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A. If you don't bother with shows, please don't try to edit them to your tastes. B. If you found the costumes offensive, please don't go to Soak City. Oh, the exposed skin you will see. The horrors of it all! For that matter, skip the dry park, too. It's 2013, not 1933.

Amazing news that starlight is gone... 3 years late but still great news. As someone who helped put it together it was beyond embarrassing walking through it the past few years

I'm glad someone else posted this, so I wasn't like HEY LOOK AT MY INTERVIEW WITH DON!!! lol. Anyway, to clarify the "gift shop" is in regards to the On Location Store. As that "gift shop will also house Banshee Merchandise. Now I'm not 100% positive that the other non-park merch will be gone next year, but I can figure that there will be more KI merch there with Banshee merch and other items.

I'm ganna miss Alonzo.. Decent magic, great dancers, great music, fun environment, and enjoyable to watch several times. "Bye Ed" xD

Alonzo was the only show I watched this year. I'm bored with shows where all they do is sing six songs, poorly at that, and then it's done. Just walking through the area while British Invasion was going on was awful. I wonder if they could fit a stunt show in the theater. Even the cheaply done one at Six Flags America was enjoyable.

I'm sure that music licensing is part of it, but the over all cost of production is very high for some of this stuff. Set design, materials, personell, etc. That's where the cost adds up. When the park originally annouced its line up for the 2012 season, it included an ice show. That was quickly scrapped and replaced with Alonzo. Although Alonzo was essentially an expensive show, it made economic sense for two main reasons: 1. The ice show was still more expensive 2. A portion of the show was already produced and written by Alonzo (and some was pieced together from his shows at other parks) thus saving some upfront costs. This show will be entirely out of pocket (from what I'm lead to believe. Again, just speculating). I don't think it'll be a retread of a previous KI show, or any show for that matter. I hope they are willing to put the money into it that is necessary for the entertainment department to really show off what it has accomplished over the past 7 or 8 years.

Ed won't be back for the regular season in 2014. I can say that with a certain degree of certainty. I tried to get information out of Don as to what's going in the KIT next year, but all he would tell me was that it would be a show that you'd want to see every visit. [paraphrased]

KI_ORIG_EMP is getting SSS? Wow. First ducks....

We had to drive by Kings Island. The photos are not great, snow was falling. It is great seeing how the KI skyline is changing form. We arrived at GWL just after 2:30. In the snow, this looks beautiful. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shows that are actually shows would be great. Also, never a fan of "British Invasion" of the "German" themed Festhaas. Was not a fan of the Alonzo show at all (for much of the reasons listed previously)... BUT, it was a show- I'll give it that. The shows of a number of years ago were much more creative and had content... not just musical reviews, which really aren't shows.

I'd really like to see some form of ice show back.

Mr. Plummer, we like to be at least somewhat consistent here. Since you started here often lecturing us about staying on topic (and several members pointed out to you our side discussions are often interesting and sometimes the bestest parts of threads), I wish only to point out that in an Action Zone topic, you are discussing doors on Italian Job/Backlot. Not that there is anything wrong with that. There isn't. There's a lesson in there somewhere. Moving merrily along, those doors survived long into the Cedar Fair era, being removed only when the cars (almost a bad pun) were extensively refurbished to no longer resemble a BMW product, since the license therefor had not been renewed.

I'm glad someone else posted this, so I wasn't like HEY LOOK AT MY INTERVIEW WITH DON!!! lol.Anyway, to clarify the "gift shop" is in regards to the On Location Store. As that "gift shop will also house Banshee Merchandise. Now I'm not 100% positive that the other non-park merch will be gone next year, but I can figure that there will be more KI merch there with Banshee merch and other items.</p> Ah, okay. You did a great job! And thanks for clarifying.

However, Hart did ride Thunder Run this year once it was cleared by the state for operation with the media.

I wish they brought back the doors, sigh

I can say this trip was amazing! With the weather forecast as it was with a lot of the snow in the forecast, I am so happy we were still able to go. Brad (Indyguy4KI) and his son Korbin picked Katie and I up about 12:20 pm. As we headed out, the roads had been cleared pretty well. Well, that was until we hit the Ohio state line. We were greater by lots of slow drivers. I don't know why Ohio just has really slow drivers, but do y'all know where the gas pedal is?! We saw many slide offs, mostly headed west, a lot of traffic jams west bound. We approach the Fairfield exit. The vehicle on front of us was driving slow. Brad decides to pass the slow driver, which lead us to fish tailing maybe a quarter mile down 275. We ended up in a ditch. Brad got us out of the ditch before I could take a pic. So on the way home, I took a pic of the ditch. As we are in the ditch, I receive a text from MrsNoChickens (Dee) asking where we were. I neglected to tell her the "in the ditch". I posted the additional info as we were near Kings Island. I can say with most certainty while I do not recommend driving in such a manner, however, that was kind of fun. This could be a way cool flat ride experience if it could be replicated! I am so thankful we did not hit anyone it anything. It could have ended very badly, but it did not. (More to come shortly.) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't know if this has made rounds over here yet, so apologies if this is old news. For several years, people have posted about how they'd like to see Flight Deck renamed The Bat (which, of course, is now coming.) Other people have requested things like simple repainting and care-taking of the park's finer details. Don did an interview with the folks at KIFansite concerning next year, and it looks like these sorts of things are coming in 2014. Here's a link; it's really an interesting read. A few key points: The area under Banshee's station will mainly be the photo booth, with "some" souvenirs being sold there. The On Location building will have more Banshee merchandise. The KI maintenance team will do the actual assembly of the Banshee trains. Action Zone will have a new look. The park isn't saying any more than that until we're actually at the park next April. The "gift shop" (I don't understand if they mean Banshee's gift shop or the On Location store) and Stunt Crew Grill MAY have new names. That's still being finalized. Nothing new is happening with the International Street fountains at this time. The International Street buildings have been painted. The park is exploring options for improving communication concerning wait times and whether or not a ride is down. Food options in the park will be expanded. (Not a surprise since they just hired a new chef and all, but now they're actually confirming that new things are coming.) Gold and Platinum passholder benefits will be more defined and easier to use. Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular is gone. The Bat's station won't be drastically changing. The queue underneath was removed to clean that area up. (I was wrong after all!) We're definitely in the Ouimet era, folks. The future looks like a good one!

You are such a great guy. It was great seeing you, too. It is only funny about the JB and 1D because of your expression in your face when you opened up that box. I really think you would have been happier had it been the storage containers. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not "a," but dozens, on the other hand....Their fans are never happy with A poster! (and Lucas is probably not too happy with this poster right now!)

Great pictures and report! It was nice seeing you! Disclaimer: I have not, do not, and will not want a Justin Bieber or One Direction poster.

We went to the waterpark and many went to the slides, Katie, Korbin and I hit the lazy river first. I wanted to hit some of the water slides and the water coaster, but I really did not want to wait in line. So Melanie and I hung out in the hot tub. We took our group pic - can't wait to see it! We then headed to Golden Corral where we are and ate and ate. The white elephant gifts were great. Lucas got exactly what he's been asking for all year long - a box of Justin Bieber and one direction posters. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Once the party broke up, we went to our rooms. Korbin went to bed first. Brad and Katie fell asleep next. Melanie, Melissa and I talked until at least 3:30 in the morning. It is amazing to just have met people face to face once (in my circumstance), yet feel like I have known some for so much longer. Korbin talks in his sleep, Brad snores-LOUDLY. If I was not so tired, I would have gone up to the loft and use my decibel reader on my phone to see how loud he is. We get up before 9:00. Most if our room ended up eating in our room. The sun was out, so I was able to take better pics. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Brad, Korbin, Melanie, Melissa, Katie and I got our pic with Santa and Mrs Claus. Mrs. Claus is very funny. She asked me if I have been good or bad this year. I told her bad, she responded, "you are my kind of girl". I guess getting a camera for Christmas is out of the question. They had printed off a pic for each family in the pic, for free. They had free hot chocolate and cookies and face painting. Katie has a unibrow! Much better. Katie's letter to Santa: Most of our group broke up, many went to the water park, some to story time (pics and video I hope will be posted!) Rick (NoChicken), Dee, Lindzey, Connor and I hung out in one of the rooms. Lindzey was quite studious and did home work. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I wish I had a better camera. I've been good enough to get a camera this year if anyone is trying to find the perfect gift for me! I said that, not for just a shameless plug for a gift, but I wish I could capture the beautiful way the orange popped against the snow. We were greeted at the door by Dee, MomofBeastie1980 (Melanie) and Malem (Matthew). Dee yelled at me because she just read the post about the ditch. I did not get many pics while at the water park portion of the evening. It is truly a beautiful facility with so much to do. I now understand why people go there. I learned that some people are stingy when it comes to pizza sharing. "Connor, Devan Lindz, no touch". This only begs for someone to touchy. We go down to the lobby to see Santa. The decor for the holidays is beautiful. I should have recorded the singing trees. I know people love them. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pet Care will go to the dogs with Snoopy's StarLight Spectacular!

^ Don't you think she'd be a little old for this role in 2014? I'm thinking that it'll be some sort of big Broadway-style production like they used to have back in the golden years, but I'm really just guessing. They are dumping a lot of money into the park this year for hardware and renovations. This season will be an indicator as to how much they are committed to the entertainment aspect of the park when the chips are down elsewhere.

As in riders on the stunt coaster?

Thanks for the welcome and yes this helps. Just curious because I became a platnium member for Cedar Fair this coming season and want to check other parks.

Its....It's.....BEAUTIFUL!!

They're probably not going to get much done today...

He also done shows at Knott's, Valleyfair and Great America in the past. Ed supposedly has acknowledged Valleyfair before KI wrapped up the 2013 season. Probably won't know for sure for a couple months if you check the schedule on his website, it doesn't list that far yet. But I won't be shocked if he is heading to another park.

But some of us love Arizona! We hope KI doesn't desert such a fine theme! Replace the old water tower with a giant cactus--even if it's not in southwest territory.

^^ (in response to Voicetek's post on faith responding to Thrill Biscuits post)(Sorry, the quote function didn't work for me for some reason...) Amen! MDMC, avoiding a one word post

I wasn't aware that Banshee's trains would each be a different color......I thought they would just be numbered 1, 2, and 3. ....But I have to admit.......A blue train, green train, and purple train will look very nice with the already unique colors of Banshee.

Just bare with you as it's dark? Terp, not going down that path...

I'll take the water cannons before some small doors.

Yes they are. Did an interview with Don and he mentioned that they were also doing work on the parking lot. Didn't specify what kind of work though.

That would be cool to see how maintenance gets the DB trains into the shop.

Nice to hear that the International Street buildings have been updated a little more. It's also wonderful to hear that the Starlight Spectacular has finally been retired.

We took GatorGirl and her second cousin from Florida to EnterTrainment Junction the day after Thanksgiving. Being the enthusiast that she is, GatorGirl was enthralled with the Coney Island display. She turned to me and said, "I wish someone could just make us small so we can ride those rides!" I just had to say, "Me too." Kudos to the staff who put together and maintain this wonderful display, as well as all the other displays there!

I wouldn't be too concerned with whether or not Ed is returning. His shows have been great the past two seasons, and if he doesn't return, I expect the park and CF will work hard to find a suitable replacement that's at least as good as, if not better than, what Ed has given us.

Ed's show is wonderful. I am very disappointed he probably won't return. I know in 2012, he knew he was returning in 2013 quite a while before the end of the season. He's such a nice guy and wish him the best even if he abandons us. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When did we find out the show schedule last year? I'm anxious to find out if Ed Alonzo returns. His show is one of my favorite things about KI as of late. EDIT: Nevermind, reading the interview, it looks as though that show is gone. Ah, well. 'Twas fun while it lasted.

Here's your daily dose of the 1980s.

I am truly loving every new detail we hear about the changes/additions/upgrades not just to KI but chain wide.

I love this response. People don't often stop to realize how much we actually take in just on faith. Some people ask me, "How can you believe in God, or in creation...were you there to see it happen?" My answer is no, I wasn't there, but I have faith. My response, "How can you believe in evolution? Have you ever seen something evolve into something else? Were you there to witness the 'Big Bang' or see the first creature crawl out of the the ooze?" Nope. They take that on faith as well. Without faith, most of us wouldn't believe anything at all.

If I believed only in what I've been able to see, feel and hear for myself, I wouldn't have any faith at all. My teachers taught me how to combine shapes on paper to form logical patterns that can be understood by others as language, and I believed them. Faith. They taught me American history and I believed them, though I never stepped foot in Philadelphia or Concord, or even Washington, D.C. in my entire lifetime. Faith. I've been taught that the Grand Canyon was carved out of the American Southwest by the Colorado River over millions of years, and I believed them, though I've only been alive since 1969, and have only flown over the thing in a passenger plane a couple of times. Faith. I did witness, however, another canyon, with many features very similar to the Grand, being formed one afternoon in May of 1980. I mean, that wasn't a million years or anything, but at least I've lived long enough to watch one form more quickly... than I've been taught it takes. But that was mostly on TV. I've never been to Mt. Saint Helens. Faith. Nah, I don't believe they'll build it. I haven't seen enough evidence to form an opinion of whether or not it can, or will. ... Faith.

Hey everyone. I met some of the KIC folks while I was waiting for two other friends to get to the park; I wasn't really planning on going around with the group, but it was nice to meet people. And see Youngstud is a real person. Rode Skyflier, Top Gun, Drop Zone, Beast, Diamondback twice. Ed Alonzo's show was great! Never seen any of his shows before. He's pretty funny, though I feel like he was trying a little bit too hard to be vulgar at some times of the show. But overall it was great, I'll see it again when I go back to Haunt. I did all of the 75% of the Haunts: Crypt, Urgent Scare, Wolfpack (twice), Delta Delta, Board 2 Death, Club Blood, and Slaughterhouse (twice). I think I'm forgetting one or two more. They were all hardly scary; the actors were very boring tonight. I hope it was just tonight. It wasn't like when I was working in Haunt. Most disappointing: Urgent Scare. Yeah, let's cut out the outdoor section AND forget the plot to this one. It used to be so good. Screw this maze. It's so so sad to see what it has turned into now. Delta Delta: Give us back Massacre Manor. It was alright...but again the actors were just, bored. Club Blood: WORST ACTORS EVER. No enthusiasm. They were just standing there. The MC was awful. I saw plenty of spots that would have been great to scare people. Board 2 Death; Seriously, half the actors were talking to each other when we came into the room. Then tried to scare the person leading the group. Seriously? Learn to scare. But the maze did look pretty good, they have the right idea just no execution. Slaughterhouse - Just no real scares here. There's a lot of theme and a lot of money and time put into this maze with some different ideas but nothing really worked. Hopefully they can fix things. Wolfpack was alright, they had a lot of actors in the maze. But the 2nd half of the maze is pointless. Bikes? Chairs? What the F. Keep with the woods theme and it would be much better. Madam's Crypt: Ehhhhh yeah it's got a cool set up. Yeah it's a step in the right direction. But it's short. Minus points. And again, the actors are obvious trying to act like they're fake just standing in the open. That's dumb. But a few smart actors got me to jump. Like Gabe said, the best parts of the night were Ed Alonzo's show, the drinks we had, and some rides on Diamondback, Top Gun, Drop Zone, and Beast. You go to Haunt to be scared - yes it was fun but nope, just not scary. I'll make sure to visit the Club later. Congrats, you lasted 2 minutes. RUN! I don't believe in you! Piranha 5D Ze Doctor. Odd Look. Dirt Mmmm lift hill. Taking a peek through the fence. Low low low to the ground Just as tall as Gatekeeper if you think about it. I love this ride. Do not take it away. Backside of Banshee This one wasn't bad. Drive wheels.

This thread just got from 0 to weird faster than you could say Son of Beast.