Thrill_Biscuit

During the Memorial Day weekend, I spoke for awhile with a person folding napkins in the Reds HOF Grille. Her name is Mary, and I believe she said she was 89 years old (I would not have believed it, for she was much younger-looking and very vibrant). She says she used to be at the McDonald's Tourist Information Center before the renovation. It was a wonderful conversation, full of history and nostalgia, and it brightened my day that trip. Another shout out: Two days ago, impressed by her amazing professionalism, I promised I'd give a shout out to Lisa, Elevator Operator at the Eiffel Tower. During these long operating days, a marvelous reflection on Kings Island! Also shout-outs to Tiffany at the Eiffel Tower, and the deck supervisor who I chatted with for an hour on Bring-a-Friend day last weekend, but whose name I'm embarrassed to say I can't remember. I'm going to have to go figure out if it was "Andy" or "Adam" (the two "A" names I get messed up more than any other.) Super knowledgeable! No-brainer: The Cast and Crew of Cirque Imagine, for being 3 billion watts of wow! Name tags I didn't look at but awesome mentions: The Bat spiel guy at around 11 am yesterday; The young woman at the Banshee Gift Shop who helped direct me to where I could buy a certain product... The guy who was the right-side register at Jukebox Diner yesterday afternoon at 3 pm (he rang up my order... #2001). Extremely courteous and professional! Went above and beyond to help ensure my order was correct... ( I'll pay closer attention to name tags as the season goes forward.)

Nights of Fire was much more heavily advertised, too, as I remember; and occurred before the economy went south, and gas prices went north, so there was a lot more discretionary spending available for visiting amusement parks. Additionally, during the preceding decade, Ohio sustained a noticeable decline in population (1.6% growth in the last census, vs. the national average of 9.6%). There could be many other factors, sure, but crowds aren't what they used to be around here. Also, the Fourth feels like the kind of holiday where a lot of families celebrate in their backyards, vs. hitting the road.

I haven't waited longer than 15 minutes for any ride in the park so far today.

Having just learned that, your own Tb went over to this point and waved at you all about 10 minutes ago: (This is the most elaborate selfie I've ever attempted, btw!)

For real? The cameras are live, now? Should I walk somewhere and wave? (Can't miss my orange & white "Tb KIC" shirt...)

Entertainment and food entry: The park is crowded, but as much as one might expect on the Friday right before July 4. I just saw the 7:00 Cirque Imagine (which, WOW!) and it was a packed house. This has been a great KI day by far. The weather tomorrow is supposed to be nicer, so I will arrive a little earlier (preferred parking was "packed" by 11:00, so I could've saved the $7 with where I wound up having to park anyway (lol)... Did I mention Cirque Imagine is amazing! I love this park! Some military hardware is here again, and kids can climb up on the back of the flatbed truck by the Tower. I'm sure it'll be here tomorrow, too. Skyline was a quick walk-through, and the food was warm and fresh (I like the fries they serve here, vs. the type at the restaurant by my place). Off to the Eiffel Tower for the traditional dusk visit. More later, perhaps. -Tb

Cool! I like how this works. Let's see. Hmmm.... I like the XLerator dryers. If you cup your hands just right, it sounds like a roaring, 425-foot-tall Wyvern, or any rear seat aboard a DC-9. Let the speculation begin!

So, instead of having pity on the poor boats, we can celebrate their happy status as stars of the show!

Rougawho?Terp, channeling TB Wow! I had to put some ice on that bump!

Met and shook hands with some of our active-duty Army folks at Starbucks. Fine bunch. Proud to see them always. Tb @ Starbucks, en-route to the geysers

I'd say the Eiffel Tower needs a fresh, quality paint job in the high-visibility areas, such as the railings and "walls" of the observation decks. I'd also pull up the nasty floor plates and replace them with the much more modern, safe stainless-steel "smart-drain" flooring plates (and not paint them!) (the existing floor plates are very safe and durable, but they're ugly). The elevator windows could use some washing, too. The fountains need to look less like a dirty swimming pool, too, I agree.

Aww, that might just move some people...

"_________________________________________" [pop!] Oh, sorry about that. That giant foot had me a little flat there.... I meant "brass tacks," but, having been through a wringer recently, some words just "slip" in subconsciously.

Uh, I guess so. Maybe. I don't know, really. In fact, I really don't know much at all. I say a lot of darnest things myself every now and again. No doubt, it is much to the chagrin of many a nearby bystander. Who am I to complain? It's really not very important at all, when it all comes down to the brass tax. I mean, when taking a purely observational approach to analyzing the full, robust meaning of life - to stand back and take it all in from 50,000 feet (figuratively speaking, of course), there's a certain, invigorating quality that comes from determining which word, or phrase, or anecdote to describe something of beauty (most especially to this beholder, I assure you). Emotionally, it is like the breeze of the early summer across a field of lovely [A giant, naked foot comes down and squashes Thrill_Biscuit]

I like the ones with the classic Kings Island typeface.

^ Apparently, she's very skilled at arcade games! "Planet Snoop!" Yeah! ♫ Laid back. With my mind on my money and my money on my mind...♫

I've always thought a nice Zamperla Hawk 48 (like Kennywood's Aero 360 and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's Hammerhead Shark) would be a lovely addition to said grassy area. Four forward- and four backward spins on an inverted "Kamikaze"-style flat would be an awesome thrill! It could be themed however the park sees fit, and, after seeing the epic lighting packages of WindSeeker and Shake, Rattle & Roll, who knows what kind of nighttime coolness guests would encounter coming up out of Rivertown! Look whatcha did! You got me daydreaming!

It is very tragic. From fun and good times to death and horror in an instant. Man, this freakin' life sometimes. Dang.

Dartron Startrooper Former site of Saltwater Circus/Starlight Spectacular Or not! http://www.flatrides.com/rides/startrooper.html

That color scheme! That... beautiful, beautiful color scheme!

Wow! If that thing gets going fast enough, it'll fire you through a wormhole to Vega!

EDIT: Post removed voluntarily.

This is the first time I can remember it happening. It is quite crowded here.

A mom just now at Jukebox Diner patio: "You guys, let's go; we're going to the Haunted Mansion!" ...I want whatever pass they have. Teleportation to Walt Disney World is an amazing perk!

The Scrambler line is full, and it was a 4-circuit wait. Longest wait this season for my burger and fries at Jukebox Diner - still under 5 mins!; food's great and fresh, too (as it always is)... The Eiffel Tower sup and I were discussing the fact that cars are parking in the grass out beyond the water park. Many folks this sunny day.