Shaggy

Apparently on Tuesday night, KK stopped allowing guests into the park by 8:30 saying they were closing early. I know someone that was turned away.

Once upon a time, a kid was throwing rocks at me on the playground. He would throw them, while hiding behind something. I eventually got wise, and stopped letting him come to my house to play or come to my birthday party. But then, he began throwing rocks and being mean to others. Eventually, my friends stopped allowing him to come over and play at their house as well. I wonder if he ever realized why. And if so, I wonder if it was worth it. I mean, throwing rocks isn't nice, and will get you uninvited to play.

Comparing KK press to KI press is futile... apples and oranges. Just like comparing parks... it's the difference of a local park vs regional park. Totally different scale, totally different standards level, totally different talent base, totally different quality. Shaggy

...notice there are no updates on T3 and Cyclos? Gee... I wonder why? ;-)

FYI... Don't expect all *new* rides to be operational by park opening. Heck, don't expect 2 of them to be operational until well into summertime. Also, if what I've *heard* proves true... hang onto your hats for 2016. Even I will give them props if this becomes reality...

The theater housed the Krofft Puppets for a number of seasons.

Uh huh

Mine was a response directed to "Interpreter's" post that I viewed as an unwarranted slight to both Jeff's work and person. I'm hoping my take on his post was incorrect, or mis-interpreted. Surely he didn't purposely intend to negate him. But let me point out that the one negative statement in my post was followed by several paragraphs of positive ones. I always want my KI posts to be read in the way I intend them, with no ill will.

I felt the need to chime in here. First, I don't think it's warranted for any of us to debate ANY employees value or merit, question their intentions, or take "brave" keyboard jabs at how well they *might* have handled a terrible situation. We are not their supervisors, or their judges. I feel it is warranted for me to speak of the type of man Jeff is. Jeff Siebert is, without a doubt, one of the most generous, friendly and enthusiastic persons I've ever known. His positivity is so incredibly contagious, that you cannot help but be friends with him. His "celebrity" within the enthusiast community comes not from a desire to be in the limelight, rather it comes as a side-effect. He warmly embraces those that share his love of coasters, parks and fun. In addition, he is an incredible father and husband to a terrific wife and kids. David Mandt has a heart bigger than you can imagine. David has been in the business since he was a teen working at Carowinds. So he has a deep rooted passion for parks and the guest experience. David helped spearhead the initiative to embrace the enthusiast community at a time when many park officials were annoyed or embarrassed by them. Perhaps that is why this year he was awarded a lifetime honorary membership by ACE? He's a dear man to which many thanks are owed by coaster/park lovers. I owe him a great deal, because he was a deep friend to me at a time of transition in my life. He, as a friend, lifted me up through some common challenges we shared in our lives. For that, I'm deeply indebt. Maureen definitely went to battle late in her tenure at KI. But let's not forget she was right there along side Jeff and David for a good portion of their ride. She is a wonderful friend with a great sense of humor and intellect! But more importantly, she's a very kind hearted, and wise lady, mother and wife. She has beautiful children of whom she loves dearly, and that love her. That speaks volumes. Don Helbig is a great guy. I've actually known him for many years from times as an enthusiast at KI. Actually for many years, I knew *of* him but didn't approach him at KI events because I was intimidated by his incredibly impressive "track" record. As time goes on, you get to know folks, and my intimidation changed to respect and admiration. I was so excited for him when I learned he was taking the reigns of PR/Marketing for KI. I cannot think of anyone else with such a deep-rooted love for, and history with, the park. Don has what I consider a quiet, but strong presence. He has also continued the outreach to the enthusiast community and embraced us at all times, not just when needed for a shoot. Why? Because he remains an impressive enthusiast. I could go on and on about others I know in the industry But I wanted to chime in just to say how high my opinion is of each of these specific folks. Some of my life's most cherished moments include them, and that has nothing to do with KI. Each of them, however, is to be commended on their tenure as "caretakers" of KI. Each of them did (or is doing) a commendable job in ensuring the fun and enjoyment is shared by as many fellow KI attendees as possible. Their stellar reputations with many fellow KI fans comes from a subtext that cannot be falsified... they each love and cherish KI as we do. I'm a better person for knowing all of them. John

I was just at WDW Resort this week. I can tell you firsthand the parks were VERY crowded. On Tuesday Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was maintaining a 2+ hour wait. And it's not even peak season. Shaggy

I attended both the original incarnation of Winterfest and the revival of Winterfest. Although I have good memories of the events (it was always thrilling to see KI decked out for the holidays) I can tell you I don't miss it. Frankly, as others have said, the weather was the biggest issue. Each time I went it was either bitter.... no, EXTREMELY bitter cold... or unseasonably warm. When it was bitter cold, guests were miserable the entire time trying desperately to keep blood flowing. When it was unseasonably warm, it compromised skating and the overall holiday feel. It seemed there was no happy medium, and because of that the park couldn't regulate attendance to the event. I have always said that the coldest I've ever been in my life was at Winterfest riding the train. It was like sitting on a block of ice with -10 degree wind being blown at you. It was horrible! In addition, I always felt there was not enough to hold my attention. It was a 2-3 hour visit max, provided crowds weren't bad. But if they were bad.... lookout! It's my opinion that although I wish others could experience it, I don't think it's a worthwhile venture for the park. Shaggy

If memory serves me properly, there's been at least two complete overhauls of the Monster at KI similar to this. I distinctly recall one season, many years ago, where the Monster disappeared for an extensive amount of time. It returned to the park - completely refurbished. SR&R is a very poplar ride, and it's had a long successful life at KI. There are plenty of others at sister parks which aren't disappearing... but Ki's is the oldest of them all. I would be shocked if it did not return. Oh, and to the person that posted "It's best not to speculate..." That actually made me laugh out loud! (No harm meant) What else do you think these boards are for? And trust me, the park loves it when people speculate... it means their talking about the park... and that's what they want!

The thing I like most about this coaster is probably something many haven't noticed or may have overlooked. It has nothing to do with the track, trains, elements, launch etc. It has everything to do with a man, without whom, none of us would be talking about ANY coaster at Holiday World. Thunderbird has an extremely touching and terribly bittersweet nod to someone taken way too soon.

Holiday World is not the biggest threat to KK. Clientele is. I'll not elaborate any more other than to say KK is still suffering from a reputation of being an "urban" park. It's not a reputation they will be able to shake, and it's horribly damaging to long term success. Holiday World, although the recent squabbles have diminished it, still retains it's family friendly and ultra clean/safe reputation. I was there yesterday (yes I was present at the announcement) and I was yet again amazed at how Holiday World has tapped into what I call the "Disney" effect. It's that really odd vibe where the guests literally take care of the park and help keep it clean. The family-branded past basically "educated" guests who, in turn, feel a part of the family and do their part. It's an amazing talent for a park to develop this sort of mindset. The current caretakers have Pat and Will to thank for that. KK, on the other hand, is dealing with trying to keep things operational in what is likely a stressful, and cumbersome "first" year. I would suspect that, come off season, lots of change will happen at KK.... mainly internal strategy and infrastructure. Hart's a smart, assertive businessman with an ego that isn't going to be topped. I would suspect that much more than a rehab of T2 and rapids will be taking place. But hopefully a re-focused concentration on guest retention and impressions will drive their decisions. Year two of ANY business, is always the toughest... mostly because the "new" has worn off. Buuuut..... Holiday's Worlds announcement may actually serve as a very good thing for KK. How so? Holiday World just entered the big leagues. Yesterday's announcement was an assertive effort by the park to make a big boy statement... they want to sit at the big kids table. But with such growth comes growing pains. Holiday World will see increasing struggles with their need to maintain the family reputation that Pat and Will built. When parks become large destination parks, they loose the intimacy and small-town vibe... and guests react accordingly. In addition, the marketing is changing. This year, the marketing of HW has been a direct, and apparent attempt to assert the park above ANY surrounding tourist destinations. For the first time, I felt the advertising (billboards) had a negative undertone and I personally feel it reflects a bit poorly on the park. Gone was any trace of the Koch family vibe... and people miss it. It ill be interesting to see how this all pans out. But bottom line, I don't think KK should focus on what Holiday World is doing as much as they should be concerned about what they should be doing.... and that has nothing to do with building rides. No park is without it's struggles.

This, my friends, is probably the most incredible news I've heard about KI all season! In my book this rivals the Diamondback and Banshee for incredibility! Great job, KUDOS KI!!!!

This is a close call, actually. I think Banshee has the edge over Montu, but not by far. They are definitely the two best inverts in existence. Again, I've ridden almost all on the list, and those lead the pack by far. Shaggy

I'm a Louisville local, and because I'm an "enthusiast" friends/coworkers always feel necessary to bestow their experiences/opinions/reactions about parks on me. In regards of KK... nothing I've heard has been extremely negative, but nothing glowing either... as I expected. Comments include: Waterpark is great Lightning Run is lots of fun Not enough to do "Rough" clientele Observations of at least two workers walking off the job Slow loading on the coasters Oddly enough, the very day the park made the news with the "Attendance is through the roof!" press release, I had two friends that were at the park. They said it was fairly empty. Not sure who to believe. LOL KK is, as I expected, going to suffer the same fate as SFKK. Business was drummed up by lots of media attention... but those that are attending are walking away with a "meh" reaction. As far as the incident with the Speedo guy... that whole situation was concocted by his seeking attention. Although Europeans find such attire acceptable and commonplace, in the the US it's not. That's not judgment on my part, rather, fact. When you wear a skimpy bathing suit you draw attention... and you know it. The "victim" in this case wore it out to be looked at. When the cops approached him, it was no doubt based on complaints, and they handled it poorly and called him inappropriate names. I doubt the victim was standing idly by with doe eyes through the whole situation. The mere fact that this made the news feed, with a "sexed up' picture of the fellow on the beach, proves there was an agenda behind it. Someone wanted attention, of all sorts, and they got it. Remember, it's all about press... KK has a long haul... a long rough haul. I'm neither rooting against it, or for it at this point. Selfishly, I wish it would stay open and attendance shrink so I can go back and marathon on Lightning Run in future seasons. That coaster, IMO, is the redeeming thing about this whole re-opening. Who knew?! Shaggy

The Krofft puppets first gained US attention at the 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair. There, they presented a show called "Les Poupees de Paris" that included puppets/marionettes impersonating popular celebrities. They then toured the show throughout the US to great popularity. In 1964-1965, they once again presented the (updated) show at the Worlds Fair in New York. Here's a pic of the 1964-65 Worlds Fair Krofft Pavillion: The show was later presented in 1968 at a large fair in San Antonio. Here is a pic of the pic of the Sid and Marty Krofft Pavillion in San Antonio, where they presented a show called "Kaleidescope." It was at the show in San Antonio where one of the heads of Six Flags saw the production and contacted Sid and Marty to design a show for SFOT. They did and the show ran for years at the park. Originally, the show had a circus theme but it was changed over time. Here's pics of the Six Flags theatre: Other parks took note, such as Cincinnati's Coney Island, and had the Kroffts design shows for them as well. The Cincinnati Coney Island Theatre was located to the left (facing down the mall) of the Lost River, near the parking lot. It was only there one or two seasons, until the park was dismantled afaik. I didn't see the show...( I wasn't born for another year...I am the same age as KI.) But as I understand it, the Coney Show probably originated at Six Flags Over Texas and was likely a duplication. Here's a pic of the Cincinnati Coney Island Sid and Marty Krofft show: The Krofft's transferred the show to Kings Island where it operated in the giant red inflatable Theatre to the left of the Eiffel Tower. Here is the only pic I know of, from the King's Island Krofft Production. I believe (don't hold me to it) the elaborate puppet show that ran at Busch Gardens: The Old Country during it's first season was also a Sid and Marty Krofft production. (I saw this show when I was a kid!) It was through their associations with the Amusement industry that the idea for their ill-fated amusement center "The World of Sid and Marty Krofft" in Atlanta was born. In the meantime, they achieved mainstream notoriety... and lots of cash to fund it... via their immensely popular 1970's television children's shows and variety programs. (PuffnStuff, Krofft Supershow, Donnie and Marie etc) Here's a pic of the map of the "World of Sid and Marty Krofft" in Atlanta... which opened in 1976 and lasted a mere 6 months. I actually work with someone that visited it as a child... and was able to ride the infamous Pinball ride! (Also pictured below.) Does that help?

If so, my apologies... didn't know.

A piece of a long lost attraction from Kings Island/Coney Island can be your's for a mere $4,250. It's a car from the former "Sunshine Turnpike." http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coney-Island-Cincinnati-then-to-Kings-Island-AMUSEMENT-park-Turnpike-Car-Ride-/251543803359?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a912dd5df

For the record.... not my quote ;-) LOL! I particularly like the article because it pays the proper due respect to certain individuals that often get overlooked in "The Beasts" notoriety. Quite frankly, if it hadn't been for Al Collins and Ruth Voss, The Beast would probably never have happened or become as famous as it has. Those two were key to it's success.

A fresh new article in Cincinnati Magazine celebrating "The Beast's" 35 anniversary has been posted online. Here's a link to the article which features invterviews of several Beast fans, fascinating insight into it's origins and early years and includes quotes from several friends like Don Helbig, David Lipniky and more. I too was honored to take part in this interview. It was great fun to reminisce about my early experiences with the coaster. Happy Birthday Beast! Your legend lives on! http://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/features/2014/05/29/screeeeeeam

GMA... as well as Today... as well as Fox in the Morning are all Times Square based.

I had 5 different non-enthusiast friends here in Louisville all tell me the same thing over the weekend. They basically said they were going to wait to go to KK until it has all the "kinks" worked out. Specifically they said they wanted to wait to see if the park is safe... on multiple levels... before returning.

Ding, ding, ding... we may have a winner ;-)