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** I meant to post this the day after I got back, but things happened and I went camping, sorry!"** What great day to have picked to go to Kings Island! We went Tuesday May 26th of 2015. My boyfriend, our two friends, and I were a little nervous as it should a higher chance of rain that day and the days leading up to the trip the hourly reports were all over the place. We made it safely after a nearly three hour drive and our season pass processing was a breeze! It pretty much scan, scan, picture, and sign! It was great! Upon entering the park my boyfriend promptly decided to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, it something he likes to do on ever trip. After being at the and making our way around check out the 360 view, I turned around to ask my boyfriend what we should do next and the it happened. He was standing there a little red velvet box in hand and out two best friends camera phones in hand. Before I knew it he was down on one knee asking me to marry him. Yes, I said yes! So, I got engaged at Kings Island and it couldn't have been better. After hug, kisses, and pictures, we happily skipped to The Beast, our tradition of our to ride if first on every visit! We had no wait! We walked right on to the second and third seat of the Beast and it was a great run! (As Always!!) We followed The Beast with Diamondback, Vortex, Firehawk, and Flight of Fear. We did all five coasters in the first hour of the park being open. Then we conquered the Racer and Adventure Express! After these two favorites we decided to grab some fries at Feasthaus, it was not quite lunch time but we were feeling snacky! After fries, we crushed thought Action Zone, riding Delirium twice without getting off! Drop Zone was closed for they day so we didn't get to ride that (Which was fine I'm not a fan). My high point of the day (besides the engagement) was after buying our locker to put our bags on we entered the wait line for Banshee and we walked the line, and then we WALKED ON THE FRONT CAR! No wait for the very front seat of Banshee. It was AMAZING!!!! This was actually my first time riding Banshee, as I didn't make it to the park. It was so smooth and fast and the inversions were really great!!! The mid line roll really took me by surprise! After riding Banshee a few more times in various spots as we had our pick of the litter we decided to eat at the Reds Hall of Fame Grill. For a sit down restaurant inside of a park, I personally think that RHoFG is very well priced! My boyfriend and I shared the appetizer combo and both got water to drink, our bill was about $14. That is about what we would pay out our local sit down restaurants (when we share food like this.). It is quickly becoming one of our favorite places to eat in the park. While we were eating the first rain shower hit, and lasted only from about the time we go our drink to the point which she brought our checks. After lunch we continued to get Snoopy Ice Cream and ride the train, another tradition. After the train, We did another run on The Beast and then Diamondback and after Diamond back we decided to hit Backlot Stunt Coaster and while on BSC we saw the darkness. These big dark -almost black- clouds came rolling in, we high tailed back towards diamond back, because I left our refill cup at the gift shop register. We hopped up on the empty counter space and took a seat to decide if we wanted to leave or not, and in the middle of this discussion the rain came. Heavy, heavy rain with big fat drop, and at one point, it did that thing where its so thick an heavy it looks white. So that cemented us staying for the time being. We sat there about 45 minutes and the rain stop, the black clouds had moved on, the sun didn't come out but the could we a much less mincing shade of grey. After the rain storm and the boys digging in to their share of a turkey leg, we went back to Diamondback and then Firehawk, and on Firehawk as we were all on our back pulling out of the station with no turning back, it started to rain again. This time small drops and just raining enough that you know it. It was an annoying and a funny experience. So after getting off the ride we hung out in what use to be the Flight of Fear photo station. Flight of Fear was shut down, and they were very vague as to what was wrong but that was no big deal. After another shower lasting about 15 minutes, we took of into the sprinkling mist and just walked around and by this point it was about 6:30 and we decided to take off towards Feasthaus to get some La Rosas before we left. Feasthaus, was closed though there was a park person out front the doors apologizing to people say they had to close early. So we just took off the International Street La Rosa. This was the longest line we had to wait in all day. It took about 20 minutes to wait in line and get our whole pizza and breadsticks, since they made our pizza fresh for us. It had stopped raining so we wiped down a picnic table and enjoyed our pizza! This was the end of our day, and we only left the park about five minutes before actual closing time. It was a great day, and one that I will never forget! I really enjoyed not waiting very long for rides and being able to just take it very slow and go at an easy and relaxed pace. I was ecstatic to be in the park but it was nice to just be able to slow down and take it all in! Another great day at Kings Island, and a memorable addition to my Trip books

I would think the Koch family intended to run the park long term. I don't know that Hart had/has that same intention.

Great Adventure tried to go to decals applied to the outside front of the driver side side mirror. This was about 2005. That lasted about 2 weeks. In many states, it is unlawful to have any decal on your windshield or front side windows unless it is required by law. I actually got pulled over in Tennessee for too many front decals--until the officer realized one is my DC tag expiration date, the other the DC inspection sticker--both required by law. The officer had never seen a car from DC before!

Actually, I don't agree with that last part. Rides don't make me jittery. I ride them because I love them, not fear them.

Lightning Run was insanely fun! Wow. We are halfway to Kings Dominion now.

Or just avoid Dayton altogether. I-75 seems to be perpetually under construction, at least every time I've been through Dayton.

Mmmmm bourbon

I visited the park today. Things were busy. I spent the day in Hurricane Bay, and at one point Mr. Hart was observing the wave pool from the side: black pants, black polo, black hat and sunglasses, arms folded, intently watching. Glad to see him about the park observing. Some things I noted: 2 train operation on Lightning Run While waiting on Deluge I noticed activity in T3's station (maintenance workers scurrying about), definitely at least one train present with water dummies loaded. Raging Rapids operating No trouble with season pass or free parking, and in the heat was enjoying $1 soft drinks immensely. Over at the beach club they were having technical difficulties with one of the registers (IT was on site), so instead of having me wait just gave me my soft drink. I noticed plenty of security. I hope things stay busy and they get T3 running soon!

I know Scrambler isn't a roller coaster, but I have a guilty pleasure on that ride, as I found out yesterday (June 5). Since I normally ride by myself (and in turn have the whole seat to myself), I have found it fun to try to slide back to the middle of my seat during the ride only to be "flung" to the side again. Boy, do I appreciate good ol' centripetal force or else rides like Scrambler wouldn't be as fun as they are meant to be! As for roller coasters, I like making the absolute most of the hang time in Vortex's corkscrews by relaxing my entire body, which of course causes me to come up out of the seat a little as it "hangs" against the shoulder harness. I take great pleasure in that moment of "floating." ...I have a huge appreciation for gravity.

Of course, especially considering local passholders, not all of one day's guests are in the park at the same time.

Eleven minutes before 999 was called: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/alton-towers-crash-theme-park-says-rumours-of-the-smiler-being-removed-are-pure-speculation-10299138.html Really?

Compare and contrast: http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/03/koch_family_has_five-year_plan.html From some of the same people who backed out of Bluegrass Boardwalk....

It is a very good thing that the Eiffel Tower isn't equipped with water guns, dump buckets or water spouts. Imagine the fun you'd have with that!

Meanwhile, at Flags, wait times are typically greatly overestimated. Makes selling The Flash Pass much easier, and makes for happier guests overall. Underpromise, overdeliver.

And the information is NEARLY as reliable as guessing.

I've been saying since FUNtv was implemented that they should use it to market other parks in the chain... I mean, why not? The infrastructure is in place, at this point, it's free advertising to a basically captive audience...

Below is a CGI POV of what it must be like for those poor, dry passengers of Whitewater Canyon who, thinking they've made it through with only a mild sprinkling, look up to realize that, behind those colorful, unnatural tubes, way up there on the high banks that dominate the swirling stream below, stands a crowd of delighted (possibly even a little mischievous) fellow guests, each manning a quarter-operated panel that gives them the power to help fulfill Kings Island's fair warning that "you will get wet on this ride (you might even get drenched!)" For whatever reason, this has been my most relaxing, therapeutic passtime in the park this year! Most hilariously, last weekend, when what looked like the US Secret Service showed up (it was: 1) our own "Sky" pilot, 2) a gentleman of the Service (he of the Caduceus), and 3) another gentleman, all dressed up in dark business suits and mirrored sunglasses) to join in with a barrage that included someone manning every possible geyser for a ten-minute deluge that had the local woods drowning out even the mighty, five-chime blast of the green train's whistle with happy screams and laughter! I budgeted for another round of such hilarity tomorrow. I like the red geyser. It soaks so, so well! "Hey, what's that red thing? D-Oh!"

want me to pick one up for you? I'm in the Lexington area. If you're willing to do that, that might work. I could send you payment through PayPal or even mail a check. However, let me think about it a little more first. I'll send you a PM in a few days if I decide to go that route. I'm willing to do it, and call me stupid, but trust you for the repayment. We could meet up and ride TR and LR! No pressure, but I think the 59.95 deal ends something this coming up week. I heard it on the radio today, but didn't pay much attention since I already had mine.

I thought that at first. I now see that the sentence has been altered. It contains even more "WTH" than the original.

Ok. Maybe it's just me, but instilling a drive in kids to achieve goals most certainly has it's place, but when it comes to scenarios that can be severely traumatic for one's kids (roller coasters), I ask why would you force them through such things? Pushing kids to achieve goals related to work effort (aka little Johnny's soccer game), a skill he can improve; verses a one-time roller coaster which involves no "skill" to ride are two pretty different situations. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Question for locals: I know Louisville-area Kroger stores sell discounted season passes (as well as in Lexington, but that's too far out of my way). Do those same Kroger stores also offer discounted single-day admission tickets, and at what price? I'm planning to make a run to KK once T3 opens and want to know my options. (I'm considering getting a season pass anyway, but I'm not sure that's in my budget.)

^I ride Vortex pretty similarly. After the train crests the 2nd hill, my hands are firmly on the restraints until the MCBR due to how forceful it is. I let my body go with the flow until after the batwing and then hold on again for the helix and for the brakes as they're now stacking more often and stopping on that first set of block brakes is a super hard stop. If you want some nice visuals on Vortex, try to look to the side when you're on the loops and/or batwing and try to look down the corkscrews. I also like to look straight up when Delirium is at full swing.

Funny thought, my home park(Wet n' Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro, NC) made the top 20 North American waterpark with 398,000 in attendance. I normally refer to Carowinds as my home park..... Carowinds is 80 miles from me. Emerald Pointe is 26 miles. I worked at both, but haven't been to Emerald Pointe in years. The absence of Thunder Road will change that. No Thunder Road, No Carowinds Season Passes My family can't afford Carowinds Season Passes and a vacation, and the decision always is in favor of Carowinds. Our last vacation(trip to other parks) was 2011 and it was Dollywood. I have been itching for two seasons now to go to another park. Family Kingdom, Six Flags Over Georgia, Dollywood and Kings Dominion are all options. Plus we can afford a day trip to Emerald Pointe again.

At this point, it appears as though it is going to get a whole lot worse before it is over. Thinking through the seemingly little I know about coasters, this entire situation shouldn't have happened. As more is discovered or comes to light, I can't help but think of the long lasting impact this will have on those injured and the witnesses. The information will give them answers but it isn't going to change their situation.

You can. It is.

Can I assume "999" is their "911"?

Note that the Kochs determined that a long term deal with the Fair Board was not sustainable....

After reading that story and how the whole deal went down in Indiana, I am really rooting for this park to succeed. I wish I had the money to make a trip down there.

All I'll say is my parents assumed I was just scared and made me ride rides. When I was about 17, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder. I used to cry and make myself sick to my stomach as a child when I was forced to ride something. Most kids are probably just nervous, but sometimes their fear makes them REALLY uncomfortable. But parents should know their children fairly well. My mom kind of sensed that my "fear" of rides was not normal. There are quite a few times where I was literally dragged (heels in ground) onto a ride. I wasn't made to ride everything, but I have gotten better over the years. Let kids ride things at their own pace. I don't think it's making wussy kids. And even if they're a wuss, their experience at the theme park might be more well remembered if not being made to ride.

Congratulations on your engagement! Any plans to get married on The Beast, by chance? Thanks for the great TR!

The 1 in 24 million number is the risk of being injured on an amusement ride in general, not a risk specifically related to this individual accident. That figure is also mentioned in this 2014 New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/27/sunday-review/when-thrill-rides-are-real-risks.html?_r=0

On Education Days, and I think on other days when school is still in session, the park typically does not offer any alcohol sales until 5pm due to the large number of students in the park. Most of the school groups leave around 5pm.

I wish they would add random facts about the rides they are showing. That would interest me a lot.

Park to remain closed for weekend: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-33034616 The gentleman who referred to a 1 in 24 million risk. How does he KNOW that? That it isn't 25 million or six million or 33? Sometimes it's best not to be so specific.

Bayern Kurve?

That construction started in 1986. But if you avoid rush hour, it only takes a few minutes to get through.

The required annual investment is not $2.5 million after next year. Rather it is $1.5 to $2 million. The current PR guy at Kentucky Kingdom is a true professional. He is not the problem. Rather, Mr. Hart personally calls ALL the shots, and micromanages to the nth degree. Do one thing he doesn't personally approve and find yourself unemployed, yesterday. I am reliably informed working for him directly is far from a pleasant experience.

But the question is this: Did USA Today independently come up with that ranking, or did it come from a sponsored story written for the newspaper by Ed Hart himself? There have been several of the latter, including two in the Indianapolis Star, which is owned by the same company. At this point, I would not put it past Mr. Hart to claim superlatives in advertising based on his own vanity puffery piece.I have not seen USA Today's article, but the important thing to determine would be if were an independent ranking, or a press release issued by the park. Press releases by companies usually are just public relations tools. That would explain the advertisement in Nashville and Indy. I don't think they were "news" stories but paid advertisements. Whereas the claims about USA Today is being used by the park as an adversisement.The Indy and Nashville ads were exactly that, even linking directly to the2/$29.99 promo hosted directly by the respective papers. I believe at least one of the "articles" explicitly started this. Ok, so what is the problem with this? It is a paid advertisement and businesses do this all the time. The problem is that stating they have a highly regarded water park according to USA Today when in fact USA Today actually never wrote it. It is deceiving advertising and has been a disputed tactic in more than just this instance. USA Today has been criticized for allowing entities to do this kind of advertising for a while now. Kentucky Kingdom's claim that the paper named their water park one of the best is not accurate at all.

That looks like a nice place for a new FunTV! /sarcasm

What on Earth is that second sentence supposed to be?

Great Idea!

Three years ago I thought they had multiple taps of semi-decent beers over at Gump's? Last year I don't recall that bar even being open...but it was May on a weekday.

Nope, you could be not more incredibly incorrect. Please read everything I wrote as it was meant. Picking & choosing what to Interpret does not justify your accusation. I will point out your unfortunate "fearful children" comment though. How can YOU possibly know more than the parent if their own child is actually fearful?

If it was ciders, or even hard alcohol, I'd be all over it. But I just never got into beer :-/

I wanna go sooooooooo bad

I found this on facebook(https://www.facebook.com/groups/325861871036/permalink/10153396315131037/) The most amazing thing just happened. We've been spending the weekend at Holiday World in Santa Claus Indiana, as part of a roller coaster enthusiast club event. A new launched wing coaster opened here last week, called the Thunderbird, and it launches from a two story barn in a crescendo of thunder, simulated lightning, and clouds of steam. Brendan watched the intro video last week and was so excited to try it. But none of us realized the special effects would scare him so much. Even a daytime tour back behind the tracks couldn't make him feel better about it. Scott and I felt so bad for him. He cried while we sat on a bench and watched everyone else riding it. Finally, Scott and Jeff found some staff to talk to about the problem... And within minutes the maintenance crew arrived to TURN OFF THE SPECIAL EFFECTS! He was so excited and was on the ride in minutes. Kudos to the operators at Holiday World for being so kind to those with special needs!

I enjoy watching POVs when I can't go to the park but it's a little hard to enjoy when most of the HD ones are really shaky. The mounted POV I saw in the queue looked really nice. It didn't have a visually appealing mounted POV before this. This is the only train mounted POV of Diamondback available online unless someone can find the one that has been used on the FUN TV's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wlhfCYqObc. I don't understand why it was such low quality as well as having no sound for a bigger theme park in 2009. Now here's a POV from Millennium Force in 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbXPhOFRxTc. It is available in HD and has sound. Why one of the best coasters of 2009's Official POV is such low quality is very surprising to me. I have been waiting for a new high quality POV of some rides at Kings Island for a while and I really don't know why they don't put the ones on the FUN TVs on Kings Island's official YouTube page. Any rides shown from other parks on the FUN TV's I have seen on YouTube via their park's official YouTube channel. Cedar Point has POVs of almost every ride in the park including some flat rides. I believe that in the past 10 or more years, 3 official POVs have been released, those being Diamondback, Banshee, and The Beast. I'm hoping that the park does release the new POVs somewhere where the public can view them other than in line watching one of the FUN TV's.

Funny you mention it, I did see the daytime POV for The Beast on FUNTV while I was waiting for my nighttime ride on The Beast. Edit: as for rides from other parks, one visit I saw the Carolina Cobra multiple times. I feel like I've seen Millenium Force as well.

Its on all gold passes person just has to be in car to use.

I remember King Cobra vaguely when I was little, but I wasnt tall enough to ride. I've seen many videos of it, and overall it looked like a great coaster. Also I have only rode Tomb Raider, but after it was changed to the Crypt I never rode it, was there much changed to it after Tomb Raider theme was removed?