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Shhhh! I was going to ask why Cedar Fair doesn't run two trains on Invertigo next! Invertigo does fine with a single train. I do think Wicked Twister could benefit from two trains, though. In fact, I think the improvement would be smashing.

Chance posted a video on their YouTube page featuring several new views of Lightning Run, including an on-ride POV:

I guess I'm a little more optimistic than you guys, though I admittedly have only about two to three years of serious industry-watching experience and haven't visited Kentucky Kingdom before. I think the way they're approaching reopening the rides is clever; they're stressing that they're taking time to make sure they're running well. Yes, they're only going to have the Runs (I have been waiting ages to make that joke), but they've made it clear they've spent a sum to make sure that Thunder Run is running in top form. For a region that's watched the place go downhill for four years, I think that's a wise move. And Lightning Run is nothing you can find anywhere remotely near the park--there really isn't anything nearby it even looks like that it could be confused with. The first year's offerings are marketable to both the local area and beyond, and that's what the park needs. Whether or not those will bring in the figures Hart was promising months ago remains to be seen, but I figure from a construction/renovation standpoint that that's how I'd do things right now. If there's something that I'd expect that would limit them in the future (apart from the weirdly limited capital plans), it's the park's location/height limit and lack of any major marketing. It doesn't look like the park has a ton of space to expand into. The typical response to that kind of concern is "look at Indiana Beach," but the place is literally surrounded by suburban Louisville and the airport. The place can't build tall rides--and that can be fine, depending on what they build in spite of that--but it looks like the land would quickly approach capacity if someone gets remotely aggressive with expansion. How many rides can you stack on top of other rides before cost and height become too restrictive? Also, like others have pointed out: it feels like they're being incredibly quiet about the whole thing. If I'm in Cedar Point's marketing sphere (and USED to be in Six Flags' circa the original Mr. Six commercial) and Columbus is in Kennywood's, why haven't I heard anything about the place besides the Facebook posts I'm already subscribed to? I mentioned all that stuff about bringing the old stuff back while providing unique new stuff, but if no one outside Louisville knows about it, what's the point? If a coaster is constructed and no one's around to take pictures, did it really happen?

I wouldn't mind having a ground hugging intamin similar to Maverick.I hope you had a great Thanksgiving by the way!

It's not negativity, it's realism. Remember, this is a park that's already failed twice.

That's an understatement.

Same could be said to the Crocs at BB. Invertigo is themed to having Invertigo, it is in the name! At first, I thought this said "Intamin", then I would have referred you to a Intamin enthusiast who ,many, know and love.What I believe will happen is this, no re-theme period. Speaking of Intamin, what is all this commotion I've heard from some KIC Members about green Intamin track arriving at KI after Banshee is built? Back in I believe May or June, a certain member claimed to have seen green Intamin track on Interstate 71. He... enjoyed Intamin rides.

KK is in a good but bad situation at this point, and we haven't even seen the attendance records yet for this 2014 season, therefore it is semi premature to even make any kind of prediction off of it's current condition. It has the upper hand on the selection of attractions and it's own niche. Kentucky technically right now has one small "park", Beech Bend. Which even then it has a few attractions, the major attraction being a GCI coaster by word of mouth. With that, it has attractions that beat out Kings Island, the King of the North in this situation, such as the Flying Machines and the slides. The same can be mentioned about Holiday World, sure HW has a large amount of slides, but it doesn't have the tallest body slide. It is not going to be your run of the mill Cedar Fair park, it is a Hart park, it will be for the whole family. Known for the misc family flats, the moderate coasters, and the high thrill slides. That is a "true" family park. As well, families around Louisville do miss the park itself. I have heard Kentucky Kingdom in every conversation I have with friends from that region, it is missed and now with the opening it has brung about a new sense of fun in the area. "Tradition trumps the new in most classic ideas". Now at the same time one must take into consideration on the present situation. We are looking at a park that has failed not once but multiple times, it is a uneasy market. The Fair Board is the ruler of the land, therefore KK is under that belt that the Fair Board has. As well, the all and mighty Holiday World lingers across the river with it's own mix of attractions and fun. Which to some, is more superior, but to some is not. The current situation on the construction plan is also an negative in the fact that they cannot host all of the attractions in one year, but at the same time it is a perk for guests to return the following year. Therefore, in this stance I cannot simply state "It will fail" nor "It will succeed". Though, I can state that it does have a few hurdles to conquer in this new era, and I hope it succeeds.

Uh...that assumes there was a green INTAMIN piece, as opposed to wishful thinking. Carowinds has one r. And Cedar Fair ain't in the INTAMIN coaster buying business, at least for now.

I think it helps round out the park as well. I would love to see us get a giga. Though would like it to be a sort of cross between Millie and I-305. Get a few big hills on it but also some ground hugging fast turns. Also get a terrain hugger like Maverick that is smaller but does more and can possibly go through the woods somewhere, maybe place it where crypt was. Remove the big box but leave the queue as is just rethemed to a mine. If we added this two I think we'd have a great coaster line up at the park. Not expecting to see two like that added anytime soon but hopefully in the next 8-10 years, with some good new flats and a dark ride added in between.

Simple solution? Raise as much as you can. It goes to charity. It's about kids, not coaster credits.

I'd rather have a completely new concept than another similar style ride thats already fairly close to us. If I want to ride an Intamin Blitz, i go to Cedar Point. If I want to ride a B&M hyper, I go to Kings Island. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

You have to remember, that we all want all parks to survive. But we have to be realistic. Competition breeds success for all. But that also means being smart and seeing it from all sides. You notice not many people have thrown their own personal money behind KK to rebuild it. This area has many parks that were closed prematurely (Geuga Lake, Le Sourdesville). KK is located in an area that has things going against it. It does not own all of its land and has height restrictions. If this park survives will Hart stick around or does the park get sold again? Not many know the answer to this. A park that has a limited number of rides cannot expect to compete against bigger parks. The way it stands, KK does not entice me enough to spend my money there. (Not to mention, I have not seen/heard a single radio/tv spot for this park) Many families are beginning to plan family vacations for Summer of 2014. I have seen a few Busch garden/Sea world commercials, many universal and Disney spots. Not to mention the over saturation of CP and KI spots. Holiday World has a nice little niche and as it stands Im not sure KK has done enough to drive tourists away from HW.

and it's a ground hugger too....at least at some points!

I wouldn't either! But right now I'm excited for a certain B&M Invert !

When your reading a topic and find yourself reading a post you liked from over the summer when the park was full of life and a bit of sadness hits your heart. Jr... having a moment.

Punch? First there's cookies! Now there's punch?

Nick, I have a question for you. If the back seat is the fastest, why doesn't it beat the front seat back? Terp, who likes to ask questions.

grabbed a pic of Banshee as well today. Looks like a great ride. I like the way it looks with other nearby rides!

Is KIC going to do this as a group?! I am going to do this, just would love to go under KIC if we are going to do this as a group. I love this organization. My friend Amber, her daughter Katelynn (KK) and poppa Steven have been tremendously helped by this organization. It would be wonderful to be a first rider - but the greater thing is to raise money for an organization that is truly awesome. My birthday is April 19 and I am already asking people to donate to this instead of buying me a birthday gift. A kid again gives children with various medical issues/limited abilities to do things they would normally not be able to do. All kinds of fun activities. If you have never gone on a day that Kings Island hosts the A Kid Again, you should try going. It has been a wonderful experience when I go on those days. These families are truly inspirational. This is the wonderful and beautiful KK: When I posted on Facebook about doing this - Team Bumble - Amber responded with this (she did not realize initially this was only the fundraiser not A Kid Again Day) : Neatest smile EVER!! I love this status SOOOO much.. If this is something you would do feel free to use some our pictures from Kings Island. I hadn't heard the date I'm surprised we are going so early in the year.. A kid again is such an amazing organization.. Thanks to them bumble has gone to a hockey game, minor league baseball game, zoo, Kings Island, comedy/ magic show, they have a holiday party where each kid gets a gift they want and most importantly it was all done free to the family allowing us no worries and Bumble a chance to just be a kid. Thank you so much Lora!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How about this there will be ert, media day, and a whole season to enjoy the park. These kids were supporting is more important than our time riding a coaster. Yes it may be a benefit but honestly I'll be raising money and I'm not riding. Think outside your own level of satisfaction...

Some of us can't choose.

I had planned on being involved in this but the day, time, and limited number of seats has turned me off. Don't get me wrong I am not bashing the park or this program at all. I think it's great. I just think that I will sit this out and go for ERT on opening day.

A. Various factors stop them from being able to use all undeveloped acreage. B. The coaster wars are over (not valid at Six Flags Magic Mountain). C. There is more, much more, to a park than just steel coasters from a single manufacturer. D. Current Cedar Fair management does not stress coasters to the point you do. I don't see Kings Island getting three more B&M's in your lifetime, much less mine. E. New Jersey's Finest Theme Park awaits. The tallest, fastest coaster in the world is there. The tallest, fastest wood coaster. Both are INTAMIN. The tallest drop ride has been announced for that park. Who knows what they will resort to next inn that park? Maybe Houdini does. The place is a great adventure. I recommend it highly.

That's for sure!

Realism is not negativity. Wearing rose colored glasses is not realism. The same poster was busy telling me not all that long ago how great the Kingdom's prospects were under the Kochs. I've seen West World, Hard Rock Park, Wild Escape and many others come and go. Kentucky Kingdom has a chance. Not much of one, but a chance. I'd give the dry park a 10 percent chance of still being there in 2020, and the water park a 25 percent chance. That's my opinion, based on my long experience as an industry observer. By contrast, I'd say Kings Island has a 99.999 percent chance of surviving to 2020, and a 40 percent chance that Cedar Fair will still own it. Holiday World I would give a 90 percent chance of still existing in 2020, and a 30 percent chance of still being majority held by Koch family members.

So is your optimism.

That would be me! I have a DSLR with a nice 80-200mm lens.

Skyrush is fairly reliable. I went to Hersheypark last summer for two days and it wasnt down at all. The only reason youd miss it would be in the case that the cable broke, but its very unlikely. Oh and if you go to Hershey, buy your tickets at the Giant Stores because they let you in from 7-10 one day for a "preview" and you will also be able to go to Hershey the next day all day. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

Shhhh! I was going to ask why Cedar Fair doesn't run two trains on Invertigo next!

Would that be the same creativity that came up with Flight Deck and Drop Tower? No. No, it wouldn't. The once brilliant and innovative but also restraining, controlling, authoritarian dinosaur is gone and a thousand or more buds can now blossom. The future. It's gonna be fun!

It's themed as a roller coaster.

Happy Thanksgiving All!

Happy Thanksgiving KIC community!

78 + 28 = more than 100 percent. Unpossible.

You are missing a "]" buddy...

The thrill of being among the first night riders on the new Banshee roller coaster at Kings Island will have a whole new meaning April 17, when Kings Island hosts “Scream for A Kid Again” to raise money for the Greater Cincinnati chapter of A Kid Again, a non-profit organization which strives to enrich the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families by providing healing times of respite through fun-filled group activities and destination events. Kings Island fans and roller coaster enthusiasts alike will enjoy a night filled with riding the world’s longest inverted roller coaster over and over again. Scream for A Kid Again Event Details

Uh...but...you just mentioned the problem here. The only other substantial coaster at Kentucky Kingdom at this point will be Thunder Run. Unless something has changed, it has one train. Unlike Holiday World, there are no other coasters to absorb lines. There are, in fact, few other major rides to absorb lines. If the dry park is even somewhat successful initially, this is going to be a major problem. It certainly won't encourage repeat visits. Look for a premium queuing system. Pricing this is going to be a thorny problem. And, in that location with the demographics, it could in and of itself generate some rather serious potential security issues. Security is already going to be a critical potential issue for the new Kentucky Kingdom. If handled well, it will not be an issue. But if the park gets a reputation [again] for having control issues, groups of teens with behavior issues and aggressive behavior, etc., the lines for the coasters will be the least of its problems. Safety is also critical, as always, but even more so given the park history and reputation. The first season is key, with operations during the Kentucky State Fair being even more so. As always, watch what they do, not what they say.

I'd rather the park simply replace the gates with smaller ones, similar to Stinger at Dorney Park: They're the exact same ride, but Dorney's version looks far less cluttered and much, much nicer. Not that it'd add much, but I also wouldn't mind our ride being renamed Stinger as well.

Why is it I always find the word "lady friend" so amusing

Realistically, I'm hoping to check out Kentucky Kingdom, as well as bring the lady friend to Holiday World for the first time. Cedar Point and Kings Island should have multiple visits. Not so realistically, I would like to go to Indiana Beach and Six Flags Great America for the first time, potentially on a road trip. There may be a trip to Williamsburg in the cards this year as well. (looks at bank account and realizes that college is expensive)

happened to be in the area & grabbed a pic today. That orange & hopefully jet black will look great!

A post so nice He made it twice!

Cedar Point could always build artificial land like those islands in Dubai. Its really expensive though... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

Boo Boo's Blasters is a dark ride. It's defined as an indoor themed attraction with slow(ish) moving vehicles that travel past set pieces and scenes. Flight of Fear, however, is considered a dark coaster because of a combination of dark ride elements and a roller coaster experience.

I thought the orange would end up darker but still, great looks for a great ride. Man I'm glad to see a fresh coat on that thing!

When you're asking other members the best route to take in 3, maybe 4, parks in 9 days

Cincinnati? Here in Cincy, everything is like the butterfly effect. There can be a wreck at 71s in Erlanger, and the traffic will back up on Interstate 471. Add a light mist or dusty snow and forget it. People drive like old grannies on a dry sunny day, but like the Indy pace car as soon as it snows a few inches. Got to love it!

When you bring up the Banshee webcam on your computer or an actual track layout and drag your mouse along the track like your riding it.