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Well we can tell who is from Illinois; lets see threats, blackmail, and intimidation all in one sentence.

Thats not at ki I guess I should read better but I did not see (only at Kings Island), I just saw the part of you can not pick one that has already been mentioned. If that was the case then I could not post as the rules run me out of choices. PCC Thank-You that was the nicest thing any one has said about Avatar in a long time and I agree with you.

Standbyme really good job on your avatar and in true fashion I thank-you for the Christmas wish. The down side of a forum is sometimes post come across as more stern and can be taken that way versus coming across with another opinion in a conversation. Standbyme you are a asset to this site you always speak your opinion in a respectable way while backing up how you came to your opinion. In all the years I have been here I have never seen you deviate from speaking your opinion popular or not. I can see how you would come to you conclusion with the Front of line Pass. I like to think that if a park offers the option for a price then it is an option to all guests no matter what their income is and not one that the park checks your bank account to separate the have and have not’s. I think it is more of a choice and priority. I could ramble on but I think I just got to the jest of my response so I will end my post here.

First off many parks who charge for such a feature look at it as a way to generate more income and try to avoid the appearance of income class opportunities. I have bought a front of the line pass when I visited the Halloween event at Universal a couple years back, this was to make sure I was able to get every attraction done as I had a very limited time to do so. I could not afford to do that with most trips but it was worth it for that particular situation. I think Disney does their Fast Pass system the best there is no charge and it is available to everyone. Many use the Speed Pass as a marketing tool to attract guest to their on-site resorts. Speaking of Marketing; I believe Kings Island Speed Pass/Lane was created to attract more season pass sales. It worked in our case as we live about 2 hours away, we always enjoyed coming and would liked to go to Kings Island more often but driving two hours to and from in the same day or more expense to stay in the area. To be truthful as much as we liked Kings Island it was not worth coming that many times to stand in line all day. When Paramount offered the Speed lane we bought and became regulars to the park. They have since cut the perk out and replaced it with ERT, well for those who live far away like us we need to leave around 7AM to enjoy that perk (we hardly ever make it). So the next thing excites us to come more often is the special events which are open to everyone. This past year with the economy down and the high prices at the park coupled with the special events and less enticing season pass perks our visits dropped off in a big way. It's hard to point to one thing but when they all are combined it was not as enticing to us (this is not a negative statement to the park but an opportunity to express an honest assessment of why we stayed away more last year). I think the ERT is good for the locals but I think many will buy anyway in the local area as it is less expensive and hassle to go for a few non busy times here and there. I think if Kings Island would like to sell more Season Pass and to get those Season Pass guests to attend more regular then they need to offer more appealing opportunities for their more distant fans. Speed Lane was the hook for us otherwise we would still be a once a year family as we are drawling closer to that number as the perks are getting less advantages and enticing for us. I hope that helps. So yes count us in as a vote for bring back Speed Lane as a Gold Pass Perk. I do not think that will happen as the park is looking to cut expenses and I think it is probably cheaper to run a ERT for one ride than to run Speed Lanes during the peek days. So that brings the question of is it the lack of guest attendance that brings cuts or is it the cuts that cut attendance. I don’t know the answer to that question as a whole but I know how it plays out for this family.

Disney Transportation - (Buses to and from the resorts and parks) that way I would always be guaranteed a seat!

I hope every one/family gets the opportunity to experience Disney, Universal Resort and Busch Sea World Parks in Orlando. The subject of they are too expensive and which is cheaper seems to come up a lot. The TRUTH is they are usually more affordable than most think especially when one looks for the deals. Another TRUTH is they all cost about the same year after year. One has two parks while it tries to compare its prices with a place that has four. One offers free fast passes to all guests while the other charges for it. They all offer a different but a good variety of experiences. The best savings is if you are doing Disney do Disney all of them in the same visit if you're doing Universal or Sea World do those in the same visit. In our last trip we did Disney and Universal both were great but when we added it all up days to dollars with resort stays we paid slightly more for the Universal part of our trip. I repeat this often and will continue to as I don't want guest to stay away from any park do to misconceptions. All the parks are well worth the money I have spent at them and I can not repeat it enough, in the end they all cost about the same by the time you leave and add it all up. BTW the best deal if you know you are going to Universal for two years in a roll is to buy a annual pass on the pay flex. After 12 months the payments do not stop until you stop it so if you go one year and then cancel on the 13 month you will have only paid about $162.00 for two years worth of vacation visits, plus you get lots of discounts with a annual pass. Edit to add; we stayed at Universal Royal Pacific Resort for only $129.00. It was well worth it I do mean every penny of it. We got a discount by using the annual pass discount and by doing this we got into Universal early and front of line passes too. It was nice to take a boat back to the resort midday to escape the heat.

I just checked and noticed the Web feed is up and available for those who may want to see and hear how the Mason City Council meeting went On November 23rd. http://icrctv.net/mason-city-council-11-23-09

Thanks Todd for you opinion I have always liked your reviews and think you are fair and honest. Most of the time you say exactly how I feel about the coasters you review that I have been fortunate enough to ride myself.

My fault, and in truth I agree with most descriptions of HRRR about it short comings. I just like seeing new technology being incorporated into coasters and love it when Universal and Disney spare not expense in pushing the limits. In the end we all benefit. A few weeks back Orland Attractions Mag. but up a night vide and I think this coaster above a music stage with those lights going adds unique atmosphere. at 1 minute 26 seconds in the video you can see what it would look like at night. I love Diamond back but man oh man I just wonder how great it would be to have 32 songs to select while riding. That is why I can forgive some short coming of new designs as I know greater ideas will build from that.

I am Dying to respond but going to save my opinion for my upcoming trip report except to say; I think the description of Fail is ludicrous. Not trying = Fail, half trying with a cheap budget with mediocre ride is still a step above Fail. They at least gave it a good effort and backed it up with a lot of money to try make it right. It has some new few features that may be used in future coasters (which we will benefit from down the road). At least they tried with funds to do it right to me that is worth more than Fail any day. I mean The Mummy ride is not the best coaster thrill ride but the theme makes it what it is, awesome. I for one am glad that Universal at least tries and every now and then they get it almost perfect but it seems they always try. Just my two cents. BTW - Think about the area and the amphitheater which host many musical festivals throughout the year to draw in locals. It seems they were trying to keep the music theme with that area, so it is in the right park and the right area. It lacks in many areas but from the surveys they are doing they know it and I am sure they will tweak it as good as they can.

I have a lot to say and will between now and the next meeting. Sorry I have not responded with my thoughts right after the meeting but sometimes I need to collect my thoughts and rerun the different scenarios through. I am going to type up a rebuttal to many of the loose facts that are floating around especially the ones that jump out at me as disingenuous and misleading. The Council seems to be very sensitive to bad headlines and even more worried about their "Business Friendly Community" image. So many business groups voiced their opposition to this type of tax and not one business or group was in support of it. But still the council made sure they put it out there that they are still business friendly, I do not think they would put that statement out there if they were not afraid of that image. I think it would be wise to keep putting it out to the community that not one business or business group supports this measure and that the council can say it but their actions say otherwise according to the local business and business groups. I hope we can keep this topic on topic and I think it is helpful to see how other communities have dealt with these issues but can we please put these examples in proper comparisons and not just name drop an area or a park with no information regarding the issue. Florida residents do not pay any income tax like most other states do but rather they use property or a sales tax to collect revenue to run the majority of government programs. Disney World created Reedy Creek Improvement District ( http://www.rcid.org/AboutUS_main.cfm ) to manage their property as to its public safety issues, roads, sewers and and building permits( normal government type stuff). There is minimal residency in the Disney World property so sales Tax is by in large the only revenue the Reedy Creek area has to cover their cost. I just point this out just so that we all try to make sure we are comparing apples to apples and not Disney World to Mason Ohio with out proper understanding. haustguy1983 when I read your comment I was afraid that some could read it as you were saying that Disney does it so why not Mason, I do not think that is what you are saying, because after reading it a second time it almost sounds like you are saying Mason wants to tax Guests of Kings Island like Disney does but not for the same reasons but to justify it that way.

^ well that does make it official Terpy is back. Missed ya!

I have watched this issue develop through the years and each time the story always changes why they need the additional revenue. I wish government would just come out and state the true purpose of their intentions and why it is necessary to ask the general public for the funds with facts and figures to back up their propositions. I feel the City of Mason has and is being disingenuous in regards to this issue. For that I fell it is the responsibility of the general public and the citizen of Mason who need to send a strong message and renounce this type of disingenuousness in our elected officials and to send a loud message to all future candidates that Mason expects honest and transparency. Further more by doing so the community sends a very loud message that they appreciate their local business and look to them as a partner in the community and not a revenue resource. I feel so strongly about my words that I plan to back it up by attending The Mason City Council Meeting on Monday night and express my concerns. I will fell proud as a out of state visitor to stand with the citizens of Mason and the representatives of Kings Island and The Beach to voice our opposition to an injustice that touches so many in their own way. I hope many more of you who read this will feel compelled to attend too.

Ryan Thanks again for yet another great addition to you Orlando Adventure. I was very happy to see that you guys doubled back and finished up attractions and shows that you had missed. I enjoy the Disney parks a lot and often think Hollywood Studios is my favorite but then I start thinking about the other parks and their distinct difference in atmosphere, which then adds to self debate. I wrestle too with which is better Illuminations or Fantasmic, I think I give a slight edge to Fantasmic as I like how it ties into Disney and the Imagination theme. I am always shocked when I see Illuminations awarded with their night show while Fantasmic does not even get a mention. You pointed out some fun facts about Illumination and as you know by now every park and attraction have multitudes of stories and meaning behind them. Something I missed the first several times I seen Fantasmic is that when the boat comes out Mickey is steering the boat in his Black and white Steam Boat Willie outfit. It duck tails into it all started with a mouse and then the others followed in full color glory. Here is a short video clip of that section I took last year, I thought you could appreciate looking back and reminisce. It also sounds like you had the perfect mix of parks and friends to make this trip memorable. A question I have for you. Can/will you share with us if you had a magical moment during your trip? So far I have visited all the parks you visited and have enjoyed reading your report as a first time visitor, I am really looking forward to hear you day 6 report.

Sounds like everybody will be keeping busy over the winter months and that we all long for Kings Island opening day 2010. For me I am trying to finish up my keepsake video of my past vacation so that I can finally share my experience here. Then I plan to try to get the family out of the house here and there to avoid cabin fever, but during the down times my goal is to upload and edit my mother and fathers old videos and pictures that my mother horded forever. We have finally preyed them out of her hands and I think this is the year to get all that done while the economy is slow and we need to cut back ourselves. I think some of the old pictures and videos my be of some interest to KICentral members as many of them are from the 70's and include Kings Island, the Cincinnati Reds and Zoo. Below is a short clip of some of it, I am in it and I am not the tallest of those in the clip either but my outfit matched my brother.Keep in mind that back then many of the personal video recorders did not have sound recorders on them. it's been probably 20+ years since I have seen theses videos. The KI stuff is pretty cool and really gives a glimpse to the past including a safari ride and hot air balloons on International Street and a POV of Scobby Doo Coaster.

Ryan - Fun read and I think this 4th report of you vacation now doubles your trip report count. I am glad to hear you got the Animal Kingdom concept and that you got to enjoy Lion King. The shoe thing is odd and so is the blue line in the picture. Flight of Fear has always been a personnel favorite of mine up to and until slower dispatch times and stooping in the middle of the ride. I love heavy theme and Rock N Rollercoaster is awesome when it comes to a thrill ride combined with heavy theme.

Ryan – again your enthusiasm and enjoyment shows through your words while describing you trip to us. Have recently visited I enjoy reading you assessments of Universals attractions. Mummy The Ride is spectacular and trying to explain it can never do it justice. I have seen some of your FaceBook photos and one that I seen in there but not mentioned here was the Betelgeuse show. How did you like it? I loved it and laughed out load many times with all the cleaver double meaning one liners. I wanted to text you and tell you to not miss the show but I knew Todd would steer you right and if you did not see it this trip I could tell you would be back and would be able to catch the shows/attractions you missed the first time through.

Thanks Todd, This just shows what a stand-up guy you are, I was making a joke with Ryan and you counter it with a sincere opportunity. So Yeah. I have been planning a solo trip sometime during the winter months of next year, as my brother lives up the road a bit in Deland. So hopefully I if all goes well and you have the time we could meet-up and tour a park together. I appreciate all the advice you have given me through the years in helping me plan my family vacations down there. The Busch Parks were what my family looked forward the most which included Discovery Cove. When we decided to cut back a bit we thought we would just do the Busch Parks and nothing else. But I had free admission to Universal and was booked for the Disney free dinning this year, so we decided to hold off till next Sept/Oct for the Busch parks. I swear we debated for two weeks on still going to Aquatica or adding the Disney Waterparks & More option to our tickets. It ended up we made the right decision for this year on that issue. So Todd when is the new upcoming expansion for Aquatica looking to be completed by? That's exciting news and one more question if I may Ryan made a post about you working at DC while he was touring at one point. Do you work at one facility or float? Jesse Ryan looking forward to your ROA Day 3 report

Nice second day report Ryan, we did not go to the Busch parks this year due to vacation fund cut backs but after reading your report and seeing your reviews I know next year we will enjoy the Busch parks even more that we could hope for. We have not been since the early nineties and it looks like a lot has changed since then. Hey by the way the 20% off code you gave out on twitter of "Todd", how long is that good for and is it good for online purchases too? TIA

Welcome home BoddaH1994!!! Thanks for taking the time to share your time line of the trip and in many cases what you thought of the attractions you encountered. I am looking forward to reading a more in depth trip report like the 1st day at EPCOT you have done this far. I can tell in the first part that you had a memorable time and that you enjoyed experiencing so many parks that you have only heard about. I look forward to the rest of your report when you have the time to finish it.

I can not believe the City of Mason Ohio is trying this again. Lets give some background on this issue since some may not know how this has come about. Many Years ago Kings Island and the City of Mason Ohio agreed to have Kings Island annexed into the city of Mason Ohio. Mason would receive various tax revenue from payroll, property taxes and other various tax revenues in return Kings Island would receive police and fire protection from Mason and some traffic control. In addition Mason agreed in principal to not pursue a admission/gate tax from Kings Island. Some time after many Mason residents complained and threaten law suits because the City Of Mason was collecting taxes on their residents (for decades) when their residents worked out of the city limits. That amounted to millions of dollars. Other Cities do not do this and the City of Mason needed to comply or answer to their ever growing angry constituents. Mason had grown accustomed to the extra revenue that other communities do not receive, so they looked for ways to offset that loss and got the bright idea of "hey lets have a admission/gate tax". Kings Island fought it and even pointed out to Mason that they agreed they would not pursue such a measure. Then current City of Mason administration at that time told Kings Island that that was the old city administration that agreed to that and they are no longer in office. The City of Mason makes a lot of money from Kings Island in forms of taxes from a variety of sources to include tax revenue that visitors who stay at the local hotels. Yes Mason provides some road services and provides police and fire protection but they receive far more than they pay out. The City of Mason is trying to replace a revenue that they should have never been enjoying in the first place. They built a nice community with the extra money and now want to continue that effort with a admission/gate tax. This is what is commonly refereed to as taxation without representation. The last time Mason proposed the tax they tried to say they needed it for something else in hopes that the general public would forget what really brought this all on in the first place. Shame on you City of Mason for going back on your deals and for trying to take even more money or chasing business away from your community business that already support your community. especially in times like these when the general public is feeling the pinch and those business are needing to offer deals and discounts to keep customers coming in so that they can bring in tax revenue for your city and continuing to employee citizens of your City. Shame, Shame On You.

Angie, Kat, Nick and Adam your trip was fun to follow and the pictures really back that up. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us. I have enjoyed my trips with fellow members and think it is great to see you guys still getting together to extend the season of friends. I am with you Angie about exploring other tourist destinations while enjoying coasters trips.

With a company looking for ways to reduce cost, even going so far as to try to cancel delivery of coaster, then why does anyone think they are in any hurry to make a decision or to spend the money on it either way in this years budget.

Nice photos everybody thanks for sharing. I'll add a few from opening day.

I'll jump in here. Have we determined yet that Dick is talking about Starlite Experience, because like the title says it is an experience and not a show and it was not listed as a show at Cedar Point. The Starlite Experience does however fits Dick description of I personally can se the Starlite Experience going into every park at some point as once it is set up all that needs to be done is moving a few light displays in and turning everything on. A popular Cedar Point light show which debuted this year was called "Hot Summer Nights" . and it was listed as a show. This show is more expensive than the Starlight Experience but I think compared to other live shows with live performers I think it fits into Dicks description too. I honestly feel like the Starlight Experience could easy be added to any park next year that desired it with no need to refer to it at a board meeting, which would give each park something to boast about through a press release closer to the start of the season without giving it away now. The Hot Summer Nights Show is a bigger expense and I think adds to a park so much so that they can use that as a major addition to their park for the upcoming season. That kind of expense should be reported to the board, just my opinion.