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@KingsIslandPR on Twitter : Tweet can be found Here.

Max Cannon was an incredible guy and is missed. malem refers to the fact no Kinzels are listed on that piece of track.

Wow, I'm sorry. I missed the "absence" part last night. Definitely concurred about the absence of Kinzel's insignia on Fury 325.

I'm sure that Terp greatly appreciates the absence of one prominent name on that piece of track.

It's a tradition in ironworking that certain milestone pieces are signed by everyone involved. They did the same thing to commemorate the completion of the gigantic lift hill. They also place certain items (in the U.S., typically an American flag and an evergreen tree) atop the structure.

Rougarou Files Vol. 3: Innovation Featuring Rob Decker from the Cedar Fair Planning & Design team.

It may be cold right now but here's a warm thought... we are 77 days away from Opening Day!! 77 days until we see this again!

There is a 1972 KI map on eBay that was recently bid up from $17 to $41. Just thought I'd share it, it looks pretty interesting. http://www.ebay.com/itm/291363713634?redirect=mobile UPDATE: The auction is now over.

I'm sorry but I have to ask... What did you do?

The siding Lagoon used on the Tower actually has a Wood Grain Faux Finish on it. Cannibal has a Dual Elevator Lift just like Pilgrim's Plunge did and Divertical has.

Uh huh And all we need from you, Muscle Shoals, is a little incentive to build near you rather than in Fort Worth. Don't you want those jobs, don't you want those taxes, don't you want that tourism dough? It honestly sounds to me a little like the "you've won the Irish Sweepstakes (that you didn't enter)" scams that predate the Internet. We just haven't yet heard what the equivalent of "wire us a fraction of your winnings to cover the taxes" the anonymous emailer has in mind.

^Hideous? I think it looks intimidating and will serve as an epic new icon for the park. Here are a few new photos, originally posted on Lagoon's Facebook:

Does anyone have any pictures or memories of the old inflatable theater? I've never seen it in person, and in pictures I thought it looked pretty cool.

I'm sure someone does. Anyway, how did they keep it inflated? Was it like a domed stadium?

Food Announcement for Carowinds delivers superior offerings and thematic elements: http://www.4-traders.com/CEDAR-FAIR-LP-12697/news/Cedar-Fair--Carowinds--Releases-Amazing-2015-Events-Schedule-19774561/

Does Planet Snoopy count as an adult jail? Lol.

Word on the street is, KY is now in the running for the location of Volvo's first Automobile Plant in the USA. One of two possible locations in the state is next door to where I work. Kentucky LOVES the automobile industry. We have plants for FORD, GM and TOYOTA already, plus about 450 other manufacturing facilities related to the industry. One of the biggest political issues in the state? JOBS. This is a chance to bring lots of them in. I foresee some major belt tightening to land this big opportunity. We got beat out by Alabama for a Hyundai years ago and folks are still upset about it.

There is on the train.

I can only speak to my issue. On my first visit to Carowinds, my friend and her son went through with no issue. Got to me and she almost wouldn't let me through. Pass came up fine but she said the picture didn't look right and was a fake. It was very clearly me but must look different from their set-up. I had to tell her that my pass was processed at KI (even though that was on the Platinum Pass at the time). She looked very confused and finally let me through. I haven't had issues since but I always hold my breathe when I hand over my pass there...just in case. They at least let me in. Others haven't been so lucky. **coughTheInterpretercough*

Several years back, I visited Carowinds with my Kings Island Platinum Pass. Saturday. No issues. Sunday, I'm literally first in line at the North Gate. My pass had not worked at the season pass parking lot, but they let me in there anyway. Half an hour before opening, the front gates open. They start letting people in. But NOT me. "Sir, your pass shows you have already entered the park today, we cannot let you in." "But you JUST opened." "I cannot let you in." "I was here yesterday." "We cannot let you in." "May I please see a manager?" "It won't make any difference." "I want to see a manager." "I need your pass." I sigh and hand it over. Big mistake. 25 minutes later, I DEMAND my pass. They give it to me. "Are you letting me in?" "No." no apology. No nothing. I got in my car and drove 8 hours home. Disgusted. Six weeks later, on these forums, I read the SAME thing has happened to another KI Platinum Pass holder. Two years later, it happened to me again, this time at Kings Dominion. They graciously fixed the issue but had to convert me to a Kings Dominion Platinum Pass to do it. Last fall, I tried to renew my KI Platinum Pass at Dorney. They couldn't do it. You see, my 2014 Kings Island Platinum Pass showed up in their system as not valid. Never mind it had gotten me in at the gate. Two weeks later, the RENEWED 2015 Dorney Platinum Pass was rejected at Kings Island. That 2014 one? IT still worked. Cedar Fair really needs to fix the park interoperability issue with its Platinum Passes.

I have been searching eBay for memorabilia daily in the off-season. Haven't bought a lot (just a miniature stein), but the map and menu were both on my watch list. A new auction started today but I'm hesitant to share cuz I don't want to encourage people bidding against me! Ok, I'll share. A set of six mugs from the 70s: http://m.ebay.com/itm/161581311606

Thanks for sharing! I always appreciate it when folks share eBay finds like that on here. If the auction wasn't over, I'd have a hard time convincing myself that I don't actually need a 1972 map. On the subject of cool Kings Island stuff that I have to tell myself I don't need, there also are an International Restaurant menu and show guide from 1984 on there. They look pretty neat. Check it out: http://www.ebay.com/itm/International-Restaurant-Menu-Shows-Brochure-Kings-Island-Ohio-1984-/191493466647?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c95e66a17

^What the issue with Carowinds? Seeing I'm planning on visiting, with my KI Platinum Pass, I guess I need to cover my bases before I go. It is an eight hour trip, I would not be a happy Phil after that.

Good answers from Kings Island are one thing. As longtime readers here know, admission to Carowinds with another Cedar Fair park's Platinum Pass can only be assured after that entry is secured. And then, heaven help you on day two. You may need it. I, for one, intend to be accompanied by my renewed Dorney Park Platinum Pass, receipt, paid credit card statement, and a prayer or two. Hopefully, that will be enough. Now that Barton Kinzel has "left to pursue other opportunities," I suspect it will be. I hope.

I renewed my Platinum Pass this year and plan on going to Carowinds prior to Kings Island to experience Fury 325. I wanted to make sure I was clear how the renewal process worked, since I live almost 3 hours away from Kings Island. I sent a quick email to the "Contact Us" link on visitkingsisland.com and found the customer care representative to be very responsive (even to my follow up questions). I work in customer care for a somewhat large company who utilizes both onshore and offshore support staff. My experience with (at least the written form) the customer care team at Kings Island has been very good. Once you have opened up a question and received an answer, you not only have your customer care rep's contact, but also an email of their supervisor is included in the signature line. I was very satisfied with the follow up of my questions.

Wow. Just took a look at the number of followers that @KentuckyKingdom has on Twitter..... What an incredible amount of Hart being shown..... 2,263 followers....??..... Something's just not right. .......And due to that, Hart's probably due to Chang things up a little bit......Oh Wait?.... As said by other members of this site, in this very thread, visit Kentucky Kingdom this season. Time is of the essence.

I got a bad habit of counting calories and now I am for sure I am never going to touch a burger ever again. Yuck....I took one bite yesterday and saw the calories and threw the rest of it away. You get to do that at the Flamingo, I thought they were cool to watch.

...except the story claims this park is to be built with all private funds.

I wouldn't know the upshot, but it sounds like someone laying the groundwork to scam a local government*. An anonymous email press release is certainly not the typical way a multi-billion (with a "B") dollar project would be announced. If it turns out to be something real, it's interesting. *or governments, as it sounds from the article like Fort Worth may be swallowing similar bait. Edit: perhaps they got the idea from this: http://online.thatsmags.com/post/daqing-government-allegedly-scammed-for-almost-1-billion-in-jurassic-park-scam More about theme park scam in China:http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20131125000102&cid=1103 Or this: http://www.tribune242.com/news/2014/jun/03/water-park-developer-denies-venture-scam/

Wouldn't be the tribute to Max Cannon that was done on both of those signed milestone track segments, would it be?

I love how they all signed that piece! I think it would be so cool looking at at that behemoth and being able to say "My name's on that." Even though it will never be seen by again, it's still pretty awesome.

Marketing Communications Area Manager at PKI to Director of Communications for Schlitterbahn to Marketing Director at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. I've heard he's being groomed for a GM or corporate spot at Six Flags.You're right - it's hard to quantify how a person's creative heights equate to a financial return, but clearly many in the industry are seeing his value.

Incredible! Can't wait to see it in action...

Flea From Terrier?

The swarm has completed its first flight...... @mikefehnel on Twitter : "This piece makes #Fury325 the longest steel coaster on this side of the planet!" Photos : Mike Fehnel (Carowinds GM) via Twitter @CarowindsPark on Twitter : "Special day for Carowinds and the Carolinas! Track for the world's tallest/fastest giga coaster is complete #Fury325" Photo : Carowinds via Twitter Carowinds Amusement Park on Facebook : "Special day for Carowinds and the Carolinas! We've completed the track for the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster! Fury 325's track stretches over 6,600 feet and will take riders nearly 3 minutes and 25 seconds to complete." Photo : Carowinds Amusement Park on Facebook The Charlotte Observer was also at the park today to interview Mike Fehnel and watch as the last piece of track was installed. The article : Buzz builds as Carowinds adds final piece of track to Fury 325 The interview and final piece of track erection video : .....And now we wait.....for the REAL first flight of the swarm.....

I've just been watching these things on Craigslist the past couple of months. They were all relisted on the same day, which is how I realized they were all the same seller (Delirium and Face/Off clearly were but I didn't realize the Son of Beast sign thing was until that time) There was a thread, let me see if I can find it... Some was in the Christmas gifts thread (http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php/topic/30528-kings-island-gift-ideas/) but I think the SoB thing was in another. Edit: yep, it was here, fortunately someone added a pic cuz the listing on CL is dead: http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php/topic/28609-son-of-beast-plaque/

Or perhaps a location for a New Haunt Attraction.

How are you able to see a user's past sales? I'm not very familiar with Craigslist and how it all works. Edit - No idea on the source, but here's a shot of the Face/Off model when it was at the park.

Ryan and I have played with that Delirium model before... Edit: I remember now, It was at a Winter Soar Off season event. It was on display before the event started.

I felt the need to chime in here. First, I don't think it's warranted for any of us to debate ANY employees value or merit, question their intentions, or take "brave" keyboard jabs at how well they *might* have handled a terrible situation. We are not their supervisors, or their judges. I feel it is warranted for me to speak of the type of man Jeff is. Jeff Siebert is, without a doubt, one of the most generous, friendly and enthusiastic persons I've ever known. His positivity is so incredibly contagious, that you cannot help but be friends with him. His "celebrity" within the enthusiast community comes not from a desire to be in the limelight, rather it comes as a side-effect. He warmly embraces those that share his love of coasters, parks and fun. In addition, he is an incredible father and husband to a terrific wife and kids. David Mandt has a heart bigger than you can imagine. David has been in the business since he was a teen working at Carowinds. So he has a deep rooted passion for parks and the guest experience. David helped spearhead the initiative to embrace the enthusiast community at a time when many park officials were annoyed or embarrassed by them. Perhaps that is why this year he was awarded a lifetime honorary membership by ACE? He's a dear man to which many thanks are owed by coaster/park lovers. I owe him a great deal, because he was a deep friend to me at a time of transition in my life. He, as a friend, lifted me up through some common challenges we shared in our lives. For that, I'm deeply indebt. Maureen definitely went to battle late in her tenure at KI. But let's not forget she was right there along side Jeff and David for a good portion of their ride. She is a wonderful friend with a great sense of humor and intellect! But more importantly, she's a very kind hearted, and wise lady, mother and wife. She has beautiful children of whom she loves dearly, and that love her. That speaks volumes. Don Helbig is a great guy. I've actually known him for many years from times as an enthusiast at KI. Actually for many years, I knew *of* him but didn't approach him at KI events because I was intimidated by his incredibly impressive "track" record. As time goes on, you get to know folks, and my intimidation changed to respect and admiration. I was so excited for him when I learned he was taking the reigns of PR/Marketing for KI. I cannot think of anyone else with such a deep-rooted love for, and history with, the park. Don has what I consider a quiet, but strong presence. He has also continued the outreach to the enthusiast community and embraced us at all times, not just when needed for a shoot. Why? Because he remains an impressive enthusiast. I could go on and on about others I know in the industry But I wanted to chime in just to say how high my opinion is of each of these specific folks. Some of my life's most cherished moments include them, and that has nothing to do with KI. Each of them, however, is to be commended on their tenure as "caretakers" of KI. Each of them did (or is doing) a commendable job in ensuring the fun and enjoyment is shared by as many fellow KI attendees as possible. Their stellar reputations with many fellow KI fans comes from a subtext that cannot be falsified... they each love and cherish KI as we do. I'm a better person for knowing all of them. John

Don't know if this has been posted yet, but Kings Island's Executive Chef is now on Twitter: @KICHEFNATE Should be interesting to follow!

Thanks! I stumbled on the site and was a little surprised/amazed to find a community site around an amusement park.

^It is amazing how much of a difference little things like that make on a ride. Good job HW!

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari on Facebook : "#JazzHands" Photo : Holiday World via Facebook

Not sure if anybody noticed but the final piece was set in place yesterday just to be removed a short time later. I assume it was a test fitment prior to Friday and the official completion with media present.

Here's a photo of the work I-Street is getting courtesy of @KingsIslandPR on Twitter. https://twitter.com/kingsislandpr/status/560463683697254400 Hey guess what?? We're in the 70's!! 79 days until Opening Day!!

I assume single day ticket prices will be set dependent on the number of season passes that are sold. Direct from KK FB How do you not go in to the season with a set single day ticket price?

That's okay. I'm a huge fan of Twenties music. 1920's. Jazz, bebop, American Standards, much stuff long before I was born. And quite a bit of stuff today, from Tracy Chapman to Bruno Mars. Bluegrass. Forties and Fifties Country and Western Music. Gospel. So-called "Southern Gospel" (there's a huge difference). Sing Along With Mitch! Follow The Bouncing Ball. And on and and on. Oh, yeah. I'm a FredHead. Not to be confused with a Cheese Head. And John Prine, Tom T Hall....

I've always been against the grain with music..... When I was younger it was straight forward brutal metal. I dunno, guess I've broadened my horizons a bit, Gonna see Bob Segar and J. Giles Band Thursday. I listened to alot of them kinda bands(Eagles, Marshall Tucker, Linda Ronstadt, John Mellencamp, ect.) when I was younger, and usually that's what my car radio is set to. Still listen to metal if I get my CD player to work. I can not stand rap music. Not much of a country fan, either. Although when the family is with me, that's all i seem to listen to.

I've honestly been expecting that for a while now and wouldn't be terribly surprised if that happened within a decade or even sooner. I can't say whether I feel it would be a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, losing Timberwolf would be yet another piece of the park's history gone. However, if it no longer carries it weight, then perhaps the park could benefit from using the space for something else, besides storage and collecting cobwebs when not used for Spirit Song.