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Wildebeast Was fun if you have ever rode the one at Great Wolf Lodge it rides similar to theirs but just longer boats and much much longer ride with plenty of ups and downs. On Saturday the chlorine was so strong that it actually was stinging my eyes and I closed them for a bit until we passed areas that I knew we would get splashed. The Water Park is a very nice addition to the park and the other water rides I went on I was impressed with the length and quality of the attraction.

Great trip report Robbie and I am so glad you went to this event. I am glad I finally got to see your new car and you should be very proud of it I mean you have worked hard for it. I'll never forget the look on your face after riding Voyage 3 straight times and (after I had to talk you into the 3rd straight ride) then when we got into the station they said they would only dispatch one more train for the night, the look on your face while holding you upper left side of your body was priceless as you knew we where going around again. LOL thanks Robbie for going and being such a good friend.

Thanks for sharing your excitement of a great new adventures with your son, these stories never get old. I bet you are still smiling from your last trip at Kings Island, i know your story but a smile on my face.

Nice TR Dave. I can not believe you take those long drives for a one day adventure but I am glad you do or I would never get to see so many great parks.

Great question Brad, on my last trip I wanted to shop for a nice KI polo style shirt too. I think this years t-shirt styles and selection is much better than years past but I rarely will ever wear a t-shirt unless I am doing yard work. If KI does get KI polo shirts in and they are not priced sky high then I look forward to purchasing one.

I have submitted a trip report in the trip report section of KICentral and as suggested here is a link to that report to make sure everyone who may have interest in Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad tour can more readily see my shinning review of the tour. http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21345

Sorry to be so long with this but here is the link to all the Kings Island pictures I took on the day of the train tour. I put the settings so everyone can download full version of all the pictures or videos if they wish. Please feel free to do so. http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/s5evJQAH/1/4658853

No problem and in a way I am glad as Pop Evil music does not appeal to me or my family but i know they do have a good following of fans. I will say this after seeing them perform last year they really get into their music and have a lot of fun performing. Yes last year a last minute drop out of another band playing before Collective Soul moved Pop Evil into their spot. I remember a big deal was made that Pop Evil had to travel all night and most the the day to get to Kings Island on time to fit the event in.

I need to start keeping up better with the 5@5 as a lot of great information seems to flow from that blog. According to Pop Evils official web site they are not listed to play at KI on those dates http://www.popevil.com/tour.aspx

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the ASA show last year I hope this includes the motor bike aerial show as well. I did not see any mention of a free concert or anything but I will keep my fingers crossed. I do believe the air force reserves are presenting the event like a sponsor and not doing a air show as to not confuse anyone. Although the air force reserves did some patriotic (large USA flag) sky jumps last year including a night jump.

You know Terpy even though I knew you were away I still looked for you to be there. Dave great response earlier and even better question for the 5@5, to be honest I was a little surprised they hinted that already though. I knew when I saw all the who who's of KI staff at the station and participating in the tour that more was going on than meets the eye. I even told several people later that I felt like we were the test trial group. The tour was so much more thought out than other tours plus their interest in what we thought kind of clued me in that this thing was going to see another day soon. From talking with several of the KI staff Saturday and their openness about the process to make the tour happen it seemed to be a lot to go through just for a one time tour. They mentioned about the logistics of making a platform to let guest get off the train then they would need to get to the other side of it and that posed a big problem so the back it in was floated. I don't want to tell too much but many of the conversation went in that direction. I think they know by now they have a winner of a tour and it will be just a matter of time before they share this one again. Terpy count me as paid too, I have caught myself watching the train pull into the station several times today and I want to see that live in person again.one last thing about this subject of behind the scenes tours is, maybe the train tour will not be the only tour as time goes on. P.S. Terpy you are a wonderful friend and I have not stooped thinking about you this past couple weeks and knew the best thing at times like these is space to sort thing out but knew when the time was right you would be back. this community loves you for being you. Welcome home.

Hi Dave I am glad you got to go and enjoy a day at HW, plus so many rides in one day is insane. Thanks for sharing this and so many other adventures with us.

Nice report Giga ans sounds like you had a great first HW trip. I can not imagine riding in the rain that many time,

Thanks for your comments and POV's Dragsterfan420 I enjoyed the ride around the tracks this morning. Another thing about the KI&MVRR tour was I think it appealed to all levels of interest, from the very casual guests who don't care about how trains work to the person who takes train tours in on vacations. I learned much more on the KI&MVRR tour but purposefully left out that information so as not to give away to much information in case it is repeated sometime down the road. I would not count myself as a coaster, train, dark ride or live show fanatic but I would say I am a amusement/theme park fanatic, I love the atmosphere and the combination of everything makes for a great day for me. Everyone who has grown up visiting KI has grown up with the KI&MVRR so there is sentimental interest with everyone and like Dragsterfan420 said KI&MVRR is one of the better amusement/theme park trains still operating. I also think the rides at night are something to be enjoyed too. It will be interesting to see if anything more comes from this tour and like the rest of you I will be here in anticipation waiting for more.

TrainedBeast I must admit seeing old friends and attractions performing at their best tends to choke me up to and I must say the engines and crew where defiantly at their best Saturday. I hope the ones responsible know they did fabulously. FF EKU dawg 4 life – yes Don, Ryan and I walked to the front of the park together and we also made a quick stop to spread the word of that day to some who may had some doubts about the Train Tour and that word was "success". Not sure about where you were, but I will keep a look out for you next time. Standbyme always keep in mind as long as you can make it to Indy you always have someone who can drive the rest of the way if needed.

Thanks everyone for you comments. I knew attendance was going to be down a bit as so much was going on elsewhere but I kept thinking about how great this tour was and know we all would be talking about this one for years to come so I hope this tour is a repeat. As always it was good to see many of you Saturday and the rest of you were missed especially you Robbie, this tour had your name all over it. I am going to share more of my pictures and another video as they are somewhat of an interest but were not used in the report. I hope you enjoy theses as well. Morning entry Train POV Total Class Thank you Ryan KICentral Hot Seat Being there is 1,000,000 x better Other pictures of the day Royal Fountain evening shoot The ever better and better landscaping scenes Video: Part of Steve's Train Tour presentation. <object width='640' height='360'> <param name='movie' value='http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=player&.swf' /> <param name='flashvars' value='config=http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=conf%26hs=6c393d8838c7538253ea692913a5c430%26u=1009485%26a=4541458%26i=98780298%26w=640%26h=360' /> <param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /> <param name='bgcolor' value='#000000' /> <embed type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='640' height='360' allowfullscreen='true' bgcolor='#000000' src='http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=player&.swf' flashvars='config=http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=conf%26hs=6c393d8838c7538253ea692913a5c430%26u=1009485%26a=4541458%26i=98780298%26w=640%26h=360'></embed> </object>

Hello everyone again. Writing this report was as big of a surprise to me as the opportunity to be part of and the presentation of a recent behind the scenes tour of the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad on Saturday May 1st, 2010. As alluded to earlier Kings Island invited KICentral members to a very rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and share in the workings, stories and pride that is truly not only one of Kings Islands biggest treasures but also one of its best very successful secrets, until now. For years there has been interest to see what is happening in the sheds that we all pass by every time we take a ride through the woods on the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad. Then unexpectedly a notice was put out several days before Saturday to invite those who may have interest in behind the scenes tours to come and participate in the rarest of behind the scenes tours. In 37 years as a park guest I have never been given this opportunity and I would not miss it for anything. Please allow me to digress and give my opinion of why I think it is so rare. I think it is because of the logistics and risk of injury that makes it a huge challenge and the fact that a Train Tour would need to be done in such a way as not to disrupt other park patrons wishing to take a ride on one of Kings Island treasured trains. Several KICentral members and I were greeted on International Street and walked back to the Losantiville Station by Kings Islands Public Relations Manager, Don Helbig. During the walk back the rain turned from a light sprinkle to a steady but light drizzle, which is the reason I suspect many fellow members did not attend. The beauty of the Train Tour is once you get to the station you will be under cover for much of the tour plus it helps set the stage for a spectacular arrival of the train. In today's case the damp weather helped showcase the steam from the engines better. At this point we were greeted by many more friendly staff and management from Kings Island and it was apparent to me that Kings Island had put much more thought and preparation into this tour than many other tours I have had the privilege to be part of. The Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad Tour seemed to have officially started as a Union Officer greeted us to set the tone and to give us some very interesting facts about the Kings Island trains modeled after the General. It was also hinted to us a couple times that we may want to have our cameras ready for the grand arrival of the Kenny Van Meter steam engine, which was named after its first engineer and final option designer of the engine (this was learned during the tour).As the engine pulled around the bend in view of us we were all mesmerized by its beauty and as every chime pull of the bell and light steam whistle chills rose across my arms and back. The Kenny Van Meter steam engine approached as if it was floating on a cloud and looked as good as when my eyes first awed its beauty back in 1972. If ever a steam engine could show personality it did on this day as it seemed to pull up strong, mighty and powerful while at the same time showing grandeur grace as if it was parading in front of dignitaries. <object width='640' height='360'> <param name='movie' value='http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=player&.swf' /> <param name='flashvars' value='config=http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=conf%26hs=66da8dbe6620428b7d1d434d58fa4b0c%26u=1009485%26a=4541458%26i=98780289%26w=640%26h=360' /> <param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /> <param name='bgcolor' value='#000000' /> <embed type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='640' height='360' allowfullscreen='true' bgcolor='#000000' src='http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=player&.swf' flashvars='config=http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=conf%26hs=66da8dbe6620428b7d1d434d58fa4b0c%26u=1009485%26a=4541458%26i=98780289%26w=640%26h=360'></embed> </object> The whole scenario from the actual Steam Engine to every member of the cast who had a hand in this tour seemed to be in that same mode of "we have been waiting for this day to show our pride", I tell you that display was very heartwarming to experience. When Kenny Van Meter steam engine safely stopped at the Losantiville Station we were invited to board the passenger cars towards the front. When we departed a fully dressed Union Officer shared some very interesting facts and history of the style of train we were riding on at that moment. As we were riding on the back half of the train line the train seemed to be slowing down and as we passed by the trains work sheds we were told that is where the maintenance is preformed and then asked "hey would you all like to go inside and look" as the train came to a complete stop well past the work sheds. Of course we all expressed excitedly but in different ways that we would, so no sooner as it seemed to be unanimous decision to do so the track had been switched and we started to go in motion again but backwards (which is something I have not experienced on Kings Islands trains). We went in reverse all the way into the maintenance shed and going in was like a curtain being pulled up on a live show, wow we are inside and getting a up close look while the other engine was inside to be serviced. Once inside Steve (one of the engineers) came in stood between us and the other steam engine called Lew Brown, to talk to us while we sat comfortably in our seats without being crowded together as a group standing. I as probably most in attendance learned more interesting facts in that hour about Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad than I have in the 37 years of ridership. The crew who work on the railroad are very proud of their work and take pride in the fact they work on such beautiful steam engines and as Steve put it, it is more like a privilege to work with them. I honestly think they would work just as hard if they carried just one passenger or the millions they have carried. You see oh matter what the task the park has for the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad as prop for a show or to carry large numbers of guests to another part of the park the task of the engines and crew is to do it in a very safe manner and to also do it with showmanship pride which they have so distinctly done behind the scenes. After a few questions it was time to depart to our originating destination. <object width='640' height='360'> <param name='movie' value='http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=player&.swf' /> <param name='flashvars' value='config=http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=conf%26hs=3f85ad10539c73ff5a9e055ff0aacb7f%26u=1009485%26a=4541458%26i=98780300%26w=640%26h=360' /> <param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /> <param name='bgcolor' value='#000000' /> <embed type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='640' height='360' allowfullscreen='true' bgcolor='#000000' src='http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=player&.swf' flashvars='config=http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=conf%26hs=3f85ad10539c73ff5a9e055ff0aacb7f%26u=1009485%26a=4541458%26i=98780300%26w=640%26h=360'></embed> </object> Once we returned to Losantiville Station we were asked to take a group photo Several engineers and crew members were available for more individualized questions and reminiscing. We were also offered to take more close up pictures of the steam engine. After the tour and we left the station area many of the Kings Island staff waited out front and were eager to hear what we had to say about the tour and also chatted with us about how the logistics of the tour were overcome to make this days behind the scenes tour a reality. Their involvement as planners, workers and participants of the train tour singled to me that maybe the reality of a future train tour may not be so long as the last wait. I would like to share my thoughts with the Kings Island staff and management about my experience and hopes of the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad behind the scenes tour since they are so interested in our thoughts. I have been coming to Kings Island as a 8 year old child clear back to 1972 and have seen many changes over the years which is inevitable but a few true iconic guest pleasing attractions or features have stood the test of time such as the the Royal Fountains and Eifel Tower which I like to refer to as true shinning gems of Kings Island. Another great shinning gem of Kings Island is Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad. I have over the past several years started to attend more specialized coaster club/forum type gatherings and participated in many behind the scenes tours, none of which have even come close to being as informative, interesting and as awe inspiring as the most recent behind the scenes tour of Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad on Saturday May 1st, 2010. I learned more about the trains and crew in that hour long tour than I collectively learned over 37 years of Kings Island visits. I will never be able to view the steam engines the same way I have in the past or hear the trains whistle/bell toll the same way, in fact I will be trying to distinguish the two engines by their whistles from a distance. This tour enriched my appreciation of the Steam Engines, engineers and crews and after listing to their pride shine through as they shared their love of job working on the railroad I believe they are a hidden gem all by themselves. If the same tour was offered tomorrow I would sign up to be in attendance as I would like to see and learn about all the things I missed the first time around. I like to thank you for sharing such a great opportunities with me over the years and even a bigger thank you for sharing one of my best experiences at Kings Island I have had yet and that was the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad Tour. I must admit it saddens me to think such a shining gem of a tour is not as available to other park guests more often or that the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad Tour will not be more available to others who have not had the good fortune to attend last Saturday. I do take solace in knowing that Kings Island does go to great lengths to entertain even its most interested fans and know from past years that more great adventures await us. I will finish my thoughts by saying this; I hope that after Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad Tour on Saturday May 1st, 2010 and you get feedback from myself and others that you may consider offering this tour in the future and sending a loud statement to the Kings Island fans everywhere with this message; This Little Train of Ours We are going to Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Thank you Jesse Marchbanks.

Looks and sounds like you all had a good time, I have heard several reports from many who went Friday night and they all said it was not over crowded with great weather. Thanks for sharing.

After hearing so much about Wake Nation I decided to take a couple hours after the Kings Island Train Tour this past Saturday to check things out. I found Wake Nation to be a popular fun family environment with patroons as friendly as the staff. Wake Nation has something to offer from the novice to the pro wake borders, I witnessed non-stop advice and tips given to both groups from both the staff and participants. I look forward to a future visit to Wake Nation in early June to try this activity out for myself. below you will find a couple pictures and videos I took during my visit to Wake Nation. First one is of KICetral Administrator Ryan Suhr showing is unique style and sporting his new reversible helmet. This Video is of KICentral SOB_TOM trying to perfect his take off after a long winter and the last person (3rd to take off) is Ryan Suhr taking a long ride around the lake. <object width='640' height='360'> <param name='movie' value='http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=player&.swf' /> <param name='flashvars' value='config=http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=conf%26hs=f1f0a7594c4bd1f31cf180c22ed28358%26u=1009485%26a=4541458%26i=98795459%26w=640%26h=360' /> <param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /> <param name='bgcolor' value='#000000' /> <embed type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='640' height='360' allowfullscreen='true' bgcolor='#000000' src='http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=player&.swf' flashvars='config=http://albums.phanfare.com/video_config.ashx?m=conf%26hs=f1f0a7594c4bd1f31cf180c22ed28358%26u=1009485%26a=4541458%26i=98795459%26w=640%26h=360'></embed> </object>

I plan to do a trip report and share my pictures and video soon. I just want to add a huge thank you to everyone who helped make today's tour possible, it was by far the best behind the scenes tour I have been on and it far exceeded my expectations in every way. THANK YOU. May 7, 2010 7:13AM Edited to add; Per suggestion my trip report can be found by following this link http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21345

Thanks Todd for the heads up. Miss Rae will be 10 when we visit this fall. I do have a question for you if you don't mind. We plan to hit all Sea World parks including Aquatica, and as of now plan to do Discovery Cove on September 29. What ticket combo/discount code would work best in our case? Right now I think the Ultimate DC which includes admissions to all the other parks is our best bet with the code DCFAN which would give us $80.. off per person. ANy inside help from you would be great. tell the kids:P (dogs) hi for me thanks.

Brad nice trip report as always and I really enjoyed hanging out with you. i look forward to our near future trip to ride more coasters with you.

Jackson a very nice through report. You seemed to have covered just about everything one could imagine, Although i did not see any of the show. I think it is funny how the gardens sign says it's a relaxing place, but in all your pictures I do not see any benches to sit. I don't like smoking and have good reasons to hate them but I do respect those who wish to exercise there right to smoke, so lets get some benches in there. Great Job again Jackson and thanks for taking the time to do this one.

Nice Report Angie, you and Tom are so much fun to hang around the park with. I hope we get lots more ridding opportunities this summer.

Brad and Robbie thanks for the comments and I think it is best to hold off on the HW trip until the new Gravity Group trains are ready. Robbie I hope you do join us on that trip. I enjoyed spending the day with you but deeply regret not following you out to your car to see your new ride. So if you do come to HW have the car ready to show off. Keith Thanks for the comments on this report, It was a bit of a challenge to work the words of the song into my report at some places and worried many will not catch on to what I was doing. The thing is when I heard it spoke volumes on one of the things I love most about Kings Island and that is all the wonderful friendships I have gained such as yours. It is very heart warming to be a amusement park enthusiast and to have so many friends on a first name basis to share the greatness of Kings Island.