PKITerminal

Whoa, take it easy there, percolator. I was wrong and I'll step forward and admit be the first to admit that. Obviously, more goes on over the surface than I realize. As for referring to "we," I'm sorry, but I was under the impression that "we" work at Kings Island. I'll be sure in the future to segregate myself from the rest of you and not comment or guess on matters I know nothing about.

About as fast as we get it transformed from regular operation to Fear Fest. Normally this takes a couple of weeks, but I would imagine that the week after Fear Fest ends will be used to remove the Halloween stuff and place a bulk of the attractions for Winterfest. Things such as Christmas lights will most likely be put up throughout the month of October, for those aren't as noticeable and can simply be left off until Winterfest starts.

Alright, I understand your point. However, I refuse to believe that smokers are ignorant and think that smoking is still an accepted habit as it was so many years ago. You had to realize when you chose to start smoking (just as I did) that there are places where smoking is not allowed and that this number of places increases everyday. Yes, by placing smokers in designated areas they are saying "look, here are the smoky-smelling, risky-health people," but that's just part of smoking in today's world and it's never going to be something that everyone choses to ignore. It's a habit and, yes, we are nailed to the wall for it, but that's society today and something that, as smokers, we should accept. If we don't, we're going to be in for an awful lot more upset in the coming years as smoking bans become a nation-wide trend. Alright, I'm done preaching about this. Yay, Kings Island, blah, blah, blah ...

I think the hopes of the park is that by issuing this park-wide smoking ban, people will be much more aware that smoking is a "no-no" and will be more controlled and aware that they're breaking a rule, especially in areas where it is already not allowed, like in lines. Sure, in the longer, out-of-view lines it is going to be difficult to patrol, but that will most likely always be the case, most notably with teenagers. I don't know that Kings Island can ever control that.

Starbucks is a definate, but will not open in the month of April. It's going in at the Bakery, which is under-going heavy renovation at this time in order to transform it into a Starbucks. No word yet on exactly what they will serve there, meaning whether it will be the full Starbucks menu or a limited one.

Why does this have to be such a sensitive issue?? Those of you that don't like smoking don't have to deal with it anymore. Those of you that do (like myself) have to follow the rules just as you do if you go to the grocery store, a restaurant, or even someone else's home. PKI is now now different, indoor venue or not.

At the first right you take into HB, behind some artists, is an old merch shop that used to sell beanies. Graeters will be located here. We've called this store "night vending" for a few years, I assume it's where they stored the glowing and light-up items that are sold at the front gate at night before the fireworks start. At least, I think that's what "night vendors" are. In addition to this, the contract that PKI signed with Graeters disallowed us to sell any other scoopable ice cream, so those of you that may have purchased the Homemade Brand ice cream from the concessionaire International Street Ice Cream next to Street Pizza will no longer be able to. I'm not entirely sure what the gentleman that's in charge of that stand has decided to name the stand or what he's going to sell there.

Yes, employees will be able to continue smoking on the back patio at Oscars and in outdoor backlot areas. Even though this will not change at Oscars, employees should be looking for other changes at the employee cafeteria. But that's another post for another topic.

I just found out today that my department has budgeted me hours through December. Normally, my employment ends at the end of October. I'm pretty sure Winterfest is a go.

I think designated smoking areas would be a good thing for the park. It has been an issue at ball parks in Cincy and has been an issue for the city, as well. It seems likely that the park would eventually follow suit. I haven't heard anything regarding this yet, but smoking is not really an issue where I work anyhow. As for enforcing this rule, they'll do it just as they have in the past: as best they can. There will always be rule-breakers and people that don't care, just as there will always be associates that do care and will politely remind people of the ban, if it even happens. On the food side of the issue, the Starbucks rumor is credible. I've heard possibilty that it could go in at the Bakery, but nothing is said to be set in stone. What is set in stone, however, is that guests will have some new choices in ice cream this year (but don't panic, we'll still see the Trauth's soft serve ice cream as in the past). As for pleased cows, I did hear a rumor that Chik-Fil-A could take the place of Magilla Gorilla's Grill, but I have seen no sign that this is any more than a rumor. Late last season, there was word of changes for Tucker's, but I don't think the theming will be much different from what it has been. I have yet to be out on that side of the park yet this year to see the progress. I've also heard rumor of changes in store for Antique Treats and Mandarin Cusine (formerly All-Star Cafe).