Oldiesmann

In regards to what character escorts do, this is something the park can best explain. However, the title is self-explanatory. They're the people who escort costumed characters around the park. I don't know what they do exactly beyond that, but I would assume it would include things such as ensuring the safety of whoever's in the costume and engaging the guests to make the experience more memorable.

"Right Now" by Van Halen always reminds me of KI because of its use on Drop Tower.

Thanks for the correction. I didn't realize there were any other gyro drop rides, and the bottom section of Drop Tower does sort of look grayish-white from the angle that the photo I posted was taken at. I knew that the DT pieces were already painted when it was being assembled - most rides are that way.

They used our Drop Tower. That's a strategically taken shot of the lowest portion of the ride.

Kings Island used to open about a week earlier than it did last year. I'm not sure why it was changed though.

TR:TR was quite popular, particularly in its early days, when it was still playing off the popularity of the film and the video games, both of which are all but forgotten now. TR:TR was also a much different ride than The Crypt. This video gives you a good idea:

I'd like to see more shots of defunct rides, particularly those from the early days of KI.

Wasn't the power out to the tolls and the marquee sign by KI Drive? And a good portion was still open... I was in Coney Mall and didn't even know about it until a few hours later. I don't know. I wasn't there that day. I just heard about it here and on the news.

I do remember the park closing for weather. In April of 2005, they closed one Sunday due to snow in the forecast. Throughout the day on the previous day, they made a point of announcing this to guests and encouraging guests with tickets for that date to stop by Guest Services to exchange them for another date. Then of course there was the fiasco a couple years ago when power went out to a good portion of the park. No early closing, no refunds and no warning to incoming guests. They continued to let people pay for parking and admission as if nothing was wrong. Kinzel wouldn't dream of giving up any of his nickels of course.

I don't know how many times I rode it, though I do know that I only rode it once after the loop was removed. I loved the original ride with the loop, but didn't really enjoy the "tamer" version. My most memorable experience was accepting a dare from my sister to do a back seat ride immediately after doing a front seat ride. I was a bit sore after that because I got stapled, but it was still a fun ride.

The mobile/full version thing seems to be messed up here. The only way I can switch between them is by switching themes. I have to choose the mobile theme to use the mobile version.

I will probably head for Diamondback or Beast, though it depends on what other rides they're offering ERT on as well.

Keep in mind that this is the first full season under new management. They likely didn't have time to do anything with the building between the time the decision was made and opening day. They won't even start hiring for Haunt for another 4 or 5 months, so they've got plenty of time to decide what they want to do with the building for that. I would not be surprised to see that building used for something else entirely next season. They've got at least 8 1/2 months yet to decide what to do with that building for next season.

The dog I most recently pictured does have something in common with Muttley though. He was the first to use the "snickering laugh" that Muttley made famous.

Or, y'know, maybe they'll take video of it and add it into an opening day compilation video, along with a shot of a flood of people rushing through the metal detectors. That worked out well last year. I'm with Terp: I'm also gunning for consistent dress code/line jumping enforcement, too. I'd settle for "smoking in designated areas ONLY" enforcement.

Especially if the weather this year is like it has been the past two years - cold, rainy and breezy. Excuse me? Unless my memory is failing me, last year's opening day was an absolutely gorgeous day, with temperatures in the 70s, little (if any) wind, and not even the slightest hint of rain. Lines were correspondingly long. As for the poll, I haven't decided yet. You're right. It was nice last year. For some reason the only one I really remember is from two years ago when it was bitter cold and windy all day.

Especially if the weather this year is like it has been the past two years - cold, rainy and breezy.

Snake Pit is one of the few places where the food is actually worth the price. Their footlongs are delicious, as are their frozen lemonades. I look forward to trying their cheesesteaks.

I certainly don't. I'm still waiting for the "Top 5 at 5" feature to come back.

It'll be odd not seeing an ice show there this year. I've always enjoyed the shows, but hopefully this one will be good as well.

Wait... Year-round camping? Who in their right mind would go camping in the middle of winter in Ohio? Sounds like the campground was a magical place back then!

Well, I take back my original answer. While watching assorted HB cartoon clips on YouTube, I found another dog that I somehow overlooked (possibly because he's the last one listed on that site). I'm now thinking that's likely Precious Pupp: That would also explain the "thing on his head" question. I have no idea who that other dog is.

I think a wild mouse would be a great fit for KI, as it would appeal to coaster junkies and families alike

Comparing that with a list of Hanna Barbera dogs I found, that appears to be "Elvis" from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids.

The only Haloween-themed saxophone song I can think of is this one: