Shaggy

Sorry to anyone that may work in PKI entertainment. The shows at PKI are embarassing. For a park chain that is owned by the most widely recognized and well respected movie Studios, their entertainment stinks. I will admit that "Graveyard Shift" was the best sing/dance show of the past 10 years, but that isn't saying much. Why since 1990, we as guests have been subjected to the likes of "Cheer's the musical", "Entertainment Tonight Live" etc etc etc. For some reason, parks have fallen into this trap of thinking everyone wants to see pop/hip hop shows headed by a cast of 4 16-year olds. Not true. Years ago, KI had shows that were really great. Why, one show in-particular "Celebration" was so popular it ran for several seasons and culminated with a cast album being sold and recorded. The difference was, it had a cast of like 25, was heavy on scenery, costumes and lighting, and even had a live orchestra that played for it. Compare that to today's shows that literally have a cast of less than 10 of which only 4 are singers and the rest is canned. Because PKI is local to CCM (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music) they have a wealth of performers to draw from. However, park entertainment is considered the bottom of the barrel by most professional performers... especially when they do not even pay scale wages. Thus the park resorts to casting teenagers, no offense, that really lack the training and experience. Every now and then, you see or hear someone who is really outstanding. But typically, they are smart enough to not last long. Paramount, did bring in the ice show for many years, but that ended with budget cuts. Truth is, Paramount Parks is cutting park entertainment left and right... they consider it an non-profit expense. It really is a bad move, IMO. Right now there is a thing called the "greying of America" as the baby-boomers are entering their golden years. The draw for older adults is not rollercoasters or thrill rides, and they must be given something to do or see at parks in order to enjoy themselves. Shaggy

I will not be at the shoot. Originally the shoot was going to take place as a "surprise" after the final Beast ride on Nov 3rd. But that didn't happen and the PKI folks told me that day about the reschedule to the 16th. But I already had plans to be at another park that weekend so I turned them down. I sure hope everyone has fun, it sounds as though it will be a blast! You'll have to forgive me for not remembering you specifically from the URC event. That day at PKI was quite hectic for me (as you can imagine... Sonny being temperamental.) I met lots of people and am the worlds worst with placing names/faces. I am sure if I saw you it would click. Have fun, I hope to hear lots about it! Shaggy

I would recommend this to anyone curious about the interior of the ride building itself. ... not for phototgraphical purposes (don't bring your cameras) but for gawking's sake. You are almost guaranteed a look at the ride with the lights turned on during the filming. And it is a sight to behold! I was fortunate enough to ride with the lights turned on and the ffects turned down on media day and it was then that I realized the immense size and scope of this thing. Give's you a new appreciation for it. Shaggy

The problem with International Street is not the lights. It is the fountain.... word has it that it is in desperate need of repair. We're talking jackhammering it up and building a new one at an outrageous cost to the park. I would suspect that we will see a spruce up to International Street, but I cannot imagine it happening in a year with other known capitol expenses. Shaggy

KI trivia quiz: The Paramount Story was called "Tower Gardens" prior to the Paramount buyout. However, when the park was built that area was home to a rather large attraction. The attraction was removed by the 1980's and revamped into the garden area we know today. What was the attraction that opned there with the park, and what was unique about it? Dane- You do know that there was no "Phantom" in Phantom Theatre right? There were plenty of phantom-like characters, (Hilda Bovine, Willard Warbler, Lyonel Burymore, Houdilini, The Mighty Bosco, etc etc etc) but none were named "Phantom." Many confuse the character "Maestro" (the lead character) for the "Phantom." Shaggy

Tomb Raider operated all season using the same ride movements. Yes, Huss Top Spins are able to be programmed with different intensity levels, or ride programs. However, Tomb Raider's ride cycle has not been altered from it's opening program. TR:TR has a very complex light and sound system. There have been changes to the effects, sounds and lights, but the actual movement of the carriage has not changed. I have seen the effects change many times. Some times there are sparks, some times there are not, sometimes the statue's eyes move, sometimes they do not, sometimes the statues turns evil, sometimes it does not etc etc etc. Why, on media day, the park was still trying effect settings and was asking folks which they preferred. Each time, the ride movement was identical, just with different effect uses and timings. The water is adjustable by maintenance. This allows the park to adjust the height of the water jets according to their wishes. When the pressure is increased, the giesers raise to a desired level and can "hit" riders. The wetness of the ride did change over the season depending upon how the operations folks were feeling. By the way, the geisers are random and no front row seat is a guaranteed to be dry. I personally have never known a third row rider to get wet, since that protion of the carriage is the farthest from the water. Tomb Raider's ride cycle is 2 minutes long. Fact is, they crammed so much in that it seems to fly by. The swelling fast-paced orchestrations (written specifically for the ride) also make the time pass quickly. The ride cycle did not change because it is timed with the soundtrack. The park is exploring and extended ride cycle time, but must invest in an extended soundtrack to do so. I have a feeling we may see this change, but there are no guarantees. I am sure that the cost of revamping the soundtrack is not cheap. PKI will have to weigh the importance of it, and if the attraction warrants more future capitol investment. Who knows, we may soon see Tomb Raider: The Extended Dance Mix. I personally love Tomb Raider. I have a feeling that in the future it will become one of those rides that people do not feel they 'have" to ride. Lines may dwindle. I had wanted PKI to install ride of this type after I had experienced Houdini at Great Adventure and New England. After I rode those, my thoguhts were "Man this would be a killer ride at PKI!" Well PKI went a step furthur and rally made a great experience with a ride unit that is actually pretty common in parks today. A lot of enthusiasts mouth off about being "deceived" or "duped" by PKI since the park decided to keep the ride unit secret. However those folks can only blame themselves for buying into the hype. IMO the hype was as corny and campy as the ride itself.... and that is why I love it. I find it a really hilarious attraction. It tries so hard to take itself seriously, yet makes me laugh more than most other rides in the park. Why watching the statues eyes move back and forth is my favorite (and most corny) part. In a year when I lost a must do attraction (I rode Phantom Theatre EVERY time I visited PKI) I was relieved to find something took it's place. TR:TR is now a must do for me and I did not skip it on any visit to PKI this year. Shaggy

Winterfest wil not be coming back. The event was never a money maker, and in the latter years was very poorly attended. A little known fact was that when it was concieved, Winterfest was only slated to run for 10 seasons.... which it did. After the final Winterfest, the decorations were given away/donated/sold to local organizations. In recent years, PKI deemed Fearfest a much more lucrative event to hold. And it hs done gangbusters for them. I attended Winterfest. Most notably in it's last year. What I recall is I nearly froze my @$$ off and there was not a lot to do. The Train, Carousel, Phantom Theatre (Enchanted Theatre) and Antique cars were the only rides that operated (I believe.) There were several shows, and lots of horse/carriage rides throughout the front of the park. If you were un-educated and walked past Scrooge's house, you were sure to become the brunt of really bad jokes. I recall Scrooge really delivering some zingers to innocent bystanders ala "Hey UGLY!..... " and "Did you mean to wear that? Or was it a bad trick you're Mom played?" Shaggy

fyrfyter, You must like saying the word ghetto. I have seen you post it like 4 times in seperate posts. Last time I checked there weren't run-down buildings, bums and slumlords hanging out in that section of the park. So I doubt the word ghetto fits. ;-) I personally like "The Paramount Story" and enjoy it's tranquility. I just wish it had a few more benches and seating. SML828, The canoe ride was not located on that pond. The canoe ride (Called Shawnee Landing) was located where The Beast's station is now. It was operated through the 77 season. Next to it was the "Nature Trail" that led into the woods then located behind KCKC. The Rivertown pond has never been home to an attraction. It did have a foot bridge that allowed guests to cross from the restaraunt (now Wings) to the Antique car area. But that bridge was eliminated years ago. You are exactly correct in you memory of the location of the Dolphin show. Shaggy

>>Yeah, lets all make fun of me. Not making fun of you, but I AM questioning your sincerity when it comes to PKI. I don't know you personally and I do not pass judgements on people I have not met. >>Anyway. You're going to tell me that you've never ran the car into the rail, >>just to see what happens? Nope. I never have tried to derail them. The point of the cars is to drive/ride in them. Not wreck them. >>Lest we forget, I am but 16. And it is funny. Nobody got hurt, therefore I find >>it to be somewhat amusing. Forgive me for not being mature. I am an >>associate, but so what? why should that seperate me from anyone else, Because as an associate you should be more aware of the safety reqirements and seriousness of such a situation. Irregardless of age, you set the example for guests and fellow employees. >>ESPECIALLY when I am outside the park and out of uniform as I am >>everytime I write on this messageboard? I made a point of not gawking when >>I was in uniform. I am a good associate, will be a foreman next year if I so >>desire. Why should my amusement over a small accident mean anything? See above. You post here under the guise of being a PKI employee, Your post tells people that it is "amusing" to break the rules, or try and break things. I don't agree with that attitude, so I called you on it. >>I know I'm not the only one. Nobody has replied in my support, and nobody >>will, and that's life. And you speak of it as though something very expensive >>has broken... It was a single piece of wood or fiberglass fence. What about the car? It's undercarriage or the rail the car rides on. What about the ride-downtime it caused? Something had to fail to allow the car to come off track. But even if nothing was damaged, this type of situation causes PKI to look at more ways to restrain the cars. Such incidents result in more stringent rules, more cumbersome restraints, and sometimes even ride removal. >>One single rail. That is worth less then the food we waste at Scream Zone >>every single day. I wouldn't brag about how much food you waste especially if you hope to become a "foreman." >>And quite honestly, I don't like you, whoever the hell you are. You know too >>much. And not to rag on you, but you're an ass. Tough talk. Sticks and stones bud. Your loss kiddo. Shaggy

Not to rag on you.... But I guess I do not understand your mentality of trying to derail the cars, and finding it amusing when (and if) one does. PKI spends MILLIONS on general improvements and upkeep each year that many take for granted and do not even notice. The money required for upkeep and repair requires that admission and parking goes up, and employee kick-back goes down. It would seem to me that as a seasonal employee at PKI you would understand that. You should also see that such immature actions goes against everything park operators are taught. Trying to derail or flip a ride is just, well, dumb. Shaggy

No it is not possible for Viking Ship to flip upside down. Intamin Inverters rely on heavy counterweights, a more complicated restraint system, thicker supprts and arms. Delirium need not go upside down to be thrilling either. Did you know that when a park installs a ride that does an inversion it automatically alienates half it's guests from riding? Stats prove that at least 50% of park guests are intimidated by or avoid rides that loop. I have ridden four different frisbees and can tell you I am extremely excited about Delirium. The thrill that I think most people do not suspect is the air. The spinning will be slow, the height, although tall, will nto be intimidating. The thrill comes from the outward facing floorless seats and the tummy tickle it will produce when it reaches it's highest points. It is a fantastic decision on PKI's part to install this. Shaggy

Nope, you are reading more into my statement than necessary. In 2003 PKI will add several substantial attractions and will concentrate on esthetic improvements throughout the park. There announcements so far prove that. Enthusiasts who are counting on a single huge coaster, or ride project in 2003 are just kidding themselves. If they were doing something enormous, then we would know or see it by now. Shaggy

I thought 3 of the coasters at PC cross the state border. Goldrusher, Thunder Road and Vortex. By the way, PKI couldn't get guests in the PKI faster in the mornings if they added a functional ticket entrance in Waterworks. The water park opens an hour later than the rest of PKI :-) Shaggy

Cheap? Why on earth would they replace the track when it operates fine? All they needed to do was change the directional turns of the cars. I guarantee you that the money they saved by not gutting the whole ride and starting from ground zero helped with the funding for other projects in the park for 2003. And I am not talking just Delirium.... there's more than people expect next year. Shaggy

Oiy Vey.... man this board is the most mixed up KI board I have ever seen. I'll set the story straight. Officially no one has ever died at King's Island. How so? Well, no one is pronounced dead at PKI... that happens at the hospital. ;-) There has only been one ride-related fatality in the park's history. On June 9th 1991 Candy Taylor, fell from the Flight Commader ride formerly located on Coney Mall. The ride, an Intamin Pilot ride allowed guests to flip or rotate their individual cockpits. But let me back up, because that day has become known as KI's darkest day. At approximately 8:30 in the evening, Timothy Benning (22)entered the park's pond located next to the Octoberfest Beir Garden to, apparently, retrieve a lost item. Upon entering the restricted area he was shocked due to an electrical current (later determined to be coming from a defective water circulation pump.) When he screamed and fell unconscious in the shallow water, his friend William Haithcoat (20) jumped in to pull him out. Immediately Haithcoat was shocked. Upon hearing the screams a park security officer, Darrel Robertson (20) jumped in attempting to help and was also shocked. Ironically the rescuers... Haithcoat and Robertson died, but Benning survived. The Octoberfest area of the park was emptied immediately, and closed off. Helicopters landed in the park to life-flight the victims to the hospital. They were undergoing CPR when they left. Just after this at the back of the park, Ms. Taylor, who was drunk, boarded Flight Commander at approximately 9:45pm. She rode by herself which later was determined to be the cause of her death. As the ride proceeded, she passed out (her Blood Alchohol level was 3.0. ) while flipping the ride upside down. Since her body was limp, she slid to the side towards the empty seat next to her and out of the over-the-shoulder restraint and lap bar. She fell 60 feet to the concrete below in front of eye-witnesses who were horrified. A design flaw in the ride was blamed. The ride was closed the rest of the 1991 season, but re-opened in 1992. The other death mentioned occurred on Grad Night 1983 when an un-named 17 year-old boy was found after he cllimbed a 10 foot barrier fence on the Eiffel Tower's 50-foot observation platform and fell in the elevator shaft. He plummeted to his death and rumor has it he was partially decapitated. A lot of mystery still surrounds this instance, but the general belief is that the boy either committed suicide or was showing off for friends and climbed into the restricted area. The Tower's 50 foot platform was closed and never re-opened. Each instance above was investigated and all were determined accidental. The park was fined for various OSHA violations, and more than likely settled with the families. Also of note, in 1976 a Wild Animal Safari Lion caretaker was mauled and killed as well. But King's Island is also the site of Heart Attacks, Strokes, etc of which people have perished. But so have malls, grocery stores, workplaces etc etc etc. Shaggy

What you have seen is the complicated axle mechanism that rotated the cars. A motor did not turn the cars. Underneath each car there is basically an axle that may, in your eyes, resemble a motor, but it is not a motor. This "axle" had a guide arm that rode on a rail that existed , basically, in between the tracks running rails. The rail that the guide arm rode on curved in and out depending upon the desired turn to the car. Every third car had an actual motor that propelled wheels that ran on the standard track. Just study the track of X at SFMM and you will get the same idea. There is a seperate rail that turns or rotates the seats throughout the course. It is the same principle here. No individual motors turned the cars, but they did power the entire length of cars along the track. Another way of explaining it is to think of locomotive wheels. The arm that extends between locomotive wheels is a similar principle. For next year's Scooby attraction, the turn of the cars is being changed. And areas that you used to face towards will now be areas you pass with your back turned. To "change" the rotation of the cars at various points, the park has removed that inner running rail and is re-welding/bending/twisting/straightening it. That is why the PT cars are off in the first place. The work must be done with the cars removed. Once it is completed, the cars (every other) will be added back on and the guide arm placed along the new inner rail. When they fire the ride up, the cars will turn in new directions. If we went by your thought that a motor turned each individual car, then it would not make sense that they removed the entire undercar mechanical unit. All they would have to do, in theory, is re-program the motors to turn at different times. For the change to "Mystery Machines" they could have just taken off the fiberglass shells and replaced them. That is not what they are doing. Since you work at the park, I am sure you know one or two of the Technicians. Ask them sometime if they can tell you about it. Most of the time they can and will. I guarantee you that if they take the time they will explain the same thing I just did. Go take a closer look at them... heck, take pictures if you insist. You'll only see what I have been explaining. Shaggy

I will be. I stand by my word. Pictures of what? The Phantom Theatre cars? I was given a guided tour and explanation (as well as a look underneath the track) by the Technicans in-charge of the ride 2 months ago. Every car had a unit that turned it, but it was not a motor. The propelling motor was located on every 3rd car. Re: Smurfs... they are not there. If you want to see one, ask Kevin Eldridge or Jerry Neiderhelman both full time folks at PKI... they own some of the Smurfs. Re: Myrth Mobile... It sat in the maintenace area behind HB for years but is gone. It had rotted away so that it was just a hunk of rust. It was gone as of earlier this season, and when I asked I was told it was sold. It will not be placed back in the park. Shaggy

Sure Shake Rattle and Roll is there... look again: http://home.fuse.net/brock/KI%209-7-81%20Bat%203.jpg Shake Rattle and Roll has never been located anywhere but where it is now. It was added in 1975 when KI expanded Coney Mall. Coney Mall (Then themed to and called "Coney Island" after the defunct park across town.) used to end just where the Zephyr, or swings, now sits. A High striker game is currently right in the area that originally ended that section. But in 1975 the Mall was lengthened and rides such as Shake Rattle and Roll, Zodiac (later replaced with Flight Commander) and Cinema 180 were added. Shaggy

The Dolphin show and stadium was removed shortly after Paramount took over. Interest had wained, and the cost was not worthwhile. The staduim was indeed it's own entity and sat next to the International Showplace. Shows were scheduled so that the sounds of the International Showplace performance did not contrast the aquarium show.... and vise versa. The reason people recall both Sea Lions and Dolphins is because they were rotated out year-to-year. They were on a three year rotation between parks. Dolphins one season, trained Birds the next, followed by Sea Lions. The Wild Animal Safari Monerail was closed after the 1993 season. The animals had died off and interest was gone. The park saw no need to keep the costly attraction with just a handful of animals. The Monerail trains sat on property behind Timberwolf Amphitheatre until 1998 when they were sold (along with the squirting Blue Elephant fountain from Hanna Barberra Land) to Jungle Jims in Fairfield Ohio. The park debated for several years what to do with the old Monerail. But the building of Outer Limits and proposed expansion of Action Zone took precidence. Shaggy

Clearing up things. -Each of Phantom Theatre's carts did not have a motor. There was a motor under every third car but it was not responsible for turning the cars. Rather the motors were attached to a wheel assembly and propelled drive tires that ran along a coaster track underneath. A guide assembly rode on an interior steel rod and controlled the turning of the cars. The technology used was the same as that designed by Arrow for Disney which Arrow later used for X. - The Smurfs are long gone, and not on property. Employees and interested outside parties purchased them in 1992 immediately after Phantom Theatre was built. There is a home in Cincinnati that displays quite a few of them at Christmastime each year. - There is not any immediate plans to return the Myrth-mobile to the park. It has been junked. Shaggy