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At the park today. Took some nice n' perty snapshots of the first track pieces and more. and for yall on mobile: here

I had to play with the other marching band Section and Squad leaders at freshmen orientation in the morning, and then had to stay for a short meeting with the director immediately after. By then it was around 9 in the morning, and I headed home to get changed and pack some sandwiches. Previously my mom and I had planned to go the park once I was finished with what I needed to do, so once we were packed and changed we left for the park. My dad had to work so it was just the two of us (I've said it before, but I'm so glad to have a mom who loves to ride coasters.) We arrived around 11:45 and were greeted with blue, sunny skies, temperatures in the low 70s, and a light cool breeze. Perfect amusement park weather. 1st ride of the day was Millennium. Waited about 45 minutes and then waited just a little more for the front row, which is the best place to ride it (except at night--bugs!). I really don't get how people can call this coaster forceless. At the bottom of the first drop I sometimes gray out. This is such an awesome ride. I never get tired of going on it. Next we decided to hit up Magnum since we haven't gone on it our last few trips. While we were walking over my mom felt a splat on her shoulder, and it turned out that she got crapped on by a seagull. Luckily it was just a small amount, so she easily cleaned it off. But it was still funny and we both laughed about it. Once we got to Magnum we were surprised to see that it had a 1/2 wait, but it was nice to see a classic coaster getting some love. We just picked a random row toward the back and had fun. It's a little rough and jerky but I still love it. The ejector airtime is so much fun. After this we went to Dragster, which had the same wait time as Magnum (hard to believe you could wait the same length for these rides). But we waited in line for the front row so the total wait was a little longer for us, but the front row is the best place to ride on it and is totally worth it. Hands up the whole time! (as always on coasters). Since the line was pretty short compared to some days, we got back in line and rode it again, except this time in a random row toward the back. I forgot how much airtime you can get over the top of the hill when sitting in the back. What a great ride, and it will always be better than Kingda Ka, IMO. By then we were getting hungry and all morning we were smelling Panda Express, so that's where we had a late lunch. The food there is really good, and I'd recommend it if you've never been there before. It was nice just sitting down, relaxing, people watching, and watching all the birds eat crumbs. We then walked back up toward the front of the park and after an unusually long line for Dodgems (almost a 1/2 hour, but there was only 1 employee at this ride), and a fun ride on Cedar Downs, we went over to Gatekeeper since by now the line should have died down. When we got over there we discovered that it was down with an empty train partway up the lift. We waited in the growing line forming outside the entrance, but soon a worker told everyone that it would be a while before it would be running again. She really stressed the words "a while" and advised people to leave and ride other things. So my mom and I went over to Raptor, and 15 minutes later we were riding in the front row. The front is the best place to ride on this coaster, too. Now I really can't wait for KI to get Banshee, since if it's anything like Raptor this is gonna be an awesome new ride. It will not only be a new experience to the park, but will be a ride that will please guests for years to come. I can only hope it's just as intense as Raptor, which it looks to be, however I do love corkscrews/flat spins on inverts but the heartline roll looks promising on Banshee. Even though hardly any time had past since we were last over there, we decided just to check out Gatekeeper one more time before moving on since we saw it testing empty trains. Lucky for us as soon as we walked into the plaza, they opened the line back up. So much for the ride being down for "a while." So we got right in line and 5-10 minutes later were in my favorite seat, the back left. Then we went on it again with only a lightly longer line and rode the front right. Had great rides as usual. I really do love this new coaster. Now I've been on it I think 12 times so far this year and I still enjoy it as much as the 1st time. Then we got a quick ride on good 'ole Blue Streak before moving on. After this we went to Power Tower and noticed that all the midges and bugs were starting to come out. We rode the drop side, since I prefer it out of the 2 sides. We got lucky and got seats 11 and 12, which are the seats facing toward the midway and the rest of the park. The view from the top is awesome, and it's just a fun ride in general. It was around 8:30, and we wanted to make Millennium our last ride of the day like we always like to do. So we just wanted to have a low key end to our day and leisurely strolled from Power Tower, back around into Frontier Town, and went through Frontier Trail and admired the Starlight Experience. Even though it's not officially called this anymore, I still do. People are mesmerized by it, and I hear tons of people saying how cool it is. It's not as good as when it was the official Starlight Experience, but it's still really nice. Just as we were about to walk into the line for Millennium, a man got our attention and did something extremely kind. He offered to give us a Front of the Line Pass valid for 2 people that he had won at the Plinko game set up right outside the ride's entrance. He was with his family and told us they had already been on the ride and were done for the day. We were very lucky, since if we would have been there even 30 seconds later he could have already given it to someone else. We were very thankful and told him how kind he was and how much it meant. So we headed back to the exit. It felt really weird walking up through the exit, especially when getting strange looks by people walking past us getting off the ride. Once at the top, we gave the coupon to a ride op, and he opened a gate to the line and we got in line right at the station. Since the front row is horrible at night due to bugs, we rode in the last row. We had an incredible ride, and at night you feel like you're going even faster than you already are. This ride is always a perfect way to end a day at the Point. We were planning on leaving, but while making our way toward the front of the park we realized Luminosity was about to start, and since this would be our last opportunity to watch it before it was done for the season, we decided to at least stay and watch some of it. Even though we've already seen it before, it's a fun show and is a nice way to end the night. We ended up staying for the entire show, and even stayed for the entire dance party after. There was a group of incredible dancers, and everyone formed a circle around them. The performers from Luminosity even went over to them, shook their hands, applauded them, and one of the performers even got on his knees and bowed to them. Seriously, they were that good. I think they and the performers even exchanged numbers or something. Overall we had an awesome visit to the park. It was my last CP trip of Summer Vacation, since I'll be in school the next time we head out. Other than Gatekeeper being down for a short while, there were really no problems we encountered. All other rides seemed like they ran great. And we still can't believe how we were given front of the line passes, it really made our day.

Some much quicker than others. Some more quickly and easily repaired than others.

Who designed the ride and specified the parts? If a part fails on your relatively new Toyota, do you blame Toyota? They specified the part.

Be careful about posting where you are working for Haunt. In years past, the park has not been amused by those who do so prior to the official Haunt announcement/unveiling.

Don talking about the first pieces of track arriving. I didn't see this video on here. Sorry if it already is.

O'Terpy has been waiting to say he sees a a blue B&M at CP

Huh? Cedar Point DID get a new world record breaking coaster this year. Perhaps you missed it. It's at the front gate. It's a B&M. And it's blue.

So blue supports will morph to pink by next season?

On Tuesday I had the distinct honor and great pleasure of being filmed at KI for a news segments that aired today in Louisville. I can't tell you how excited I was to be asked to be the "enthusiast" perspective for these pieces. Many thanks to Don and KI for thinking of me!!! Its been about 12 years since I was last filmed riding a coaster and thechnology has completely changed. No longer are there huge camera mounts to worry about... or downtime while footage is monitored between takes. Not there's simply small little digital cams that suction cup to the trains. One take... simple and easy! The news reporter, Keith Kaiser is to be thanked as well, since he made a difficult task for me (being interviewed on camera - always daunting) easy and relaxed. We filmed the on-ride Diamondback take first, then the Diamondback interview off ride, then we moved to The Beast and were filmed riding, then finished up with the off-ride Beast interview. Following that, Don was interviewed on the Tower discussing Banshee. Here's a link to the segments in case you are interested in seeing them. There's 2 of them... one on DB and one on Beast. Please be kind... no nasty remarks. I'm no TV personality, I just love talking KI. http://www.wdrb.com/story/23142551/keith-kaiser-rides-the-roller-coasters-at-kings-island-in-anticiaption-of-their-newest-roller-coster

We got at the park at 10:30 and headed toward the kiddy rides with my little brother. We rode boo blasters on the hill Woodstock whirlybirds and race for your life Charlie brown. after that we went to our car to eat some lunch later on we rode Kings Island & Miami valley railroad. We also rode Eiffel Tower Adventure Express flight deck and the railroad again we left at about 8:10. Enjoy these videos and photos Here is me next to lew brown Diamond Back Vortex and Beast Me chilling out at the train station Diamond Back in action Banshee construction site In the cab of lew brown

Since it's now a tornado, I completely agree. No ride is worth risking your life and the lives of park employees. Tornados are not to be trifled with, as those in Xenia, Joplin, Ringold and way too many places know all too well. To leave a park open or even to stay in one that is in the known, sure path of a tornado would be the height of irresponsibility. Oddly, I was faced with exactly this situation, except with far less and less certain warning, at Stricker's many years ago. We quickly went to the nearest ditch. Some foolishly went to their cars.

I'd stay and enjoy whatever I liked, safe in the knowledge if a worker was relaying future park information, it was almost certainly wrong. If all else failed, I could hide under or inside my tombstone. O'Terpy..the silent ones are guilty.

Indeed, but the Toyota owner blames Toyota if his or her new Prius quits working due to a defective widget.

Especially with the emphasis on uptime, safety and reliability. Downtimes do not help business. At all.

Great job! I'm still trying to get used to seeing you with the beard though! (Although I do agree with TTD-120-420. I'll be starting to grow my own here in a few days for Hauntly purposes, much to the chagrin of Mrs. Gator & GatorGirl).

I'm probably late in posting these, haven't checked the forum in days bc of work but at the park now and took pics

I wouldn't ride anything, and neither would I leave the park (I don't want to be stuck in traffic). I would find shelter in the park instead. I don't mess with tornadoes. I know what they can do. I was at home when the 2000 tornado struck Xenia. That tornado, I believe an F4, passed less than a quarter mile from my house, close enough to damage the roof. Houses two blocks away directly in the path were reduced to piles of rubble. I've also seen pictures and heard stories of the 1974 tornado. My mother was at home watching her younger siblings that day. When the tornado approached, she took her siblings into the bathroom. Minutes later, the bathroom was the only room in the house left standing. Like I said, I know what tornadoes can do. I don't mess with them.

Guest- "I'd like a one day admission, please" KI Employee- "Sure. That'll be $186.58." Guest- "No thanks. I'll go to the zoo and see the monkeys instead" I just threw that last line in because seriously who doesn't like monkeys?

Several years ago, there was a huge wind storm that blew through the area on a Sunday in September. It blew down trees and left thousands without power for several days. I saw the umbrellas out by the picnic area by the season pass building bent at a 45 degree angle and the trees were blowing and bending. You might had seen all the bare trees by the picnic area without leaves. Those were toast by that storm. Trees were down every where as I was driving home. The park had closed early due to that storm.

The park will be shutting down and will guide the guests to the nearest shelter to seek safety. The last thing you want is to have thousands of guests getting in their cars and being caught in traffic and being sitting ducks in the direct path of the tornado. Terpy, what do you want on your tombstone? Me, I prefer pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and onions.

Again, Cedar Point has plenty of room to expand. That it does not is one of the biggest myths in the park business. And that is without removing anything or expanding into the parking lot. And few in the target market care who has the most coasters.

I would rather leave I wouldn't take the chance to ride anything.

Oh, it's watching. It's definitely watching. As buying decisions are made, past experiences are recalled.

Thought about going on Wicked Twister and Maverick but sort of ran out of time. I'll be sure to go on them my next visit (maybe Labor Day). As for Witches Wheel, I can't go on rides that spin. I'm fine on coasters, but put me on a spinning flat and I'll turn green. Yes, believe it or not. A lady in line in front of us said that the day before it was down for a long time too. It really must be jealous of Banshee.

And that it is, for him, the best big blue steel coaster at Cedar Point.

^ KI has a sign outside the Troika calling it Shake, Rattle & Roll.

If ERT was an hour on Saturday I would go, I still might if I wake up early enough and feel the need for a Beast ride.

Can we please edit down the huge piles of nested quotes? It's a tad annoying to have to scroll through nearly two screens to read three words, plus it wastes data for those on mobile devices. Thanks.

I loved that ride!

Yet the picture they posted shows it covered in light bulbs.

Went to the park on Thursday about 1 pm. When we first for there we took a lap around the whole park. I asked my friend if he wanted to try anything. I ponted out Backlot, Adventure Express, and Flight Deck. He said he wanted to take a look at Backlot again. So we went back over and just watched it for a while from different angles. Eventually he said he wanted to see the coasters from the Eiffel Tower. As we were going up and on the observation deck he was perfectly fine. The heights didn't bother him at all so I really didn't know how he would react on a ride. He chose to try Adventure Express first. The first helixes in Backlot worried him. He was fine the whole time in line. Unfortunately the park was busier than I thought it'd be so the wait was a little longer than I intended. We picked the 3rd row of a middle car. As he sat down it hit him and I could see he wanted to get out. He was already reaching for something to hold on to. Apparently he has to hold on to something attached to the car not just the restraint. He stuck it out though and stayed on. When the train started moving he was just leaning forward eyes closed and holding on for dear life. I talked to him the whole ride and prepared him for what was coming up. The second anticlimactic lift hill came and he seemed to relax a little. As we walked down the exit ramp I asked him if he was ok and how he handled it. He said he was fine then I asked him if it was fun. He said "oh yeah!". While his adrenaline was up we rode it again. He still freaked out a little but was already getting better. Think adult with a bad phobia not scared child. That's kind of how he reacted. After riding AE about 3 times he was ready to try Backlot. That didn't go quite as well as AE but he still said it was fun. He really liked Adventure Express so we ended up riding that about 10 times. Eventually he wanted to sit up front and in the back by himself. We did Backlot a couple more times and he did enjoy them and never freaked out. I was hoping that Adventure Express would get to where he was bored with it. That never really happened though. He had fun every single ride all the way through the last of the night. I think it went pretty well. Despite all of the statistics about safety and all of the redundant safety systems I told him about it did not matter. It really is more like a phobia for him than just being a chicken. Most importantly we had fun. He is also talking about getting a Gold Pass next season and wanting to try Flight Deck next, then FoF. It almost sounded like he wants to go back again this season.

How about they let the eagles soar once again at Kings Island! <a href="http://s362.photobucket.com/user/x241/media/image-12.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo63/x241/image-12.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo image-12.jpg"/></a> i was fortunate enough today to ride them once again at kings dominion.

"Mike was intrigued by the way you are held into the Diamondaback....It's like a really fast Hoveround" LMAO!!! I just pictured a trainload of senior citizens riding the ride.

You have an amazing beard, sir.

As Terpy said... Pshaw! I can assure you that my sentiments are my own, are always honest (to a fault and sometimes brutally so) direct and heartfelt. I always say what I mean, and mean what I say. I pride myself on being a man of my word. Oh... and my advance speculating continues. Would you like me to share what I forsee as an obvious forthcoming change to KI property? Naaaah, lets let 2014 things simmer a bit for before I drop that on you ;-) No need to shake things up just yet. LOL!

Very cool to see you on television Shaggy! Looks like you had an awesome experience! And you did a great job on there.

Airtime. In every sense! Great job, Mr. Shaggy.

What's so awesome about Millennium Force? Drop, overbank, hill, overbank, overbank, hill, overbank, brakes.

I was corrected for calling the Scrambler the Scrambler by the ride-op at the Columbus Zoo, apparently they put up a sign outside the ride calling the Scrambler the Dust Devil? I told the ride-op politely you should pay a bit more attention to the ride you operate, It is a Scrambler! My two year old is going to be confused why she can't ride it at Kings Island now, they have a 36" limit, so she could ride with big sister and myself. They had a blast smashing into old Dad.

You'll miss a very special time at Dollywood if you don't go for Smoky Mountain Christmas. And, if it's like in years past, you can buy a season pass then, get in the park this year and next.

Giant Frisbee. The generic name for Delirium. Huss calling it that!

http://rcdb.com/501.htm (teehee...) I love Blazing Fury as well.

Glad to read that all went well with your friend. Repeated trips and he will have Coaster Fever in no time. Was nice of you to be easy on him and make it his day. It has taken a few seasons to get my daughter (11) on the big ones. She now loves The Beast and The Racer. Hoping she wants to try Diamondback soon.

Currently neither elevator can access the 50ft, many modifications would be necessary Also lucky bugger...block checks were all manual for many rides at cp

Poor, little Gerstlauer. Nobody loves them.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I will say again...... isnt it funny how, in Feb of 09 at the unveiling at GK headquarters, it was told to those of us who where there that those trains were designed SPECIFICALLY for Voyage?? I still say they just put too much effort into that high five-ing ride in China (imagine that) and Wooden Warrior at Quassy, because those were bigger money makers then actually making them work on Voyage Priority number 1 and only to fulfil their contract and make good on their word. Not enough of that goin' 'round these days.

You're not clueless. There is nothing to see in that photo. It is just the Point performing a poor attempt to tease. Especially when taking into consideration Terp's post.

No camping signs, scarecrows and Snickers bars show more ingenuity and cleverness.

You should install a nice, 5-chime steam whistle on your lawn mower for the complete package!