Outdoor Man

I redact a third of my comment. i knew there were three issues, I forgot the ADA issue... you're right on that one. Re-apply my previous comment for the other two.

three responses... and deleted them all. short opinion: the three instances being turned over repeatedly here... much ado about nothing. Yes, the Kentucky Kingdom Management Team would likely be playing ball for a "AA" team- the real test will be how are the bumps of 2014 improved in 2015.

I've never heard of that happening. I do know people who were on a level when one elevator went down and had to descend a staircase to the lower level in order to take the other elevator down. I also know that the employees are trained on "vator to vator" evacs, in which an elevator stops half way up and they have to send the other one up to transfer people over to get them down, although I don't personally know of a time when that's been used. OK, let's be honest here: a "vator-to-vator" evac would SUCK. I'm not one to descend into panic attacks, but that could do it.

here's an interesting "Paris Tower" question: has anyone ever been stranded at the top and forced to descend the stairs to the bottom?

If I were a betting person, I'd say that Banshee is the 2014/2015 attraction and that 2015 will see some TLC given to neglected areas. My pick: International Street. Was there about 10 days ago. Fountains don't dance, the music is American "pop" music (hardly "international"), and the light bulb outlines tend to have a habit of not being replaced when they go out. Really, how hard is that? If Winterfest is never going to return- then take the sidewalks to the fountain out. I'm going to say that only roughly a third of the lights on top of the carousel work. And while we're at it, are there any more musical review shows that can be done? Another: have a company like Hof Brau Haus take over the Festhaus and make it "German" and removing my favorite Bavarian food, Panda Express, to a place a bit more... "international"- like International Street. By and large, Kings Island does an outstanding job at many things... ignoring obvious theming components that time and money were spent on drive me nuts though.

Maybe they just aren't satisfied with the 'ride experience' yet. I recall those comments regarding a certain largest wooden roller coaster being made as trees were growing through the tracks. Who knows what's up. Don probably hasn't comment because he only comments when there is news to comment on. SRR's future, depending on the severity of the problem, probably has yet to be determined.

no, but I don't believe that the entire ride has been dismantled like this before. I can't imagine the park investing a lot of money into a ride that once fixed will STILL be 30+ years old. I don't claim to know anything, just saying... not a good sign.

I've held commenting on the board's at arm's length for a while, but some times I read things and just have to comment. John's professional background is in operations and more recently in a marketing capacity. One of the downfalls is that Marketing and PR are two different disciplines. That being said, this "mother" must not have been too embarrassed since she went from crying on the phone to her mother while at the park to exposing her name publicly for all to see and posting pictures of herself with her tongue out at the park on Facebook. If she had been truly scarred- she would have been seeking an apology privately. Instead, we ALL know who she is. What I don't understand is how once people get this "victim" mentality, there's really no end to it. I have no idea where said breast feeding occurred in the park, but instead of taking a bit of personal responsibility in the matter and realizing that "hey, the world doesn't revolve around me, this isn't my home living room and is a 'public' place, maybe I should be a bit more discrete." Breast feeding is a natural part of life, and therefore should not be illegal anywhere, within reason. Going to the restroom is legal- but you don't drop trail just anywhere. OK, maybe bad example. Not that the park hasn't done a pretty good job shooting themselves in the foot... with their own guns- but I get irritated at people who get their feelings tinged a bit turning it into a federal case. Someone gets their feelings hurt, or gets embarrassed so what do they do- set up an interview at the local TV station, better yet- get interviewed by the Huffington Post.

Most smokers today in the park(s) weren't around to live the "carefree days of the 60's". I have no specific rub against people that smoke- it's their choice. To me, though it's like standing next to someone on 95 degree humid day that hadn't showered in a week. Someone who smokes and doesn't think about the smell trail behind them should be linked up with someone who has had a cocktail of onions and beans for an afternoon. It's not illegal to eat those things... or to relieve yourself from a gas build up. Those people tend to attract dim views.

hmmm... I've got a couple. 1) someone mentioned it before, and I assume they still do. tweens and teens that scream in The Beast tunnels. I assume they still do it, though I haven't braved the ride in 2 years. 2) Over the weekend they had a Luau in Soak City. Great idea; tons of people with very few options = 2 HUGE lines converging on one area for food. "swimming" in the big wave pool.... and half the thing is blocked off. and a huge line of people waiting so that they can sit in a tube in 3.5' of water. Who among us didn't see that one coming. Again, Great idea... free food- but only lasted 2.5 hours and the food lines were over an hour. Good idea, don't want to fault them for it- but they must have under estimated the response. 3) People that choose to smoke anywhere as if the rule/request doesn't apply to them. 4) guests with inappropriate/exposed tattoos. At SC the other day and noticed a lady (mid-20's) with the word "_itch" tattoo'd on her ankle/foot. first of all, why would you immortalize that on your person. 5) many other guest'isms. Actually, outside of the issue at the water park on Saturday- which had to be an underestimation function, the park- grounds, theming, rides, employees have been pretty solid this year.

Saw for the first time on Tuesday. Quality show!- I'm guessing the "talent" is not local.

Delirium is a Huss ride... Remember how long it took to get a part for that a few years ago. SR&R isn't exactly a new ride, we'll see how long it takes to stroll down to the local Budapest Sears for a replacement part.

If an elevator got stuck in a building for 4 hours, would it be news? Hardly; at least these people got water/snacks while they had to wait around though I'm guessing bathrooms are not an option. Inconvenience for sure, but nothing close to being stuck on WindSeeker for multiple hours. And then there's the issue who brings up the conversation to establish a "pee corner."

I don't post much on here anymore- I do enjoy reading the topics and comments every once in a while though. I do want to take a moment to defend someone I have seen but do not know. I don't know Don personally. I know who he is; I could point to him in a crowd if asked, but I've never physically met the man. I don't know the specifics of his job description- but I do know that he is likely one of the harder working individuals at the park. Most of us enjoy such holiday's as Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, etc... I've been at the park on a number of those days spanning several years and its not uncommon to see him around the park on those days. I would take issue with anyone on the site that demeans his job performance by what he posts or does not post on this site- its likely not a requirement of him to keep the KIC community informed of issues that aren't our concern. I've only been to the park once this year (opening day.... first AND LAST time I'll do that)- if a ride is closed, its not that big of a deal- get over it.

playing games while in line??? here's a novel idea- talk with the friends that came with you instead of dunking your head in your electronic devise. Saves battery life and increases social interaction at the same time. Two birds, one stone.

I understand KI is a business, but I agree with the statement about the food prices. I was there Friday night with my wife and my niece and we were walking through Planet Snoopy looking at food prices because my niece was hungry. $13 for a hotdog kids meal! $13? That's not business, that's robbery. Since it was close to closing time anyway, we ended up leaving and getting food outside of the park. Now merchandise doesn't seem to be too bad. My wife bought a t-shirt with a vintage KI logo on it and it was $12.99 plus 10% off with her gold pass. Not too bad really. You know, for years we've heard that inflation was right around the corner some day- and it appears to have hit the Kings Island food kiosks, FIRST! I agree, with rates that high, I am doubtful to spend money on food in the park... ever.

Much like Son of Beast- the big tan box (does that need capitalized????) will remain a status quo symbol until something is ready to replace it. As good as they have done with Banshee- I'm expecting something "unexpected" to be placed in there. While I'm at it- what happened to the giant Topspin anyway?

80,000 for basically a "first year" park- that's really good- MUCH larger than similarly sized parks. They key will be to translate that into year 2, 3, and beyond. They were right, to an extent- "pent-up" demand will pace Year 1. Successive years will be the trick.

Its almost sad to think that KI had a pair of classic rides and chose to dismantle. Enchanted Voyage and Phantom Theater were great classic dark rides (though unfortunately in the same building). I'm just not a fan of the whole black-light and florescent scenery. Both of the aforementioned attractions were build specifically for KI and were designer originals. Neither exist anymore.

To be fair, the park did spend a significant amount of money in upgrades over the winter. Upgrade of entrance plaza, paving parts of the parking lot, the area around Banshee. There are some oddities that seem to be prevalent on a somewhat consistent basis- but because of all of the TLC that was given, I'll give the others a "pass" because I sense that these will be addressed in time. The new CEO has an emphasis on guest experience; this will take a few years to completely address.

With my scant experience, and I'm sure some will correct me: - Don't know about Invertigo. The area around Banshee has been done so incredibly well that I have to believe that the aforementioned coaster will receive some retheming next year. - Couldn't help but notice that even though the night light show (whatever it was called) is over... lights remain in the trees. - Agree about Diamondback - Beast's que has always been crammed... perhaps better "covering" in the event of rain. - no input on DA - Congo falls could use some "Journey to Atlantis" treatment... and for the record, Flying Eagles wouldn't be a new attraction; or fit in that area. - Flower clock is still there- albeit without flowers. but if memory serves correct the flowers get put in sometime in May.

The same holds true for the Disney Dining Plan, but it's quite easy to simply buy two plans and share them amongst your family, even though that is not the intent. It's not enforced. Not including a drink in the dining plan is a deal breaker for me. Commodity prices are on a rapid ascent as of late. Chipotle is raising its prices chain wide next month between 20-40% depending on your selection. I believe locally (Northern Cincinnati)- they already have. Unless they intend to do so again.

Sorry if someone posted; but was there on Friday. Has anyone else noticed a SIGNIFICANT increase in the food prices? Family of 4 eating 2 specials, 2 kids meals at the Chic-Fil-A... Almost $50. Same order at the Tylersville Rd. Chic-Fil-A (with unlimited refills, i might add)- $21.70. Can someone comment to that? We go to Magic Kingdom every year and it costs less to eat at "Be Our Guest" (fast service, though still "sit down.")

I'm guessing the train was a simple case of staffing.

great pictures. Didn't go; wasn't invited- but they have taken it up a notch in theming. I LOVE it! Well done! Not-so-new CF CEO seems to have a better handle on lasting impressions than Kinzel's fixation on tall rides and nothing else. I'm thinking this will be one of those rides that being in the line is part of the experience- fog, train's interaction alongside the line, etc... even the loading area. Can't wait to see in person!