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I can understand why you would not but many others have great reasons to do so. The reason we do from time to time is we just pay the difference from the regular price and the VIP price. here are just a few reasons why we do; 1. Go into park for ERT but I leave shortly before waterpark opens to Gold Pass folks, 2. leave change of clothes, personal items and towels in car instead of renting a costly locker. 3 So we can drop off items in the car quicker and not just carry them around, 4.Wife likes to smoke in car in the air conditioner while me and daughter ride, 5. past few years my wife leg acts up and gets painful for her so she will go out to the car and rest, she likes to be closer as in case it gets to hurting a lot and this way she is closer to the gate. 6 since I like to ride with my friends on last ride of the night the wife likes to go to the car and wait, so she feels safer and more comfortable being up closer and more near the bathrooms. These are a few reasons why we sometimes opt to pay a little extra and I now when i pull in that area there are a lot of others who have their own reasons on that day too. ever once have we parked in the VIP section because we said "hey we got extra money to throw around so lets park in the VIP lot" because we don't have extra money to throw around. We make that choice as if it is worth it to us for that day and sometimes an almost necessity.

I am sure they would not if you paid them but here in Indiana after our state fair tragedy the state would have something to say about it. So in short, yes they would mind..

Good to see them bring that option to Splashin Safari and hopefully they will be similar affordable as their other up-charge options are at Holiday World. I can think of hundreds of reasons why a family, families or a group would want to rent a cabana for a day or longer. I have never done so but have thought about it, but my daughter was picked to be the Big Kahuna twice at Typhoon Lagoon which gave us use of a private area for the day and the benefits that came with that. Sometimes and in some situations it is not about the cost but more about having an opportunity to enjoy a day in a waterpark that would not be available or an option without the use of a cabana.

I add me to the list of those Very Thankful to Ty for sharing. Absolutely stunning pictures I enjoyed each and everyone. I knew when I went into this thread i would be here for a while studying each picture. T

Kings Island TO LAUNCH “COUNTDOWN TO 40” CAMPAIGN ON TWITTER TO CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON Tickets, unique experiences, merchandise among 40 prizes for fans through Opening Day, April 28 Kings Island, Ohio – Kings Island announced Monday the 364-acre amusement and waterpark will launch a “Countdown to 40” campaign on Twitter to celebrate the 364-acre amusement and waterpark’s 40th anniversary season. The campaign, which begins March 20 at Twitter.com/KingsIslandPR, will consist of daily trivia questions related to Kings Island history and the 2012 season. Park admission tickets, behind the scenes experiences and merchandise are among the 40 prizes for fans every day through Opening Day, April 28. A VIP Tour for up to four guests will be the grand prize given away on the final day of the promotion. Kings Island fans must follow the park on Twitter (@KingsIslandPR) in order to participate in the promotion. A trivia question or retweet request will be posted daily and fans must include #KingsIsland40 in their response to be eligible to win. Winners will be contacted by Kings Island via Twitter. Official rules for the “Countdown to 40” promotion are available online at visitkingsisland.com/online-fun.

A bit of a update on a bowling alley going into Downtown Disney. http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Bowling_alley_to_open_at_Downtown_Disney.htm?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=twitterfeed

^^^No I was right on in generalization of new systems going in. I did not want to bore everyone with details but rather the point that the new systems are going in so lets get the guest used to specific times to go to the attractions. If they wanted to people to do that in the past they would have not promoted so much and scheduled around it. A couple years ago they cracked down on people getting fast passes one day and selling them on e-bay or bring them back on the next visit to be used. They put out a statement that was not going to happen but purposefully never mentioned the popular return when you want after the first printed time on the ticket. Disney wanted their guest happy and encouraged guest to do it. No not on the web sites but through their, bus drivers, resort stay staff, park employes, dinning restaurants and fan sites. Again I was generalizing to make the point this is not a Crack Down but more lets get guest used to new systems and first up is getting them used to specific times. That Is all nothing more. Please don't use that reference about guest who can afford to stay on site as I have proven over and over that we can stay cheaper on site than to stay off site to include staying for free at my brothers house. Disney goes out of their way to give entice all guest an opportunity to stay on site versus stay off site. Disney makes more if you spend you dollars on site versus letting you go down the street.

The old way was greatly known to Disney and cast members who have worked there encouraged it as members here. It was always told to me the hour time was a suggestive time to encourage the majority of guest to use that time but that was a suggestive time because they knew guests had dinner reservations parades to attend and kids needed naps. Through my years at Disney it was encouraged and explained to do it by the cast members in the park and at dinning locations. So why stop this now is the question and I certainly would have issues as it being described as a crack down but more of we are switching the way we are going to do this (Fast Pass) in the future so lets start to get guest used to a specific time. Disney has spent and patented a newer style a Fast Pass system one in which can be done from the guest resort rooms and may include several passes issued on their RIF (i think that's the name) or key cards. There it is no secret and Disney has already tested a new system out for the Dumbo ride which is kind of like a color code system. This allows parents to play games and take advantage of the area instead of having thee kids standing in line. On thing they tried before was to have one parent wait while the other goes off with the kids. Fast forward to present. Dumbo the ride is scheduled to open later this month and I believe a new system will be in place for that ride. So again I believe the change not to be confused by crack down is due to Disney implementing newer fast pass systems into the parks and they want the public to be more used to the new style. Just my opinion though.

I have ate at the majority of the Downtown Disney locations and honestly you can not go wrong. Lots of great advice has been given to this point. You need to just decide on your price point and go from there. Look at the downtown menus to see what they offer for the price. http://www.wdwinfo.c...isneydining.cfm Earl of sandwich is an excellent place and you will be happy with that. I would also highly suggest Wolfgang Puck Express which has two location on both ends of the DTD, at the Market Place location it is only an express location, basically the same great food but you order at a counter get your own drink filled then seat yourself, servers bring the food and help with refills and such. Keep in mind that you eat on china plates, silverware and cloth napkins too. I have eaten here and one meal can feed two in most cases. here is their menu and you can see it is a nice place http://www.wdwinfo.c...staurant.ID=181 here is a few few picture from our last visit there. Margherita Pizza - The classic from Naples with mozzarella and parmsan cheeses, tomato, fresh basil, and tomato-basil-garlic sauce. - $12.95 Creme Brulee - Creme brulee - $4.95 Spaghetti & Meatballs - Spaghetti and meatballs. - $12.95 I honestly can not recommend one place over another with out more input, put I can offer you this advice. Do not go to DTD looking for something to eat on a McDonald budget as you will be very disappointed as just a few more dollars you can eat very well and memorable. besides the cheap places like McDonald's have very inflated prices. I see far to many worried about spending too much and settle for expensive cheap food versus great food cheap. Seeking out a couple places before you go will save you time and worry. If you have time do do a boat ride to a resort. If you do want to go from one resort to another the best way to do that is when at one resort get on transportation to go to the closet open park, water park or DTD then grab transportation to the resort of your choice from there. If time is an issue you can always taxi.

The Beach seems to draw a lot from the local area and really caters to that niche market. If KI Soak City remains over crowded during the days as in the past on weekends then I do not see The Beach losing much attendance if not gain more as Interpreter eluded to.

Yes and thanks. I need to stop relying on spell check as much as I do. Changed post to reflect the change.

I believe we will see more events in the park like a concert series or more promotional entrainment events such as the jump and walks before we see a return to Winterfest. I say this because Dec winter in Ohio is a gamble at best. The attendance figures say season pass sales up gate is down, so they still need to market more for the day guest and add incentive to give season pass folks a reason to return often throughout the season. Just me on this part, not sure how opening a park earlier everyday for season Pass guest will help raise revenue besides hoping to sell more passes. I mean there is not a lot open in the mornings to spend money on. Unless they offer better fresh food options or morning only discounts to pass holders during that time, otherwise then it is limited to pass sales and hope they stick around later in the day. Honestly when KI offers more special events it entices me to come more often and heck I even plan the visits instead of going on a whim. Let me add this as well; Like every year I look forward to the start of a new season and what Kings Island has to offer old and new. This upcoming season has me particularly excited to get back to the park as many of the new additions (the little detailed things) is what I have been wishing for for a long time. Fresher food choices, new entertainment choices and finally some love to a water park I strayed away from. I have focused on some personal things this winter and honestly feel it has been my most productive off season in a long time but that has gave me a chance to get KI off my mind for a bit so now it is like I have a clean slat to come back to. I swear I am more excited about this years season than I can remember. looking forward to a bright new season ahead.

It will be interesting to see how the deal works out, especially keeping in mind this is not a Holiday World venture but by a separate formed group. So all of the individuals involved in the newly formed group have various roles in running Holiday World and I would assume at this point will continue to do so. How will this time split affect both parks and strategic marketing decisions. Holiday World has great success with water parks and I think they will keep pushing in that direction in the short and mid term in the years ahead. I am watching to see if the free beverages marketing gets integrated to the new park.

I agree with Robbie and Ronny about having some type of roving entertainment make some type of return to Kings Island. Families really like spontaneity when visiting parks and with a new person at the helm who seems to promote family time then we have a chance of seeing something like that. With the budget the entertainment had theses past few years we had little chance of a clown band type entertainment returning. The entertainment did an excellent job with the budget they have had. I wonder if the Magic show cost of production over a season is lower than the Ice show and if so then hopefully that gives us a better chance of seeing some roving entertainment. Crossing Fingers.

Agree but I hope they replace it with another type of night time entertainment. I enjoy winding down a long day waiting on a show. The family gets to shops and get a lite snack before the show.

There are times when we ponder about our lives and if we will have made an impact on others or if anyone will notice our passing. Doug was a type of person who impacted everyone he met with his sincere friendliness and smile. Doug you impacted so many others including myself just knowing you and I am fortunate our paths crossed at times. I think I can speak for many that this world is a better place because of you. May you be blessed during your eternal journey.

Looks like a very long day. Plus I would need to take a day off from work which will cost me monetarily. I like coaster events but due to a Friday scheduled date I will need to justify the extra expense before committing to it.

Thanks TOPGUN1993 for taking the time to do this thread, I truly enjoy looking at the treasure trove of pictures you have collected through the years. Hope your off-season is going well.

Great topic to read through also I noticed that is seems Mr. Ouimet never takes off his jacket. He comes off very focused and detailed minded.

We can delete your account and remove your post but prefer no to do that unless you have a concern or need to cover your online activities. The thing is if we remove your post it makes the members who post after some of your post sound a bit odd in there response. If you want us to just ask one of the Admin to help you there. I find most come back and resign up to respond to posts over time.

"Arent't" should not be used with the word "they" as for if they are making money. On my part and I know of others but I will speak for myself I have never received a penny for work around this site in fact I do not consider it work but more as a fun hobbie of interest, now that I am rich in. At one time the cost of this board got expensive in a variety of ways servers, board licenses, gas and other expenses to cover park events and on and on. So "They" Ryan and Dane decided to offer restrictive ads on the site and to do some linking to Cox Publishing to raise extra revenue as to not bankrupt them in trying to provide a free membership for the members. They discussed that at the time of its inception. In addition due to some extra revenue raised above the cost of expenses they decided to cover the cost of the KI blues party a few years ago. They paid the whole bill including food and space so the members just had to show up. I have some ideas on going forward but I am only one of four at the moment and this time of year is when those discussions should take place and will be discussed. There was talk over the summer of what was worth the money to spend on to host and license certain parts of the site. They is due to is it worth the money for the amount of traffic in that area. I believe the remaining money from the old revenue generated is used to continue paying for the site maintenance and license fees.

As far as site traffic compared to years ago; Times have changed and FaceBook has since entered the picture. Back then many conversation about the park turned into personal conversations at times. Now many of those conversations are still going on and in a more personal way stronger than ever before. So yes this site has slowed down in some post topics but as a community we are friendlier and closer as friends now than ever before. Many get together happen all year long and several since the park closed. This site is adjusting to what it purpose needs to be and I think its best years are ahead (I honestly believe that). I can tell you this many say they do not come here much or post anymore but I can tell you most former and current members still check in often, so as I see it the site has interest and needs to adjust to give the members what they want to keep them interested. Since the park closed I needed a break which was not planned but much needed as i have had time to do some things I have put off and to set new priorities rankings. Since the park just closed I knew now was the time to do so. I have still gotten together with park friends and chatted regularly but now more than ever I am getting excited for next season and to see if the guys here are ready to start getting prepared for next season. I have always said this site has some of the best members a forum site could hope for and i am glad to share so much with you all in a hobbyist way and with many on a personal way.

Depends really on a number of factors. First,last day or special events you can count on many KICers at the park meeting up. During the regular season many get together on weekends or even during the week just watch the meet-up section during that time.

JC nice report and it was nice to see you enjoying your first off season tour of Kings Island. As far as Dons comments about The Crypt the ride he basically said; In the early years it experienced a lot of downtime and repairs expenses but with a good thrill experience. the continued with; In the past couple years less down time with increased ridership but with a much less thrill experience. So here is were the review part comes in. Don said; it is time to look at the numbers and see if in its present condition if it is best for the park to continue operating The Crypt or to look at other options for that building or the area for some other type of concepts, nothing yet has materialized on what is best.

Few things; 1. keep in mind one should try to please everyone but understand that some you can not please oh matter what. Therefore do not punish the grateful because of the ungrateful otherwise the ungrateful numbers will grow.Don loves Kings Island and is very proud to share it, I have heard him express a few ideas on what he thinks enthusiast may enjoy so do not be surprised for an invitation some time down the road. 2. Keep in mind a KICentral get together does not necessarily be at KI this year as there is not much to show there other than dirt. I think a bowling or another event gathering is always fun to do during February. If there is something to show then maybe Don may be open t a quick tour followed by a dinner get together or a evening of bowling. 3 Personal note here; I have been a bit absent for the most part the past month here and that is due to a combination of factors although I have responded to PM or spam notifications as they came up. Sorry to be MIA for this past few weeks and look forward to catching up on what I have been missing out on. I just needed some time to make a few life adjustments with the family and business not because of anything that came up but more because it was just time to give both those issues some extra special attention. Also during that time I have decided to do something for myself in the form of taking care of my health and started a diet and exercise regime. I decided to start now so I would be fit by the time KI Soak City opens. I ordered a new treadmill on Black Friday and started using it already, the best part of it is I can browse KIC will jogging on it. Look forward to getting back on here amongst friends.