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Gotta strengthen that immune system..

With their eyes? jcgoble3, running for the exit

Can't live constantly in fear, I don't worry about any of that stuff and never get sick

At this point, they're just playing games. For a very long time (up until a week ago) the park teased with Roman columns and an ancient motif, pointing to Centurion. A centurion was the military leader of a Roman century. It's a perfect name for a ride with a Gatekeeper aesthetic. Centurion, to me, conjures images of a Wing Rider soaring over the park's entrance - maybe through ancient columns - like a protective gate. The competing idea was for Fury 325. All we really know there is the park featured a haunted house at their Scarowinds event called "Fury," which was more or less about a chemical injected into test subjects to make super soldiers. That storyline fits the more recent "you can't contain it" viral outbreak messaging. To me, Fury 325 would probably be a neon green coaster of substantial height and speed. Now, the bee-keepers and the quasi-honeycomb backsplash paired with the "containment" thing makes it seem like this could actually be Hornet themed. If so, hopefully it's done tastefully and not an obnoxious advertisement for the Charlotte Hornets. It's possible that it can be well-done, too... see Thorpe Park's The Swarm, which is a very cool Wing Rider that has incredible scenic interactions and is themed to a swarm of flying insect-type nanobots. But c'mon. To go from Roman columns to bee-keepers? Either they have no idea either and are pulling together a last-minute deal with the sports team, or they're just messing with us. EDIT: Oh man, and then there's White Lightning, which could be the real answer that they're just trying to throw us off of. SMART.

There's a mental picture I didn't need.

No conservatives or liberals?

2014... "Avatar Land" (as it's still referred to with no better information than that) was announced in 2011. Due to open in 2017. That's 6 years from announcement to opening. Shouldn't be surprised - I kid you not, Disney made a deal with James Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment on a Saturday. That Tuesday, they announced Avatar Land at Disney's Animal Kingdom, seemingly with no idea of what they'd actually do. Two years later, they released concept art... Two years later. And in Japan, while the U.S. was asleep. In 6 years (2010 - 2016), how many Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter will Universal have opened? Four. Plus two Springfield USAs, two Transformers: The Ride 3Ds, two Despicable Me: Minion Mayhems, King Kong 360 at Universal Studios Hollywood, Fast and Furious: Supercharged, HD Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, a massive King Kong E-ticket at Universal's Islands of Adventure, possibly a new Jurassic Park family dark ride, and a supposed Disney-quality themed water park ready to break ground any day now. Three years post-announcement, three years from opening. A nice middle ground to ask... do people actually want "Avatar Land" yet? More than they did three years ago? At least Disney has a finger on the pulse of pop culture! This post is really four things: A reminder that a massive, permanent land themed to James Cameron's Avatar is still coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom, and that Disney secured worldwide exclusive rights to the franchise (which has three sequels in production) so it could reasonably appear at any Disney Resort in the world... so far, though... A reminder to flash back on The Beastly Kingdom land that was originally earmarked for the same spot and how it would probably STILL be better than "Avatar Land." (LINK) A reminder that Universal is relentless and is not going to stop. Disney's internal culture tells it that it's undefeatable; the best; the most current; the only real contender; an obvious victor when this dust settles. Similar thought processes, as Interpreter mentioned elsewhere, have seen the downfall of K-Mart, IBM, AOL... There's a changing tide in Orlando, folks... Let's hope Disney notices. An elaborate ad for a new, just-for-fun, Blue Sky type Imagineering feature I've written on seven lands that make more sense than Avatar in terms of fitting into Disney's Animal Kingdom - it's a fun read if you're in an imaginative state of mind, and a couple of them are downright fun ideas. The article also kicks off with the details of Avatar Land in case you're still not sure what the land is supposed to entail. (LINK)

I've been on The Beast in the back at night twice in the past week. I am very sorry for my negative opinion of it. I can honestly say those two rides were insane. I still dislike how there's really no forces, airtime, and what not, but I've come to appreciate the "out of control in the woods" feeling of The Beast.

The dirtiest thing the average adult handles: gas pump handles. Virtually never cleaned...

You think thats bad.. How often do you wash that credit card/season pass/ID of yours that gets handed off all day? Hmm...

While getting the swirled Banshee soft serve last week, I couldn't help but notice that the young man who takes your filthy, sweaty, germ-infested, water-ride-water-soaked money is the same one who turns around and fills your cone. Yum! If you touched something else that was as dirty as money is, you'd run to the nearest bathroom and scrub for a while. But since it's money, you think little of it and go right to the mouth. Don't get me started on laminated menus, either. Basically just don't touch anything and you'll be okay.

I completely despise the idea of any type of Avatar Land anywhere in any of the Disney parks. I've always thought it was a ridiculous choice and really has nothing to do with Disney at all. Also, Avatar really isn't a family movie, yet, they're determined to put in one of their family parks. To me it's just kind of a weird combination. Avatar (the first one) came about 5 years ago and people all of the world jumped on the Avatar bandwagon exactly the same way they jumped on the Titanic bandwagon back in 1997 and the same way people jumped on the Frozen bandwagon last year. Tell me this though, does anyone still care about Avatar in the year 2014? I think Disney is banking on the fact that there are going to be 3 more movies and people will care about those movies as much as they cared about the first one back in 2009. What if they don't though? Well, then we're stuck with a pretty useless themed land that no one cares about. To me it makes much more sense for Disney to base a land on an original idea or to base a land on one of their own properties that have stood the test of time. It's not wise (or at least I don't think it is) to build whole, permanent land on something that was a cultural "fad" 5 years ago and with no real proof that it will continue to be a fad next year, the year after that or ten years from now. It just doesn't make sense. I think Disney is trying to cash in on something that they knew was popular, regardless if it made sense or not. To me, it makes a whole lot more sense to base a land on Star Wars than Avatar. That franchise has been tested and has stood the test of time and would work well within a family park. Avatar just feels out of place. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that this deal, and the whole Avatar Land itself falls through.

I was there last night.

Yea I worked fast food ten years ago. The ice machine in the fountain head was emptied every time it was emptied by a customer ... Then we would grab the ice bucket and dump more ice in. I worked at an Arby's in Cambridge where we found a moth in the ice bin. We were told to scoop him out. We also had ants in the fountain heads. Conversely, I worked for my dad at a restaurant and he made sure we cleaned everything everywhere.... He would even clean the floors with a tooth brush Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hmmmm, the best laid plans....uh, never mind. Terp, trying to be good (Hi, Don!)

Terp himself. He's sung it many times. Correctness is in the ear of the beholder.

Part of me wants it to go to Carowinds just to spite all of those smug enthusiasts who are so sure they're getting a giga.

The "correct" lift hill music is, of course: "It's A Small World After All..." Say Thank You. Helpful Terpy

So there's a 10% chance you use cocaine?

I'm not sure how you think business works, much less construction, but they're a year into construction at this point, and three years into working together. Imagine the money (both to Lightstorm and in construction costs) that it would take for Disney to "order crews to stop working and draw up plans to [build something else there]." Like it's that simple. Leverage? Cameron couldn't care less about Marvel. Why should he care at all what else Disney owns? They have a contract with him, and his vision is being brought to life in steel and concrete as we speak. I doubt he lives in fear every day, shivering in bed and thinking "If I don't behave, they'll use Marvel against me!" Even pretending it wouldn't mean basically breaking contracts left and right and setting fire to millions of dollars of work that's already been done just to start over from scratch, what, exactly, from the Marvel Universe would fit at Disney's Animal Kingdom alongside Africa, Asia, The Oasis, etc? I proposed Endor in my article above. It's a fun idea and it totally fits conceptually. But the ship has sailed. The only way out of Pandora now is with some heavy fines, lost relationships, and unhappy shareholders. There were options. Today, they're much narrower. And Disney doesn't seem to be ashamed or worried about Avatar Land, so it's a moot point.

Is it just me, or is the new paint scheme much more appropriate for a "Mantis" than the former? Green and silver with red rails? I'd count that as evidence against this being a potential Lebron coaster. Unless the Lebron coaster is a testament to his high school days, during which he was a green-and-gold "Fighting Irish" leprechaun at St. Vincent – St. Mary High School here in Akron. (By the way, my own high school's big rival! We famously lost the big basketball match 4 years in a row. ) Probably little St. Vincent – St. Mary would be easier to rein into a deal than the Cleveland Cavaliers.

To be fair, though, while people hang on to the "it's not Disney!" argument, no one has the same worries about Star Wars or Indiana Jones, which - until recently - were present in Disney Parks through very similar deals with their rights-holder. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is far darker and more violent than Avatar in many ways. Sure, it's rated PG, but it's famous in cinematic history as the inspiration for the MPAA's PG-13 rating to begin with, which debuted two months after Indy's release. The film inspired the equally dark Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye ride at Disneyland (not even at a Studios park.. at the original Disneyland!), which would've absolutely traumatized me as a kid. ("Do not look into the dark and corroded eyes of Mara or be sentenced to the Gates of Doom... beyond which lie lava pits, striking snakes, and a flaming eye that shoots at you as you drive along cliffs.) In retrospect, we all go, "Disney should stick to their own stuff! They shouldn't bring in outside stories! Well, except Paramount's Indiana Jones... and Fox's Star Wars... Okay, and CBS's The Twilight Zone... and their Jules Verne stuff is pretty cool... and keep Pixar rides... and I'm glad they brought in the Muppets..." etc etc. The truth is that Disney is able to reach out of their own catalogue and produce great things that are neither about princesses nor fantasy nor happy endings. In other words, the fact that it's "not Disney" wouldn't even be in my top 5 reasons for keeping Avatar out of Disney Parks.

If nothing else, it seems all the downtime provided the tower with a really cool paint job that it wasn't originally planning to get. I only say so because concept art shows it half blue, half yellow, period, and it was those two colors alone when testing started. Probably while they were waiting for that replacement part, they decided to keep people occupied on it. It looks great. Definitely the lesson to learn here (and from the horrendous "Year of the Tower" when every WindSeeker and Mach Tower stalled) is to not set opening dates or even seasons for prototype rides. Not sure how that works from a marketing point of view, but man is it better than a whole lot of disappointed guests when spring 2014 passes with no drop t0wer... Then summer. The new rumor, I guess, is that it might manage a soft-opening in late August, and hopefully will be running for Howl-o-Scream. At least Pantopia looks incredible!

I wouldn't call ponytail stuff sex..but whatever. I will say it def. wasn't a true kids movie, but still.. The movie is sweet in theaters or at home if you have a kickass surround and 3D Blu Ray player (woot woot) Other than that, it's Cameron & bay having funsies with Spielberg watching.

pretty much what GYK said. I have trouble envisioned any Avatar sequal doing well in the box office. The visuals were incredible and at the time a new experience for most. My wife and I were like many, we saw the film, but mostly for the visuals and when we saw it, we made sure to see it at an IMAX theater. While the visuals were great, they weren't so off the charts, movie experience changing that its now the only way we watch a movie, in fact I haven't seen a 3D movie since, nor do I have any particular desire to own a 3D ready television for home. In the end, movies remain relative in pop culture, survive time if you will, based mainly on good acting, great story telling and directing that doesn't get in the way too much. Avatar was a well hashed out plot line and mostly predictable about 30 minutes in. Did anyone walk away thinking, man they just have so much further to go with this story? I'll be surprised if they end up making all 3 sequels; I really don't know why Disney is intent on sticking to this story line.

I'm the one who came up with those 7 lands, so I don't find it sad at all. Haha! Thanks. If only Disney would hire me so I could have my dreams crushed by executives.

I agree with everything you said. I feel like Avatar was really hyped when it came out, and while I enjoyed it, it's not like it became everyone's favorite movie or anything. The fact that 3 more are coming helps keep it relevant but like you said the movies have to deliver. The thing that I believe Avatar has going for it is how cool the theme and world could look visually if done right. The movie's setting in Pandora is very visually next-level and if they can recreate that in a park, it will be pretty awesome to experience. (The glowing tree and whatnot would look awesome at night) I'd much rather see them focus on bringing an awesome Star Wars land to Hollywood Studios ASAP, especially since Disney has a bad habit of taking way too long on projects. But like Avatar, the Star Wars road map for movies will stretch pretty far for years to come, giving Disney a lot of future movies to market with. I think that they need something big soon though to combat Harry Potter at Universal. Not that they're in really any risk to lose a lot of attendance, it is Disney after all, but at least keep the idea that "Disney is innovative" true.

More fun in person though little brother ^

Everyone prepare your torches and pitchforks, because I'm sure this post is probably going to rustle some jimmies. But I've never been one to hold back my opinions just because they're unpopular.Cedar Point has a fun, dynamic, and thrilling Dinn woodie with good length, a beautiful lattice structure that looks phenomenal on the skyline, intimidating heights and speeds, and relatively short lines even on busy days. Beast is a solid woodie, but throwing aside nostalgia, historical importance, and classic status, and judging the ride purely on the merits of the ride itself as it stands today with no regard for historical significance, I think Mean Streak is a vastly more fun and thrilling ride with far better pacing. And The Beast has given me many rides that are far, FAR rougher than ANYTHING I've ever experienced on Mean Streak. It needs new lube on the rails because it shrieks like a Banshee the entire cycle, but it really isn't nearly as rough as people like to claim. Honestly, every time I've ridden it, I've found it to be smooth and pleasant. The same cannot be said about The Beast, not by a long shot. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE The Beast. It is one of my all time favorite coasters. But there are better woodies out there, and in my opinion, there are actually three superior woodies in Ohio alone. That's funny, because my last few rides on The Beast have felt like glass. None of those are on wheel seats, and each one has been unbelievably smooth. Meanwhile the only times I've ridden Mean Steak were unbearable, even when avoiding wheel seats. The only ride that compared to it in roughness was Son of Beast, which I actually found to be about the same in roughness as Mean Streak. I haven't rode it since they made improvements as some on here have claimed, but it's almost inconceivable to me that someone could find The Beast to be a lot rougher than Mean Streak.

I believe that this is also the first coaster to be retired in the history of Canada's Wonderland. I'm thrilled that I had a chance to ride it.

Knott's event hasn't been included with season passes. Their Haunt is serious business - competing directly with Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, and more than holding its own. It's a MAJOR event for the park. "Boo fests" have become the big money-maker at seasonal parks, but Knott's is the original. It's a huge, massive event that has always had its own hard-ticket entry. It deserves it.

Dam straight 'Merica

I miss the tunnel. I greatly miss the tunnel.

Another thing worth considering: how many folks would leave without tipping since the meal was covered by a Dining Plan? Servers would rely on those tips as an inseparable part of their wage, and I can see it being an issue.

The one problem including Reds HOF Grill (in any fashion) is a potential increase in customers. Being a sit down nature variety restaurant, I assume it can't handle crowds the way most other food stands can in the park that offer a smaller selection with few items being made to order.

The store clerks.

"NEW FOR 2014 - MANTIS WON'T HURT YOUR -----!" Imagine the collective cheer and the irreverent marketing campaign Cedar Fair could come up with.

I think Mantis is intense because of its layout. Certainly standing has its own exhaustive quality, but the layout itself is pretty... shall we say, convoluted? I always compared it to the old coaster-building PC games where you'd try to connect back to the brakes only to find that you're off a square or something, so you add a loop... Then you have to bring it back around so you add a helix. But you need an S-turn to line up to complete the circuit, etc etc. By time you're done, you look back and find you've built... Frankencoaster. Just twists and rolls and bumps and turns and loops. And not even in an attractive and inspired way like Flight of Fear. I don't know a thing about engineering or physics. Doesn't seem to me that changing the train or heartline would have some disastrous result on riders, but I literally have absolutely no idea whatsoever. Really.

It worked too! I'm not saying it was a bad thing! Now if Kings Island's trash can rolls up to you and starts a conversation...

Six. They need six. Otherwise it is uneven

I think I know one member who does.

^ I can confirm- the employees were indeed all wearing red polo shirts and khaki pants, and they did seem pretty nice & fairly professional.

I've mentioned this many times, but if you have a young son who blurts out "Kings Island" every time he sees a piece of advertising using the Peanuts, you quickly realize just how often you see the Peanuts gang. Car washes, blimps, life insurance, TV specials, etc.... its around a lot more than I ever realized. There is also a certain element that relates to the Peanuts that Nickelodeon never could, namely grandparents. There are many grandparents who hand out in Planet Snoopy with their grandchildren. Many (most) grandparents can relate to snoopy, share an experience and tell their grandchildren Charlie Brown stories from their youth; few grandparents can relate to Sponge Bob, fewer still (probably something close, but above "none") can share stories of Squidword (sp?) from their youth. The Peanuts create a connection that spans across 3 generations (and in some case 4 generations). While the rides in Planet Snoopy are designed around 3-7 year olds, the names and themeing of those rides are designed around 25-80 year olds. My son calls Woodstock Express The Beastie, FAAC is "the yellow coaster", Snoopy's Splash Dance is "the splashpad", etc... He could give a rip what the name of the ride is and few are highly themed. Its the parents and grandparents who care, who name evokes memories of their youth, who's souvenirs they consume, etc.. Since Disney related theming isn't in the picture, The Peanuts is a great property to by associated with. Its still occasionally relevant to today's youth and will become even more so with next season's movie, and its incredibly relatable to the generations who proceed them, the people actually spending the money in the park.

^ That will not be happening A Troika does what Troika does. It won't change into a bowling alley and still be a Troika.

Lance told ya?Terp...running for the door... Yeah, let's go with that.

Lance told ya? Terp...running for the door...

Plus I posted a month ago that he told me the same thing...

Remember, this result was achieved AFTER throwing pricing integrity to the wind AND virtually giving away the gate on many occasions, adding many, many special events, etc. Cedar Fair (and Six Flags) uses a preferred metric of EBITDA. And EBITDA did not come in as expected, even after these gyrations. One third of the season remains. BooFest will be promoted this year like never before. So I predict.

They would have been about flat in attendance if Cedar Point had paid their water bill.

two busted: http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/warren-county/mason/two-women-stole-wallets-credit-cards-from-lockers-at-kings-island-officials-say