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I have two recent thoughts regarding our next major coaster. 1) Is Kings Island going to care that much about capacity for our next coaster? I know capacity has been prioritized with past major additions and I definitely would prefer it if the park continued to do that. However, we just saw that Canada's Wonderland is only putting two 18-person trains on their new-for-2025 coaster, and that park gets even more crowded than Kings Island from what I've seen. If Canada's Wonderland is willing to "skimp-out" on capacity for their new coaster, who's to say Kings Island won't do the same for whatever comes next? 2) Also paying attention to the other parks in the chain, it seems that the chain no longer does in-person announcements for any of their major new coasters. Top Thrill 2, Iron Menace, Rapterra and AlpenFury all had online announcements that were posted early in the morning, and I expect this will be a thing going forward for the foreseeable future. I know it's not the biggest deal in the world, but seeing this type of atmosphere whenever Kings Island announced a new coaster is something I looked forward to with each "decoding season" I've been involved with, and I feel a lot of charm and personality is really lost when they just post whatever it is online.

I was blown away at how much Kings Dominion looked and felt like what I imagine a taft park experience to have been. I of course only have archival photos and footage to go off of as I was born near the end of the paramount era but it is true that Kings Dominion has a vibe that is unlike any other parks I've been to. Kings Island has a very good vibe of a hometown crowd that loves the park. You don't get that everywhere. Even people from out of town recognize that Kings Island has a unique fan vibe. But getting back to Kings Dominion, the vibe I felt was one of age and royalty. The international Street felt as if it hadn't changed in 50 years as the massive trees branch out over the shops and fountain. The park looked amazing and felt very special to me for some reason but maybe it's just my imagination. Regardless I love that park and can't wait to get back there next year to ride rapterra

It missed the mark. It fell well short of garnering the same level of anticipation, interest, excitement that teaser campaigns and earned media placements did for Diamondback, Banshee, Orion, and the parking tolls leading up to those announcements. Slapping posters on a wall as teasers just didn’t net the same results. It would have created more buzz had the teasers been things like boulders being placed around the front gate area and around park with steam coming out. The posters were not aligned with what planning and design had in mind for the backstory. And then on the night of the announcement, a banner was unveiled with a rendering and it had The Racer with one side running backward. So, guests were wondering if that was returning instead of talking about Orion. Plus, half the conversation on social media was is it really a Giga? The parking tolls announcement had everyone buzzing because an aerial photo from behind The Racer that showed the parking lot and tolls was used on social media with the accompanying post copy saying two things that had been at Kings Island since 1972 was going away. Naturally, everyone assumed The Racer. “What’s Kings Island doing?” stories were everywhere. New York Times. Los Angeles Times. Boston Globe. I worked with KIC on that teaser and that really helped amplify the speculation. When it was announced new parking tolls and the original parking tolls would be torn down, there was a lot of conversation on social media with people breathing a sigh of relief The Racer wasn’t being torn down. Because of all of the chatter, news of the new tolls was nation wide. Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair’s CEO at the time, was impressed that I could take new parking tolls and get it in the New York Times, and other major papers. Orion could have had that same kind of media coverage leading up to and for its announcement. It didn’t make it much further than the park’s backyard. just a lot of misses from start to finish.

You, sir, clearly have never been to the circus.

Canada's Wonderland is getting a giant Premier multi-launch coaster that will cram one more ride that utilizes the iconic center mountain of the park. Alpen Fury stats- (I converted everything from metric off the park's website) Height- 164 ft (154 ft drop) Speed- 71 mph with 2 launches, one just out of the station and the main one being below the mountain 9 inversions- most for a launch coaster in North America Length- 3280 ft

After having visited Kings Dominion last month and seeing the Candy Apple Grove area (the equivalent of Coney Mall at Kings Island), I really loved the charm it was giving and how, for the most part, it felt like a little carnival-ish/midway themed area. When coming back to Kings Island a few days after being at KD, I couldn't help but admit that I preferred Candy Apple Grove over Coney Mall. There are some parts of CM that feel like a classic theme park midway, specifically Coney Island. However, at CAG they have these giant candy apples with the land's logo printed on them sticking out of the ground up and down the midway. Plus you also have the singing mushrooms in that land, which just adds this level of quirkiness and charm that you can't help but respond to with a big smile on your face. You don't really see that level of charm while in CM, or at least I don't. I'm not saying that they should copy KD, but they should at least do something on a similar level. Here are some of my ideas. Posters: Something that the park could possibly do would be putting vintage style posters around the CM that would advertise the different rides food options in that land. They could even be made by Made To Thrill. They already have a poster for The Racer, one for the Blue Ice Cream, and one for the Coney Mall area. Color scheme: Another thing the park should do is give some of the buildings in CM a new color scheme. The one I think would look really cool would be a red and white (and maybe a little bit of blue) theme. They could paint red and white stripes on the top of the Dodgem building. The big letters on the arcade building that are currently white could be colored red, with the blue walls changed to white and would have a red outline.Think of something like in the image above, but recolor the blue parts to red and put lights around the edges. They could also WindSeeker a red and white theme, and maybe redo the ride's logo to give a more carnival/midway feel to it. Bring back the old entrance sign: For those who don't remember, there used to be a cool entrance gate that separated CM from Oktoberfest (now known as Adventure Port).I really can't think of any logical reason why the park even removed it in the first place. It looked so charming. During the Haunt season the park would even change the sign to read "Coney Maul."It was so unique and charming. However, for some reason the park felt like they didn't need it anymore . I honestly think they should bring it back. Please tell me your thoughts on this part. Vortex replacement: I'm gonna try to make this as short and as simple as I possibly can, since this subject has definitely been discussed a million times on this site. I honestly think the park should go with a Gerstlauer infinity coaster, like a miniature version of Hangtime at Knott's Berry Farm. Nothing too extreme, but not too tame either. Maybe a few inversions. If possible, a height requirement of 48 inches, since the park is missing a family coaster with inversions due to Vortex no longer being there. They could give it a cool light package to make it look very photogenic at night. Backlot Stunt Coaster retheme: This idea is more of a maybe. If the park were to retheme BSC, I think they should make the ride vehicles look like vintage hot rods. Maybe the police cars that you pass by after the helix could be replaced with vintage cars with possible fake spectators standing on top of or peeking out from inside, watching and cheering you on. They could also repaint the helicopter to look like a news chopper that is trying to capture the race live, or a police chopper telling you that you've entered a dangerous restricted area and that you need to leave immediately, only to get interrupted by some explosions, resulting in your vehicle making an escape into the sewers. You would still come out of the giant billboard, but now there would be a camera on the que line bridge that would take a picture of you as you're busting out of the billboard. Depending on why they removed it, they could bring back the splashdown effect that the ride used to have during the first few years it was open. However, I currently don't think it's mandatory to make BSC fit with the style/theme of CM. That's all the ideas I currently have in terms of a retheme of CM. Please let me know what you think of all of this and if you have any suggestions.span widgetspan widget

Most, if not all of the thrilling new-gen Vekomas have a 48" requirement, so that would be a good fit.

I would agree, when compared to earlier installations- the hype wasn’t there; especially when one remembers that it was the park’s largest ride investment.

I really like your ideas and I do agree the area could use a bit of a refresh. I’d really like to see the top half of Coney Mall back by WindSeeker split into new section of the park with The Vortex replacement. Personally I’d like to see either a Mack Xtreme spinner or Mack Stryker coaster and not another family coaster because I feel we have quite a bit already but that might just be me. I don’t have a specific idea for a new area theme but I would like to see BLSC rethemed to that back section as part of the new area. Along with the new section in the back half I’d like to see some work done on touching up Coney Mall to freshen it up as well.

I'm not sure how it works with insurance and legal aspects but if CP was going to turn a coaster backwards, I'd say flip one side of Gemini backwards or flip the back three cars on iron Dragon backwards. I believe XLR-8 at astroworld had 3 forward and 3 backwards facing cars for a few seasons...

Nice thread idea and conversation starter! Kings Dominion has done a much better job of retaining their original identities and lands than Kings Island. The park still feels like a Taft Broadcasting park in a lot of ways, which is a very good thing. Best of all, they still play the appropriately-themed music in each land! It continues to baffle me why Kings Island does not...

I had the same thought. But it's not just little details at CAG, it's across the whole park. Both parks in many ways are very similar or identical, so much so that a couple of times I zoned out and thought I was at KI. But the main difference, other than rides, is the details. KD is a much more detailed park. More trees, more water, more theming, more charm. I'm not saying KD is a better park, I'm saying it's a more immersive experience. All thanks to minor details. Though I went on two absolutely dead days, so maybe I just had more time to take everything in.

Small detail with large implications. What are your thoughts? Full article: https://bit.ly/3SLesgv

Family Thrill/Dark Ride Coaster for me. Which is wild because I’ve been all about an update to BBoBH for years. But the dated ride concept and technology coupled with an even further potential reduction in capacity seems to be a massive step backward. If it’s difficult to keep up with BBoBH, how well would this Peanuts dark ride honestly be maintained?

I like half the ideas and not a fan of the other half. Of the ones I like I'd rank them: 1. Indoor/outdoor coaster. Can do a bit with this as it could be either family or high thrill style and with or without inversions. With the indoor areas I feel it gives the best potential for theming and story though. 2. Gerstlauer Infinity. Be something new for the area as a whole as well as the park and add in a new coaster with numerous inversion. Always thought one of these could be a great addition in The Vortex plot. Could make a good theme for it to fit that 50s/60s era in that corner as well. 3. Giga dive. I know not everyone loves these but they are GP pleasers and look great. Newer ones I feel having been doing more with their layouts and I always found them fun while riding. Think one like this would look fantastica nd give great views in The Vortex plot with the drop/hold facing out into the park. 4. Peanuts dark ride. Boo Blasters needs a refresh bad and an updated ride would be good. Have felt incorporating it into Planet Snoopy would work well too to help enhance that area even more. Not sure if it could take the title back from Dollywood but it would give it a shot at regaining its best kids area as I feel it would give it the most variety between the multiple coasters, flats, log flume, and then dark ride.

I would have to assume that is per side. There is no way each side is only 265 feet. Based on the statistics they gave of height and angle, the first drop would take up 45 ft. of that so half of the ride would just be that first drop and uphill section, there is too much tube after for that. But with other parks advertising the combined length I agree that I'm surprised they didn't go with that number to make it seem longer, but prefer this as it is more honest of the actual experience. Overall with the river theming for these new additions I hope this might be the start of an overall retheme of the waterpark. Would love to see it get it's own unique theme like some of the others. Maybe rename it Miami River Works or something along those lines. Give it a fresh look and add some more trees as well.

The photo gallery: https://KICentral.com/photos/

Some minor prep for NyteWalkers:

How about this as a concept for the coaster that would go in and around the crypt building, which has had the exterior fashioned into an Appalachian mountain: The Cove (name of the coaster) --- **Backstory:** In the shadowy depths of Rivertown, an ancient legend speaks of a hidden mountain where the powers of the forest and sky converge. This mountain, long thought to be a myth, is where the fearsome Beast resides, guarding its territory with unmatched ferocity. However, there's more to the legend—a cosmic connection that ties The Beast to the constellation Orion. Eons ago, the constellation Orion was not just a set of stars but a mighty celestial hunter who roamed the universe. He became obsessed with capturing The Beast, a powerful creature whose strength was said to challenge even the gods. The chase led Orion to the earthly realm, where he lured The Beast into a trap—a mountain that he conjured with his cosmic powers. But The Beast, cunning and resilient, broke free, infusing the mountain with its essence, creating a curse that connected Orion’s cosmic power to the mountain itself. Now, in the heart of Rivertown, the once dormant mountain has awoken, crackling with the energy of Orion’s curse and The Beast’s wrath. The Mystic Woods, the forest that surrounds Rivertown, have begun to stir, and strange phenomena have been reported—the forest is alive, with vines and trees moving of their own accord, while the skies above the mountain swirl with celestial energy. Adventurers brave enough to enter the mountain will embark on a journey through the cursed forest and into the heart of the mountain itself. The Beast is furious, and Orion’s curse still lingers, drawing riders into a terrifying experience where the line between reality and myth blurs. --- ### Ride Experience: **Queue Line:** The adventure begins as guests enter a dense, fog-covered forest filled with twisted trees and eerie, glowing flora, reminiscent of Mystic Timbers. The queue winds through the forest, with sounds of The Beast’s growls echoing in the distance. As guests approach the mountain, they pass through a decrepit logging cabin filled with cryptic maps and journals detailing past expeditions that never returned. **Station:** The station is set deep within the mountain, illuminated by flickering torches and celestial runes that glow with a strange energy. The ride vehicles are designed to resemble rustic, wooden mine carts, but with a modern twist—glowing blue markings hint at the cosmic influence of Orion. **Ride Layout:** - **Dark Ride Segment (Indoor):** - **The Descent:** The ride begins with a slow climb deeper into the mountain. The air grows colder as guests hear the roars of The Beast. Suddenly, the ride plummets into darkness, twisting and turning through narrow tunnels, avoiding falling rocks and collapsing structures as the mountain itself seems to be alive. - **Orion’s Lair:** The mine carts enter a vast chamber where the ceiling reveals a swirling Vortex of stars—the heart of Orion’s curse. Here, guests encounter spectral images of Orion as he battles The Beast, with cosmic energy crackling around them. The tension builds until The Beast breaks free from the cosmic chains, triggering an intense launch sequence. - **Outdoor Coaster Segment:** - **The Escape:** Blasting out of the mountain, the ride transitions to a high-speed outdoor section. Riders speed through dense forest trails, dodging massive, moving tree limbs and branches feeling the wrath of Mystic Timbers. The track features airtime hills and sharp turns, evoking the wild, untamed nature of The Beast. - **The Cosmic Duel:** As riders ascend a tall lift hill, they are momentarily suspended under a the sky just like Orion. The ride then dives down a steep drop, weaving through terrain that mimics Orion’s constellation, with near-miss elements against rocky outcrops. **Finale:** The ride ends with one final encounter with The Beast as the carts plunge back into the mountain. In a thrilling finale, the ride navigates a spiraling drop into the mountain’s core, where The Beast’s eyes glow in the darkness, and Orion’s curse attempts one last time to capture the creature. The mine carts narrowly escape, launching up and out of the mountain one last time before returning to the station. **Post-Ride Experience:** Guests exit through a themed gift shop that resembles an old Rivertown trading post, filled with artifacts from the mountain and memorabilia of The Beast, Orion, and Mystic Timbers. The story of their journey is immortalized in rustic carvings and celestial-themed merchandise. --- "The Cove" offers a thrilling blend of dark ride storytelling and intense coaster action, encapsulating the mystique and legends of Kings Island’s Rivertown.

Some signage from the waterpark, ironically slapped smack dab in the middle of the main causeway to the other side of the waterpark.

Is that Tony Clark in yellow with the green gloves? In seriousness, I think its a perfect addition. Its much easier to get someone(s) to comply when the authority figure/responsible party is present than it is having one SOMEWHERE within nearly 500 acres. For example, how many times do we speed or do a myriad of other less than legal things in hopes the Officer wont see us vs. how many times do we do the same with an Officer behind or in front of us?

I'm kind of torn on 2 of those options. On the one hand, being a coaster enthusiast, I voted for the Gerstlauer infinity coaster. If plans for a new coaster were put on the back burner in place of Peanuts Interactive Dark Ride, I would not be disappointed, especially if it means a makeover for the Boo Blasters on Boo Hill ride.

It's amazing they got everyone excited this morning. People go to check their social social channels, and they see yesterday's post. Amazing job.

All I'm thinking is "yay more fall rides!!!". I am grateful for every season at the park. Spring is exciting because of the long hiatus off during winter, summer is action packed and full of opportunity to visit both the dry and wet side of the park. Fall is just magical. Crisp, cool air, the feel and the smell of crunchy leaves, the earlier darkness leaving room for lots of night rides, spooky vibes. All of that. I am all for it!!! Not to mention I feel fall rides just hit different. They feel wilder, faster and more out of control which I dig. Winterfest was awesome last year IMHO. I felt for what was lacking during Haunt they made up for during Winterfest. I am hoping for a good Winterfest this year too as it has helped me personally with coping with the holiday season.

I found this on Cedar Points website Supercharge your Gold or Prestige Pass with the All Park Passport. This season pass add-on extends the validity of your Cedar Point pass to all legacy Cedar Fair parks. Not only that, but your favorite Gold and Prestige Pass benefits can also be redeemed at other legacy Cedar Fair parks.* *Restrictions may apply. Valid in 2024 & 2025 at legacy Cedar Fair parks. Valid at legacy Six Flags parks starting January 6th, 2025. Gold and Prestige benefits may vary by park. Contact the park you plan to visit for any questions regarding applicable benefits. Looks to be good for this year, but may call to confirm.

If I buy the 2025 season pass on Cedar Points website and add the all park add on, will the pass be good for the rest of this year at Kings Island?

That's the most beautiful and themed garbage bag that Six Flags has ever had on display! I almost think it belongs in a museum!

Does anybody else like to search for the toy ducks people leave at Kings Island?

Ok I didn't know Beast's plaza used to be surrounded by chainlink fences. Granted I was 5 years old at the time, but man that looks so ugly. I'm glad they changed it! Also I didn't know that gold passholders had a "speed lane" access. I'm guessing that was Paramount's version of Fast Lane? Correct me if I'm wrong.

These are from 2007. There are a lot of trash cans!

Anybody got any pictures from 2006/2007 with the sea of trash cans at KI?

I see your trashcan and I’m gonna raise you a trashcan:

Idk, this trashcan looks good too.

I don’t know where else to post this so it goes here. watching a documentary about The Beast they talk about the original speed (before it opens to the public), but never mentions the original speed. Has that ever been announced anywhere? also the doc featured our own Don. Don if you read this, when did you start counting your racer rides?

I was looking at the webcams when I noticed that the hill before the turnarounds now has its lights working again!

That’s a nice trashcan, here is a photo of one I got while visiting Carowinds:

If only there were trash cans close by

Wrong. It’s where they store the green Intamin track. Trust me, I know what I know.

Those are for the drones used in the nightly show.

Noticed a pair of big metal cargo containers near the old Vortex site on Friday. I'm not speculating, but simply curious, does anyone know what they are for?

Does this mean I get to use the stairs?

Yeah I agree. I think the surveys are just to get a general idea of what type of rides the public would like to see. I don’t think any of these rides on the survey will be the exact same as shared in the concept if the park decided to go with one of them.

That was such a well themed and awesome coaster.