Oldiesmann

An indoor coaster would be fun, but I don't see that happening. They've already added 2 family coasters in the past 6 years (Dragonflier in 2019 and Big Bear Mountain in 2023) and I think we'd already see evidence at this point. At KI footers have shown up for coasters a year before opening. Of course that's for larger coasters, but even so, you'd think we would see something this time.

I'm not too surprised given that park's reputation. I'm sure there are other factors in that decision as well - most likely annual revenue vs cost of operation. I do feel sorry for the residents of Baltimore and surrounding areas who are losing their local park though.

I'm not a big fan of modern country music - I like the stuff from the 50s and 60s more, though there was some good stuff in the 70s as well. I'd welcome a decades show back in place of a country show, or at least in addition to it. They could also bring back that show they had in Rivertown a few years ago (I forget what it was called but they had a similar show at Carowinds in 2019).

The "artist-in-residence" thing works at CP because that's the biggest entertainment destination in that part of the state. KI is within 2 hours of Cincinnati, Columbus, Indy, Lexington and Louisville (and probably other big cities as well) and there's a lot to do in this area during the summer months - including free live concerts by local/regional acts.

I think this will be a good move. Several Kennywood locals who I'm friends with on FB are happy about this.

Great to see Herschend working their magic with the park. KK has been all but ignored for years, with the exception of Storm/Wind Chaser, Lightning Run and Kentucky Flyer. Scout's Squirrel Race is basically the same as Snoopy's Space Buggies so I'm sure that'll be a big hit with the younger ones.

One thing that people are forgetting with KD is that another major amusement park an hour away also has a big holiday event - one that's better than Winterfest from what I've heard (I've never been due to my work schedule that time of year and the fact that it's 9 hours away). I'm not sure how much the two parks compete for visitors, but I'm sure that was part of the reason for their decision. KI doesn't have that.

Cyclos seemed pretty popular, as did the rapids ride, but I don't think Eye of the Storm ever saw much of a crowd and it was also in a really weird spot. It'll be interesting to see what they do with the vacant land (not that Eye of the Storm occupied much space to begin with, but it was in the middle of a large piece of otherwise vacant land so it opens up some more space now)

Glad to see it returning, though it won't be quite the same without Don. Hopefully I'll still be able to snag a ticket though.

CoasterStock will be back, May 30th and 31st. More info to come... https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2025/january/coasterstock-2025-dates-announced-copy-2

The other two rides are from Zamperla, so maybe one of these? https://www.zamperla.com/product/train-rio-grande

It's good to see Herschend jumping in and working hard to revitalize the park. First the Christmas event, now this. It sounds like the fair board finally found the right people to run the park

Here's more information about the plans for the display. If everything comes to plan, the new place should be open either late next year or early 2026. Sounds like it'll be a lot of fun. https://www.trains.com/mrr/news-reviews/news/firecrown-acquires-entertrainment-junction-plans-new-family-interactive-transportation-museum-in-chattanooga-tn/

I saw that. Going to be interesting to see what they do with that.

According to the admin of the Carowinds News and Updates group on Facebook, Nighthawk is now officially retired. Obviously just a rumor at this point since the park has yet to confirm anything, but it looks like another Vekoma flying coaster could be on the chopping block. This one was originally installed at California's Great America in 2000 and moved to Carowinds in 2004. One of Firehawk's trains was sent to Carowinds for use on this ride, or at least for parts, after it closed in 2018. https://www.facebook.com/groups/531478427908046/posts/1245994156456466/