Shaggy

My speculation would be that, like the deal with Hart, they will be required by the state to re-invest a fair amount of the profits back into the physical park.

@IBEW_Sparky - All good

Don't count on that. As I understand, Hart is taking a back seat and will be a financial partner only. I have heard he will no longer be involved in daily operations or management of the park. Well... you asked... ;-) Let me qualify... what follows is my general perception. I don't have any formal insight or first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of the park. That being said... Kentucky Kingdom continues to be viewed by locals in much the same way it was under the Six Flags leadership. There still exists a negative connotation among many in Louisville. Some perceive it as a troublesome park where unruly teens, and lower-class individuals go to hang out and cause trouble. (Not my opinion necessarily - just look at all the comments on the WHAS11 news announcement of the sale.) Louisville has always had an established culture clash - East end vs West end. Families and persons that live and work on the Eastern side of the city are - generally speaking - of a higher economic scale and prosperity. KK is widely considered to attract many lower economic class individuals from the West end of town - mostly because it has traditionally served as a draw for teens and those of a lower working class. This is due, because of its low admission and season pass rates coupled with the fact that it is on a convenient, direct, bus line from the West end. Add-in the fact that historically, there have been some really serious, and seriously public, issues at KK. Under SF, the park had crime - including incidents of rape, drug use, theft, gangs and fights. The "accident" that occurred so many years ago was the straw that broke the back for many. Obviously those things are well within the past, but they dealt a devastating blow to the reputation of the park. It was during this time that Holiday World seized the opportunity to build its reputation as the safe, family friendly option for the Louisville market. The Kochs family oriented commercials, ads and billboards were a declaration of being the "good-clean" option. Among locals, Kings Island has always been, and will always be perceived as a destination, top tier park. Its considered a "BIG" park with the "BIG" rides and attractions. It also is perceived as an expensive park. A lot of locals consider it to be the park at which you take a vacation - multiple days - with your family or a group of friends. Its an excursion, whereas KK is seen as a much smaller "half-day" park. (Side note - Both Kings Island and Holiday World strongly advertise in the Louisville Metro area. Commercials, and billboards, as well as discounts through fast-food and grocery stores.) I believe Hart entered into the most recent "new" Management agreement with the state for two reasons: (1.) He again saw the investment potential and (2.) He cared about the park itself. However, I also believe his intention was ALWAYS to re-sell the park... again. He is a businessman first and foremost. Its no secret that when he sold the park originally to Premier Parks (later Six Flags) he had leveraged the installation of major rides and costly infrastructure to the tune of a great deal of outstanding debt. Premier was gobbling up parks left and right, and seeing the skyrocketing attendance rates at KK (AFAIK, KK's highest attendance was the year they installed Chang) they jumped at the chance to buy - assuming a lot of that debt. When Premier became Six Flags, the company initially invested heavily in branding KK and spent years paying off debt. But then, little by little, any revenue the park began making was thrown into the big Six Flags bucket... and the overall quality suffered and re-investment was virtually non existent. By its final years, SFKK was making a profit - but never got to keep it - and had no real way of "growing" its bottom line. As mentioned before, there was no need for SF to heavily re-invest in SFKK when it was pulling the vast amount of business from local, regular attendees with season passes. When Six Flags pulled out of KK, they took the high-ticket rides with them infuriating the state that was left with basically a junkyard of rides and run-down buildings. In the new agreement with Hart, the state became the "owner" of the rides, land and structures. They required Hart to re-invest at least $4 Million in the park each season. This was done, as a reaction to lessons learned with the Six Flags pullout. Couple all these challenges together - and the result was that the current Kentucky Kingdom was operating season-to-season. Hart did re-invest heavily and breathed a new life in the park over the past several years, however never to the tune of success he originally had pre-Premier. With the onset of Covid - that obviously crippled the parks ability to further operate. As I understand, he furloughed all full-time staff (with the exception of essential people) back in the fall. Herschend became interested in the property (it remains to be seen who approached whom.) Further staff was permanently reduced in January - likely in preparation for the deal. However, it appears there was a great deal of back-and forth before the deal was finalized... even as recent as last week. I personally believe that had the deal not gone through, KK likely would not have had the ability to reopen this season. It will be interesting to see what Herschend has in store for the park. As you said - the landscape of the parks in this region has changed. Even Holiday World's grasp on the Louisville market is not what it once was (it is my opinion, the park completely lost their footing and direction with the passing of Will and then the family ouster that followed.) They still pull heavily from Louisville, however the "word on the street" about HW is not nearly as glowing as it once was. I think HW could be in a venerable place should KK be converted to a much more well-received, and perceived park. My hope for KK is that Herschend builds it into a "niche" park. Its never going to be a park on the scale of Kings Island, it simply doesn't have the logistical ability to. However, they can easily fill a gap - the need for a safe, fun and entertaining place for locals or those traveling up from Nashville, Down from Indy or Cincy or west from Lexington. I perceive it more on the lines of a modern-day Opryland (minus the Opry.) I expect the re-investment stipulation by the state still exists - so they will definitely sink money into the park (but not necessarily in the form of large rides.) I suspect (hope) that they were smart enough to not incur any outstanding debt in the way Premier did, that way they can begin operations with a nice clean slate. As far as the extended seasons and the potential for Holiday themed events - that is likely key. Louisville has nothing of the sort - with the exception of a Christmas Mega-Cavern drive through event (which is so popular it causes major traffic back-ups on the Watterson Expressway) and the Halloween event at the Zoo (which ALSO causes major traffic back-ups on the Watterson.) Remember, this is being spearheaded by Craig Ross, a VERY smart man with a great deal of experience. When he was GM of Kings Island - he led the park into the expansion/addition of Nick Central and the achievement of the first "Best Kids Area" Golden Ticket Award for the park. That, in itself, tells me his focus will be on changing the reputation, and the focus. It could get very interesting, but boy o boy a big challenge lies ahead. I personally feel this is very good, exciting news for the park.

For clarity - my "not yet" was in regards to the post saying it was official. I posted that because, as I understand, the Herschend deal has stalled several times. So until it was formally announced to the media, and by the state, it wasn't official. :-) As far as admission rates, I would suspect they will increase naturally over time as investments and offerings increase. Right now, they have to remain sensitive to the market and not rock any boats.

Not yet.

Half right

Absolutely correct. The rough spot was "THE JOLT" I mentioned. It was actually the pitch of the turn on the top of hill #3 (the hill following the largest drop.) The momentum of the trains was such that when the cars reached the top of the high speed turn, the cars "bucked" to the right. This caused riders to experience an intense jerk to the right in the seats - car by car. During the entire event - as our trains arrived back in the station each time we completed the circuit, we were literally asked by staff about "the jolt" - and it was pretty obvious it was worsening as the event continued... train by train. Knowing they had the passholder event that night, the abruptly shut it down and began modifying that area of the ride to lessen the strain. The park knew by the end of the media event that a major modification was unavoidable, but they had to save face and open it - at least briefly - that night for passholders. I don't ever recall seeing so many maintenance, technicians and KI Management monitoring a ride on a passholder night. BTW - when I attended the passholder night, I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower and took a picture of the techs working on it - scrambling to get it open. FYI - during both the media event, the passholder night and in those weeks that followed the reopening - a Wooden Coaster Maintenance member was staffed all day in the field to specifically monitor this area of concern. If they saw an issue, they would call the station with a code "term" created specifically for SOB - that only they and the lead ride ops and area managers knew. That "term" meant they had to shut it down immediately and indefinitely. They used this secret "term" because, by then, it was such a story that outside news people were listening to KI's communications radio channels.

As far as the announcement day, I was there and the whole event was basically a mess from an organizational standpoint. It was so bad that the (then) brand new GM (Tim Fisher) fired the park's Head of Public Relations following the announcement event. There was a bit of "chatter" online about that because, quite frankly, she was very unkind to enthusiasts in her history at the park. As far as the reactions of SOB from enthusiasts... It was pretty evenly mixed. Opinions online were not nearly as volatile as today's web-based "opinions," but there were definite hip-hoorayers and nay-sayers. You have to remember that back then, there were basically 3 main "enthusiast" platforms online - URC, Coasterbuzz and Rec.Rollercoaster. Rec.Rollercoaster was the "harshest" of the three... Coasterbuzz skewed more Cedar Point, URC more KI. With Millennium Force being built the very same year, that drew immense comparisons between the two. It seemed enthusiasts were team MForce or team SOB... at least the vocal ones. There were probably more champions for MForce overall. There was also a bevvy of comparisons to the original Beast and its legacy. There was a lot of speculation about the loop - and a debate about whether the steel support structure qualified it as a "wooden loop." Side note: the loop - probably the most debated part of the ride - ended up being the most redeeming part of it. At first, the reaction was kind of one of awe and excitement. Most simply couldn't believe they were building something of that scale. Also, people generally loved the theme. The initial logo was a bit underwhelming, but then by January they changed it and people loved the much improved final version. Later, the delays, very public construction issues, temperamental operations etc, prompted the tide to turn from excitement, to frustration. Lots of things such as the initial media day, enthusiast events, ERTs etc all got cancelled or converted into "construction tours" only. Its worth noting that, as far as I was told, the "designer" (Werner Stengel) never rode SOB or to my knowledge even stepped foot inside KI after it was built. SOB became a PR nightmare and the park really had to save face - there was a LOT of chatter about that among enthusiasts. I was very much camp SOB. I loved the concept, was excited by it, and daunted by its sheer scale. I personally felt it was a MUCH more ambitious project than MForce (or the bevvy of other coasters that were installed that year.) I say that because steel coasters were growing in size and scale - and were a proven "safe" investment. It was pretty much a given MF would succeed. SOB was a much bigger gamble - and for taking that challenge I will always applaud them. The final thing I'll say, and I've said it MANY times before. SOB never, ever, operated for the public as intended. Those of us that were lucky enough to ride on Media Day, were the only ones that got to experience it as designed. It was really something else - the height, speed, loop, overall scope. Oh it had its flaws ("THE JOLT!!!) but it was quite the rush. However, literally by the end of the media event, it was already tearing itself apart so the park shut the ride down and began the ongoing re-profiling and "neutering" of it. Had SOB not had "the accident" in 2006, I have no doubt in my mind that today it would have been a steel-tracked RMC hybrid. I truly wish it had made it that far. Imagine what a ride that would have been.

I seems the person "tweeting" for KK is doing so emotionally - and in a seemingly erratic way. My personal take is, the owners of the park were preparing press releases, they pulled back due to a complication internally... but the local "In-park Tweeter" had already proceeded with the tease campaign. I have no idea if that is indeed what happened, but I've been in the professional world long enough that I have seen similar circumstances arise in my own line of business. Marketing pulls back on PR or press because a business, administrative or contractual decision delays them.

Does that surprise you?

‘Bout time. Delay, delay, delay...

It appears the larger circles are their park properties I believe, the smaller the tourist spots (Stone Mountain etc) The oddity is Alabama Adventures location... if indeed its included.

I wouldn't necessarily jump to any ride conclusions...

I believe there were "gazebos" on stage right and left. You can vaguely see them in the concept picture of "World Cabaret" performers in my first reply above.

For posterity, here's grainy concept art for the Festhaus, as well as a pic of how it actually looked when it was first built. Trivia: For 1983, the existing Beirgarten was remodeled and the bridge that extended over the Octoberfest pond was added - as to drive traffic between the two venues.

As far as the original shows at the Festhaus... here are some Grainy print/ad images... The first two are of "World of Christmas" - the first show to play the Festhaus during Winterfest 1982. The third is of "World Cabaret" that played the 1983 spring/summer/fall season.

The levitating Houdelini figure was supported via an armature brace on his back just like the usher as you described. That brace extended to hydraulic unit that raised and lowered him while veering left to right. His entire body didn't move a tremendous amount but enough to give the illusion of floating. If memory serves me, his arms were outstretched, holding his cape ends in each hand. It was a full-bodied figure, but as you suggested his bottom half was likely nothing more than a fiberglass shell to hold the shape of legs.

Gemini serves the purpose of being a decent size "family" coaster. Although not originally opened (or promoted) as such, it is not daunting. IMO - the newer coasters at CP have grown to a disproportionate size that alienates a sector of younger, and less brave riders. Gemini is high capacity, and still a terrifically fun ride. Its actually a dont-miss for me when I go to CP. I'd hate to see it go. For posterity, I have to chuckle when I read things like "CF would never put a _____ in their flagship park..." Only because I can remember back in the day, the exact same thing was posted by many enthusiasts when the rumor mill began speculating that CP was looking at an Intamin Impulse! Never say never ;-)

Good example! I always use the "car windshield" explanation. Put something on your dashboard and then look at the windshield... the item appears as a transparent reflection. Going by memory... In the peppers ghost scene the characters included... 2 audience members in an upper seating box stage right. They turned and looked at the box next to them when Garbanzo landed in it. Houdelini was levitating above stage right. I believe Bosco was on lower stage right. Hilda was center stage on top of a large "castle tower" Garbanzo slid in and out of a large cannon on stage left. He was "shot" across the scene appearing in a viewing box on stage right. Maestro was playing an organ in the "orchestra pit" lower center stage. Lionel Burymore was on stage left. There were 2 more audience members in an upper seating box stage left. There was another audience member sitting on the railing of the farthest upper level box stage left. (I originally remembered him as Willard, but likely not.) Edit - If memory serves me, Willard Warbler did not appear in the scene... but I could be wrong.

LOL. The question is accurate. The character flipping the lights/using a flashlight, although not named afaik, was not an usher. (I called him a janitor in the quiz, but he could have also been referred to as a stagehand I guess.) The Usher(s) wore red and simply pointed, this guy was dressed differently and held a flashlight in his right hand, which he shined on buggies as they passed by. ;-) Photos below... courtesy DAFE... show the difference. The pic cuts off the flashlight.

Lol - That was my own post/quiz from many many moons ago probably before many KIC posters were even born.

The best Camp Snoopy, by far, is the original at Knotts Berry Farm. What makes the version at Knotts so great is that it is heavily saturated with big full trees, and the overall theme is woodsy (camp) and rustic. Its been overhauled a number of times - but the current version is superb. If KI must stick with the Snoopy theme, I too would love it if KI took the time to do a similar overhaul to their current kids area. It would require KI to completely gut the entire area, but if they did... it would be spectacular. Also, replicating the theme at Knotts would definitely compliment the now waning Rivertown theme... and could easily be blended to make the two areas cohesive and complimentary. Finally, Boo Blasters is crying out... no, SCREAMING... for a Snoopy themed dark ride.

Tick tock, tick tock. Happy New Year.

They’re reporting the Raptor part, but that’s not all I was referring to.

Ed Hart doesn't care for coasters at all... well, riding them, that is. ;-) He liked what they did to help drum attendance. However, as widely reported, KK did cancel their RMC Raptor. I can confirm they were going to get one. However, from what I've been told, there's a major jaw-dropping change brewing at the park that circumvented. Time will tell, stay tuned.