Hawaiian Coasters 325

I said major "thrill" ride. Or what coaster enthusiasts call a major thrill ride. Nightflight Expedition is a family attraction. A very expensive one that is. And Silver Dollar City is adding a mine train next year (a family coaster).

But Herschend hasn't invested in major thrill rides lately. To the enthusiasts who are begging for Herschend to buy KI bc Six Flags/CF hasn't built a major thrill coaster at KI since 2020 need to realize Herschend wouldn't be that much better when it comes to appealing to the major thrillseeking enthusiasts.

I told him I wanted a multi launch and he agreed. Doesn't mean that's what will happen though.

I just had a little chat with park president Tony Carovillano. It was a very nice chat. He told me a Vortex replacement is a priority to him and that they're working on it, but cautioned that money is tight and that he hopes they can get the money soon. He also mentioned the drone show can be moved to develop the site. Also discussed a few other things with him and based on my conversations with him he really cares about the park and I actively saw him picking up trash when walking.

I turned 6 years old in Summer 2008. That Summer we got new neighbors across the street that had 2 kids around the same age as my sister and I and I remember taking the oldest who was a couple years older than me to KI for the first time. I actually have an album from then on my computer somewhere I may upload them once I get off work later. Those neighbors lived in that house for a few summers before moving away in June 2011, but I will always cherish the memories I made with them at KI and other places.

I would hold off on blaming corporate or budget cuts for things being closed this week. This week from my experience working at the park is considered "hell week" as a huge chunk of the staffing starts to go back to school this week so expect staffing to be very tight this week again not a budget problem. When it comes to Tower Drinks and the bee problem, I personally wouldn't mind them moving the drink stand into the building connected to french corner across from International Showplace and then turn the current Tower Drinks back into a snack stand or dare I say another bar. Wasn't it a bar under Paramount?

Meanwhile Tower Drinks (the first drink stand people pass by when walking into the park and last when walking out) is closed according to @DonHelbig from earlier.

With how low they were they can't just overnight price them too high as you risk attendance plummetting to a dangerous level. Already with the reactions that I've seen on the facebook groups about this has been overwhelmingly negative to the point where a lot of people have said they aren't renewing their pass as it is too expensive. I think long term higher prices is the way to go to get better quality, however it won't come without pain.

Will it be enough to where there is a noticeable decline in attendance/revenue is my question. Bc as they say, when some don't renew, some new people buy passes.

I'm still going to die on the hill by saying the fans should've been more vocal about their disatisfication of the merger than just sit back and let it happen. Kroger employees nationwide revolted against a merger with Albertions a few years back and it ultimately fell through. Also don't forget in the college sports world with the hirings of Greg Schiano at Tennessee or Mark Stoops at Texas A&M that ultimately fell through after major fan revolts!

It's almost like they're playing the legal Price is Right, trying to get as close to the legal line as possible without going over...

I mean we have an ACE event coming up in a couple weeks. That's sorta the Coasterstock "replacement". However, won't be the same. Tony should just stick with Cedar Point. There needs to be someone at the park level with boots on the ground thinking outside the box like Don was. Anyone know what Paul Bonifield is up to these days after being let go from the corporate planning and design team? I honestly think he would be a great PR/Marketing person at the park and he could help out with teaser campaigns and theming planning for future attractions and experiences.

Like I said before this could end up being another Haunt location in the future. Im keeping my mind open so Im not disappointed.

Here's a very interesting statement by the park to Dayton Daily News: “Kings Island has received approval to remove the remaining remnants of the former Son of Beast roller coaster,” said the spokesperson. “At this time, we do not have any future plans for the site that we are ready to announce, but we continue to evaluate opportunities that support the park’s growth and guest experience.” The phrase "that we are ready to announce" tends to translate to "something is happening and an announcement is coming in the future". I believe Cedar Point used that phrase with Mean Streak after it closed as well as Top Thrill Dragster. Now before everyone gets excited, I'd keep your expectations in check as it very well if anything could be another Haunt or something. Link to article: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/kings-island-says-rumors-it-is-demolishing-former-son-of-beast-ride-station-are-false/article_d5350816-cfc3-5afd-ac84-f69d2465cd33.html

Sounds like the demolition permit is for a sprinkler system and the structure will remain. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2026/07/28/kings-island-son-of-beast-roller-coaster-remnant-to-stay/91076510007/ why keep it though? It hasn't been used for Haunt in over half a decade now and is a literal eyesore.