CoastersRZ

Good to have you back posting again. I and as you are aware, others, greatly missed your presence on the forums the last several weeks. The KICentral community is here for you, in whatever capacity you may need.

And like I said in that thread, I doubt that rumor is true. And just because there are survey markers by the ride does not mean that they will be building anything to replace said ride. Those survey markers could just be denoting. For example, red survey markers or spray paint on the ground can indicated underground electrical lines.

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2010/05/03/daily3.html

I agree. Phantom Theater, while it was geared as a family friendly attraction, was a lot higher on the scary factor for younger kids. And you didn`t hear about many parents complaining. Of course, social media and the intertubes were not around back then to voice opinions like they are now. Phantom Theater was a truly unique dark ride experience. I was sad to see it go. Given the choice between the current Boo Blasters and the old Phantom Theater, I`d take Phantom Theater, hands down. Too bad there wasn`t a way that the park could have overlaid the interactive elements of the Sally Dark ride utilizing the PT props and animatronics.

I had no problem hitting the targets when the skeleton scene was working. Although the last time I rode the ride, my score reset half way through the ride. That was a little bit of a disappointment, but I still LOVE the fog projector effect. Overall, I enjoy Boo Blasters a lot more than I do Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle.

Thanks for the congrats. Its hard to believe that I`ve made THAT many posts over the years. It seems like just yesterday I was made a staff member here on KIC. When in reality, it will be five years come this October! I became a staff member right when the park was making preparations for Winterfest.

Yes, the member of which you speak of has taken a bit of a hiatus from posting due to personal matters. He is still reading the boards from time to time, and will hopefully be posting again soon. I agree, that the boards aren`t quite the same without his posts. One thing that I miss the most are his news posts about the industry. I`ve tried to compensate for that absence a little bit in regards to the industry posts. But I cannot match the wisdom of interpreting certain subjects.

And what exactly does that have to do with anything? When Kings Island turned 25, they got an expanded water park. When Kings Island turned 30, it got Tomb Raider the Ride. When the park turned 35 in 2007, it got Firehawk from Geauga Lake. Anniversary years typically are not that significant in the decision by a park to introduce a major capital investment in the park. There are scores of other factors that account for that major decision. As an aside, next year will be Coney`s 125th anniversary! Also, this is post #8,000 for me.

Well once the park starts daily operation, access to the particular site may be restricted. Also, it could be for something that is not even a ride or an attraction. It could be for a back of house facility of some sort, and hence it makes no difference when they start construction on it. And some flat rides and non-roller coaster rides still require a lot of site prep, depending on the particular attraction in question. I just think it is too early to jump to the immediate conclusion that it is a roller coaster based on survey markers, marked trees, the presence of backhoes and the timing. Seems just a little circumstantial to me at this point.

I still think it is a little early to call this a new attraction for next year, let alone a new coaster project. I mean, it could be something related to later this season, such as a Haunt addition. Don`t count the chickens before they hatch.

I know, the tour had my name all over it. Hopefully, there is a next time, and I`ll be all over it then. The video in your post doesn`t seem to be currently working Jesse.

Ask, and you shall receive: KIC Tourist 0-99; KIC Local 100-199; KIC Junky 200-399; KIC Enthusiast 400-599; KIC Expert 600-799; KIC Senior 800-999; KIC Star Member 1000-1499; KIC Platinum Member 1500-1999; KIC Double Platinum Member 2000-2499; KIC Triple Platinum Member 2500-2999; KIC Superstar 3,000+. Only sixteen members have achieved 3,000 or more posts. And only five members have recorded more than 5,000 posts. Only one member has more than 10,000 posts (and this particular member has more than 20,000 posts).

Something went wrong when you tried to post the link to those images, as none of the images are currently showing up.

You might try something along the lines of "post count." I know its been discussed before. Just not certain where or in what topic.

Another excellent trip report Jesse. Too bad I decided to skip out because of the weather.

Try using the search button. I seem to recall this was asked (and answered) in topics in the past. Not sure how far back you`d have to go though. I would search for you, but I`m about ready to head out the door at the moment.

And besides, its not necessarily how long a poster has been around. Sometimes, posters lurk and very seldom, if at all post on the forums. And once you attain a certain level, there are no further designations. And remember, raising your post count should not be a goal. Providing thoughtful, well conceived posts and sharing your opinion should be the top priority of your posts. Simple one word posts will be deleted. If you post a lot and have been around for a while, you have the chance to build some wonderful friendships from this site, I know I have.

Well now, I am an architect, not a structural or mechanical engineer. In fact, most architects, including the firm I work at, have structural engineers as consultants. They are the ones with the expertise in structures, gravitational loads and lateral loads. Granted, I did take many structures classes, and know about shear and moment connections, and how to draw shear and moment curves, and about moment arms, I was not taught as in depth as what a structural engineer would be. And yes, in order to become a licensed architect, I will have to pass a structures exam as part of the architect registration exam (ARE). And I did ride Son of Beast on April 28th, 2000 (Friday night), the first day that the ride was open. (The media rode it in the morning and the park was open from 5 to 10 that night).

Hopefully, this ride stays around for years and decades to come. It is a fun relaxing ride. Too bad the original theming (the indians and shoot out scenes that were relocated from Coney weren`t kept. Maybe some day in the future the current theming that remains will see a face lift.

Wish I would have gone now. Even though I didn`t go due to the rain, a big thanks to KI. Little things like this tour are awesome ways to let the diehard fans glean a unique view of a beloved attraction. One question. Did they mention how often they do a complete rebuild on the engines?

http://www.iaapa.org/industry/funworld/2010/may/features/ScareTactics/index.asp A nice article from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions` (IAAPA) FUNWORLD Magazine. The article includes quotes from Bill Balfour, who is the GM at EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester. A nice read, and it touches on a topic that has been discussed on these boards during Haunt season in the past.

This is totally unrelated to SoB, but it pertains to the conversation a few days ago about blueprints being accurate from the start. As many of you know, I went to school for architecture (six long years at DAAP), and am now employed at a local architecture firm (finally!). Once the permit set is submitted and a building permit is issued, does not mean that there aren`t change orders or issues that come up, particularly with clearances between structural and mechanical systems, etc. Sometimes things that look good on paper, just are constructable as drawn, and have to be adapted to the actual conditions in the field. This happens all the time in architecture firms. Changes and alterations are made. Sometimes it is existing conditions, sometimes it is design revisions. Very few buildings are constructed without some sort of change once the construction documents are developed. Yes, some buildings have issues, especially when new construction methods are used. Sometimes the issues arise from issues created by the design itself. I took a class from an adjunct professor in grad school. He owns his own firm based here in town. He is brought in to trouble shoot facades that leak or do not work as designed (panels popping off, etc.). A lot of times, it comes down to the new curtain wall systems being utilized and a lack of attention to solid time proven details. A lot of times, the constructability of facades and construction details are overlooked, which often results in facades that don`t provide their necessary function. Facades are supposed to keep the elements out, while maintaining the conditioned space inside the building. When things go wrong, often lawsuits are involved, and the professor who taught the class is often a witness and later acts as a building doctor. Well, that was a long, and very off topic post.

At Kings Island, along with Carowinds, you only have to pay for parking once per day. If you leave the park for some reason during the day and re-enter, all you have to do is present your parking receipt from when you paid for parking earlier in the day. Just make sure you don`t loose the receipt.

The Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Cincinnati will be held at Coney Island on Saturday May 22nd. The walk helps raise money for autism research. For more information on the walk, visit the Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Cincinnati website here: http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=329235&lis=1&kntae329235=62430EBD97764E55AB6954837C47C937 Coney`s classic rides will be open from 11am to 1pm, for FREE, for all participants in the fundraising walk.

The 41st annual Appalachian Festival will be held at Coney on May 7th, 8th, and 9th. Hours are 9am to 9pm on Friday May 7th, 10am to 9pm on Saturday May 8th and 10pm to 6pm on Sunday May 9th. For more information, check out Coney`s website here: http://www.coneyisla...endar.php?cID=5, or the Appalachian Festival website here: http://www.appalachianfestival.org/. This is the first weekend that Coney`s rides will be open for the season (12-8pm on Saturday May 8th and 12 to 6pm on Sunday May 9th). Note however that the Appalachian Festival is a special event and season passes are NOT valid for admission to the rides. The official opening weekend for the rides and Sunlite Pool is May 29th, Memorial Day weekend.