FUN&ONLY!

When are the in-park water attractions going to open? Do you think they would open with the dry park or with the water park?

First up-close picture of the dark blue train!

Do you have a link?

I think a MACK Rides Xtreme Spinning Coaster would be a perfect fit at Kings Island. It would make up for the inversions lost with Vortex and Firehawk, and it would be different enough from Backlot Stunt Coaster and Flight of Fear with its spinning trains. I also think it would look GREAT in Vortex’s plot of land. Something like this one going to Plopsaland would be nice in my opinion.

I really did enjoy these posts, and I know that for reasons of uncertainty during COVID-19, Kings Island probably held back on Orion posts. I understand that it was only recently that the park was able to set an opening date. Now that opening day has been set, and it is only weeks away, will Kings Island continue to post new Orion updates?

Does that mean media day is probably on July 1?

I know it is not the park’s responsibility to supply us with pictures, but I feel like it builds anticipation and excitement when they share minor updates. For example, when they announced they were repainting Viking Fury, that got a lot of people talking, and it was such a small improvement. I think if they did the same with Orion it would gather much more attention and would create a sense of eagerness for guests to visit. I also don’t want to encourage people flying over the park, but they would have less a reason to if the park shared more updates on their part. Either way, nobody should not be flying over the park for any purposes whatsoever.

One thing I REALLY hope the park does is replace the walkway under Racer. Walking under Racer, I hope that is not guests’ first impression of Area 72 as it is easily the worst looking walkway in the entire park, and I think it would be relatively cheap to repair. I think it would greatly enhance the overall look of Area 72!

And that picture wasn’t even shared by the park!

Didn’t Cedar Fair release its plans to cut investment for the 2020 and 2021 seasons in early April? Don’t you think the theming would have mostly been finalized by then?

I really want some Orion/Area 72 updates from the park. I know COVID-19 probably made construction updates hard, but they have given us practically nothing compared to what they did with Mystic Timbers. I also think more construction updates from the park would limit people’s desires to fly drones over the park.

Do you know any details on the development of the lighting package and soundtrack?

You would also think the theming props were already in development too. Also, why would Kings Island install some of the theming and hold back on the rest of it. The lighting package has to have already been installed long ago. Also, the Orion soundtrack has likely been finalized for months now.

I would hope that the theming was already paid for and produced. I would think their cuts on spending would include parades and other 2021 additions.

I really hope they didn’t. Is there any reason you feel this way? I am surprised that we have not seen much of it yet or any of the lighting package though.

You are working Orion? Pretty cool!

If this is true, does that mean basic temperature checks would likely completely filter out those who have COVID-19?

I am still very intrigued about the opening of Orion and Area 72. I am still excited for the Orion soundtrack, the “pre-show” building, Orion’s light package, any additional theming, and the Meteor Canteen. Now that the park knows when they are opening, they are probably putting these final touches on. I cannot wait to see what it looks like.

Kings Island has a much larger draw than Holiday World, and both parks will likely be capped at similar attendances. I think there will be a high demand for Kings Island. Also, no other park has a giga coaster opening this year.

I don’t necessarily think there will be that many anti-mask people that the demand will be so low. I get some people are very particular when it comes to wearing masks, but the majority probably won’t care that much. For those who can’t stand wearing masks, don’t let it be a dealbreaker. The park will make sure it doesn’t ruin your day. The park probably would not have been cleared to open if they did not require masks.

Kings Island is a much more visited park, however, and it has a much more local draw compared to Silver Dollar City and other parks like Cedar Point. Those parks get a lot of their attendance from travelers while the majority of Kings Island’s attendance comes from residents within 200 miles of the park. People may not want to go on large road trips to destination parks, but I think the majority of locals will still want to come to a regional park like Kings Island which is better than most “destination” park in my opinion.

I keep checking my phone because I know when the announcement is finally made, days are going to sell out in a flash.

In an investor call last week, Cedar Fair mentioned it would announce the reopening dates and plans for many of their parks this week. My guess is Monday or Tuesday, but I am pretty sure we will know before the week’s end.

I don’t see the point in arguing over masks. Yeah Kings Island will probably require masks, and yes they will probably have employees remind guest to wear masks. Whether you wear a mask religiously or laugh them off as a redundant safety measure, I think following park policy is the right way to go. Again, I think the park will try to allow guests to take breathers throughout the day, and I don’t think it should be a problem for even the biggest of mask haters. People who can’t listen to the simplest of instructions probably shouldn’t go to the park now or ever for that matter.

They will probably just politely remind guests who are not wearing masks to put them on. If guests refuse to listen to employees’ orders and turn violent, then they are asking to be escorted out of the park. Also, masks will likely not be required in the Festhaus for guests because you cannot eat with a mask on. Most likely, only employees serving food will be required to wear masks and some of the big tables will be closed off.