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There are few things more fun and whimsical than minor league hockey promotions I remember years ago, the Columbus Chill (predated the NHL Blue Jackets) would play at the fairgrounds arena which was a crappy venue, but the games were packed and always a lot of fun! I love the Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena is great, but it just doesn’t have the same scrappy, fun upstart feel that the Chill always had. I live in Orlando now and the Orlando Solarbears give off a similar vibe.

Our bucket list is Cedar Point, and Kings Island in August. I grew up with CP, spent quite a few summers working at KI and I just want my daughter to grow up familiar with them too, lol. (plus my parents are in Ohio)

KK is moving the "adult" rides, minus Lightning Run from the front of the park to the newly expanded area between the Thunder Run Plaza and Storm Chaser. I look for everything - including Storm Chaser to be re-themed/re-named. They will close the path that ran from Storm Chaser to the former T2, mostly to remove rides and install a major "attraction" rounding out the two-year $25M plan. I believe the vacancies created by the loss of the rides at the front of the park will be filled with more substantial buildings & infrastructure (over time) that will allow them to flesh out their Halloween and Holiday events. IMO, if they don't seize the opportunity to relocate the carousel to the former location of Helivator, they're nuts. There's ZERO charm/interest to the front entrance plaza. Should the Fairgrounds ever plan to re-route perimeter road, it would obviously benefit the park greatly. But, as I understand, that's still a long-range dream. That having been said, it seems ironic that Hershend is clearing the rides from a side of the park on which a newly-routed road would need to go. The relocation of the rides could be killing two-birds with one stone - should the fairground ever move forward with a re-route. But for now the focus is on building the new Wing/Hall behind the existing West Wing. That's planned for the rear of the fairgrounds - not near or around KK. When that hall is complete, they will then move to the second phase and replace the West Wing & West Wing Pavillion. The WW Pavillion is adjacent to the entrance plaza of KK only. Of note, the renderings I've seen of the Fairgrounds remodel still show the road dissecting KK. (See pic below) One main issue that has always prevented the re-location of the perimeter road is the State Fair Midway. The Midway rides are all placed in the exact area where the new road would need to go - and there's electrical infrastructure placed in the lot that powers the rides and attractions. Not to mention the road would now dissect the SF midway from the park. During the State Fair - they "merge" the park with the Midway. But there's also been a long-standing rumor dating back to the Six Flags days that there's an intention to "flip" the entry of the park. As I understand, both Six and Hart discussed the possibility of pushing the main entrance to the (former) T2 area. With parking being placed in the lot adjacent to Kentucky Flyer. KK is still a mediocre (at best) half-day park. Here's hoping it can grow and improve. However it still fights many of the same battles it always has - mainly perception by the locals. That is, and always will be their greatest challenge.

The only thing that map tells me with any amount of certainty is that missing area of the park will not be open for 2025, which should not be surprising considering T3 is gone and Deluge still needs demo. Perhaps Rapids will reopen with a more appropriate retheme in 2026 or later with a whole new section of the park... maybe even with the new entrance and parking that I still think would be a good long term investment.

It would be a shame to remove the rapids ride because it was one of the best of it's kind in my opinion. Rode that more than some of the coasters during my visits. I understand rides must be removed for the future expansion of the park but announcements beforehand is always appreciated.

You have a fixed asset in the park`s buildings. Why not try to monetize it as much as possible. Not sure if true, but way back in the day I heard a similar rumor about KI, trying to open I street year round. I believe for a few seasons that the International Restaurant may have been open close to year round, at least on the weekends.

I did some research, and found that Cheetah Chase at Holiday World's Splashin Safari goes 20 mph fast and Kings Island says that River Racers will go 30 mph. Usually the speed is actually less than advertised at first because of weight distribution and all that. In regards to height of drop, I found that Wildebeest at Splashin Safari has a drop of 38 ft, while Kings Island says River Racers will have a 33 ft drop. In height, Wildebeest is 64 ft while River Racers is 48 ft. I couldn't find if any of Krakatau's stats at Volcano Bay, but it might break some records. In regards to how steep the drop is, I think River Racers is steepest. However you put it, you can always say it breaks records: "Tallest, Fastest, Steepest, Longest, Water Coaster in Ohio" (which is the only one is Ohio) It doesn't really matter what records it breaks, as long as the slide is fun. Can't wait to get on it this summer!!!

The other two rides are from Zamperla, so maybe one of these? https://www.zamperla.com/product/train-rio-grande

You’re right. Stupid idea. Haha.

Good observation! The area from the carousel/ Flying Dutchman to Storm Chaser is the prettiest area of the park, but it's also the most dead area of the park. It would make sense to beef it up. There's also space in this area for a playground, not so much in King Louie's Playground. I thought this area was supposed to become a Fireman's Landing type of area from the survey that was sent out, with the Drop Tower being moved there. Nonetheless, I'm happy to be a passholder again and looking forward to the next couple of seasons!