Outdoor Man

It depends on when Christmas falls.... this year on the calendar it spread almost 2 full weeks. January 3 was supposed to be light- but it ended up being a sell-out. Disney has tracked their resorts with "Value Season"- which officially began Jan. 2- but because that fell on a Wednesday, many families kept students out the rest of the week thinking that everyone was leaving. Well, when 50,000 people have the same thought, crowds occur.

if you saw the line I saw for Harry Potter, you'd have skipped also. We had our kids with us, so a 2-hour line for something they WOULD NOT ride wasn't in the cards. If it was half the experience as Spiderman, then I'm sure I missed out- but that's the pain of going between Christmas and New Years. to your other comment... Take Firehawk for instance. There is a lot they could do to enhance the ride and create an "experience" that you'd wait 90 minutes to ride each time: put a pond underneath it water jets that spray out fog etc... The same layout can be found in a number of parks outside of the original Six Flags purchase- either way, create an experience that you cannot find anywhere else... that you have to travel to Mason Ohio to find. One of the great things about FOF was- there's only one other similar experience (KD)- TR:TR- Kings Island was it (that I'm aware of)- if you wanted that experience, KI was the only place to find it. You can have cookie cutter rides, but put a little thought into their set up and create a unique experience out of it. I've said this before as well- I used to work with KI a bit during the Paramount Days with their Volunteer Work program- and can say that they could probably get better workers by hiring far fewer, getting older- more mature employees, and pay a bit more. One upside that the parks in Orlando has is that there is a significant number of mid-30's and college interns working... no HS or college summer help.

Sea World, Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Island's of Adventure, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, & Magic Kingdom (again). The Schrute’s did a new Christmas “tradition” this year, and after it is all said and done, I think I am going to stop what I’m doing professionally and work with the vacation industry. I’ll try to keep this as short as possible. In December I closed a couple of large sales and needed to “splurge” in the 2012 Calendar year, since a significant tax increase was coming to income made after 1/1/13- so I made due dates 12/31/12 and am writing off as much as allowable. Our journey began shortly before Christmas Eve where all in the Schrute clan contracted that stupid flu virus and passed it through the family. I was the only hold out (and still am), though thought I’d get it at any moment. Christmas morning began at 7am where we opened santa’s gifts as well as ours and set off to Columbus for a 1pm flight to Orlando. Made in great time and arrived on time via Delta. Rented our mid-size vehicle through Advantage Rent-a-Car for 13 days out of Orlando for $471. Getting the rental out of the location was time consuming, but all the other agencies were at $1350. I’m not sure how we snagged that price, but will take it. Started out in the Snow-Bird community before heading to Clearwater Beach for a few days. Stayed at the Hilton Clearwater- on the beach! Great location, though it was cold the first day. Moved on to a vacation home rental in Orlando, 7-bedroom with private pool and home theater with 12 of those recliner seats in the garage. Great location in Kissimmee with great access to everything! We eventually went back to the Snowbird Community for a few days prior to venturing back to Orlando to stay on-property at Saratoga Springs. Then headed home on the 9th (and brought some of the warm weather back). Park Trip Report: We hit just about every park we could in the time we had. I think I am going to retire from my business and work consulting in the industry J. Park #1- Sea World (prior to new years). Great “forgotten” park. Very well dressed up for Christmas; I was VERY surprised to see how “Christ-centered” the whole event was. It was very unapologetic in not giving the typical “Happy Holiday’s” greeting. Though, knowing that they held an international audience with different backgrounds, it was done very tastefully. Highlights: All of the animal shows were excellent; though they were all mostly Choreographed. I seem to recall a long time ago there was more of an educational element to it, but this time around it was mostly a “show.” Developed a terrible headache early and had to rest in the first aid area before taking in the rest of the day. The “Greatest Story Never Told” was a nativity story that was on par with some of the best I’ve ever seen. The fireworks show was what you’d expect from an Orlando attraction. Got to ride both roller coasters- Manta & Kraken (too cold for Venture to Atlantis). Kraken, I’m thinking is my new favorite roller coaster. Manta could be a close #2. It is somewhat a similar experience to Firehawk, but at the same time completely different. There’s themed vegetation growing around it instead of grass and cement – which I think adds to the experience. Rode Kraken three times after dark. Park #2- Universal/Islands of Adventure. Park at near-sell out, though it rained in the morning and seemed the lines would be in-check for most of the day. Spiderman was THE favorite; rode twice. Simpson’s Ride wasn’t as fun as I was expecting. I liked the movie it played to, but the ride experience was pretty jerky. Revenge of the Mummy was a pretty cool indoor/all-dark experience. Near the same ride as the one in California as I recall. Really wanted to but didn’t get to ride the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Dudley Do-Rights waterfall is one of the best themed water rides. Only rode once but could have a few times. Incredible Hulk…. I recall riding up the lift hill years ago thinking “I thought the train always comes shooting out of….” Then we took off! Duelling Dragons, nka Dragon Challenge used to be one of my favorites but I guess because some idiots decided it was fun to throw things at the opposing train, they don’t duel anymore. The whole “Third Day Free” is an interesting marketing program, basically they want to make sure that you’re their audience for your trip… don’t want you visiting the mouse. We saw a lot more, but I’ll save the details. Coaster Challenge (for me): advantage Kraken. Magic Kingdom (visit #1)- there is more to do at Magic Kingdom than could possibly be done in one day. Plus our first visit with the 3-day Hopper Pass was sold out to new entries by noon- the wait for Space Mountain was FOUR (4) HOURS at one point. Needless to say, we didn’t ride. I love how all the girls in the park are referred to as “Princess”- in a conversation with a few park employees, Jan. 3 was to be a lighter attended day and the underestimated by approx.. 11,000. People in suits were directing traffic. And though you could tell they were stressed, were still in Disney etiquette. Ariel’s Underwater adventure- uses the clamshell ride units, with a near similar path to the one in California. Journey through Belle’s house and discover the story of how Belle and The Beast fell in love: our daughters were picked to play parts in it… MEMORIES- they are 7 and 3… and the camera’s were clicking. We got to meet Gaston and eat at his tavern… which if you’ve seen the movie the tavern is almost exact. I cannot wait until the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train opens. It was just a construction shell while there. “Small World” is a perennial favorite, as are ALL the parades and shows. Rode the Jungle Cruise, which I love the sarcastic commentary by the boat operators, but I could tell the guide in the first one was still “earning her ears”- as she seemed to be “reading” it. Watched the Castle Party show, Share the Magic show- which is stunning how they play it off Cinderella’s Castle. Then watched the Fireworks (can’t remember name). The park was open until 1am, so the Schrute’s dragged the girls around till at least 12:30… and rode Ariel’s ride again as well as Walt’s Carousel of Progress and Tomorrow Land People Mover (lame, yes- but no line). Day #2- Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. By the way, EPCOT is no longer EPCOT Center, it’s just Epcot. Hollywood Studios was sold out early. The Christmas décor was amazing, and probably the most “done-up” of all the parks. Rode the Hollywood Tower of Terror, but with kids too small to ride and a 90-minute wait, its about the only “big” ride we rode. Walked around and saw Disney Junior- live on stage, rode Toy Story Mania, the Great Movie Ride, Backlot Tour (which hasn’t changed much in the last ten years), and Muppet Vision 3D. We didn’t get to Epcot until later and mostly walked the circle. It was a near sell-out as well. By the time we circled back to visit Magic Kingdom for #2- the park crowds were SMALL and mostly walk-on’s. if you’re ever visiting, I suggest January 8. Did Storybook Princesses to start the day and the nightly fireworks to end it. In between we saw the Hall of President’s Show (which is a favorite of mine), girls got to meet Cinderella, Ariel, Jasmine, Aladdin, Princess Aurora, Sleeping Beauty. In addition got to eat at the new “Be Our Guest” restaurant. Etc… Recap. Through our resort package we had the “Quick Service” dining plan with “Snacks”- was perfect! It provided us with more than enough food for the trip, and then some. It will be my youngest daughter’s birthday in a few weeks, so she wore her “Birthday” button to MK and got wished a Happy Birthday all day. Which was special. Of the three- in order of “customer service” I would say that Universal, though good, was #3. It definitely plays to a different audience, and more of a thrill seeker mode. If I were to guess I would say their target audience is 14-24, then families with teens. Sea World was #2- only because Disney is… Disney. Sea World genuinely seemed to go out of their way to assure that the guests had a great experience. We will definitely go back some day. There is just no topping Disney. From customer service to plain park experience, there’s no one better. From entering the property to being greeted by “Welcome Home” to “How can we assist you”- by name. I like Kings Island, don’t get me wrong. I’ve had season passes for 17 years, getting ready to enjoy #18. But I took a picture of a sign along the fence of the area they’re building the new “Tangled” area quoting Walt Disney where it said- “I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the park. I want them to feel they’re in another world.” Disney does that, and does it well. One of the problems with most parks is that they are always trying to build Roller Coaster taller, faster, more loops, steeper drops, etc… The problem with that is, thrills wear off. What seems thrilling today will seem ordinary tomorrow. Fantasy Experience doesn’t wear off. A parent can NEVER get tired of their daughters immersing themselves into “the story”- being called princess, getting autographs from their favorite characters, a park employee asking THEM for an autograph because they’re dressed up like a princess. AND, most importantly for me. I have never been compelled to get up and walk out of a Disney show turned off because of the conduct displayed in one. I did that at least four times at KI last year. Disney costs a fortune to experience- but the experience “experienced” compels you to drop more $$ in Cinderella’s coffers. Thrills wear off, but experiences last a lifetime. I hope that once CF’s not-so-new CEO begins placing his Disney-trained fingerprint on the parks that Guest “Experience” begins to take hold and starts to reflect in the footprint of the parks.

- are there any plans to rejuvenate some of the theming of the park that went neutral in the Paramount Days and continues on in the Cedar Fair ownership? (i know, i know it said one... i have three) - is there any hope of the player organ being fixed on the carousel? - any chance Cedar Fair would do a feasibility study to look at bringing back Winterfest?

I second Terp. I am putting our families annual trip to the Mouse together; sent you a message for your opinions.

i shouldn't touch that comment with a 1000 foot pole. Shouldn't matter what the nationality of the employee is- if someone else signs your paycheck you should work just as hard for them as anyone should. If you throw $10/hour to a chinese, japanese, hispanic, etc... person and they outpace the caucasian.... then that says something about the work ethic. I don't think your comment is offensive to Chinese, Japanese, etc... but it "should" be offensive enough to cause the lazy person to want to change the perception.

The long-term solution has been found: As a Halloween Haunt attraction. nothing like being reigned in by the man himself. I'm a little surprised though that the building would sit idle 11 months out of the year.

there are some people in Aurora, Ohio that would like to throw more than that at him.

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...