Shaggy

The giveaways are: Mountain Express Colossus Observation Tower Oh, and the simple fact that it's a TV show... countless TV shows in the 70's & 80's had "Amusement Park" episodes... and virtually every one of them was filmed at Magic Mountain since it's near LA. Shaggy

Magic Mountain

And when something *does* happen to SOB, Lance (of Screamscape) will be sure to delete all the false info he posted in the past, and he'll lead with something like "As I have been telling you..." Shaggy

Are you primarily interested in rides? If not, there's lots more "attractions" that are now defunct... House of Cards Puppet Tree Handcarts Frontier Trail Pioneer Landing Nickelodeon Slime Shower McScrappy's Farm Nickelodeon Splat City Climbing Structure etc etc etc

Also of note... McDonalds was the first fast-food joint to open anywhere near KI. It opened at Fields Ertel which was completely undeveloped at the time. I distinctly recall this McDonalds was "western themed" and the seats at many of the tables were actual saddles that kids could sit on. I recall thinking just how awesome that Mc Donalds was. (Today's coffee-laden, order it anyway you like it ,slow-food McDonalds is as non-awesome as you can get!) Shaggy

I've said for years that a Wild Mouse/Mad Mouse would be the perfect fit at HW. Shaggy

It's worth noting that many coasters... including the ones at KI and DL.. have a special harness option for those of a disabled nature. When I worked at KI, there were two amputee season pass holders that regularly rode the coasters I operated. I strapped them into the harness many, many times and sent them safely on their ride. (BTW - The harness is a specially designed series of straps - much like that of a skydiver harness - that attaches to the rear of the seat and/or car. If you ever wondered why there are seat belt latches on the back of the 3rd - or is it the 4th? - car of The Beast, well they are for the harness.) Although I have ridden ROS at DL many, many times, I am unsure if it has a harness feature or not. I would assume that being a *newer* coaster that it would. However, if not, I am flabbergasted that he was allowed to ride. Just the mere thought of someone with missing limbs riding a coaster as steep as ROS is enough to frighten me. However, I also can see where someone not wanting to offend (especially a teen) would be hesitant to not allow a disabled person to ride. Many years ago, when I worked on Chang at SFKK, we received NUMEROUS complaints from people who had a handicapped friend or family member that couldn't scale the steps up to the load station to ride. There was no elevator to the load platform for a reason - and we had to literally explain that it was a STAND UP COASTER. But none-the-less, the ride ops regularly got reamed by guests because we were not being "accessible" to those with special needs. Eventually, the ride ops just shrugged those complaints off, but it wasn't easy. Once I got "reprimanded" by an area manager about an accusation that I had been "short" with someone... someone who in reality had been screaming obscenities at me for not allowing their wheelchair-bound friend to ride. When questioned by the area manager about my "attitude" I simply responded "Listen here - I look at operating this coaster like driving my car. No one rides in my car in an unsafe manner, because ultimately the responsibility for their safety lies with me. If you have a problem with that, then I'll call you over to operate the ride when a handicapped person insists - that way it's your responsibility." I was never "reprimanded" again. Now, I was an adult when this occurred... as a teen I may not have had the gusto to refuse. Shaggy

This is why I EBay these things... it went to someone that truly has enjoyed it. Hoping for the same on the other items. Glad you have enjoyed the IJST Car... I'll never forget when that arrived at my place the first go-around... Marketing had literally just stuck a mailing sticker on the box itself and mailed it. I would have liked the original box, but the US Mail was none to kind to it and the cellophane etc was destroyed. It sat on a shelf at my office for years, so I was glad when it ended up in a great home ;-) Shaggy

Hi... About once a year, I purge items I have stored away in the basement that go without use. Recently, I pulled out a small box of items that had a few rarer KI/Amusement park souvenirs I had from years ago. I wanted these to go to a fellow KI fan that would enjoy/cherish them as I did. I put them on Ebay because that will ensure that they will be bought by a collector. One of the items is really rare - the media invite for the hugely guarded secret 2000 attraction that ended up being Son of Beast. Wait until you see what they sent to invite me to the announcement! http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-Kings-Island-Son-Beast-Media-Announcement-gift-/110709276209?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c6c97e31 In addition, there's the HTF RL Stine Beast books: http://cgi.ebay.com/HTF-Kings-Island-Beast-RL-Stine-Books-/110709278429?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c6c986dd And a few other park related items someone may want: http://cgi.ebay.com/Various-Cedar-Point-Roller-Coaster-VHS-DVD-/110709281632?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c6c99360 http://cgi.ebay.com/Cedar-Point-2003-Park-Map-featuring-Top-Thrill-Dragster-/110709283515?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c6c99abb http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110709286608 I hope these find a new, good home ;-) Happy 4th! Shaggy

Touche! Game, set, match! Lol

If I may offer some advice... Be aware that a "Paw-print" tattoo of that sort is linked to an alternative lifestyle type. In the gay community, there's a classification of a certain type of gay man known as a "bear." Many gay "bears" get paw-print tattoos to signify to other's their personal preference. The paw-print they use is often indistinguishable from the same prints used for The Beast. Not trying to sway you in any way, just trying to alert you to the fact that many people may see them and assume something far different than a love for a rollercoaster. Shaggy *Disclaimer* - my comments above were not made to dissuade or entice. They should not be mis-construed as a comment - pro or con - on any alternative lifestyle.

Or the media event tent.

Phone call.

According to KI today... "We are anticipating the new ride to be open on Saturday." Shaggy

The answer to your question lies with a media day/event. If no one has been invited, or alerted to a media day for the ride... then the ride will likely not open this weekend. I've not seen a call for riders, so that makes me question it's opening. Of course if KI isn't doing a media day (which I would think is unlikely) for WindSeeker at all... then this post is moot ;-) Shaggy

Many, many moons ago I won a toaster (yes, a toaster!) at the milk jug toss. That was the best appliance I ever owned - I used it for about 10 years. It's still stored in my basement in the "garage sale" box. I guarantee it still works. Also, I used to be a pro at the quarter toss. Won a ton of those giant animals from that thing. It was there for years, but removed about 10 years ago or so. The only game left at the park that I play is Bowler Roller, or Roller Bowler. (I get the name mixed up.) I love that game, but couldn't care less about the prizes. I just like the challenge of it. I won a tiny gorilla from that game two years ago and brought it home to my kitten (at the time.) It remains my cats best friend - she loves that thing! Shaggy

OMG, that was GREAT! I was laughing hysterically! Amazing job! Shaggy

I think the answer is much more esthetic. They placed it there to anchor Coney Mall... and add to the area's visual and symmetrical appeal

I never sugarcoat... so here's my blunt $.02. KK is not a park worth redeeming. Irregardless of pie charts and attendance graphs, the park has always financially underperformed. It's limitations are boundless, and ultimately have always comprimised the overall success of the park. Generally speaking, KK is not (nor has it ever been) endearing to the masses. Louisvillians pass by the ghost town without a second thought. And if you ask the layperson on the street, they'll all say the same... they would rather attend KI or HW and they do not care if KK is there or not. KK's clientele escewed to the lower economic class... people that couldn't afford great expenses, many of whom went to the park under very limited monetary means. Ed Hart's video (posted above) seems to dictate that attendance prooves the park's success under his leadership. But it never mentions the lacking financial profitability. Ed Hart has thrived in business by buying, investing and re-selling various properties. His ventures, IMO, are not long lasting and are self serving. In KK's case... he dropped a ton of money into the fledgling park in the early years under the guise of successful attendance. When in reality, he was interested in passing off the business for a profit. He did exactly that, and left Premier (Six Flags) with a ton of new products in a park that was in arrears. Because of the debt, and low profit margin, SF deemed the park as virtually obsolete and maintained it in a less than desirable way until they finally walked. In the end, Ed Hart has reared his head again... now asking for $50 million from the government to re-open the park - a government that is currently dealing with it's own budget defecit. It's my speculation that Mr Hart wants to rebuild the park using taxpayer money, for his own personal gain and then plans on walking away. He's a business man, and is in the business to make money, not for some sort of emotional connection. Don't you think if the park was a cash cow under his original "leadership" that Mr Hart would have never sold it in the first place? Harold Workman, of the KFEC, is in cahoots because a closed park sitting empty is a blemish on his record as the President of the facilities. He needs the park to secure the success of the fairgrounds, which has virtually lost all entertainment to the new YUM center. He's a good-old boy who's always been closely associated with Ed Hart. In the end, the state (IMO) would be best served by removing and selling/auctioning the rides. Ultimately, if they re-invest in the grounds, they should do so only as a small local waterpark (ala Geauga Lake) and completely drop the "competitive regional park" facade. They should also remove Ed Hart from every business aspect, thus removing any unnecessary outsider agenda. KK can only achive success as a smaller park, state owned and operated, catering specifically to locals who are unable to afford the expenses of travel to larger parks. That having been said, IMO the easiest and most cost affective choice at this point... is likely a bulldozer. Shaggy

I would suspect they are completely bolting them in place and making sure all is level before moving onto another piece. IMO, the critical part of such an installation would be making sure it's level. Being 1/8' off at the bottom could create the leaning tower of piza! So imagine how accurate they have to be to ensure all is plum.

LOL, Don is now at the jobsite, apparently with camera in hand. ;-)

Here's an obvious choice... Leznik Think about it... someone will eventually get it.

You know, everyone here could have saved themselves a ton of stress and speculation if they had just read posts #1 and #3 in this thread. Not saying told you so... buuuut... LOL! ALWAYS TRUST SHAGGY ;-) Hee Hee

Hey Thats kinda interesting... What is that crane popping up and down back there? Then again, That looks like its coming up from back by action theater.. Not to the left of Racer like the Magic red line states.. Hmmm... Its one of those trucks for putting in cement foundations. ...Which could be pouring a path or pad for the crane to assemble WindSeeker. My suspicion is that they will truck WindSeeker peices around the back road to the area right behind Action Theatre (The theatre sits high above a maintenance road that runs next to it and next to Beast. The crane will likely be placed inside The Racer split and will lift the peices from the access road, past South Racer turnaround and onto the site. Shaggy

What station? Typically KI sends media invites or press releases prior to a major expansion to the park. I expect they've been alerted that they will receive a press release.