CoastersRZ

Well, footer is the slang terminology. The more proper term is footing. Just like you hear people say 'the cement sidewalk.' It really is a concrete sidewalk, not cement. Cement is simply the glue that holds the concrete together.

Well, the Tempest ride that used to be at Americana was moved to Coney when Coney closed Americana. And yes, you will likely see the Rock-O-Plane somewhere in 2007...

While many referred to it as the King Island Clown Band (that was the name that was even painted on the large bass drum that one of the members played), the park officially called it the Kings of Komedy.

Right. I don`t really buy that line of thought from Cedar Fair. Why? Just look at KI, they have what is generally regarded as a good childrens area. But, they have Face Off as well as Drop Zone looming over the entrance to the park.

I know they do that at Cedar Point. Do they do that at other Cedar Fair parks? If they institute that at Kings Island, I could see The Beast getting a DJ. On weekends, and during FearFest, the lines for that ride can get rather long.

I recall a quote from Al Weber that appeared in a Cincinnati Enquirer tribute at Kings Island`s 25th anniversary. The paper had a special in their Weekend section in May chronicling the history of the park through its first twenty five years. In one of the articles, Al Weber, who was at the time Kings Island`s general manager (he would later become the CEO of Paramount Parks until they were sold to Cedar Fair) said "We know the park will be different in the future, we just don`t know how it will be different yet."

I also found that video disturbing. And rather annoying when I waited in line.

Why does everyone seem to want to get rid of all the Nick characters in favor of the Peanuts gang?

Are we talking about these? They resided in Hanna Barbera Land over by the station for the Sunshine Turnpike. Not quite sure when they were removed, but I think 1993 might have been their last year.

And I believe, at least it used to be this way, that KI`s international workers were housed at dorms down here at UC. They were then bussed via Metro busses to Kings Island. It will be interesting to see what uniform changes are made this year. I think that it is obvious that there will be a uniform change this year. I`m not sure how strict KI is, but I know at Coney, they are very strict with uniforms. Shirts that aren`t tucked in can get you warnings from managers, or even points. Image is very important in this service industry. The park wants its workers to look professional and show that they care about their job and the customers who are paying for their wages.

Well, I don`t think that the Toyota day at the park was necessarily because Toyota was a sponsor of the park. It is likely because Toyota decided to rent out the park for its employees and their families. Just like Proctor & Gamble rents out KI for a weekend in September. Back in 1998, Toyota wasn`t even a sponsor of the park, GM was. I`d imagine that the corporate buyouts will continue under Cedar Fair ownership. But that is just my guess.

Well, technically, Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle is on International Street, not in Nickelodeon Universe. Why retheme Face Off, its name is appropriate for the ride. Although it may have to be renamed when and if Cedar Fair decides to drop the movie licenses. But there really isn`t any movie specific theming in Face Off`s line or station.

That is because it looks like that ride was designed as a portable ride, which could be set up on a flat slab of concrete, instead of footings. Much like the fact that the Pepsi Python at Coney rests on one large slab of concrete as opposed to individual footings for each support.

Where to begin? Well, for starters the midways at Kings Island that are not asphalt or unit pavers are comprised of concrete, not cement. Cement is an ingredient (the glue) in the concrete mix. The dazzling of the concrete is due to its high albedo. It reflects the sunlight. A similar thing happens when it snows out, since snow is also high albedo. The one advantage to the high albedo of the concrete, is that it reduces the heat island effect in the peak of summer and provides for generally cooler temperatures. And yes, asphalt doesn`t have to be the plain black asphalt with the typical sealer on it. There are numerous companies out there that offer asphalt stamping. This is one such company and one of their projects for a crosswalk.

It's a guest It`s a guest Sakes alive, well I'll be blessed Wine's been poured and thank the Lord I've had the napkins freshly pressed With dessert She'll want tea And my dear that's fine with me While the cups do their soft shoeing I'll be bubbling, I'll be brewing I'll get warm Piping hot Heaven's sakes! Is that a spot?

Actually, you could add Scooby`s Ghoster Coaster to the list of consecutive roller coasters added to KI. It was installed in 1998 as part of the Hanna Barbera Land expansion.

Well, while you ended up being right with the name of Firehawk, I`m highly doubtful that KI will receive another major attraction in 2008. Especially a major new steel coaster. Granted, I won`t be complaining if that happens. I just don`t see that ocurring in 2008. Possibly 2009, but for 2008 I think they will focus on a flat ride or a family friendly attraction.

Yep, welcome to PKIC. And yes, Firehawk will have the inline twists at the end of the ride. This coaster will be the first to feature the inline twist element at Kings Island.

Well, two things. First, according to the golden ticket awards, Kings Island`s games have been ranked high for the past several years (number two and three spots). Secondly, Kings Island is getting a "new" coaster this year. While it may not be a brand new coaster, or a B&M coaster like everyone wants, it is still a major new ride, that is being built on previousely undeveloped land, ie not as the result of the removal of an existing ride.

Alright. Time to do the clarifying that my architectural education has provided me with the knowledge of. Yes, the correct term is "footings" while the term "footers" is slang termininology. I`ve sat through plenty of Structures classes about the detailing and concepts of various types of foundations, and have had professors harp on people for saying "footers" instead of footings. It is akin to people saying the cement sidewalk. Cement is merely an ingredient in the concrete mix. Which, by the way, is composed of aggregate, cement and water, with the cement being the glue that holds the aggregate together. Also, concrete doesn`t "dry" or evaporate but it cures. It is a chemical reaction between the water and cement that is known as hydration.

Well, we don`t know for certain that Kings Island won`t be addressing the bottleneck that occurs underneath The Racer. One thing is certain, if they have two FearFest haunts back there this year, it will be a disaster! That path was barely passible with just two hauns and ONE ride back there, let along two major rides.

Well, in the previous conference call, they stated that the higher prices that management had instituted at the beginning of the year led to higher per caps at the Paramount Parks. They expressed that they were pleased with this increased per cap spending. It will be interesting to see where they go with prices at the former Paramount Parks.

It will be interesting to hear what they say in the conference call. It was also interesting to note that they expect to meet or exceed the cost saving synergies from the Paramount Park purchase.

Heck, back in the eighties, Kings Island would have the same show multiple years in a row. Not unlike what they did with School of Rock last year and in 2005. Different songs, but same basic set and plot.

Yet another exellent post, Interpreter! Yes, if you pay attention you may see some subtle hints about things to come. You just have to pay attention and listen to those who know.