Shaggy

Actually PKI stopped counting Racer as two coasters in 2000. It's current marketing team promotes the park as (currently) having 12 coasters: Beast Beastie Rugrats Runaway Reptar Son of Beast Top Gun Taxi Jam Scooby's Ghoster Coaster Face/Off Racer Vortex FOF Adventure Express Operationally, the park divides The Racer as North and South however that is only used internally. Incidentally... the coaster is called Racer, and not Racers. I personally only count it as one, but that is a personal judgement call. If counting it as two up's your count.... go for it. Shaggy

But a significant point that needs to be raised is that typical guests are not educated prior to riding. A successful coaster should not rely on it's riders to learn to ride defensively. SOB is not a smooth coaster by any stretch of the imagination. It is liked by some, hated by others. I think I am in the minority because my opinion is somewhere in the middle. It is hardly the best I have ridden, hardly the worst. I am nearing my 300th coaster and have had much worse rides on woodies than SOB. So IMO it is all in how you look at it. Part of the reason I have had bad rides on much worse coasters is because in order to get a good ride, you must ride defensively. If the coaster is unfamiliar to you, or new to you, then you have no idea prior to boarding just how to prepare yourself throughout the ride. SOB suffers that fate with those than have not "learned" the ride. The argument here is, you should not have to "learn" to ride a coaster. A novice should be able to hop in and enjoy. Shaggy

PKI is expanding and improving an idea in 2004. I think to place boundries on the project like "They are improving and expanding the waterpark" is to not really grasping the scope of what they coudl be doing. I know for a fact that PKI is transforming the former Waterworks into something brand new, unique and exciting. I think those that liked Waterworks will be happy with the change, and those that perhaps didn't like Waterworks will now be drawn to the area. PKI is once again upping the ante. I expect we will begin to see formal information and press releases within the next two or three weeks. They will want to capitalize off of the final days of "Waterworks." I would like to point out that a key word has been dropped in PKI advertising. Astute observers will notice that the word "Exotic" has been used. I think that is a huge clue. Shaggy

Someone wants attention ATTENTION BAAAAAAD. I've seen this posted on at least 3 different boards. ;-) Anyway, a wooden coaster's construction is never complete. Wooden coasters deliver unique and varying rides each time you take a spin. So the ride can improve/worsen depending upon how "tight" the structure may be. Anyways, I learned a long time ago that I hate peas. Since I don't like them, I avoid eating them. I think the same holds true here. If you don't like it, dont' ride it. There are several coasters I avoid because I do not like them. So until I hear that a major change has been made to improve them, I prefer to spend time on other rides that deliver what I am looking for. Shaggy

"No there just anamatronic robot's from Sally Darkride Company." Actually, the animatronic figures used in Phantom Theatre were not made by Sally. Sally Rides did produce the animatronic figures for Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle, but they had nothing to do with Phantom Theatre. The Phantom Theatre animatronic figures were produced by a company called AVG, Inc. who specializes in such things. They still exist. Here is a link to their site: http://www.a-v-g.com/english/ The overall themeing... storyline, effects etc were produced by a company called R & R Animation. R&R was contracted to do two consecutive rides for KI. They first themed Adventure Express for the park in 1991 and then turned their attention to Phantom Theatre in 1992. Shaggy

The "Big Attraction" for 2001 was actually Nickelodeon Central which includes the overhauled KMLF and the new Rugrats Runaway Reptar Rollercoaster. I believe that year also was the year that Action Theatre began showing Stan Lee's 7th Portal. Shaggy

Paramount Parks, as with most chains, does not release attendance figures. You won't get it out of them... so please do not bother Jeff Siebert with questions like that... the poor guy has plenty to do without answering a million enthusiast emails. Each year Amusement Business Magazine compiles what they believe are fairly accurate attendance numbers for the various parks. If I recall they list the top 50 or 100. PKI consistantly competes with CP for the #2 seasonal park spot. Typically SFGADV in NJ gets the #1 spot, with CP and PKI close on it's heels. Of course these parks are blown away by the likes of Disney, Universal etc etc etc that operate year-round. By the way... although CP and PKI rival each other in attendance, bear in mind that CP has a shorter season, thus they pack more people into the park in a shorter period of time. Both parks average (depending on the season) anywhere from 3.3 to 3.5 Million annually. It is widely known that PKI had a banner attendance year in 1998. AB estimated it at like 3.6 or so. For those keeping track that was the year they renovated HB Land. Say's a lot about new attractions, doesn't it? Shaggy

"It never opened that day so Jeffery Seifert and crew moved out ERT to The Beast. " It's Siebert, not Seifert. Jeffrey Siefert is the ACE Secretary and has no affiliation with PKI. Shaggy

No, Witches Wheel at CP is a standard sized Enterprise. Giant Enterprises, such as the one at CW, have cars that seat 4 passengers. Seen here: http://www.pcwjunkies.com/pcw/flatrides/orbiter.htm CP's only seats 2...seen here: http://www.thepointol.com/witcheswheel.html Shaggy

Originally tunnel #3 on Adventure Express, the "Volcano Tunnel" was to be more heavily themed, however it opened with a simple flame effect and fire sound (I believe). The flame effect is gone as is the sound and all that remains is minor red lighting that can only be noticed at night. At the end of the ride, a mere trickle of water poured from the "cauldron" held by the aztec statue. He pronounced "Now you will pay" (as he still does) and as riders passed under they got a minor dousing with H20. The water was not colored, was not lit and did not pour heavily upon guests. Teenage Ninja - Skylab was actually one of three Huss Giant Enterprises installed in the world. One of the others is at Canada's Wonderland. Long before Giant Top Spins, and Giant Frisbees etc Huss offered this. Thus PKI can claim to have been home to three Huss Giant rides. The biggest problem with these rides is that the weight of the gondolas would often force the hydraulic arm to fail. That resulted with the "thud" you aplty described. I actually was present the final time that Skylab ran at PKI and heard it's final "thud." The hydraulic arm had been replaced 3 times at PKI, and that resulted in a "3 strikes you're out" reaction from the park. They had sunk countless $ into reapiring the attraction over the years. So it finally met it's maker when cost and repair far outweighed it's interest among guests. The ride sat idle for 1 1/2 seasons until the park removed it. The version at Wonderland (Originally called Sol Loco, but now re-named) is the only Giant Enterprise left operating in the world. It too has had it's share of downtime over the years, and sat idle for sometime at that park as well. It now operates as "The Orbiter" in their Action Zone area of the park. Shaggy

Thanks for clarifying. I didn't know if it was now or not. It's been years since I have seen a concert at Timberwolf. Actually, the park "dried up" for several years (including Timberwolf) after the Paramount buy-out. I believe it wasn't until the late 1990's that alcohol was re-introduced into the park at all. However don't quote me on alchohol stats.... I am not a big fan. I HATE the taste of beer and don't drink. ;-) Shaggy

"Does this restaurant still exist and if so what is it's name? " Well, it does and it doesn't. What you recall from 1993 (When Top Gun was new) was probably the Columbia Palace. Columbia Palace was a dine-in eatery that was widely known for it's fried chicken. Actually, people used to attend KI just to eat there... no kidding! Well, soon after Paramount took over, Columbia Palace was re-themed to "Wings".... a 1920's Clara Bow movie-themed restaurant. It currently serves Montgomery Inn Ribs and Chicken, as well as fried chicken... however it is not the same good 'ol chicken from yesteryear. Those that know Montgomery Inn food know that PKI's pales in comparison to the real thing. The food at Wings is mediocre and IMO, overpriced. However PKI is making great strides in offering better food/dining experiences this season. It is still set up cafeteria style, where you grab a tray and go down the line. Actually each of the "indoor" dining experiences at PKI all serve cafeteria style.... Festhaus, Mandarin Chinese and the new Bubba Gump's. Others, such as Preston Tuckers, La Rosas, Skyline, Busy Town Grill etc. all serve walk-up/fast-food style. I recommend Bubba Gumps actually. The food there is really good, reasonably priced and novel. I love the fried shrimp, and the key-lime pie is terrific. "Thank you Shaggy for your information about Adventure Express. " Flattery will get you everywhere ;-) Seriously I appreciate it. I enjoy talking about PKI. And I have this odd way of remembering miniscule details about it. It's a great park that has meant a great deal to me over the years. Shaggy

Hi! Here are some answers: 1. By rolling stock, I assume you mean the two-seater, bench PTC junior trains. Yes, it does. These still operate with single buzz bars, but have had an additional seat-belt added. The coaster no longer operates with skid brakes, rather uses fins and is trimmed quite heavily (and unnecessarily) on some of it's turns. It has retained two-train operation, but has had a bunny hop removed from the area just prior to the final brake run. Finally, the most notable difference you will notice is that the coaster is now a bright shade of purple, as opposed to the former bright green color you may recall. 2. The Puppet Tree. Unfortunately, the puppet tree was removed sometime back when HB was remodeled. It's former location is now occupied by the likes of Scooby's Ghoster Coaster and a basketball toss game. 3. The themeing on Adventure Express is actually better than it has been in years. The soundtrack is in place, and the animatronics in the finnal tunnel are all operational. However many original effects have long since bit the dust.... Those include: The shroud of mist effect prior to tunnel #1 is no longer in use. The 50 foot snake no longer hisses in tunnel #1. The spears no longer jet from the walls of tunnel #2. The volcano effect in tunnel #3 (The volcano tunnel) is now reduced to simple red lighting. The "lava" (water) no longer pours or drips from the Aztec statue at the end of tunnel #4, at the top of the final lift. Most of the "quick" effects bit the dust and were not replaced simply because guests hardly noticed them. Occasionally a spear will still jut out of the wall in tunnel #2, but that is a rarity. The mist curtain lasted until about 3 or 4 years ago. However the rusting of the track in that area required that it be replaced (Adventure Express Track was replaced/repaired in 1999. I visited the park in the off season prior and the new track was stored in the parking lot.) and the effect never again returned as preventive maintenance. None-the-less, AE, is still a GREAT ride and is just as fun. However now, it runs remarkably close to the first drop of SOB and fairly close to the drum of FOF. The days of it being shrouded by dense trees and forest are gone. And of course the Safari Monerail (that ran through the middle of the AE layout) is long removed too. Enjoy your trip there.... PKI has changed A LOT in 10 years. You'll hardly recognize the area that used to be "Wild Animal Habitat" or "Adventure Village" as well as HB Land and what is now Nick Central. Shaggy

Something needs to be clarified here. PKI is not a concert promoter. The groups/acts that play Timberwolf are contracted through an entirely separate concert promoting company called "Jam Productions." PKI cannot, or does not simply bring in any act they want. The industry does not work that way. "Jam" promotes small venue acts across the country, mainly in outdoor amphitheatres. Timberwolf/PKI is simply the venue they use. PKI does take a profit from the ticket sales, but these concerts do not generate much revenue for the park from concert ticket sales themselves. The basic benefit to PKI for holding concerts at Timberwolf is the park admission they receive, and the revenue they generate from having that many more people in the park who are going to buy souvenirs, food etc. One of the biggest hurdles that promoters face now is all artists require a monetary guarantee. Timberwolf IS considered a very small venue. Why, if you want to compare venue size, simply look at Riverbend. Riverbend is the premier outdoor venue in Cincinnati. Popular acts are more than likely going to play there simply because it allows for more potential ticket sales. When a guarantee is placed on a venue, then they are required to dish out the dough no matter how crappy ticket sales are. Also, PKI does not draw a large amount of "typical" concert goers. The bulk of today's concert goers range in age from 18-30 and go not only for the music, but for the social aspect and beer sales. The types of crowd a PKI concert draws is mainly a very young, teenage crowd. Why, that is the reason the bulk of acts that play there are geared at teens. The others that tend to play Timberwolf are, for lack of a better term, "Hasbeens" that can still draw a novel crowd, but cannot fill a large venue. Last I checked, PKI did not allow alcohol at Timberwolf. As unfortunate as this may sound (I am not a proponent of Alcohol) that is a big deterrant. Another thing that factors into all of this is the fact that large venues such as Riverbend are owned by Clear Channel Entertainment. Clear Channel is also a MAJOR promoter of artists. Because they promote the acts AND own the buildings, overhead is low and there are not lots of hands dipping into the pot. If ticket sales are low, then there is no loss because they are not out a monetary guarantee. By comparison, Timberwolf is a small venue, that draws *smaller* named acts. The artists require a large overead to play there, and what is left over gets divided up by the promoter (Jam) and PKI etc. etc. etc. If you go back 20 years, Timberwolf was the only (and Premier) outdoor amphitheatre venue in the area. It was a huge success. But, as the industry changed and grew, and more high profile Promoters began overtaking the industry... venues like Timberwolf lost their steam. Actually, PKI still has a pretty reputable draw. Most parks have discontinued concerts all-together. PKI just limits what they do, in order to not loose their shirts. Obviously, I am sure the park has weighed the options in keeping Timberwolf. But to be honest, I believe that Spirit Song itself is what keeps the venue operational at PKI. That weekend event is one of the single largest Christian festivals in the country. PKI is not about to give that up, even if it means that Timberwolf sits empty 99% of the time. Shaggy

"I am just curious. What kind of illusions do they perform in Spellbound?" I'll sum it up... -KABLAMO! -Dance segment -Guy makes wife dissapear -Dance segment -Guy makes wife dissapear again -Dance segment -Guy makes wife dissapear once more -Dance segment -Yet again, guy makes wife dissapear -Dance segment -Guy does confetti trick -Dance segment -Guy does another confetti trick -Dance segment -Guy makes wife dissapear -Dance segment -Guy makes wife dissapear again -Dance segment -Guy makes wife dissapear once more -Dance segment -Grand finale... guy makes dancers appear... and wife dissapear. I think his wife should take the hint. Shaggy - who is completely being toungue-in-cheek here... I actually enjoyed the show quite a bit.

"In all the other Paramount Parks this show has been put on in their large concert venue" Actually at Dominion, the Safari Amphitheater was chosen as the location for the show. And it is a smaller venue than PKI's International Showplace. "The antagonist was kind of annoying because they tried to make him sound a little too much like Dr. Evil from Austin Powers. " Actually, the guy I saw played it like an English fop.... which was terribly annoying and a poor choice on his part, especially since they already had the wimpy professor role. Bottom line, Paramount could do a great deal more with it. But it is not the worst show I have seen at the park. That would have to go to "Cheer's the Musical." Shaggy

"Lara is british right.........then why the new york accent........" Were you really concentrating on her accent? I sincerely believe that she was not hired for her acting prowess or accent delivery... more than likely she was hired for other assets. She definitely looked the part. Anyway, I saw it yesterday. It was cute. Nothing earth-shattering, but fun and different. I didn't go into it with huge expectations so I was not let down. I would like to see PKI install a permanent stunt show in the Showplace. It is well suited for one. If something were more permanent, the quality would be better. However this is a travelling show, going park to park to park, so the quality is a little lackluster. Anyway, it's something new and different. And I'll not complain when a park does something fun... that doesn't cost extra. But I do want to complain about something though. Stupid Parents. Prior to entering the Showplace, and usher announced two or three times that the show would have loud effects/gunfire etc. There are also signs above each entrance warning folks that it is not suitable for young children. If I recall, they even play a recorded announcement it before the show starts. Anyway, idiotic parents ignore it thinking "Oh, they certainly dont mean MY child." And of course the first bang goes off and half the kids there start screaming and throwing tantrums. As if that isn't bad enough, the parents sit there thinking the kids will calm down. Hello! If the show starts with a bang, what on earth makes them think it doesn't end with a dozen or so? OY. Needless to say, wailing kids irritate the life out of me... but their parents (who obviously have no regard for those trying to enjoy the show) are downright rude by not taking them out. Whew... glad to have that off of my chest! Shaggy

PKI has to obtain the rights for any music that they play in park. The music really is not a big interest for me, as well as many guests. It is just filler.... so I assume that PKI concentrates the money they would have to pay for those rights elsewhere in the park. Shaggy

DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!!!! DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!!!! Warning Andy... your superiors at PKI watch this board. Reconsider posting as it is not something that is encouraged by management. Shaggy

"There is some space to put some rides and a good sized coaster behind Son of Beast," Yes, there is quite a bit of space there, however I sincerely doubt that the park will expand in THAT direction anytime soon. I personally believe that future rides will be incorperated into previously developed areas of the park. Rides may extend into undeveloped areas, however I think their origins (entrances) will adhere to the current midways. "The park right now is only 360 some acres, but we own a little less than 700 acres. " WE? "With TOGO gone, it was hard to get parts. " Togo isn't gone. Togo is a company based in Japan. In the US it uses Premier Rides (Yes, the makers of FOF) as it's distributer. Premier Rides is based in the Cincinnati area...just a hop skip and a jump from PKI. KC was removed because it was no longer seen as a viable draw. It's upkeep time/cost outweighed it's marketability. It occupied prime mid-way real estate and it's removal allowed for a better and much more lucrative use. "Maybe they can add in that hotel we've been talking about? " Hotel? The company removed themselves from the motel/hotel accomodations business because it was not a profitable entity. I doubt they would ever want to return to a poor investment. "They just need to buy back the old Kings Island Inn & Resort and one section at a time redo it and make it great. Don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen ;-) Shaggy

The simple reason for SOB not running 3 trains is blocking. PKI requires that there be an empty block between trains. SOB was originally intended to have enough blocks to allow 3 train operation. However after initial tests, they determined it was better to operate with two. I'll explain.... If a train was stalled in the station waiting for the train ahead to drop off the lift, then the 3rd train returning from the course would either be stopped on the mid-course break or final break run. That is an immediate set-up either way. Again, PKI will not operate their coasters in a way that allows a train to proceed unless there is one full empty block ahead of it. It is like a catch 22.... the train on the lift can't drop off because the train ahead of it can't move past the next block, it can't move past the next block because the train ahead of it is stalled in the station waiting for the train on the lift to drop... Get it? It's confusing I know, but all has to do with blocks. Shaggy

The June day is simply a gathering.... nothing special about it in terms of PKI. PKI does not support it or promote it as an event. It is completely unofficial. As someone else mentioned, in the fall there is usually a Friday evening that is used as a gay event. This is treated in the same way that corporations or others goups buy out the park. No different. Either way, it has nothing to do with PKI promoting the lifestyle, or condemming it. They are completely nuetral. Actually, the first time I ever worked at PKI was in 1998 and I was on FOF. I started late in the season and my first time on the crew was during the Friday Night Fall Gay event. Truth be told, I had dramatically less problems with guests that night than any other regular day. Shaggy

"Finally we headed up to Delirium's shorter line. Waited for about three pods/frisbees (what's the proper word?) or 15 minutes. " Cycles Shaggy

Answers: 1. What was the oldest attraction to ever operate at King’s Island? The Tumble Bug. It was originally built for Cincinnati's Coney Island by Harry Traver in 1925, moved to KI in 1971 and operated through the 1984 season. 2. Is the Monster now located on Coney Mall original to the park? No. The Monster now located at PKI is actually the second one. The original Monster relocated from Cincinnati's Coney Island was removed in 1980 and sent to Canada's Wonderland where it operates today. It was replaced in 1981 with an older version. 3. What is different about the 2nd floor of the shops on International Street? They are an optical illusion. Copying a Disney trick to fool the eye, the doors and windows of all the 2nd floor shops are 3/4 scale. 4. A part of The Bat, other than the station, is still in use at PKI to this day… what is it? The 2nd lift stairs are now used as the access stairs on Vortex's mid-course break run. 5. What is the name of the train station at PKI, and why is it called that? Losantville. It was one of the first names of Cincinnati. 6. Name one Hanna Barbera character that has not been featured in any shape or form at PKI. There are many that have not ever appeared in any form... whether costumed character, on merchadise, or on park related pariphanalia... some of the more surprising ones are: Snorks.... Schmoo....Monchichi's... Blue Falcon and Dynomutt.....characers from Charolette's Web... Johnny Quest.... Space Ghost....Tom and Jerry.... Gazoo... 7. How many signature horses are on the PKI carousel? There are 3 signature PTC horses on the PKI carousel. 8. What attraction was originally located where Nick Central now exists? Original to the park in that area was Sunshine Turnpike. 9. How many trains does FOF have? It has 4..... but has never operated all of them. There are three that the park regularly rotates onto the ride for usage, a fourth (the original test train) sits unused in a boneyard behind Action Zone. 10. What is the highest capacity ride at PKI? The King's Island and Miami Valley Railroad. Shaggy

Let's see who knows the answers to these: 1. What was the oldest attraction to ever operate at King’s Island? 2. Is the Monster now located on Coney Mall original to the park? 3. What is different about the 2nd floor of the shops on International Street? 4. A part of The Bat, other than the station, is still in use at PKI to this day… what is it? 5. What is the name of the train station at PKI, and why is it called that? 6. Name one Hanna Barbera character that has not been featured in any shape or form at PKI. 7. How many signature horses are on the PKI carousel? 8. What attraction was originally located where Nick Central now exists? 9. How many trains does FOF have? 10. What is the highest capacity ride at PKI? I'll post answers tomorrow. Shaggy