Outdoor Man

I know it has been said that it would continue to be used as a haunt attraction for the foreseeable future. Just like SOB, I think that is where it stands until a long-term solution is found. I can't imagine that the building would sit there too long and only be used 10-15 days a year (a la Paul Brown Stadium)- but my guess is that another "Crypt" theme attraction will arise from the pits there (otherwise why wouldn't they have removed the "Crypt" sign).

for what its worth, the area around the zoo has dramatically improved in recent years. Even so, I don't know that I've heard of too many instances where Zoo goers have been adversely harassed by others in that area. I'm sure it happens, but definitely not of epidemic proportions. Ive driven through the area by myself with no issues and my wife has taken our 3 & 7 year olds to the zoo by themselves before without me. no, its not the best area of town, I don't know that I'd recommend get out for a stroll down the street, but seems decently OK to drive through.

Replying on my phone, don't know how to quote from other posts. There are some trade offs between ki and the Columbus zoo. We went last year and for the most part the animals were an after thought once the Sun went down. Granted, there are some indoor attractions, but ki has indoor options too.

I really think Kings Island could make a case for a successful Winterfest run. Look at what the Columbus and Cincinnati Zoo do as an example. The 2005 event, i thought, was done very well; not that there couldn't have been things done better- but for a 13 year absence and probably none of the original operators participating on a large scale if at all, it was very good. I think the price killed it in 2005: $29.99 for tickets, plus $10 parking. Both Zoo's offer $15 tickets this year with $8 parking. To me that says that in 2005, even the $14.99 they lowered it to the following year (before CF killed it) was on the high side. From where I sit, in 2005 an event priced at $13.99 with $5 parking would have produced sellouts.

here's hoping the resident KI PR is reading

i hear there may be temporary positions for "Lumber Jacks."

I'm pretty sure that if an employee went on a explicative worded rant, said employee would have been fired shortly thereafter.

Here is your view from the Eiffel Tower HOLY CRAP!, they DID build a new coaster. This one has a loop in it! And its wooden- and they said it couldn't be done. Suckers!

Actually the news on rive downs has been On WLW. They are getting some slots. Road upgrades sounds about right.

I couldnt tell from the video, did they pull the supports and let it fall under its own weight or did they use small explosions to get the ball rolling?

that's karma... the Son of Beast now knows what it felt like to have been a rider on it.

Yes. People eating would give you a serious BM...

The first go round wasn't canceled because of non-success, it was was dropped largely because the new owner wanted to focus on their core operating season. A lot of things were mis-judged second time around from a cost perspective, BUT they were planning to do it again. I thought the 2005 version was great. Someones plan to use 100% of the park.... not remotely feasible. No matter how successful it is/was, you would never have enough to pack out the park. Same thing happened to the 2006 Winterfest as 1993... new owner didn't want to mess with it. Good news is that a new leadership team is at the corporate helm. Does this mean the festival could come back? That's anyone's guess.

I'm not sure what liability would exist. Its used wood, buyers risk.

OK Don, since I know you pay attention from time to time- how about scrap wood. How much would a flat of treated board cost to buy. I don't need a plaque or letter of authenticity. I don't particularly care about the nostalgia of it, if there is such a thing. Just inquiring about the availability of buying some >12' of board. I know that's blasphemy on this board but have home projects that surprisingly could benefit from the purchase of some 2X4 and 4X4's

I'm not jumping on The Vortex closing bandwagon at all- BUT, there was a coaster at KI named the Demon. Its life expectance came to a close at the age of 22 and by then it was "ready" to come down. Different situation but still a steel coas (or 26er. By comparison, Vortex is 25 (or 26).

so nice how KICentral brings families together...

I happened to be in the vicinity last night (Saturday) and looks to be "no change"... and it appears the cranes have left the area.

Disclaimer: i am usually 99% tongue-in-cheek on this site and very rarely take a serious counter-point to someone's view- and I don't mean to make an issue of this but wanted to take a moment to chime in on this. If a ride such as WS were to stall out at 300'... there has to be a quicker way to bring them down to earth. Personally I have been on the ride 3-4 times this year- enjoy the ride (no my favorite, but a decent ride). My digestive system is such that if I were "trapped" in a situation and not able to get out for 3 hours... there'd be problems. I've had these problems most of my 39 year life and have learned to manage them- 3 hours is outside my manageable time frame. So, as to say, people who may have issue with the length of time getting down aren't sissies as stated. I know that you're probably not looking at it from this perspective- but this issue, while probably doesn't affect the overall "safety" of the ride, it will affect my decision making process when determining "if" I will ride again. Hopefully their "investigation" goes into contingency plans of how to bring the gondola down quicker- or I may have possibly taken my last ride on WS. Just thoughts from the balcony.

I don't know about that... If you remember correctly, about 3-4 years ago- George Jetson lost his 30 year+ gig with Kings Island along with the rest of the Hanna Barbera crew... I'm betting he has a chip on his shoulder and a score to settle.

Oh, come on... everybody knows its all ball bearings these days...

Hook. Line. Sinker!

here's some eye-drainage fodder:

I think we all have a little too much time on our hands.

I have some treated lumber from an oversized playset in my back yard; could package with some nails and grass shavings... takers?