CoastersRZ

That space is useful during WinterFest. Especially since they brought back What the Dickens! They essentially had two indoor shows there, which helped on nights where it was brutally cold.

I still am hoping that mobile ordering will be coming to the legacy CF parks. It worked wonderfully when I went to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom this spring.

The Feshaus was packed when we went in there this evening. I rally enjoyed the new Tinker`s Jingle Bell Ball show. We also checked out the new Charlie Brown show which was standing room only. Given the cold weather, the crowds seemed decent. We arrived right at 5pm, and left shortly before the parade started. The kiddos were getting quite cold after a ride on the Scrambler, so we headed out before catching the parade. As always, the park looked beautiful. We didn`t get to the train this evening, but I know last year the lights were looking kind of sad along the route. I still miss the White Christmas Express from Winterfest 2005. There weren`t as many lights along the route, but it had a story, and actors/somgers along the way (think a soldier returning home from WWII. They should do something to spruce it up.

I too find it odd that they care closing it after September 1st. Why not keep it open through Haunt and Winterfest when its indoor climate controlled environment can be beneficial on those cold days. Unless they need to start transforming the ride into its next phase. Hopefully it doesn`t sit empty next year or for years to come. Only time will tell.

The water level in Lake Como was usually supplemented with water from a well in the warm summer months. This well was housed out near Gate 1. They likely haven`t turned this on this year. Back when the pedal boats were there, if the lake level was low, sometimes we would have issues with the boats getting stuck under the wood dock. Such a shame what has happened. They could have operated Sunlite pool for a couple more seasons. All it has been the last several years is a gravel lot. They haven`t even parked cars at it for concerts. I have a hard time driving by it on Kellogg. I spend many hours and summers down there for the rides department.

I think some have moved to a new regional GM position. Word is that Jeff Siebert has moved from SFFT to a regional GM of the Texas parks. I personally do not think the 10% reduction in full time staff is a good thing. It will certainly impact the guest experience. Remember a few years ago when they were increasing the full time head count because they said it was actually cheaper than having to constantly train seasonal/part time staff? If I had to guess, Mike Koontz at KI will retire. Then likely one of the ops managers or assistant GM positions will become the "Park Manager", reporting to the regional GM.

Yes, I am always getting kicked off of the KI wifi and continually having to reconnect.

I wish Kings Island would bring back the Clown Band.

Here is the link: https://local12.com/news/local/kings-island-cincinnati-queen-city-stunt-coaster-backlot-announces-reimaged-ride-will-have-guests-racing-through-streets-season-passholders-opening-day-celebration-classic-coasters-experience-announcements-consumer

Wow. Thanks for sharing that insight and those pretty cool photos! I was actually on the Skycoaster crew during Haunt seasons in 2013 and 2014. It was a very fun time. I still miss the days of working in an amusement park running rides.

Yep. It was in the Kings Island Theater. And then they moved Tinker`s Toy Factory into the Kings Island Theater.

Site is working for me. I just haven`t updated it since the rides were removed at the end of the 2019 season. The former owners sold out to Riverbend, and I have felt kind of indifferent about the whole thing. Such a waste of a wonderful Cincinnati asset, and where I spent 20 summers of my life. I miss working the rides there so much, and am sad my kids will not be able to work there like I did.

I remember back in the day when the early ride time was an hour! Thirty minutes isn`t much time, especially if a ride is having trouble waking up in the morning. But I am thankful that KI still offers that perk to passholders.

I had heard that the Flight of Fear at Kings Dominion was slated to go to Carowinds. I also believe that they turned part of the indoor queue of the Kings Dominion version into a Haunt for several seasons.

I wonder if there will be any Gravity Group Engineered Precut Track as part of these renovations.