Leaderboard

^ that is exciting! What is the distance from the ground to the track there? And as a follow up, what will the clearance be from the ride vehicle to the ground? It will be enough.

Here's a look at the base of the first drop on Banshee.

Here are my pics from tonight Banshee looks awesome in the fog!

After a long time of being busy, I finally have time to share a bit on my day. So to begin, I got up there with my family member near the end of the interview with the Reds player. Instantly I thought "Halloween, really?". We picked up our lanyards and headed over to Rivertown Pizza for lunch. Now I didn't wait in the line and walked to Madam Fatale's. When I walked in I noticed a few things. First, it really used the existing structure very well. Secondly, I was next to a KIC group, which i got the sense of how many people were actually going to be here. After i ate lunch and headed to Flight of Fear. Even before I go on, I love Flight of Fear, hands down it is my favorite steel coaster period. Then I went to Wolf Pack, even more KIC members were there! I liked Wolf Pack, though I think that the theme could use a bit more on placement issues. Being around there led me to ride of course Flight Deck. Then I was left with 30 minutes to spare prior to the Banshee tour. So, BB1, being BB1 rode Delerium and a other ride, making it back just in time to go into Banshee tour. The crowd infront of Banshee was immense, recognizing members like Jcgoble, NoChickens, Malem, even the most greatest Dane. After a short wait we shimmied into the enterance and entered the site. The whole area was quite an sight, and I was VERY happy to see my old BB guest services building still back there. With that I got a sense of how big the coaster was going to be and the supports as well, with the layout in the 'noggin I made sure to check out the whole site under the restrictions laid out of course. With this I took many many photos, and was quite thankful to be able to enter such a place. Thank you so much for this! After this it was off to the Diamondback tour, which it was great being able to see the coaster up close and on the ground rather than being on the steel beast itself. Then I headed to the IR for the q and a session, which thankfully we learned there are no Intamin products in the future. I actually got to put more names to faces here, but do note that no one has yet to connect the BB1 puzzle. The session itself was great and very informative, which led to the final rides of The Beast for 2013 summer season. Really it was fun meeting a few of you and i hope this can be repeated again. Few side notes: Brony backpack, as stated before, is awesome, period. Sometime during this day there was a WindSeeker ride Best part was probably the Banshee walkthrough, although seeing BB stuff on the DB tour made my day as well. Hopefully we can do this again soon!

Then what would a new go-kart track be? A fake addition?

I recall once hearing that the go-karts were included with admission on a company buy-out day a few years back. The line was literally hours long. Unless the park found a way to turn a typically low-capacity attraction into a high-capacity one, it's unlikely. Plus, instead of spending the funding to add another go-kart attraction, the park could instead invest in an actual addition.

Don't feel too bad, I had the same thought as you the first time I went to Haunt and noticed the sign gone.

Yesterday was the first time in the park for me all year. Did a bunch of haunt stuff and midnight rides on Beast/Diamondback (awesome all the way around). However, when you first see the lift hill for Banshee it is awesome! Maybe its not the tallest coaster in the world or fastest, but when you walk into that side of the park it is an awesome sight. Looking forward to next season!

Huh? 2013 − 1926 = 87. Where are you getting 100?

Will the ride have a height limit for riders?

Huh? A. Read the Don post above yours. B. The Carousel is now older than the Tumble Bug was when it was removed. No matter how you look at it, the Carousel has operated at Kings Island at an older age than Tumble Bug ever did. Since the Tumble Bug no longer exists, it no longer gets older. How old is Son of Beast? Really? It WAS 12 when it was removed. It isn't 13 now. How old is a house that burned down 20 years ago and was replaced? That old house doesn't get any older. Had the house been moved, like a ride from Coney to KI, sure...but once dismantled, age stops. Had you asked what WAS the oldest ride ever to operate, your answer would arguably be correct. (but still could be arguably wrong) You didn't. You asked what IS the oldest. The Carousel has LASTED longer and IS the oldest. People and rides in cemeteries don't get older. They just gradually get forgotten. Most of them. Sadly. Your title makes it even worse: Oldest Operating Ride At Kings Island. THAT is clearly the Grand Carousel. Your question as worded would give linguists, lawyers, philosophers and Jeopardy judges both a field day and a headache. Telling Carousel answerers they are wrong is probably not right. Linguist Terpy.

There is a curved in portion of the splash down that was built for a splash zone, but it was fenced in. It's not a big area but you can see that it is the only area that water splashes from the pool. There were never plans to extend the pathway down by the Diamondback splash pool in order to create a "splash zone." If you look at the ride's original blueprints, renderings and promo photos - what you mention wasn't in the cards. Before the ride opened, each train had different "fins" on it, each one creating a different effect for the splash down. None of them shot outwards. There were a couple different things. Essentially you would queue through there and see various displays that depicted how an aircraft carrier operated. There were mock "Am-Ram" and "Phoenix" missiles on display (common armaments on the F-14 Tomcat), a model aircraft carrier that lit up, a missile that would rumble and bellow steam as if it were firing, a radar panel and an area for an employee to sit and perform height checks.

Pictures will come very soon.

I actually just saw them perform at Ball State on the 28th of September and they put on one hell of a show! Not to mention I have all of their albums. They sound just as good live as they do on their albums and are super charismatic! But if they made a stop at KI for a Haunt some time, you bet I'd be there! That would just make a trip to KI that much more awesome!

The Flight Deck sign is removed each year for Haunt... So what's the "big sign?"

Just confirmed from Don that Tumble Bug was oldest operating ride during its years at KI as Dodgems aren't original ones that were at Coney-therefore correct answer indeed is Tumble Bug. I feel vindicated. ( lol.)

Maybe they are cleaning out the queue to move that long queue all the way back to the field before the staircase, thereby opening up the entire area from the bridge back for a few flat thrill rides....someone mentioned Spooky Hollow. I think that is a great idea starting from Banshee back to the woods. There would be space for maybe two exciting flat rides in that area, and maybe a shop or food stand too. Personally, I'd put a Tilt-a-whirl and a Flying Eagles back there. Eventually, they could eliminate Timberwolf Amphitheater and open up a chunk of property to circle through the "Hollow"

We had one at Cedar Point last month. GatorGirl saw the sign and asked "What's an elephant ear?" I said "That's it, we're getting one!" It was purely for educational purposes, of course!

Hmm I personally like the more natural feeling of Diamondback compared to the pool blue effect of Griffon Splashing down. Also the natural look fits Rivertown much nicer...

I believe it is the Grand Carousel.

to make up for my stupidity I looked every where for flight deck apparel/gifts and only found these shirts in the $10 and under store, on clearance, for $5. and this hat for $5 as well. that's all i could find. i grabbed the red and black stats one. also, saw this shirt? not sure if it's just talking about the rides being wild or what. homestar92, I've been every year. I just never payed too much attention but I'm hopeful for The Bat idea.haha

I wish I could've said this earlier, but WindSeeker is another great night ride. It's one of my favorites. (Sorry if it's too late to say this...)

As long as it 6'3 Im happy.

You think?

The rides the park opened with, still there and didn't bring from Coney Island. Racer. Eiffel Tower. Woodstock Express. come immediately to mind... Anything else?

Weather KI had plans or not for a splash zone (which it didn't)... I think the fact of the matter is we all wish KI included one with the ride because lets admit it, it is kind of pointless without one. Also, look how clean the splashdown looks in that photo.

I don't see how having an "indent" instead of a perfect circle means B&M designed it specifically to have a guest area there. Is there evidence of this on other splashdowns with the same design?

More than two years after announcing its intentions, Disney has officially announced the details of the much-despised-by-fans PANDORA - The World of Avatar land coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom sometime between 2016 and 2018. To be honest, it's better than I thought. Still things I'd much prefer, but it's done well. It really does look on-scale with Cars Land. The general consensus so far is that it's not as awful as everyone thought, but still not preferable. Still, I hope they follow through and make it as grand as these plans!

Looks really close to the ground. Everyone with long legs will be tucking them up under them!

Almost everyone I know uses them interchangeably. It drives me bonkers.

^ He did, via Twitter last week.

As goodyellowkorn182 mentioned, needing the assistance of the fire department to evacuate the guests makes it noteworthy and newsworthy. On the contrary, the article over the summer about Kings Island's Adventure Express being evacuated (Link - http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/news/kings-islands-adventure-express-evacuated/nYGX8/) is far from newsworthy. And regarding HRRR, I personally found the ride pretty enjoyable when I rode it last summer

The main reason I decided to drive 8 hours for KI suddenly (It would make more sense to go next season, but maybe I'll be back next season as well!) is because I saw they are open until 1am, and I agree KI has a great lineup for night rides! Also, I can go to Stricker's Grove on Sunday. Never thought I'd get the chance to go there. I went on Flight Deck years ago and loved it! Ready to try it at night.

You are all wrong. It is 3:05 in the morning. There are no operating rides.

Here's a Bing overview, from here

Back in my cleanup crew days we coined this as Lake Cleanup and would take our pop breaks back there.

Thanks, Don!

Correct there were never plans in the blue prints, however the splashdown, designed by B&M includes an indented portion where part of the splash leaves the pond. CF probably decided not to include that as a part of the attraction. http://rcdb.com/4253.htm?p=27244

^ Other Cedar Fair parks have introduced a "Skeleton Key" add-on this year. Pay more, and you get admitted to extra rooms inside the standard haunts.

Your dream accurately describes Millennium.

According to screamscape they have found track pieces to a wing rider that is expected to be built for 2013. ] LINK: http://screamscape.c...try_news.htm#BM The picture below shows the track, green is kind of an odd looking color. But these wing riders look fun. So where do you think it will go?

Its been five years since Maverick, so I am guessing this new attraction will be at CP. Despite the generic slogans ( The Fun and Only, Ride Warriers, etc.) that Cedar Fair has generated, CP will always be America's Roller Coast to many of us.

It's been proven many times that CP has plenty of land. They move attractions and literally built Raptor right over a midway. Actually there is a very cool video showing that process.

Who says they haven't started clearing land. Everything that happens in the off season is not always posted on FB and Twitter.

Cedar Point will get this is my guess, but it would be great if KI could get something like this, something with such a new design. Knotts is about out of room, without taking more out. Cedar Point still can make more room, on the lots or something to that degree!

Screamscape is also predicting that Cedar Point may be getting a wing coaster for 2013, so my official guess is going to be Cedar Point. Not that I believe what they are saying.

From my expirience on Eejanaika at Fuji Q, the ride offered amazing new forces and an expirience I had never been though (even from my flights in an airplane). Now that is a 4D coaster and theres a few major differences between those and the new B&M design, but if these new wing rider coasters offer even a small amount of the forces I felt on Eejanaika. As of today, Eejanaika is without a doubt, my favorite coaster.

It has been decades since CP installed a B & M, whilst utilizing them at other parks. It's worth nothing that Kinzel did say...quite bluntly...at Coastermania (2011) that at this year's Coastermania (2012) a major announcement will be made concerning 2013 and Cedar Point. If it is a coaster install, it would essentially be Kinzel's final installation at a Cedar Fair park, given the approximate 3-year timetable they operate in. This would fit, and would be welcomed. The rumored area has been near Blue Streak, near the Cadillac Cars (of which there is a replica in Frontier Town). Despite rumors to the contrary, there is more than enough room, although something small (like the cars) would most likely need to go. It's also worth noting that plans can change (i.e., Shoot the Rapids delay, etc.)...especially with new management. Wherever it's going, bravo. These look like very fun rides, and I cannot wait to jump on Wild Eagle in November.

Coasterforce is notorious for unauthorized POVs. Their Youtube channels are full of them. Edit: This seems to be an exception. Their YouTube page for this video states:

^ You didn't just call a coaster type that you have never been on "weak", did you? You can't really guage forces from watching POVs. There are a ton of coasters that look "weak" in POVs, but when you actually ride them...they turn out to be very, very forceful. And there are also rides that are quite the opposite. For those interested, here is Coasterforce's recently posted Wild Eage Left Side POV, a Wing Coaster. This is the real ride, not an animation: Looks pretty darn good to me. As for what park this new green wing rider could be heading for, there are so many possible locations it is dizzying. A small list of parks in this region that I think could possibly get this ride, with pros/cons of each: Kings Island The Good: It's about time for something new in the coaster department at Kings Island, and these wing riders seem like they will be popular attractions. It would mesh with the current lineup well. The Bad: The park may want to deal with a certain mountain o' wood first. Though this could replace that, but wouldn't the woodie have begun demolition by now if that was the case? Cedar Point The Good: Maverick is 5 years old. Something new has got to come to Cedar Point, and soon. This would fit the bill and help the park defend its "Roller Coaster Capital of the World" title. The Bad: Is there room, or will Cedar Point have to axe an older ride to make room for it? If this ride is headed for CP, does it spell disaster and doom for Mean Streak or Disaster Transport? Holiday World The Good: Holiday World needs a steel coaster with inversions, and this fits that bill. Plus, the Green could go well with a brand-new St. Patrick's Day Area! The Bad: Bluegrass Boardwalk is going to take some serious cash if they are going to open it. Is there still room in the budget? Plus, this does not add the "mid-level family coaster" the park needs for those who need to work their way up to Raven. Bluegrass Boardwalk The Good: With Chang gone, if this park is to re-open, it needs a signature ride. This could be that ride. The Bad: It would be a waste of time and money if this ride gets installed, but then it turns out BB is a failure and can't open or closes quickly. Although someone else could buy it used from them then... Six Flags St. Louis The Good: This park could use more coasters. They have some fine wood, and a few good steel, but that's about it. The Bad: Not for the park, but this would be a bit of a drive for me from Indianapolis...and for this park, a huge steel coaster (B&M or Intamin Hyper) would probably work better here. 99% CHANCE THIS RIDE ISN'T GOING TO THESE GUYS... Six Flags Great America: X-Flight. Nuff said. Dollywood: Wild Eagle. Nuff said. Indiana Beach: No room! And do they seriously have enough for this? Of course, this ride could also be heading for a more distant park- Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Six Flags Great Adventure (if they add this, their coaster collection will be ridiculous!), Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Over Georgia, and many other parks could also take a B&M Wing Rider and add it to their lineup. Sorry to ramble, if I did...I was just thinking of possibilities.