Shaggy

...and Six Flags once had a proposed park on the table for the Fresno area and then went silent on the idea. https://thebusinessjournal.com/six-flags-over-fresno-negotiations-to-bring-amusement-park-are-real/ https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/digital-exclusive/whatever-happened-to-six-flags-in-fresno/

This is all posted by memory. I might have missed a thing or two, but you'll get the general gist. There was originally a bell sound and a long train whistle when you entered the first tunnel. This tunnel was supposed to be a like a "dynamite" tunnel I believe - with kegs of black powder in it. There was also mist (not fog as some seem to think) along the section of track just after the train left the station and passed under the queue line bridge. It was sprayed out of misters hoses attached to the side of the track. You would then drop out of the mist down and into the first tunnel. There were animal sounds, most notably monkeys. I believe the second tunnel used to have a long snake in it, and of course always had the spears darting in and out of the "ruins." There were some smaller cobras that used to move around too. There was music/creaking sounds played on the first lift. The third tunnel was the "lava" tunnel and had a flickering/glowing red light effect and (I think) more mist originally. The final tunnel, obviously had the "now you will pay" statues. But the main effect was at the top, there was more mist and the large figure was animated with glowing eyes, and he tilted the basin he is holding and a minor amount of water poured out onto riders. The mist at the beginning and the water pouring onto the train at the end disappeared about the same time, I believed it had to do with rusting track. Back in 1998 they had to replace a few sections of track - which I think they have done again since. Its important to note, however, although most of the theming has gone by the wayside in the past 30+ years, it was never on par with something like Big Thunder Mountain etc. The theming on AE was always sparse, and you went by it so quickly a lot of it got overlooked by riders. Shaggy

Thank goodness. While I appreciate that others (families) may have enjoyed it... that show was bad. I remember being glad that I had ear muffs with me.

What's always amazing to me is how the original Coney Mall, at Cincinnati's Coney Island, was essentially only about 3/4 of the length of the current Coney Mall at KI. It was wider, of course, but for those that went to CCI and then went to KI when it opened, it had to seem huge. I've always wanted to take the time to try and do one of those "overlays" to actually see how they measure up.

I have always found it very difficult to put into words the "feel" that KI had in the '70's & '80's. Its like there needs to be a new word created to encapsulate it all. The park was, indeed, magical back then. There was a mystique to it, and excitement, a vibe. As a kid, just riding down the interstate and seeing the Eiffel Tower in the distance sent hearts racing. Going there was on the same level as Christmas morning. That having been said, although they can never replicate that same feel (so much of it had to do with the era, quality of life, and general persona of the public then), I do think that current management has made great strides to bring back certain components that made KI great all those years ago. It has a much better "vibe" than it did, say, 15 years ago.

I rode the Zodiac at Kings Island several times, as well as the one (Giant Wheel) that was at Hersheypark. (Trivia - all of KI's promotional materials for the addition of Zodiac in '75 used images of Hershey's Giant Wheel.) Although it was always closed when I went to the park prior to its removal, there was a triple-arm version at Great America in Chicago (Skywhirl.) They removed it for Deja Vu'. My fondest memory of the Zodiac at KI was riding it to see "The Bat" from the air. My Dad and I first rode it specifically so I could get a better view of the coaster. What sticks out in my mind about the ride experience itself was that the "barrels" needed a paint job in those later years. They were held on to the arms by chains - so that was a bit unnerving. There was a pole that ran down the center of each barrel with a metal wheel - much like spinning teacups - that allowed you to rotate. But the barrels were hard to turn and they didn't rotate that quickly and made a "sqeeeeeak." There were also legs on the bottom of the barrels that would "scrape" the concrete a bit when it reached the ground. The ride cycle was a long one - because they had to fill and lock each of the tubs one at a time on the loading side - much like how long it takes to load and lock the Scrambler and/or Monster. The ops used a "key" to unlock each barrel like they do skyride tubs. Finally, the ride was essentially a walk-on at anytime. I don't ever remember a long line. The wait was akin to the wait for Eiffel Tower. Since it was more of an "observation" ride rather than a "thrill" ride, it wasn't a big draw. Before I knew better, I always thought they had taken Skyride Tubs and built the ride - LOL. They looked the same to my young, untrained eyes back then. I recall the barrels on Zodiac being fairly wide - each held at least 4 people.

Here’s the big question. Will Rinkel’s Rock be relocated to the new entrance plaza, or stay put where it’s been for 30+ years?

Nope - that's the queue line for Cargo Loco.

My favorite part is that it is a nod to KI's second season flat ride additions. They are essentially installing 2 "new" flats in precisely the same spots that they added Bayern Curve and Flying Dutchman in '73. Its a great move, and shows that the park intends to take steps forward while keeping one foot in it's historical past. Great addition.

The point here is, that doesn’t seem to be controlled demolition. It appears something fell on it.

I looked, but didn’t see any related posts…. If so, I’m shocked no one here has posted about it: Grizzly at KD

Its instructions for the landscapers. Mo Hr

I cant speak to the Timberwolf statement, but I can tell you that when I interviewed Mr. Koontz for ACE, he confirmed a couple locations in the park were spec'd for the coaster that eventually became Orion. Here's what he said: “We looked at a number of different designs and had discussions with Walter (Bolliger) at B&M about the different possibilities.” “We looked at the opportunities throughout the park, and they produced designs for different areas.” He also said “It would have been a lot easier if we had built this coaster in the parking lot. “ He then alluded to the perimeter of the park being one of the areas spec'd in early proposals. I think the important thing to remember is Orion's installation at KI was kind of a perfect storm. Several things aligned (a couple ironic and timely) to help make the decisions for where it was built and what it became. However, just with many other rides - it originated as several initial ideas & proposals for various areas in the park. Back to the topic at hand... 2023.... I stand by my belief that we will see a themed area re-hab. I suspect at least part of Planet Snoopy might be on the bill for a re-do. I noted this past season that the back half of it was in an obvious state of transition and vacancy. Plus, I would suspect KI might want that "Best Kids Area" moniker back... If memory serves me, back when they expanded HB Land in '98, they didn't announce it until late in the season (August/Fall.) Also, (P)KI didn't announce the Nick Central expansion until January 2001.

I have one of the ultra-rare opening day bronze coins from the 1972 grand opening of KI in my personal collection. So I am very glad to see that they are offering one for the 50th!

Well, I'm sure there's lots more coming...

Of particular note, CP hosted a portion of ACE Coaster Con this summer - just prior to the ballets being cast. I believe a large number of ACE members are voters. That speaks volumes. The Marketing/PR Team sets a tone - and often drives the perception of a park. Warranted or not, there's a distinct tone of negativity toward enthusiasts coming out of CP. I will say that I know a lot of people are VERY "put off" by a particular CP spokesperson. There's been a great deal of buzz among the enthusiast community about it. That having been said, I'm sure the next time CP has a major install they'll call out the enthusiast troops to help drum it up. And they'll no doubt climb the charts again - the Golden Ticket Awards are very fickle that way.

CP has installed a wooden wall around TTD. Rumor is they are beginning the process of removing the Grandstand.

“As you know it…” ”Re-imagined…” I was fortunate to join the elusive “rollback” club about 5 or 6 years ago. Once I had that experience, I moved on. A fun ride, but it is time for change. It had a good run.

My bad - you are absolutely correct

I hope Jess Naderman will eventually (someday) fill a lead position at KI. She and I started on Beast crew together in 1999.... now she's the Director of Operations at Dorney. (Following stints as the Dir of Ops at Valleyfair, Asst GM at Schlitterbaun etc ) She's a gem, and going places. Id love for her to come full circle.

The next two are up today…. Viking Fury and Winterfest ‘82. They seem to be following the KI timeline with the pin releases.

Sounds similar to the SOB accident - ledgers breaking. I hope all those injured recover!

Glad you had a good time! I really enjoy this park. I first went as a part of an 8-day/10-park trip back around 2001 when Superman was still new. I FLIPPED over it and it easily took my top steel spot where it has remained ever since. I re-rode it as recently as July 2018, and it still remains at the top. The park is very Six Flags at this point. But it still have several charming pieces/holdovers from its heyday as Riverside... the carousel and Thunderbolt are maintained very well and are the two most charming rides in the park. Here's a pic from my first visit in 2001... It sure is a beauty...