examples can be determined without Funperks involved. (If you want to know which pizza location is busier, just look at the hourly sales and compare.) Funperks can be used to determine the actions of individual consumers. (EX: They always walks to Planet Snoopy to buy ice cream when they get pizza.)

I didnt even know she had them until a few years ago. I dont even know if she knows where she put them. Lol Mom has a way of putting things in a place that is SO safe, she doesnt even know where it is. Lol

Don't quote me 100% on this, but I do believe that they have had camp outs in the park in the past for private groups. That is, IIRC.

I am also interested in seeing how KK goes. I just have a hard time believing they can draw people in if it ever opens.

There is...just not next to Kings Island....just kidding, just kidding.

Once my wife learned it was like the color run and I had off work she wanted to do it. I have done one 5k in my life. That was my freshman year at Eastern Kentucky. They have a 5k every year at homecoming, and I had a professor offer extra credit if we participated in the race. I did not plan on doing it, until I woke up earlier than earlier that normal that day and was bored. That was a mistake.

Fun Perks was sweet and I LOVED the unlimited drinks wristband! Something else I hope they do again this season is the Dollar Days weekend. Anyone take advantage of that? It was amazing!

I modified my post^ I have never bought fastlane since I don't usually do the rides. I'm fine and happy just walking around, people watching or taking pictures of the rides/shows. I don't play the games...don't think I played a game since I was kid, lol. As far as food goes, occasionally I'll hit up Skyline, but that's it. So funperks just...not necessary for me. I'm more likely to buy something at a park I don't get to visit much. (like....SeaWorld XD)

I loved the FunPerks program last year and I think it was a great idea by Cedar Fair, I hope they bring it back but not sure, haven't heard any word from CF or KI about it.

Ark Park was supposed to start construction in 2012 and be open by 2014. They haven't even broken ground yet. I am pretty sure their timetable has been delayed. They have less than 50% of the 24.5M they need to build the first phase. When is Ark Park going to open again? Who is more realistic with their plan? Ark Park ranks right up there with the Cincinnati Streetcar, in terms of worthlessness. If I was a betting man, and at times I am, I'd place my chips on the plan with some financing and repeated gubernatorial support than the park currently seeking financing that had skeptical gubernatorial support. Who is more realistic with their plan? At this point, I wouldn't say the guy who claimed there'd be a B&M in Louisville in 2015 and is now saying that it's going to be just a waterpark for now. Hopefully his hart is in it though. As for the streetcar: "You mad, bro?" Taking swipes at me just because I don't view the Kentucky Kingdom situation through the same rose colored glasses you do isn't going to help you convince me otherwise. You know what the main difference is between Kentucky Kingdom and the Cincinnati Streetcar? I'll ride a streetcar through downtown Cincy before I even have the chance to ride a coaster at Kentucky Kingdom.

^^I actually think the looks kind of cool.

Well, if you aren't going to try them, I would try them out for you.

When I was 8, my mom and I had gone to Universal Studios. The day we went, 3 of the main attractions were experiencing difficulties, so we were issued vouchers to return. We also got do a walk through tour of the earthquake ride. We never did get to go back to the park though. Mom says the vouchers dont expire, but after 23 years, I doubt they'd still take them...lol

Would love to see the return of the giant slide. Just a stupid fun little ride!

Kings Island officially announced their own Instagram account today, making the park on approximately 3 social networks (Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram), what do you think about this new step in social networking by KI, I like it personally, although I usually get most of my local KI information from this site, and sometimes via facebook. BB1 who never tweets, but will follow on Instagram.

I think the bigger problem that they will face is the fact that a lot of the patrons seem to have migrated to Holiday World the last few years. Splashin' Safari is (IMO) vastly superior to what KK is now and it would seemingly take years to bring it anywhere close to on par (if that is even the plan). Now there is little doubt that some (perhaps even a vast majority) of those who live in and around Louisville will give KK a chance next May. But how many will go back after that first visit? Can Hart assemble a team that can match the perceived value of HW and level of service that the Koch's have in Santa Claus?

What caught my attention is "live band." Hopefully this carries over to most of the other live shows in the park.

I like the graphic:

I like the photo of the day, but I'd much rather have the blog. And now both are gone.

May I suggest the Couch-to-5K Running Plan this time?

I think a large part of the reason I got to level 4 was those magically delicious loaded nachos at Hanks. It was filling while being somewhat light and healthy. There's nothing more unappealing to us than heavy cheesy pizza on a hot day. I'm sure it has something to do with our age. I was told by a Customer service manager (in the room where you get your photos taken, tall young woman with long black hair, blue shirt. I didn't get a name, for those of you ready to pounce) last year when we were renewing our passes that Funperks was a big success and would be back in 2013.

What people fail to realize, is that just like your Kroger card, Fun perks lets the park analyze trends among its pass holders and what they are buying. This helps them tailor not only the perks offered, but can help with staffing. If the I-Street LaRosa`s is busier than Rivertown at 3pm on Tuesdays, then it might make sense to staff the I Street one with an extra employee. Another thing it could do is allow them to have dynamic pricing. Much like the Reds just announced, where the cost of tickets will depend on the opponent and expected crowd. Since many of the park`s food stands now have video menu boards, they can change the pricing (in theory) to adjust for days when it is less busy or for when it is cold out and people are less likely to buy ice cream, for example.

what do you mean you can't get into the funperks?

http://www.cedarpoint.com/season-passes Highlights include WindSeeker is no longer early entry 10% off at all sit down resturants Apparently there will now be Sliders at Burger Patio (Buy a slider basket, get a slider sandwich free) Gatekeeper currently has a 52" restriction. There are many more discounts and perks, it is worth your time to look it over.

I could see it coming back. Not now, not in 5 years from now, but the possibility is there for the future. After all, Cedar Fair still owns the land. It's just a matter of cleaning up the land and opening a select few family attractions. I think the park could work very well if it were comprised similarly to Coney Island. The way I see it, it has a shot. More of a shot than Kentucky Kingdom, anyways.

A lot of mistakes were made, but I think combining the two parks was the biggest one. It made sense for one operator to own both properties and consolidate overhead. It didn't make sense to try and have one undervalued ticket for both parks. Secondly I think CF should have remodeled the former waterpark and expanded it into the area occupied by Steel Venom, Head Spin, X-Flight etc. Then they could have sold off the Seaworld side of the lake (or better yet operate a seperate zoo). As for the future, I'd like to see an FEC built adjacent to WWK. It would be something to extend length-of-stay and increase revenue. If Merlin bought the property they could put a Sea Life Aquarium in the former Shark Encounter facility. One of the other vacant buildings could be used for a Legoland Discovery Center.

Flight of Fear will always hold a special place in my heart as it was my first ever looping roller coaster. I always enjoy Flight of Fear, it seems that on some days you can catch it running really well and on others it just doesn't do it for me. It is always a must ride for me though however.

My account is working fine as well and shows my 2012 information. However, it shows me as −23.67% of the way to four stars, which makes no sense; how could that be a negative number?

I like that he strolls through the park and noshes fries. At least this helps explain the seemingly small things that are improving. Seeing the park at guest eye level helps.

I now know how to pronounce Ouimet.

"SF only made it away with Chang. They wanted more. Brought in cranes and trucks. The Fair Board put an end to that with getting a permanent injunction against SF when they broke their lease, and had Metro Police at the park waiting for SF to show back up. Needless to say the cranes and trucks left and never came back. The bankruptcy settlement for SF and the state clearly shows SF being let out of their lease, and the state getting all remaining rides, and all the property SF owned around KK as belonging to the state." Six Flags also removed Road Runner. Of course if were not talking rides, SF also removed all theming elements, games and supplies. The park was stripped and what was left were the things SF found to be of "non importance."

Hoping to steer back to the original happy discussion originally on this thread... So hey, place sure looks different 41 years later, doesn't it?

Sounds like a good time. How about wearing OLD clothes. People do still have these, right?

Flight Commander was fun, unless the rider happened to be very, very drunk.

There is now.

Now if they would also add an authentic German brass band playing some German music as you dine on brats, sauerkraut and German potato salad, it would be heaven for a German/American like myself! It would bring back the days of old when it was how it used to be when the park first opened.

YAY!!!! I started a rumor. Whoever runs that facebook page needs to check their sources.

And what is Flight Deck? A scrambler?

^^Actually, there will be many roller coasters at Kings Island next year. About 15 of 'em.

The layout is cool. I like that. But the location stinks, quite frankly. I guess one could call me an Adventure Express activist, but I will reiterate what I have stated in the past: No rides by Adventure Express! And while you're at it, plant some trees that will actually grow tall (unlike the few dogwoods we got in Rivertown) and plant them by the first tunnel so as to obstruct Drop Tower and our Skycoaster! What happened to our secluded Express?

I want an Intamin so bad. Either an Intamin Giga or an Intamin Blitz coaster. I don't really want another B&M for a while, especially not another sit down one with no inversions.