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Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!! Here's to a new season at Kings Island, which opens in 31 days!!! New edit I made. Took me a long time but I'm happy with the results.

Looking for something green for St. Patrick's day and I found it.

Be sure to follow Don Helbig (@DonHelbig) on Twitter this season for exclusive updates, Q&A sessions, "Tweet-up" contests at the park, and more. https://twitter.com/DonHelbig Just posted today was this photo of the very nicely repainted Shake, Rattle & Roll ride vehicles: Photo: Don Helbig via Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonHelbig/status/577988695166451712

Well, most of what I could say has already been said, so I'll just confirm on some points: #1- While it may not affect the quality of the ride, for visual aspects, yes color is VERY important. Especially if said ride is going tower over the park or something. #2- Some paintjobs are great fresh, but need maintaned...or else. For example, Vortex here at Kings Island IMO has a great paintjob, but when it was neglected for quite a long time in the late 90's, by 2000...it looked horrible. Thankfully that problem was easily fixed with a new paintjob. And also... #3- Certain colors should be mixed with other colors, otherwise the ride will look horrible. There will be an example of this later in this post. And now, some of my personal favorite paintjobs... Afterburn @ Carowinds Silver Track and Blue Supports on an inverted or suspended coaster is ALWAYS a good combo in my book. This ride shows it off perfectly. With both this and Fury 325, Carowinds will have some pretty pretty coasters in 2015. Other rides have also had this paintjob, and they look often as good, but I'm just going to use this one example here. Millennium Force @ Cedar Point The "inverted" (LOLZ) version of the color scheme is also gorgeous IMO...granted MF has white supports, but it's close enough. Other coasters also have this color scheme too of course, but I'm just using the most famous example... Blue Streak @ Cedar Point Cedar Fair seems to know some good color choices IMO, even if they do over-use red (due to being over-used, no red coasters will appear here even though I don't really mind it though). Blue Streak is the first woodie to appear here, and the slight hint of blue in the supports and blue track make it just that much prettier than your average wooden coaster. Now for some exceptions to the rule of "you need more than 1 color" (mostly)... Batman: The Ride (original paintjob) @ SF Great America OK so there is SOME gold track. But it's 99% all-black. While most color schemes would be painful to look at like this, All Black just makes a coaster look more intimidating. And said gold track is an awesome touch. The new paintjob isn't bad, but compared to THIS... Woodstock Express @ Kings Island It's a bit easier to get away with an all-one-color paintjob with a wooden coaster- with some exceptions. The natural browns usually work for them, but Woodstock Express here shows off how pretty a nice all-light-blue can be. I love the "official" color name too...Blue Ice Cream... Also it should be obvious by now what my favorite color is... And now, one of the few paint schemes I have seen that made me cringe...prepare yourself for... T3 @ Kentucky Kingdom (Pic from: http://www.coaster2coaster.com/) MY EYES!!! Seriously, this one looked 100x better in all black...TOO MUCH RED!!! EVEN Cedar Fair WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND DIS!!! Well, I hope you all enjoyed this post. Save the last part. I'm so sorry. But I had to include a bad one, and that one came to mind...

It depends on the coaster IMO. With smaller rides, you can get away with about anything. With rides that stick out in a park's skyline, well...I'd rather not see something that doesn't mesh. SFMM's X in its original pink and yellow comes to mind. The most eccentric paint job goes easily to this. Dragon @ Ocean Park in Hong Kong. Picture courtesy of RCDB.com. Link

There is an Ecotec car meet that I was planning on possibly going to this coming summer in Baltimore. (Ecotec is the branding of the engines used in certain GM vehicles, such as the Saturn Sky, Pontiac Solstice, Chevy Cobalt, and quite a few others). At first, I was going to combine it with a trip to SFA. Then I remembered, if I'm at an Ecotec meet, I'll be driving a vehicle that I care about. Like, a lot. And I promptly decided to skip that. For me to skip an amusement park when I'm going to be in that area anyway says a lot about the reputation of that park. I'm a guy who loves him some roller coasters. Fortunately, Kennywood isn't terribly out of the way on my trip home, so there's always a silver lining. And absolutely any excuse to visit Kennywood is a good one.

I don't really pay much attention to coaster colors, but Mantis and Raptor's color schemes at Cedar Point always seemed backwards to me. The green one is a bird, and the parrot colored one was an insect. I always got them confused because of it. The new purple people eater at KI does make me appreciate a good color scheme more than I ever have before, though. Banshee is so pretty.

The monorails are the trams mentioned, number 20 in the list. One of the trains is at Jungle Jim's. I still have this vague feeling I am being gaslighted about Lion Country Safari. I went to KI so many times in my childhood and into my teens (from around 1980-1998), and I have absolutely zero personal memory of its existence. I think back to that area of the park and it's a blank. It isn't all that unusual for me to have forgotten things, because I have a terrible memory for personal events, but it is such a big, long-lasting, thing to be missing. When I started coming here and it was mentioned, I thought it was just before my time/ in my young childhood, but it was there for most of the time I was going to the park.

Ah! We are so close but feels so far!

I'm a big fan of anything blue and/or green. I agree that red and yellow are WAY overused. Maybe something's wrong with my eyes but that T3 pic, I see as orange, not red. Wouldn't be quite so bad if there were different color supports. Banshee and Fury 325 have the prettiest colors, IMO I love the color combinations on both of those rides.

The new colors on scream are pretty awesome.

^^ You purchased this "perk" last fall, so ultimately you should be able to use it. If Kings Island says that you are eligible, I'd recommend bringing copies of both your fall renewal receipt and your platinum upgrade receipt in case there are questions at the gate. EDIT: It has been confirmed that qualifying passholders who upgraded to platinum at another park will be able to attend, but they will need to stop at Guest Services to validate their fall purchase.

The Season Pass Portal is the best way to stay informed about exclusive events, early rides lineup, bring a friend days and more! Enroll your pass today if you have not already done so.

There needs to be a distinction made. Calling the monorail cars trams can be a bit confusing, considering Kings Island also used to have parking lot trams, similar to what Dollywood and Disney World have in their parking lots. For a while, these were parked in the bone yard out beyond The Bat/Son of Beast. I am not sure if they are still out there or not.

Whatever happend to the giant Reptar? http://www.americacoasters.com/Photos/thumbs/543-reptar3.jpg

Sorry for the long delay in updates. The family has been wiped out the last few weeks with sickness and between that and work there has not been much time for anything else. This will be one of the last updates with pictures and it really is just some random shots that either didn't fit anywhere else or I forgot to add. These also include some of my favorites from the trip. One of my favorite pictures from the trip. Nothing makes Little Miss RailRider any happier than her Mickey Ears Balloon. Yes we purchase one every trip and it is typically the favorite item from the trip. There is nothing better than watching the joy a simple balloon brings to a child at Disney. I know I know, I sound overly sappy but just watch kids faces light up the next time you are at Disney as they get their balloon. Some balloons through the years. Something so simple can bring so much Joy... One of the neat things at the deluxe resorts during Christmas is they all have Giant Gingerbread House displays. Really something to behold and all were a different theme. The display at the Contemporary was a Frozen/Small World theme which was awesome, plus we were able to get a pin of it which was pretty neat. Pictures didn't turn out so well, but this is the house that was at the Grand Floridian. Awesome Christmas tree at the Grand Floridian My mother had waited for over 60 years to finally ride the Tea Cups Some other great TeaCup pictures Someone asked earlier about the Magic shots, here is Little Miss RR with Tink All in all a wonderful trip to DisneyWorld with some new Magic and some old. Christmas is a great time to go with all of the decorations and special events. The new My Magic / Disney Experience and Magic Band are an amazing system to use and honestly took much of the stress away from the vacation planning process. The features this system provide are great and while there are some growing pains I cannot wait to see how the system evolves. Thanks for taking the time to relive the trip. If you are contemplating a trip to the World, especially with children, Go... There is no place like it and it will create memories for a life time.

Usually any coaster where they have used colors you don't see too often i like. I'm sick of red and yellow being used so often that's the worst combination to me.

I always had the idea that paint would keep a roller coaster smooth for a little while longer, especially wooden coasters. Steel coasters always need that new layer of protection against corrosion. On wooden coasters, the wooden track expands and contracts at different rates, which is one of the leading causes of roughness. A layer of paint would prevent it from getting rough as quickly as it does because the sun gives off the light, which turns to heat, expanding the wood, and the paint reflects the light and heat back. Although there may be reasons, as Terp mentioned, why some coasters do not get repainted.

That looks gaudy, now it looks new! Just a coat of paint could do wonders to a coaster's appearance and satisfactory rating, except for a certain Vekoma SLC that is now a certain hue of red which may or may not be one of the most rickety rides that I will ever have on a coaster.

Scream! at SFMM got new colors in the off-season.

I have a really detailed idea for an epic themed wild mouse coaster in that building. However I HIGHLY doubt Kings Island is going to come to some random person with no experience for ride ideas. I'd love to see a wild mouse in that building though, with a few good drops, a helix, and a more in-depth version of the crypt theming.

Sounds like some think the title is now cheesy Why does it not surprise me that Terp bumped this thread as only Terp could do.

The original fall deadline was Sunday, November 2, 2014 - the last day of the 2014 season. This was extended until the following Thursday (November 6) for the benefit of people who put off their purchase/renewal until the last minute. Recent content from Kings Island on the website and on social media platforms have referenced the extended November 6 deadline. According to everything that has been released, only renewed passes (that were renewed by the deadline) qualify. The perk for new pass purchases in the fall was one free 2014 visit.

When you watch a POV video of The Beast front seat, and start simulating the ride.

Missed sarcasm........plus, you're wrong. Check yo date.

Favorite coaster color schemes: - Fury 325 (already) - Banshee - Afterburn - The silver track and blue supports look awesome from the parking lot of Carowinds. - Blue Streak - Rougarou - I was there for Winter Chill Out so it was my first view of the new track in person, and I thought it looked very nice up close and from a distance.

I don't really have a problem with slightly obnoxious colors or color combos on roller coasters. They are supposed to be flashy attractions that draw your eye to them. Even if you don't care for Scream's colors, it definitely makes you look.

I plan on attending as well. Saturdays are busier than Fridays at work so I'll likely take that day off and just go before work on the 18th as well instead of taking that entire day off like I usually do. Sent from my LG G3 using Tapatalk

Color is a huge factor. Not necessarily for how a ride stacks up in my rankings, but I love the visual appeal of a bright, beautiful coaster. Especially with unique color schemes (Fury 325 and its green spine against the light blue track and white supports )

Many factors can lead to a decision to repaint a coaster (or not). See Racer.

In coasters, I think color scheme matters to a degree, but is rarely make-or-break. In my humble opinion, upkeep of the colors matters more than what they are. For example, I liked Invertigo's red and yellow color scheme better than the current one. But I think the ride looks better now in 2015 than it did in 2011 (or 2010, I don't remember which was its last year as McDonald's: The Ride) because the colors are vibrant and the coaster has a nice shine. It looks loved. See also Mantis / Rougarou. I liked the Mantis color scheme better, but I think the ride itself looks better now because the paint is fresh.

Got cheese?

I actually like the new colors better myself.

The new colors definitely Scream! at you..

Its better than what is used to be colored.

As stated many times a bathroom in X-Base would be amazing, since I desperately need to use the bathroom after waiting in Firehawk or Flight of Fear's dreadful long lines.

I'd rather have a mine theme to fit in with the area of Rivertown. Always liked TR:TR and Crypt was ok but never felt like it belonged there. Think something like Mystery Mine at Dollywood would be perfect. Highly themed interior portions but also go out if the building for some fun outdoor parts. Give them more room to work with too

I am hoping to do another big trip at some point this summer. A lot is going to depend on if I can get time off from work. I have a very long list of places to go. Obviously Kings Island will be visited a lot. I am sure Cedar Point and Holiday World will happen, too. I am trying to work in a trip to Carowinds and Six Flags Georgia. We had hoped it would happen for spring break, but due to Princess Sparkles schedule it's not going to happen then. I am hoping this fall I can make trips to Kennywood, Knoebels and Hershey Park. I have a list of other parks to go to if the funds are available.

Distance shot (beneath the sky ride to the left of/behind the carousel), courtesy of FB user Larry Hurt: Overhead view (originally posted at gorillasdontblog.blogspot.com as per the watermark):

Are the paper passes allowed to be laminated? That might be a workaround.

Well, guess I'll be up the weekend after. lol

I'm just stating this for the record: I always believe that for an event like this, one should always get there about as early as possible. Now I don't exactly know about registration and all of those criteria, but I would suggest to get there as soon as possible. I will personally be there at the earliest time possible, only because I want to get some of the first rides on The Bat and I'm gearing up for a milestone.

I actually think those colors look great.

Trending on Facebook: Disney tests breakfast at Be Our Guest restaurant http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-disney-breakfast-our-guest-restaurant-20150316-post.html Test runs March 20 to June 18. Reservations will be accepted starting tomorrow.

i hear the deep fried pickles from reds hofg are pretty good.

As far as I'm concerned: 1. Rough clientele. I wouldn't want to be there alone. As you've read, Dieseltech, I'm not the only one who feels this way. Ain't no way you could get me in that place for Fright Fest. I and the friend I went to SFA with honestly weren't surprised when we heard fights broke out there last year. 2. Mediocre rides. Wild One didn't even do much for me. For me, if you've been to two or more parks within a two-state radius of SFA, chances are you've already ridden a better version of what they offer there. 3. Poor upkeep of rides. The only time I've visited SFA, all coasters--including the steel ones--had a rattle of some sort. It ranged from poorly maintained GCI-with-PTC's-type jackhammering (Roar) to jostle-y Vekoma SLC train hunting (Mind Eraser) to "Is there a flat spot on the wheel?"-type vibration on Superman: Ride of Steel. And, re:unruly clientele, there was an unsettlingly large dent in the body of one of S:RoS's cars. Hmm... yikes. 4. Across-the-board lack of attention to... well, ANY detail, really. From apathetic ride ops and food service to Western-themed show stages with gladiator shows in them to a frankly miserable layout, the place feels like an afterthought's afterthought. I don't know if previous management had big plans that never came to fruition, but once you (find and) pass under Wild One and the subsequent handful of shops, the place becomes one long path with a constant pattern of ride, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, ride, nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing. And then it dead-ends into Batwing. And then you get to walk the whole way back. The place just reeks of bad decisions. I've discussed this elsewhere here before, but it seems to me that the folks around the park have caught on to what a "Six Flags day" feels like at the park: my visit on a Saturday in June had almost no lines whatsoever. The only one that did was Joker's Jinx, and that's only because of the incredibly slow operations. I'd say "if I'm in the area, I might stop by," but I really wouldn't.

Some of it is right here on KIC. Parking lot melees. Car break-ins. Muggings. Large fights. I've lived in DC more than two years now. I now read the local media. I used to go to SFA nearly every year. Sometimes several times. I've been exactly once since I lived here. On a Sunday. And I was out of the place by 2 PM. I'm not apt to go back anytime soon. My Six Flags Gold Pass is from SFNE. I frequently go to NJFTP. Read between the lines.

Given the type of incidents at SFA, not being alone is of little help...I have NEVER seen anyone offer THAT advice as to that park. EVER.

Amusement parks typically spring up around large metropolitan areas (the more potential customers to draw from, the better). After they open, they're pretty much tied to that community. The way the city goes, so goes the amusement park. It happens that the cities SFA draws from provide the park with some (frankly) undesirable, low income visitors. From there comes the reputation as families and middle-upper income folks flee and voila... a park given over to the rogues. There but by the grace of God go we, though. In 1972, no one could've known what the Columbus / Cincinnati / Lexington / Indianapolis areas that Kings Island draws from have evolved over the past 40 years into decent cities. That said, it's a park's responsibility to combat that to some degree. SFA hasn't helped its cause much with rock bottom admission, etc. etc.