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Wow, that was a very very long and fun weekend. I just wokeup after sleeping for twelve hours and I'm still yawning, what does that tell you? Again, just as before, thank you all for coming, all of you made this possible for everyone who attended. Also those who helped sort out details, communicate ideas, pass on info, ect, thank you. Doing this alone would have been even harder to do, so thank you for taking some of the stress off of my shoulders. First off, a small video for those who understand it's context Now that a small laugh by a few people is through, here's two video montages my phones software comes up with everytime I create a new gallery. Enjoy! So first up on the agenda, the drive. I went down Thursday night to spend the night at the Microtel right next to the Beach waterpark. The Chickens and myself decided to drive down the day before to avoid the weather, was a great idea. After not being able to sleep due to excitement/ect. We stayed up, got breakfast, and got the pounds of ice off of our cars. Next we headed next door to Great Wolf Lodge. First off, this thing is massive. The first time being at this one, it really is huge. Just driving around the perimeter took a bit of time. I love how they design this building too. The lodge look and old cabin feel really do show the quality this company strives to put out. First impressions mean alot and they did it well. Once inside, we found out our rooms were ready to go (sweet) and while the bookings were being dealt with their tree show started to play. First off their animatronics are downright creepy, there's nothing cute about them in their show. The coolest thing with the show was they replicated snow falling using this bubble/soap blower. It was very very cool. Once rooms were established we headed up to the room to unpack. Coincidentally, I unpacked the liquor first . Once unpacked we took in the perfection that GWL had prepared for us. Excellent rooms, well prepared and full of amenities. The second great trick they had was our view of Kings Island. This was actually probably one of my favorite things about the trip. We really did have an excellent view of everything. Before you see the pictures, here's some details. Forget the pictures Don has posted about The Bat thus far. The one shade you're used to seeing isn't the finished product. The lift hill has a bit of paint on it that makes it a nice dark orange, somewhat close to flourescent. It doesn't have that yellow tinge to it that we have seen before. Also some supports look to be painted as well. I couldn't verify if it was shadows and lighting or actual paint though. Second comes to Banshee, we all know the progress on the ride currently and will see some more progress with that ACE tour going on yesterday (Saturday...which btw, while all that attended went outside in a few inches of snow to get close and personal, we were in 84 degree weather soaking in a hottub, suckers). From my impressions, the ride is fantastic. It really is already part of the skyline of Kings Island. You can see it approaching from every angle. Second the zero g roll is going to really throw you by the looks of it, only time will tell. Last thing I noticed that surprised me was Drop Tower still keeps the lift secured in the top of the tower. I figured to get rid of slack/ect. it would be let down. I'm wondering why they do this if anyone has an explanation. Anyways, your pictures: After marveling at the view and meeting up with people slowly trickling into the resort. It was time for the waterpark! WOOT! First things to tackle the water coaster. GWL installed a Proslide Hydromagnetic Rocket. Great, great ride, that actually gives Airtime, could you imagine that I'd really like to see these installed at Soak City. Holiday World already has done this, it has two of them, why hasn't Cedar Fair really taken up this great design at our park. Also I love how much actual coaster technology is really used on this ride. They have photo eyes everywhere to identify where on the ride it is, and probably judge speed, and they have a full blown PLC & control panel. My coaster nerd loved every bit of this once I saw everything. My only grip with this ride was load times, capacity, and the random water sprayers that forced you to close your eyes going up hills/ect. Second was the family ride on the same platform as the water coaster. This was an absolute blast. The key was the more weight you threw on a raft, the more fun it was going to be. One of the last times I rode this, we threw on five bodies, a few of them being adults, and man did we go up the walls a bit and pick up some speed. Loads of fun, enjoyed every second of it The other rides were on a separate platform below. They had four more great slides to choose from, however two of them were top picks for the rides. The first, I don't know of the name but is famously referred to as the "Toilet Bowl" Man this thing is just impressive. The speed, little bit of negative g's and the centrifugal force behind the spinning. Put alot of weight on a two person raft and you SPIN.

The second slide was an impressive idea I've never seen before, but did have a bit of disappointment once I got home. It was a Proslide Topsy-Turvey. First you had to get a specific green single innertube, not sure why you had to do this. My only guess was to let the lifeguards know you wanted this slide. Once in the ride wow. The ride features these funnel shaped areas you fall into that really thrash you around and get you soaked, ect. A few people fell off of the rafts and apparently this happens alot, which actually shuts down the raft and the lifeguards call a supervisor to check on you & whatnot (ridiculous waste of time also might I add). However the ride has several areas with LED's lit up inside, a bit of fog at the end, all of this complimenting the layout. However, all of the LED strips had been turned off for whatever reason I'm not sure. Upon looking up this exact installation however I was very upset with GWL. This ride had music, music, theming, ect. It was very impressive to watch how it's supposed to run. I wish we had the ability to really see this thing do it's job. They really need to fix this, it'd be a great experience. Notice the fog coming out of the second tube, this was a cool ride. This is the actual ride upon installation at the water park Here is another install with a similar experience as well The other two rides on the platform were nice, but didn't thrill as much as the other two on this platform, or the two star attractions on the next level up. Just a few twists & turns, a few spirals, nothing too exciting to report. The other attractions were impressive as well. The fort that this and every Great Wolf Lodge has is always a load of fun. It's great for kids, but also for adults. This thing brings out the kid in you so much. I had so much fun getting people perfectly dry wet with some of the interactive parts of the fort. The only thing that surprised me was the 1000 gallon dump didn't seem as impressive as other GWL parks I've been to. The one at Sandusky feels like a few good seconds of a wall of water slamming into you. This was just a quick second of a splash. Still fun however, just a small complaint. Compare that video of the one in Sandusky that really dumps on you Or even this one Anyways, still stuff to experience in the park. The hot tub was a highlight. I spent so much time getting my back pulverized with warm water there, it was fantastic. I do love the idea they have of having a kids/family hot tub and an adult hot tub. It was nice to get away from all of the craziness elsewhere and enjoy some nice relaxation time. One of my next attractions was a favorite. Their wave pool is actually very nice, even better than Soak City IMO. The pool depth isn't as impressive only getting down to five feet, however the waves generated were actually very very nice. I actually think these waves were better than both wave pools in Soak City. They still will never compare to a Tsunami wave pool, those are absolutely impressive. The lazy river was exactly that. I could spend hours just floating along. I wish I was able to have a nice cool beverage to enjoy with said river however. The water elements were very cool too, the row of buckets that dump on you were very....fun for those involved *evil grin*. The lillypads were a fun challenge. I still think I may have beaten Lucas on my second go, I'm not too sure, but it was an absolute blast go go across them. I used to be able to run across them as a kid at the one in Sandusky, I tried my first time, and absolutely failed. Also, here's a picture of me years ago beating this water obstacle by running across it. Next door, there was a pool with a floating snake that many kids including Goble were sitting on. Also while browsing my old trip as a kid, here's me trying to stay on the same type of floating thing up in Sandusky. This was my throne, many kids tried to knock me off haha Anyways, those were the main attractions inside the waterpark, it was loads of fun. Once the waterpark hours ended it was time for our room party. Little known to most, there were games planned! With people there, and the attendance of Ryan, we started our game. The first was a Kings Island Trivia. The categories were Easy, Medium, Hard, and Uber Hard. The first category got you points, the second more points, and a drink, the third was points, a drink, and a prize. The last ones were the most points, drink, and best prize. First before anything else those attending were bad at trivia. You may think you know the parks, but you really didn't Here is one of the rough drafts without a few small corrections made the night of the party. For those that didn't go cover up the answers and see how you would have done. It was pretty bad https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7LPCTmwBOAQZm1mQk1RbElRS28/edit?usp=sharing Anyways, points and drinks stacked until we got to the hard questions. Once we got through most of the trivia, I pulled out the hard questions and prizes. The prizes included Banshee shot glasses, a water bottle, and a hoodie (five Kings Island prizes). After these were won, time to pull out the personal prizes. I had brought five challenge coins to be won with the trivia questions. These coins were a representation of my Squadron and Group that I am from at Wright Patterson AFB. This coin shows who I am, where I am from, and where I work. I figured being one of the last times I meet most of you I'd give back to my KIC family with something very very personal. For those unaware of challenge coins in the military read this, it sums it up quite well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenge_coin Practically every member will have one of these coins on them and several back home locked away, these are very important and personal to us. Also we use these for a drinking game. If we drop a coin on the table, everyone who sees it must attempt to pull out their own coin. If someone doesn't have a coin, they buy that round. If everyone pulls out a coin, the person who started the game buys that round. It's a big morale thing with us, so I felt this would be a nice token of appreciation, especially what they had to do to get these coins. For those that won the coins, keep them safe, you have something many that is a once in a lifetime thing for most civilians that aren't affiliated with the DoD. Keep it safe for all times, you earned it. Also if you do end up around me before I go, you had better have it I do coin check people alot Anyways, party time was over, had a blast and I hope people enjoyed the games, drinks (please let me know how they were), and prizes (again hope everyone loved them). Time for much needed sleep. Upon waking up, the scenery looked great with a fresh coat of snow. Anyways after waking up, it was time to drag myself to the waterpark and enjoy a few last hours. After hitting up all the attractions one last time, we all met under the giant tipping bucket for a group photo. Kat was the one who took the picture, I have not seen it online yet, hopefully we will have it soon. After our last meetup inside of the waterpark we headed over to Golden Corral for dinner. Before going over I snapped this shot This was a great idea by the way, I stuffed my face with so much food it was amazing. After eating food, we did our gift exchange that was very very eventful. Lucas, you can keep the Bieber posters, and if you want the slime back too you can, it still smells even after airing it out. Great gift exchange, lots of laughs, and great gifts. Anyways after some final words and goodbyes it was time to head home...or was it. Little to many known I headed back to the park to get pictures used above for this post and for memories. On the way I stopped by Mason's Park & Ride at Kings Island to snap pictures with enthusiasts who stopped there to get pictures before leaving their event. I then headed up the road and pulled over to get a few closer shots of the park's new ride. I wish I could have gone in with the ace tour Saturday but ah well, I'll take what I can get from the road for now. One thing I noticed by the way that somewhat upset me. Kings Island takes down their flag at the end of the season I'm guessing. I was very disappointed seeing that with the staff still there, they can't leave a flag up, especially with flags ordered half staff currently. Anyways, after getting a few shots of Kings Island I went over to Great Wolf Lodge to get pictures. After getting shots indoors I went up on the hill outside of the GWL parking lot to snap some nighttime shots of the park, namely The Bat. Then one last look at the lodge before going home.. And one last look back at the newly repainted ride (Also took it as an HDR to get the colors right) Anyways, fun trip, worth every bit of stress and planning it took to pull it off. I hope everyone who came had a great time. This will definitely be a memory I cherish with all of you. You all really are a family to me, being away from home in the military you really do start to miss being away from what you were used to your whole life. Even things such as home cooked meals come rare, it's always nice to get that feeling from time and time again. So again thank you! I hope maybe this will be an annual event in the future even after I leave, it's able to work and now we know what to do to work the kinks out of the system as well. Hope you enjoyed the very lengthy trip report, it was fun putting all this together, I already miss the 84 degree weather. Right now bundled up under my blankets as I write this haha

Did you notice the park all lit up last night? United Airlines held their annual Fantasy Flight, a special flight from Cleveland to the "North Pole" for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. A flyover of Cedar Point all aglow is a highlight of the trip before they land.

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.

Your twerking.

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

We went back after dinner so I could take some pictures and get a souvenir. After I was done with those things, I helped ohiocolts' sister and jcgoble with Magiquest for about an hour. We left to head home about 7:30. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this happen, this was a dream come true for me to go GWL during Christmas and spend time with my KIC family! It could not have been any better. I was lucky enough to win one of your coins, and I can promise you I will cherish it, thank you for sharing them with us.

We were talking about how you should have come while standing in line for it. Does that count? No, but there was plenty of cookie eating. People baked some at home to share, and plenty of free cookies were given out by GWL in the hotel lobby.

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

Thank you everyone for setting this up! Very grateful for winning the Banshee Hoodie!

I was going to stay but I figured with roads being sub freezing temp, I was exhausted and feet were killing me, and with a food coma, I'd best come home and unpack. Plus with only a limited people staying it would have been kinda upsetting to not have the whole KIC family there..

You all did a great job organizing everything. It took forever for the weekend to get here and then it went far too quick. I cannot imagine the event being any better for the first time organizing this. If we can model another get together like this next year, no one will leave disappointed again. I've organized many events and I am sure things did not go as 'ideally' as you would have probably liked (they never do), but I assure you - Katie and i could not be more well pleased. Well, that is not entirely true. If I had gotten a coin, I would have been happier. Of all the things you contributed to the prizes - that was simply the most awesome of things. Thank you for giving of your time and your resources. I am going to make an effort to improve my park and ride knowledge for the next one. Fabulous trip and trip report.

Sleep well, Sir. And safe travels always. Fantastic trip report. Glad y'all enjoyed it. I wish I could have been there, but it was not to be.

Here's some of the "damage" to malem (he wiped most of it off before I could get this shot): Also, this happened in the Fields' minivan on the way back from Golden Corral. I present ohiocolts in a mullet: (Sorry that it's a bit blurry, it was taken in a moving vehicle.)

Nice report! Uh... what was I doing here?

It was great meeting you Lora

Oh, I think it was far from becoming. To put it mildly. They should have pulled the plug earlier.

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

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.

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

Lol you're totally welcome, you deserved it, you won it. I will say me and Lindz talked later that night and were saying that we really wanted you to win something you were dying to win basically anything it was hilarious Hope it fits, we'll have to see a picture of you in it haha

Upon further inspection.. Did you even read my Trip Report? This was clearly answered

No words can describe how awesome this event was thanks to all who made this such a great event. I myself also slept in today being one of the last at around 11:00 when I left the parking lot its no wonder.

Misery loves company. Terp, proud member of the cookie eater faction.

Not that I was aware of. Good. Keep it that way. (Or if you wish to reject my advice, you can find out all about it in the Multimedia and Gaming section. But I warn you that it is highly addictive.)

I rode hydoplunge several times, at least 10 or more You would know what happened if you were indeed there. What happens at gwl stays there unless in our trip report Not sure what cookie clicker is

Chickens...shant or shat talk about the experience?

While everyone's going crazy with pictures... Top: momofbeastie1980, Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus, Lucy, DiamondAceExpress. Bottom: ohiocolts, Beastie1980, jcgoble3. I probably waited an hour for this.

I don't mind having my picture taken; I was (trying to) prevent documentation of the snowball onslaught. For some reason, both Devan and Korbin thought it was hilarious to throw snow specifically at me.

The Starlight Spectacular was becoming an embarrassment towards the end there. Sent from my Gizmotronic Betterthanyourphone XUNN-5676Y Super-Duper Model Extra-Special Contrapto-phone 2000 using WhyEvenTalk

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

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

We met back in one of the rooms about 10:00 and played trivia games. Rick won. I won't say how well others did. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You can love or hate British Invasion, but let's be honest - the Festhaus is German in name only at this point...

I stumbled upon these while searching for another piece of footage. It is truly amazing to see new footage like this pop up on the net that would otherwise be buried away in someones closet or attic. Enjoy This video appears to be the grand opening of the Turnpike. I spy Emmitt Kelly, Sr. @:54: [\youtube]Home video of Sunlight Pool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URVXxGlR_es[\youtube] 37' flood effects @5:00 mark: [\youtube]

But I was asking for a ride for BB1, not if you rode it, but if you rode it, and I repeat, for BB1. Rhetorical BB1

Still, I did read the PTR. I always do, every single line. BB1, truthful to the point

No problem, it was touching to be able to give this kind of experience to individuals such as yourself. It really proves it's more fun to give things to people than get things from my perspective. Don't tell Lindz but it also shows I'm a bigger softie than I let on Also kudos to your Mom (also to Lucas's parents) These kids know more about KI than almost all the adults. You're def. raising good kids Also if something happens in January and my attendance is available, look for something...similar And Don if you read this I still have a very personal present I'd like to give you, so I hope to see you here in January and if not before I go

Oh it's that thing I'll pass

Darn, had just posted the Consuela vid on another thread. And while our trivia knowledge may be lacking, mine was good enough to win Great pics, and a great time. I truly hope it becomes an ongoing tradition. Thanks for all the work that made this possible, especially you and Malem. A special shout-out to Boddah, I shall not talk of the balcony experience, lol.

Thank you for the fantastic gift, Lora! Who all helped with those?

Uh... what was I doing here? Looks like you are bustin' a move and doing the Running Man. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am so glad that The Bat is flying to King's Island again. I was disapointed when the original flew away. Great to have a throwback to the eighties again.

Lucy still participating in the no-sha-vember Malem was the first one hit with a snow ball. He does not like his pic taken apparently. Passing Dee and Rick on the way home. I wish I could have taken more pics. This event was fun. Thank you to all who helped organize this. It was a huge success in my opinion!

Welcome to KIC!

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

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