Shaggy

I remember riding The Beast during it's first season in the park - 1979. I was 16 that summer. One cool feature was that the pond extended around the mouth of the tunnel at the bottom of the first drop. From a distance, the train appeared to dive into the pond. Seeing the water coming up at you from the front car of the train was quite a rush, too. I think someone said one reason they drained the pond was because it was stagnant and got nasty in hot weather. While that was true, I think it was also because they discovered that wooden structures and standing water don't mix. Not trying to ruffle feathers... however I personally don't recall the water at The Beast extending past the very base on the lift side of the coaster itself. I believe the "water" extended from the queue house, under the fan turn and station, then ended just shy of the gear house. The water also lied under the station and flowed to a larger pond that extended alongside the final brake run. But I don't ever recall the water being near the mouth of the 1st tunnel. Here's a picture, taken by the park, of The Beast in it's first year of operation. As you will see, there's an access road next to the first drop of Beast (just as there is today.) The picture was taken by a photographer standing on top of the tunnel entrance. Also, of note, is that the "stone" facade on the front of the 1st tunnel of Beast was added later. It was not original to the ride. Here's another picture showing the water running alongside the final brake run of Beast. However you will notice the lift of the coaster itself is not above water.

The entrance plaza is also already partially using pavers. They put pavers in years ago when they removed the old ticket booths and installed the metal detectors. Actually, I believe the area you'll see paved is the black asphalt area to the right and left of the entrance INSIDE the park. See the below photo: If you draw back the view of International Street, you'll see that only the patches to the left and right of the entrance area in front of the fountains was black-top. Once you begin down International Street, the pavers re-appear. See below: Question though... I haven't paid attention in the past 2 or 3 years. Is the ACE/Beast walkback stone still in place to the right of the fountains near the old camera/souvenir shop?

Yes, the Smurfs didn't take over the ride until 1984. In late 1983, the park put up a sign advertising the arrival of the Smurfs outside the (then) Enchanted Voyage. Here's a pic (albeit very blurry) of a person standing in front of the sign. Look closely and you'll see it says they will be arriving in '84.

Actually, Canada's Wonderland was ahead of them all... nearly the entire park used pavers when the park opened. Brick pavers are a costly, but very nice esthetic improvement to a park. They are much easier on the feet and they do not heat up the way blacktop does. Here's a pic of Wonderland back in the early 1980s... notice what's on the ground in front of the main entrance...

The structure that currently serves as the Great Pumpkin Coaster's station and ride photo building was the loading area, I believe. The entrance was in Hanna Barberra land and then climbed stairs to cross the ride's flume, then back down more stairs to the loading platform. The boats left the station and followed the flume into the building right about where the BBoBH entrance is now, entering a giant TV painted on the side of the building. Well, yes, and no. The wooden "shelter" that now serves as the loading station for the Great Pumpkin Coaster was added, if memory serves me, when the attraction became "Smurfs Enchanted Voyage." When it was originally Enchanted Voyage" there was a cloth tent on one side of the load platform that covered the queue area only. There was indeed a stairway/walkway that went over the flume trough leading guests from the queue to the turntable. However the stairway and turntable were originally in the blazing sun (as were MANY of the queue lines back in the early days of KI.) When Smurfs came along, the wooden shelter was built around the existing staircase. That's why today, when you look at the loading station for the coaster, in the middle there's a square area. That was once where the staircase used to come down to the load platform. Here's some pics to compare:

I was glad to hear that they still had the sign! I was most upset about 10 years ago when the "Sit on It" signs dissapeared from The Beast and Racer stations. They were removed abruptly for some unspoken reason, I gathered because there was a lawsuit pending based upon someone switching seats on The Racer while in motion. I ADORED those signs, and I offered $1,000 to buy one. However I was told they had been trashed. Given the fact that the original Beast "Public Notice" sign is still at the park, I wonder if the "Sit on It" signs were actually kept after all. Shaggy

Being the oddball that I am, and one of the "seniors" of the bunch here... I have to say I nearly fell off the couch when I saw her say that. First off, I am a huge Olivia fan... always have been since Grease came out (Yes, kiddos, I saw it when it was actually playing in the movie theater!) And, of course I love KI... so tonight two major worlds collided for me! That was terrific! Shaggy

When I was on Beast crew many, many moons ago... there was a button to the right of the drivers panel. As the train was released out of the station, the person driving looked down out of the side window of the booth checking lap bars and pressing the button for every empty seat. The computer monitoring system then deducted the number of times the button was pressed from each hourly capacity. The crew head kept a paper log of the hourly capacity totals which was turned into the Ride Operations Dept that evening. When on the FOF crew, there was a manual hand clicker the driver used to keep counts each hour. Many of the flat ride simply relied on turnstyles. I could go on and on... but basically, at that time, there was a virtually a different procedure for keeping capacities on almost every ride in the park. Shaggy

Muchos gracias... Coastersrz and I posted at the same time, he had the exit info posted before me, and he's exactly right ;-) BTW, here's what the fantastic sign at The Beast's original entrance said: PUBLIC NOTICE: Help is urgently solicited! Due to the increasing occurance of mysterious noises, inexplicable tremors, and vicious acts of vandalism within these premises, it has become necessary to suspend the normal operations of this company. Although the cause of this evil phenomena defies identification, authorities agree it is surely the work of some demonic creature of prodigious size, which for now can only be designated as: The Beast LET THE FOOLHARDY BEWARE! this so-named Beast appears to be very much alive and intent upon conquering all who would oppose him. Nothing of the imaginations would be able to inflict such terror upon the human soul. IT IS WITH UTMOST URGENCY that the Management entreats all civic-spirited persons to assist it's loyal employees in the ongoing effort to subdue this disruptive scourge and restore order to the community. ALL VOLUNTEERS will kindly apply by entering through the employment office. (At times it may be necessary to await recruitment at the observation area to the left of the office building.) Thank you, and may the Lord have mercy! Charles J. Dinn President The Little Miami Amalgamated Mining & Minerals Co.

Currently, when you exit The Beast, you go down the handicapped ramp. You then turn left which takes you under the drivers booth. After that, you turn right and head past the queue house. Originally, when you headed under the drivers booth, you turned left and went through an exit underneath the station and back out to the access road that lies between Beast and Crypt. The exit still exists, but is used as an emergency exit only and has a door. No one thing can be cited as the reason the "lake" (odd to call it that as it was literally only a few inches deep) was removed. There were actually a handful of reasons. Trash issues, circulatory issues, bug issues, smell issues are a few reasons. But more importantly, the park wanted to seal off the midway path between Beast and (then) KCKC to use for behind the scenes purposes. They also wanted to re-direct the exiting guests past the (then) new on-ride photo booth and midway games. In addition, they also wanted to re-direct guests out an entirely different area away from the entrance to deter line jumping. What many folks don't know, or recall, is that The Beast used to have an entirely seperate queue house that no longer exists. The concrete pad it was on was still there the last time I checked, albeit hidden by a fence. Next time you exit The Beast and are nearing the on-ride photo booth, look through the wooden fence to the right. You'll see an overgrown concrete path. That was where it was once located. There was also a seperate "building" at the original exit that was called the "Beast Tamer Photo" It offered guests the chance to have their pictures taken in the middle of The Beast paws. Finally, at the entrance, there was originally a large sign that told the legend of The Beast. I'll dig it up and post it. But basically it was a fable that told the tale of a Beast running wild through the woods. Oh how I wish they'd bring that sign back. Very few people recall it. Shaggy

My bad. You did :-) THESONOFBEAST did post a link to the calendar, and I appreciate both responses to my question. Thanks for the info.

To clarify... I asked if the fireworks would still continue. (I legitimately wanted to know as I have not followed this news.) Someone responded with a statement that didn't answer my question. (Their statement simply implied that KI had always had fireworks in the past. It still didn't answer anything about future plans.) I replied with a response that was meant to redirect back to my question, and clarify that the past has little to do with what they may be planning now. (I was not at all saying anything derrogatory about CF.) Thankfully, the poster THESONOFBEAST stepped in and answered my question accurately even citing the 5&5 info. That's all I was asking for. You read a tone that wasn't there. Quite honestly, I think you've been reading a non-existant negative tone in all of my posts. I'm not here to spread nasty, that's not my m.o. There's never been any sort of nasty underlying tone in any of my posts, so please don't presume one. :-) Back to the subject at hand... I think this is a great idea... specifically the further illumination of the Eiffel Tower. I'll be anxious to see it. It's also very smart as KI has seemingly (personal assumption) struggled in recent years with keeping most guests in the park late in the day. Couple this with the fireworks (now that I know they'll continue) and it should be quite impressive to see.

The Racer has been around since opening, is it gone? the Grand Carousel has been there since opening, is it gone? I am sick of people accusing CF of "destroying Kings Island" from what it was planned to be. Times have change since 1972, if the park hadn't we would not be discussing this. CF has done a great job with the park, while trying to restore some of that "magic" it had back in the days. Anyone remember the Robbie Knievel event? I assume since I was quoted directly that it was directed at me personally. So I have to ask, where did I ever say or post CF was "destroying Kings Island?" I didn't. Ever. As a matter of fact, my personal opinion is the complete opposite.

I hardly think that fact matters...

My question is, will the fireworks still happen?

FF EKU is obviously passionate about SOB, and that is respectable. I'll never knock someone for feeling strongly about a ride at KI. Lord knows I have felt strongly about a few rides at KI, most notably (and ironically) SOB. (But I'll get to that in a minute...) That having been said, I also feel that sometimes fans of KI can't see the forest for the trees. Or in this case, people can't see the coaster for all of the broken wood. If we set comparisons, contradictions and personal feelings aside, it is still my opinion that SOB has likely seen it's last passenger. If I were a part of the decision making SOB would receive a negative vote from me. I base that on two things: 1. It's inability to be further marketed 2. 25 years of professional experience in the business world. Now, if plans were made to essentially rebuild all but the first 1/3 of the layout and rename/retheme it, then it may have a chance at success. But that's a gamble and not a certified payoff. Someone made a comparison to Diamondback and called that a gamble... not so much. B&M has a nearly perfect track record for timely installs, impeccible operating timetables and overall safety. A B&M hyper was not a gamble for KI as far as a mechanical ride unit. Installing the $25M coaster during an economically depressed time was, and is, it's largets risk. So I can't imagine gambling both finacially and operationally on a 10-year old attraction. The amusement industry is a fickle one. People always want something new... hence new attractions, new "experiences" that are routinely installed. Why else are all ads, commericals, literature, websites always touting the new attractions? Because it's a new "experience." A re-build of something that has lost it's mass appeal could be a step in the wrong direction. Some may be quick to disagree or judge me based on what I feel is the best business decision for KI. But I'll let you in on a little something. I was one of the biggest champions of that ride, beginning before the coaster was even built. My history with SOB is long, thorough and memorable. I was made privvy of it when it was simply a 3-d paper rendering. I was at the park when the surveyors began the land measurements. I was at the park the day the 1st footer was poured. I was at the park the day the crate was delivered. I was at the park the day of the announcement. I was at the park the day the trains were first placed on the track. I was there the day the train made it's first cycle and witnessed it firsthand. I attended the media event. I was on the ride at the end of the media event when it was shut down - and it's first re-tracking/rebuild began. I was on SOB for 2 tv show filmings and 1 commerical shoot. I was the on-ride commentator for the Discovery Channel special featuring the ride. I rode it 21 times in a row that day, with a camera sitting right next to me. I passionately supported, championed and defended the coaster for years on websites and in enthusiast circles. I rode it for years and years. I loved that ride, and I am most appreciative of those that allowed me to be a part of the exciting experience of seeing a ride go from an idea to reality. That's not meant to brag, simply to exemplify that it was an important coaster to me. I'll never forget the amazing times surrounding it. I took my last ride on the "looped" SOB just a few weeks before the accident/closure. I exited that ride frustrated by the pitiful and unenjoyable experience the coaster delivered vowing to not ride again. I did not ride again until the G-trains were put on, and that was a simple "I'll give them a try" mindset. I took one ride on it in that state... and never rode it again. It was, as I had suspected, a horrid change to the original ride concept that still delivered a rough ride and eliminated the most redeeming part of the coaster. As silly as it sounds, I walked away, bid farewell to it that night, made my peace, and I closed that chapter in my life. I love KI far more than I ever could SOB. So I can't help but desire much better experiences in it's place in the future. SOB has been a blemish on the park I love most. That, in itself, is enough to deny any sort of revival of the coaster.

Okay then, how about this... I'd say 75% of the general public doesn't care, or even think about SOB. And that's being EXTREMELY conservative. IMO, SOB never endeared itself to the general public. That's been one of it's biggest downfalls. It doesn't have the empassioned following of The Beast. For that reason, KI could remove it, install something more reliable, and the general public would be satisfied. Had it aquired the esteem that The Racer or Beast have, then we'd see a public furor over a pending removal. It doesn't have that type of clout.

I stand by my statement. Ask any judge that ruled on any amusment attraction lawsuit. It's a mechanical device.

FF EKU dawg You're essentially comparing the number of wheels on a coaster train to the 4 on a car and saying I'm wrong. I'm not talking physical simularities as much as I am logistical. Step outside the box for a moment to see my point... I'll spell it out. KI is a business. It's no different than a store, or a factory or a business office. KI exists to sell a product and generate revenue for it's owners. The product it sells is what they call "an experience." The rides/costers within KI act as mechanical devices that deliver the product, the "experience." It's no different than a computer network system being essential to an office, or a cash register in a store, or a press in a factory. The business relies on their reliability. As far as the car comparison... the car is the product, much like the "experiences" sold at KI. Cars and amusement ride experiences are both highly marketable. However if unreliable, unsafe, or hindered by bad word of mouth, they become a liability to the company that stands to lose revenue. As a businessman... if the press in the factory breaks down, costs revenue and ultimately jepordizes safety of those using it, then I have to look at what merits it's use. If the product is compromised, such as a recurring bad engine in a car, then you have to directly address that. If something within a business hinders the product, then it makes sense to cut it lose or move past it. That, in fact, is a very simple and understandable way to easily say "nay." Going back to my original response, when talking business sense, one CANNOT look at a rollercoaster with fan glasses on. But enthusiasts very often confuse/view them in that way because we have had such significant and enjoyable "experiences" with them in our lives. However, rides and coasters are simply mechanical devices (irregardless of their use of inertia or not.) In the case of SOB, I am willing to bet money that the officials are (or were) simply comparing the following to make their decision: 1. Profitability 2. Cost of overhaul 3. Marketability 4. Value of real estate (value of the land it sits on when compared to future expansion) 5. Reputation BTW, I don't recall telling anyone to be "unbiased." I just told people to look at things from a different perspective. This is hardly a personal matter, so don't read it as such. Shaggy

How can I not? They are both a mechanical conveyance device, no more no less. A coster is a machine, just like a car, no more no less. You could also compare it to a printing press, or die cutter. It's a mechanical device used within a business to create/sell a product. If said device consistently breaks down or is inconsistent, and costing the business reveue then what needs to happen? 75% is a guess... and trust me, it's a really good guess, probably conservative.

Folks, Take a step back and look at SOB without wearing fan glasses. Imagine you had a 10-year-old car that had required a major engine overhaul on 3 seperate occasions. What if that car had cost you double what the original budgeted expenditure should have been. Add in the fact that the car had an issue that provoked a serious accident injuring several people. What if that accident prompted a multi-tiered lawsuit, and insurace issues. Finally, what if 75% of those you know refuse to ride in the car because of it's past history. What would you do with the car?

Surely they sing the theme song to "The Facts Of Life." LOL! To those folks that are upset by their not using theme songs past the 1990's... well, that's likely because there aren't any to choose from. In the mid 1990's theme songs fell victim to commercialization. They cut them short in order to show more commercials, or stopped them altogether. Today's shows, if they use an introductory theme, usually use a short orchestration or underscoring played as the show/credit rolls. Most shows today are reality crap anyway... and the theme songs of yesterday are nostalgic as are sitcoms. As far as KI's show quality. Obviously I've not seen this production... but typical entertainment at KI in the past 2 decades has been extremely sub-par. However nothing... NOTHING will ever compare to the abysmal disaster that was "Cheer's Live!" in the 2nd or 3rd season under Paramount's name. I cannot begin to tell you how embarassing it was for the audience to watch, and the performers to be in. Shaggy

Just don't be alarmed if, after you eat it, your poo poo is green. It's an adverse side effect ;-)

Wasn't the box there from the opening of Diamondback? I assumed it was a prop put there to make a dramatic point. After having worked at KI, I can't imagine lost and found ever just tossing the lost articles into a ride display no matter how long they've gone unclaimed. But then again, I may be very wrong. I'd rather they electrify the fence and railings so that when something like ink or gum touches it... ZAP!

Congrats Gator... The Italian Job car is on it's way to you... oh, and it has it's original instructions, powerpack/battery charger too :-) I am VERY glad it's going to a good home :-) Shaggy