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What a hot button topic this is and should be. 2 main thoughts on Mr. Kinzel. First the business side. This man was at the helm of the RollerCoast during the coaster arms race between Cedar Point and Six Magic Mountain. During this time the only real concern at parks was bigger, faster, and greater # than the competition. Do you think Kinzel would have ever let Six overtake the most coasters record? Family, atmosphere, and satisfaction were not an important part of operations, plus he has a slight ego that he is the best and does it the best. The market changed drastically in the early 2000's as the family became the key market. Kinzel never understood or accepted that and wanted to keep doing things his way. Something about an Old Dog comes to mind. On a personal note Mr. Kinzel was kind enough to assist me in gathering information for a school project and provided me a tour of Millie during construction on a cold February day. Also he was nice enough to correspond via letters in helping me make some connections with a former coaster company based in Mason. I am thankful for his time and assistance, that is what I would call going above and beyond. In summary as a share holder Kinzel had overstayed his welcome, was out of touch, and his ego would not allow him to heed critique. He did many great things for Cedar Fair and did many dumb things as well. His reign is now part of the long and storied history of Cedar Point and Cedar Fair.

And here we are... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIt42gkIfYQ (Period-correct stock music is included instead of obnoxious projector noises.) More to come.

Posted about this a couple days ago in the general off-topic thread, but I thought I'd stick it up here as well. Last week I found this Super 8 film reel for a few dollars at an antique store in Newport. I'm watching it so far, and among the rides attractions visible are: Racer Giant Slide Skyride Unidentified ride involving boats with sails(?) Multiple early Hanna-Barbera Land rides ...and more I'll try to capture it and post it here once I'm done. Quite an exciting find for me.

Kings Island has posted the following Starbucks construction photo on Facebook: Photo: Kings Island via Facebook

Oh, what a stir that would create with a little creative use of Photoshop, and an anonymous email to a certain park rumor site

Six Flags, and Gary Story in particular, was so single-mindedly going after Cedar Point, it never occurred to them THEY might fail. At first, Kings Island was the target, and a newly flagged Kentucky Kingdom was to be the ammunition. Paramount Park's massive Action Zone $35,000,000 response moved them north pronto.

Hey guys. For those who don't know, I write pretty extensively for Theme Park Tourist. The site's got something like 400,000 Facebook followers and a pretty wide audience. I was writing for them back when I was previewing Dinosaurs Alive. You can see the archive of my writing here, which I think is pretty helpful to see the kind of features the site posts (and I obviously think they're fun / interesting reads, too .) Anyway, the site has begun to skew very, very, very heavily toward Disney & Universal (and in particular, their Florida resorts), which is probably appropriate given the scope of those parks and their fan bases, but the owner - a personal friend - is looking for someone to write weekly about seasonal US parks. I know a lot of folks here are really invested and interested in Cedar Fair and Six Flags parks, so I told him that I'd post here for interested parties who might want to do a little [paid] writing on the side to get in touch with him. Great opportunity, great site, and a wide audience for your writing. The site's "Write For Us" page has some great examples of the kind of features the site publishes and ways to submit a writing sample or article idea. Contact him if you're interested because I know a lot of you guys could enjoy this. You can also message me with questions!

Many years ago, I did the 300' Skycoaster. In front of my Mom. Months later, she told me she was not amused, and asked me to not ever do that in her presence again. I never did.

That drop of water on the camera looks like Millennium Force is missing a 100 ft section of track.

Y'all are Hartless. Over to you, Ed!

But...understand the local communities were quite happy with things the way they were. They had successfully fought off over-development for years. Until that fateful day that SIX bought SeaWorld of Ohio. SeaWorld definitely got the better end of that deal. Both Six Flags and Cedar Fair lost boatloads of money there. It speaks volumes that the real estate STILL has not sold.

Thanks! (I wrote it. ) Like Terp said (and I'm no where NEAR as versed in this stuff as he is), Worlds of Adventure marked just about everything wrong with Six Flags at the time, which then turned around and informed their operations elsewhere. Rides on top of rides on top of rides. But customer service? Entertainment? Atmosphere? Food? No, no, and no.

That wouldn't have helped with the fact the park's infrastructure itself--from midways to restaurants to restrooms--was woefully inadequate for a superpark. Nothing (but rides, rides, rides) was sized appropriately for the crowds that place got its first year, which is why many who went that year and were frustrated went to Cedar Point or elsewhere in future years.

Opryland by all means is the defunct park that I personally went to that I'd love to see rise again. Geauga Lake was planned as part of vacation in which I scrapped that part of the trip something I now regret. So there's now much mystique for me there. Similar situation with Hard Rock Park. However the park that held the most memories for me that is now defunct is Magic World Pigeon Forge TN. While part of the remains of the small park are now a putt putt golf course, it was a place of wonder for me growing up. Loved entering the pirate ship, crossing the suspended bridge past a dinosaur into a Magic World. You could ride a UFO high above the Smokies (simulator) Ride a flying carpet over an Arabian land. Journey through a haunted house or board the dragon train (may not have been a dragon that memory is fuzzy) through a prehistoric world. Plus there several other rides but nothing huge, still I often asked to go there instead of Silver Dollar City/ Dollywood. It wasn't a huge park by any means but that place was great growing up. Edit: seems the suspended bridge entry was also fuzzy memory but for a view of this as well as some other lost attractions see http://www.volunteercabinrentals.com/smoky-mountain-blog/pigeon-forge-extinct-attractions-what-they-are-today/

That's fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

Six Flags Worlds of Adventure ran ridiculous ads featuring local families who claimed they passed Cedar Point to go to Six Flags. After families drawn in by those ads went and found the reality that was SFWoA, many went right back...to Cedar Point. The final chapter on the last surviving piece of SFWoA has yet to be written. Since I like to ask questions: * How many stand alone waterparks does FUN now own? * What new things have been put into Wildwater Kingdom in recent years? * How profitable is it? * Is it a distraction from the core business? * Would it likely have a buyer? * If not, could the things and management there be better used elsewhere at FUN?

I honestly was not aware of Mr Story going after KI and KK, thank You very much for that tidbit of knowledge. That, is why I returned to this site, despite my serious reservations, because of people like You and the continued knowledge I require in my Life about the topics I am passionate about. Im like Johnny 5, need more input! I just wish DK would have taken the high road when Mr Story came after CP, instead of getting into a "My credit line is bigger than your credit line" contest.

If they invite coaster clubs I'll definitely try to make it out there for media day, since it's on a Thursday and I'm off on Wednesdays and Thursdays right now. That could change by April of course, especially once baseball season starts again, but we'll see how things go...

Interesting. Makes me wonder if it would be worth getting it professionally digitized... There's quite a bit of footage left to record, but unfortunately my camera battery died on me. So in the meantime, I have about 2.5 minutes of the film rendering and uploading as we speak. There's also some really nice footage of Winnie Witch's Cauldrons - including Winnie herself spinning atop the ride, and Screamin' Demon in the background. Interestingly, the few photos of the ride floating around show the cauldrons as being black with flames - apparently when the ride was new, they were pastel-colored, resulting in a "Winnie Witch's Teacups" of sorts.

Well happy new year KIC its been a while since ive posted anything i just want to share my ideas of how we can upgrade our much broken ride Boo Blasters on Boo HIll. Well there was one thing that they did fix and that was Boocifer he actually worked at the end of last season. But this ride needs so major TLC. Now dont worry im not gonna start another Bring back Phantom Theater post because i know thats pointless. What i will sugest though is four basic things. 1. While waiting in the queue line instead of Fun TVs lets go back to organ music instead. I know everybody just loves to hear Let it Go for the 100th time while waiting in line for a haunted castle ride but i think we could all benefit from Kings Island installing some more loud speakers and just playing music from Bach instead. You know that song that sounds like its from Dracula that one. Heck maybe you could even put the Maestros voice in there somewhere. Have him taunt the guest without actually being there (then it really would be Phantom Theater). 2. When entering the long dark musty hallway for some reason Paramount thought it would be a good idea to cover the spooky faces with boards. Why? I can see how that wouldnt have fit Scooby. But now I think we should reincorporate sorry if thats spelled wrong, that peppers ghost effect. You know where the faces followed you as you walked. That would be so cool and its such a cool affect to go to waste it would deffienatly fit the Boo Blasters theme. It also would be fairly cheap but at least remove those boards. 3. During the ride there are several things that need fixing but mainly the blasters themselves. I rode it a few times last season and both times the guns hit nothing basically that ruins the whole ride for the kids and also the gimmick of the ride. Also the music is terrible because there really isnt any. This is where the Phantom Theater soundtrack could come in handy Kings Island owns the rights to it just play it over the loud speakers while ridding and its already ten thousand times better in the audio department. And lastly this isnt really necessary but i really strongly think we could use a few of the Phantom Theater Animatronics or Props on the ride. I know they dont look the best but they still have a charm to them. Just stick the Maestro or Houdelini in there somewhere you wouldnt even have to turn them on because some of them didnt move anyway and play there voices and Boocifer and Maestro would go great together. Ive always immagined Maestro at the part with the skeltons. Any of them would be fine considering they store them in the same building and the ride would really be awesome for the whole family. Or at least use the animatronics somewhere. They arent used for haunt anymore but they could be great theming for The Bat or Banshee. But keeping them inside would be best, They could just be like backrounds for the main attraction. And hopefully Maestro could go back to his empty balcony but really the only ideas that will probaly be reasonable and might work is the music and maybe the spooky faces. Really the organ music is key here and the Maestros voice would make it better to enhance to queue line experinece. Again the Dracula song. And you could have the Maestros voice at the end saying You'll be back! Overall I think these are fairly reasonable changes to help the struggling dark ride and they could be done quick and easy without little time, effort, or money. The music change in the queue and on the ride is simply a change in what music you are or arent playing and could easily be done but i really stress the queue line theming I really only want the organ music back while waiting in line. Well what do y'all think? I really think we should push for this considering we brought back The Bat and the Flying Eagles (sort of) so lets make it a major more enjoyably dark ride for everyone to enjoy with a little touch of help from The Phantom Theater. Thanks if you read even half of this Im sorry for making it a rant and going on forever but I really think this is a reasonable change that I hope the park listens to at least with the queue line organ music and im really passionate about Phantom and Dark Rides in general. And also congrats to the Buckeyes for bringing the trophy back home. Thank You that'll be all i hope they'll consider it.

Most go to Orlando to participate in one of the BIG 3, which multiplied out is closer to the BIG 10- or so. If you make it to Orlando and are looking for a local attraction with a significant pop, Fun Spot America (two locations in Orlando and Kissimmee). They are a local operation with bigger time asperations. They feature the worlds two tallest Sky Coasters (250' and 300' tall; by comparison, Xtreme Sky Flier at KI is 17 stories tall which I assume means 170'). http://thrillgeek.com/fun-spot-america-in-orlando-announces-three-new-attractions/ http://fun-spot.com/ Curious, has anyone been to?

I would agree. Fix up all of the non working parts of the ride. One major one they need to fix is the guy getting chased by the skeleton (or whatever is chasing him.. can't think of it) because he just looks like a insane guy who thinks he is getting chase. (I always joke about it when I pass it) Another major one that would be neat to see fixed is the couple in the bed. I know it was working in 2013 but I don't think it was working this year. I really like your ideas, such as the queue line... get rid of the TVs!

Really like your ideas. I wouldn't mind if they took the "shoot em up" aspect completely out of the ride. It's distracting. I'd take it a step or two further and convert the attraction to a reboot of the Phantom Theater using The Curse of DarKastle ride technology...The Maestro in your face could be quite scary.

I've seen it (in person and YouTube)- it makes me a nervous wreck just watching it.

I agree on all points, and/but the difference is, the people of that area know this as well, and are honestly almost expecting it at the end of every season. That, and the fact it will likely be announced even though the writing is clearly on the slide walls with red ink, will be the difference in why people will not want to throw darts at a photo of Mr Ouimet, and did/still do at photos of Kinzel.

Even though I still Love the knowledge, I ask myself why I continue to torture myself reading articles related to this topic and my forever favorite park. Sparky, who is intelligent enough to accept the realities of both sides setting GL up to fail, but is still very emotional about said park.

Well sorry to reopen this topic but i Thought id make a list of all the remnants since it hasnt really been done all the way fully. 1. Son of Beast's Station along with its chain lift mechanism. also the original trains are behind Dinosaurs Alive if you ride the back seat of the Red racer (i think) and look youll see them. Also the newer trains were used for haunt last year the Blue ones but they took off the Son of Beast sticker not sure if y'all saw them or not. 2. The lights from Wild County Safari are directly under Congo Falls. 3. There are several Footers from the original Bat under Vortex and right next to the Station. Also the matience doors have two holes in them obviously to incorporate The Bat's suspened track. Along with The Bat's Station (except it was Orange not Blue.) and the stairs leading up the first lift hill on Vortex are from The Bat. 4. Going back to Son of Beast the queue line is still there and also whats left of the Track sticks out of the Station. 5. The original Enchanted Voyage entrance is still there. Its next to The Great Pumpkin Coaster Its the big mural of Snoopy or the Pumpkin Patch. Its doors are there and its used for Carnevil during Haunt. 6. Flight Commaders Queue is still there and I think is used for KillMart (correct me if Im wrong) 7. Phantom Theater's entire queue line is present along with the Maestro's Balcony and Spooky faces that I think were supposed to be Maestro are in the Hallway. They've got boards on them and glowing red eyes and are all from Phantom Theater. (My Profile Picture) is one of them. who looks like Maestro. Also Kings Island has about all of the Animatronics and the Phantom Theater Mouse is used in Board to Death. Along with the Boiler Room furnace in Slaughterhouse Reloded towards the end of that maze. And I think theres a few Phantom Theater things in Madame Fatales Cavern of Terror. 8. There may be a Few King Cobra Footers present behind Slingshot next to Banshee but they may have been removed although they were quite small and out of the way of Banshee's footers. Also King Cobra's Chain along with other parts of it might be in Flight of Fear. Althought the trains from King Cobra were moved back in 2008 to Kings Dominion to be used as spare parts for Shockwave. A clone of King Cobra down in Virginia. Those trains used to be in Flight of Fear but now i Think they are next to Volcano The Blast Coaster from what Ive read. 9. The Paramount's Kings Island trams are clearly visible from the Top of the Eiffel Tower. 10. Der Spinning Keggers have to Flag poles next to Viking Fury. 11. Sky Ride's Footer now has a tree in it but is still next to Adventure Express and behind the restaurant that used to be Bubba Gumps. I forget its present name but I think its Hanks Burrito Shack. 12. Top Gun's Stars are still there. If you turn around when you first step out of The Bat's entrance tunnel/Old Son of Beast tunnel you will see them. 13. SkyLab's queue line is now a prize storage room facility. 14. Tomb Raider The Ride's photo booth is still next to the same buidling that once housed it Madame Fatales Cavern of Terror. 15. The go cars from Thunder Alley are visible from Firehawk's queue line and lift hill. 16. A majority of the Scooby doo and the Haunted Castle Props and Cardboard cutouts are used on Boo Blasters on Boo Hill. 17. The track from Phantom Theater is still there but the actuation of the Cars switched. But its still the same track from Phantom. 18. Also I have no idea what happened to the Phantom Theater Cars maybe someone can help me on this they used to be on display at the Bandstand before Blood Drum's became a hit. 19. Not really a remnant but the sign for Invertigo along with the actual Station is still colored to represent the Face/Off days. 20. Many of the Wild County Safari buildings remain except you have no way of accessing them. Along with the Trams from the Safari are at Jungle Jims down the road. 21. Cars from the Jetson's Ride were also on display next to the Eiffel Tower and next to the Son of Beast trains. 22. The Crypt's seats are stored inside Flight of Fear and The Bat Demon is used for Haunt. 23. And does anybody know if there are any Screamin' Demon remnants? Ive never found any. 24. Also Im fairly sure the old Flight of Fear cars are stored inside Flight of Fear and there are some also behind Banshee. Behind Son of Beast's old Rosebowl Double Helix, near the Station of Son of Beast now. 25. The Flying Dutchman's launch pad is now the entrance to The Adventure Express. 26. I cant think of anyting else except for througout the park there are various things that still say Paramount's Kings Island on them like the Trams and other things if you look hard enough. 27. Well I hope you enjoy this list and hope you go find some of the Remnants or maybe learn about ones you didnt know about. Thanks for reading.

As of May he was "90% back on the job": http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/05/06/subway-fred-deluca-fast-food-restaurants/8690843/

Well if the Scremin Demon is in it, definitely not 1972.

I'm sure KingsIslandPR may be interested in this. Can't wait to see it.

^Sure am glad I don't live on the lake. I'd have to be a hermit in winter months. Or a frozen Philcicle.

Great view (besides the waters spots on the lens) of Rougarou on Cedar Point Live Video Cam 3 today! (Live Still-Image captured from Cedar Point Live Video Cam 3)

Subway, like Costco, is largely controlled and operated by the founder. Last I heard, Subway's founder was quite ill. You have to wonder what will happen to each of these companies when the chief executive officer is someone else; someone whose blood, sweat and tears aren't poured into every corner of the company.

I just posted this in the defunct park thread but it seems like it would be a better fit here. A very sad but interesting read. http://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20140824/28153/lost-geauga-lake-how-worlds-largest-six-flags-disappeared

Pass.

I can't imagine how you'd do that piece with only two musicians. I'll have to check that out when I get a chance...

I dont recall ever needing Lance, or his input

New for 2015, jump element added to Millie! Where's Lance when you need him?

Good stuff. I think the ride with sails might be Gulliver's Rub-A-Dub.

I sort of feel this is a chicken/egg situation. If there had existed a highway/byway during the Sea World/Geauga Lake days of the 70s, then possibly the infrastructure would have grown as well and possibly been ready for the influx of the masses..

And the answer is, "Yes." SFWoA was both symptomatic and causative.

Do they have your sandwich at Camden Park? // Try the steak and cheese place near Diamondback if you haven't.

When you are at a performance and the beginning of the opening piece takes you back to fall at Kings Island. The first 43 seconds of this:

I will never forget Jeff Seibert's extreme elation about Bubba Gump's. He thought it was going to be a cornerstone of a fledgling national chain. Little did he know....

As cold as it is, it really is beautiful to see the lake and beaches when it's snow covered and frozen in ice.

I can confirm the date of media day and the charity auction being April 23rd.

Not to mention the big shiny new toy Santa Claus brought for Indiana.

I don't think it was a vendetta, so much as it was pretty much a win-win opportunity for Cedar Fair. If you want to buy your competition and shut it down you do that, you don't buy them and try to pretend to keep it running just to make a show of things. In terms of GL I saw it as this: The park clearly couldn't make a run at competing on a Cedar Point scale. CF bought it at a fire sale price and was able to remove the Six Flags threat in Ohio and keep any one else from contending with them. They then had a new park that had more than enough rides and attractions to suit itself. If things turned around and it made money: great. If it doesn't work: threat gone. In the end, they kept the profitable side and removed any slot for competition to move in. It was a smart move, although a sad one for GL fans.

Ahhh, the Flying Eagles, which we rode at Carowinds (and yes, we popped the cables because there was nobody telling us NOT to ala CP!). I miss them so...

I hope that our old Wheel of Fortune is well-kept at its new home. I'd hate to think of its future being in Jeopardy! Perhaps one day, it will change hands again if The Price is Right. I wouldn't Press Your Luck with a park in Santa Claus, Indiana, though. I hear they have a bit of a Family Feud going on, To Tell the Truth. I have no idea why, but I couldn't resist the urge to make that post.