marlfox_21

The insider says that Great America is ("RUMORED")!!!!! No confusion with the word facts there....("RUMORED")!!!!! to be called Knotts Great America before it's opening day. m.f.21

SEAWORLD AQUATICA!!!!! COME ON, I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS....as mentioned earlier m.f.21

I don't think it is going to take as long as some people think for Kings Island to get something REALLY BIG. I mean Kings Island is one of the main reasons that Cedar Fair made the purchase. And unlike Paramount ( P that must not be named ) I don't think that Kings Island will change hands again soon, if ever. This being a probable factor, I am willing to make a sure bet that Kings Island will be made into one of the most competitive parks around. ( I AM NOT SAYING THAT IT ISN'T ALREADY ) If Cedar Fair was willing to place X-Flight at Kings Island instead of shipping it not even half of the distance to Cedar Point, then I am compelled to think of it as the company desiring change, and going in a whole new direction with Kings Island. Because, lets face it. If Cedar Fair was putting Firehawk in Cedar Point instead of any of the newly aquired Paramount Parks, then people would be in an uproar about how Cedar Fair is only catering to their Flagship park, and they would complain about how the paramount parks would recieve nothing. But since this is not the case, I think that it is a great however only small start of things yet to come to Kings Island. m.f.21

This is actually kind of old news. I knew about this change back when I visited the park for Halloween Horror Nights.

Yea, Busch Gardens was a lot of fun. And I do need to go back and check out the shows. Especially Katonga. So far, I have been to all of the parks that I want to go to this year, except for a few that are not open yet...Kings Island, Cedar Point, Wild Adventures. m.f.21

March 12th, 2007.... I had expectations for this trip. And none of them were short lived! Upon arriving at the park, my eyes gazed upon SHIEKRA. Which is a 200 foot masterpiece. This was to be our 1st destination in the park, but since this ride did not open until 30 minutes after the rest of the park, we stopped by "Gwazi" on the way. This is a nice wooden coaster. Kinda rough. It honestly seemed to be a miniature of the Son of Beast as far as the ride design was. But I enjoyed it just the same. Then it was onto SHIEKRA. The 90 degree drop is astounding to look at. Unlike anything else that I have seen. ( The only diving coaster in the U.S. ) But very impressive to look at. But even more impressive to ride. Me and my fiance got on this ride in a hurry, but my friend Travis, who came with us on this trip has a fear of coasters. There are some that he has always said that he just won't ride. Well, we got him over this fear. As I told him before we got on the ride. " I have not ridden it yet, but Travis, I bet that we will get right back in line." AND WE DID! The coaster slowely goes up its 200 ft. initial drop, and goes around a corner with the city of Tampa visible with a very nice view. Then the ride STARTS to make its 90 degree drop, only to stop for 5 or 6 seconds to provide its riders with a nice view of the amazing drop inevitable to your future. Then it falls, and speeds up, goes through corners, a tunnel, through water hurling H2O onto the spectators in Shiekra's Splashzone...YES, this coaster has a Splash Zone! And the ride even has a shorter drop with the same 90 degree angle drop. INCREDIBLE!!!!!...We rode this ride Twice in a row in under 15 minutes following its opening for the day. GOOD THING TOO, because it was easily an hour wait a couple of hours later. Following this, we rode KUMBA, then SCORPION, then CHEETAH CHASE, then a CAROUSEL, and then we rode the SKY RIDE back to the front of the park, and there we rode MONTU which provided us with an outstanding view of selections to go and eat at. Including a Pizza Hut pretty much right across the street. ( we got to ride all 6 coasters between 9:30 A.M. and 12:30 P.M. ) But first we wanted to see how much food would cost at Busch Gardens....At 1st sight, we saw $6.45 for a Childs Hotdog, and at this point we immediately made our 15 minute walk to Pizza Hut, where instead we split the cost of a Large pizza with pepperoni, and half mushroom, 10 breadsticks, and free refills on Coke for $26.00 ( it would have cost about this much for 3 childs hotdogs at Busch Gardens ) And to top it off, they added Green Pepper to our pizza, which me and my fiance did not mind, but it did not do well for Travis, so the restaurant gave us a 2nd large pizza with pepperoni free of charge. TALK ABOUT WORTH WALKING 15 MINUTES OUT OF THE PARK FOR! Then it was back to my car, and from there we took a tram back into the park. Where we walked around and enjoyed what comes best to me, the ANIMALS of the park. I loved the exhibits at Busch Gardens. They were simply incredible. There is simply too much to name, so I will name a few of the best experiences in my view, just to name a few. I LOVED THE SPOTTED HYENAS! Of all of the parks that I have been to before, I have never seen Spotted Hyenas before. I must have stared at these things for nearly 20 minutes! And the MeerKats were simply incredible. I loved the aviaries. I had a bird standing on my head, and another eating out of my cup of nectar for some pretty amazing photos! I have never been so close to Ring Tailed Lemurs in an exhibit before. Their Watusi Cows were spectacular, and the Hippos, and Komodo Dragons, and Oh, I could go on forever. I also enjoyed the statues of animals throughout the park, including fantasy animals like a mama dragon and her hatching baby. These kinds of things were simply awesome to me. I love all of the birds, and everything else that I am probably forgetting about right now when just trying to think of it all. The Gorillas, the Chimps, etc. I loved their bird show. Oh who am I kidding, I loved everything about all of their animals!!!!! Especially the train ride, and the sky ride, which provided excellent views of many of the animals. To end the day we rode SKEIKRA again, and purchased a D.V.D. and picture while on the ride. I bought a T-Shirt, bought a Hat, a Shot Glass, a couple Post Cards, and a couple of magnets. THIS PARK IS GREAT, and with my newly acquired FUN PASS good for the rest of the year, I can't wait to go back, over and over again.!!!!! m.f.21

Saturday-March 10th, 2007.... Me and my loved one went to Silver Springs in Ocala Florida. This is a very pleasant park experience if you want to spend a day away from all of the roller coasters and noise. I have been to this park a few times before, and cannot wait to go back again. Here we rode 2 of the 3 Glass Bottom Boat rides up and down the river. We went up the Light House, explored the zoological park, including many alligators, and cougars, a variety of bears, giraffes, and birds. We also took the safari ride through the Ocala National Forest which introduces you to many other varieties of animal species. And to end it all, we got to experience an American Legend..... "The Beach Boys" Well, 2 of the originals anyways. It was great! For as long as these Rock N Roll Hall of Famers have been around, they still sound pretty much the same when performing live. At first I thought that they were lip synching, but when I got the opportunity to go next to the stage to take some pictures, you could tell that these guys were actually singing the lyrics. I tried to encourage my fiance ( who looks like a perfect 10 ) and who happened to be wearing a sleek red dress to go up to the stage and wave for their attention. And well, it worked to say the very least. "Love" the lead singer and original from the band actually walked up to her and started posing for pictures, winking at her and all. This was so hilarious, but it worked out great for some great pictures! He even handed down his towel and a guitar pick to her during the concert, which the towel sounds kinda Ewww, but hey it's a Beach Boys souvenir, so she happily took it. When it was all over, he also waved several people to come backstage, where we got "Love" to sign his autograph with our sharpie marker on the Cover of a Beach Boys Greatest Hits C.D.! This was a great concert, and they had great personalities.--THIS WAS A VERY GOOD TIME! m.f.21

This could depend on the working crew too. There may have been weather conditions to deal with at G.L. I remember in 2001, when they were working on finishing Tomb Raider. All throughout the Pre-Season, this ride was being worked on a little bit at a time. And finally in the last couple of weeks before it's scheduled opening, they were haulin a** to get the thing done in time. I remember the entrance went through a huge and fast transformation in during the last week. This might explain some early on Technical Problems. Then again, it might not. I am not saying for sure. m.f.21

If they strictly enforced the ban, then I think that it could be effective. For example, when I was at Universal Studios, the associates would stop the RIDES until they effectively made someone stop smoking. Not fair to everyone else? Or does it benefit everyone else to not inhale the smoke? Personally, I was glad to see them doing this. They also had associates circle the lines for the Halloween mazes at Halloween Horror Nights, and these associates were being very strict about line jumping and smoking cigarettes. I would strongly approve of no smoking in Kings Island. Especially in the water park, where everyone is walking around barefoot. If people need to smoke, they should have designated areas outside of the park, near the parking lot, or they should go to their cars. m.f.21

Personally, I like the ban. And I can speak out of experience. Since I have moved to Florida, I have had less asthma related symptoms. And I think that a lot of it has to do with the No Smoking Law that was passed before I moved down here. If you don't smoke, and you don't want children subject to smoke, then it is a GREAT THING. I can give you an example about what I am talking about. On a road trip to Ohio last summer, we stopped in Tennessee to eat at an Applebees. And for the 1st several minutes I was feeling kind of sick. I hadn't even thought about it, but I was back in a smoking state, and after about 10 minutes, I was experiencing an Asthma attack. This came as such a blow since I had gone nearly 2 years without having to be around it. And I was incredibly grateful to live in an area that did not allow smoking. Now I like it even better, because I can visit home, and not have to breathe it in there anymore either. a supporter of the smoking ban, m.f.21

But I do live in Florida. But all that I have to pay for is Busch Gardens, because I volunteer at SeaWorld, and I work at Disney. And I am getting my year pass to Busch Gardens on Monday the 12th. And I can't wait. I have never been there before. I am also getting my year pass to Silver Springs ( Natures Theme Park ) on the 10th in Ocala Florida. I'm going to see The Beach Boys There! I usually don't have to pay for Kings Island, because I've got a friend who gives me the ticks. But Cedar Point. When I come back to Ohio in the summer, I am going to have to pay for Cedar Point. As far as Universal goes, I have only been to the park Twice, but have only paid once. And the time that I was willing to pay was during Halloween Horror Nights. And that was with a huge discount. The other was at Christmas. As nice as the park was, it still lacked something. I think it is the emotions that Ragerunner had mentioned. I would be willing to go back to this park, but only willing to pay during the extra added time and events that come with Halloween. m.f.21

As you can tell through the use of common sense, they have been working on this for a while. And I would like to say that SeaWorld is not in trouble by any sense of the word. They are constantly expanding. From the newest Shamu show "BELIEVE" to the Shamu Express Coaster, and Now "AQUATICA" this park is proving to be one of the best contenders out there. They are proving that they are going to continue to deliver what people love so very much about them. Their undivided attention to detail and constant Groundbreaking Animal Care, as well as how to entertain entire families and give them some education to take home in the process. SeaWorld needs no Saving. And by the way, since I volunteer much of my time at SeaWorld Orlando as an educator, I can say, without a doubt, this park routinely gets so crowded that it becomes very difficult to walk. m.f.21

This will be like going to Atlantis. If you've ever been there. If not, check out the website. Only this will be better!

I thought that you might like to see this, if you haven't already. The park made this announcement public yesturday to the local area, and I thought that this would be the appropriate time to add this as a forum. It makes me want to go swimming.....in 2008 http://www.aquaticabyseaworld.com/

I do not want to be considered a blabber-------- But I thought that Six Flags was in considerable bad shape ( money wise ) News in Orlando is that Six Flags wants to build in Christmas Florida........right now, there is still no official word.... Your Florida Eye.. m.f.

I've got a picture of me and my sister on a bench like that! WOW, thanks a lot for the memory! m.f.

What about the network that it was aired on?

Actually, you might be surprised. When I 1st started working with Venomous Snakes ( in a professional facility and not catching them in the wild ) I started immediately with an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. ( Crotalus Adamanteus ) And they gave me a 6 Foot Snake Hook, in which you remove the animal from it's high enclosure, and place it into a barrel ( plastic trash can ) And 10-12lbs. at the end of a 6 ft. hook is pretty heavy. Then you check for babies, since this animal was from the wild and can holds a potential of giving live birth for up to 12 YEARS! You feed the animal a humanely youthenized rat, and perform what is called a "Protective Slide" which is safely sliding the barrel lid back on without placing your fingers around the edges. Then you slap on some bungee cords, and a label indicating the species of the snake and a venomous sign. You also place signs outside of the building and you have to call the Management office of whatever facility you are in before and after handling venomous. On top of all of this you have to be able to prove that you have No Phobia, can identify species, including scientific name, and definition of that name. And you must put in 1,000 volunteer training hours in no less than One year and achieve letters of Reccommendation from your trainer(s). As well as passing a USFW examination, State, and National Examinations. To answer your ?, I have handled Gila Monsters ( Hydrodynastes Gigas ), Florida CottonMouths ( Agkistrodon piscivorous conanti ) Diamondbacks ( Crotalus Adamanteus ), False Water Cobras ( Hydrodynastes Gigas ) CopperHeads ( Agkistron Contortrix ) and Green Mamba ( Dendroaspis Polylepis ). Which as far as stealth and toxicity is by far the most dangerous that I have ever handled. m.f.

I was wondering if your copy is any clearer than the one posted. It is a lot clearer. It is Perfect. Only I don't have the 1st half.

Thanks. It had just been a while since I was on the homepage for K.I. then. I am at this page more often. But it was the 1st time that I had seen it.

I want to thank Jay Groh for placing the Kings Island 20th Anniversary Special on this website. Over the years, I have had this preserved, but ONLY from the halfway point. Just before the episode shows The Vortex. Until now, I had never witnessed the entire episode. Even though I have the 2nd half memorized over and over again. Here is question. Seriously!!!!! Is there any possibility that I could have a copy sent to me, in either V.H.S. or in D.V.D. format. What I really truly want from the video are the scenes of Wild Animal Habitat and The Seal Show. You see, I am currently employed at Disney's Animal Kingdom. And this was no easy task, earning an Associates Degree in Science in Zoo Animal Technology, and a Bachelors in ZooBiology. I am going for my Master's Soon. I have a diving certification, and I have a certification for handling Venomous Reptiles. I am currently attending hours of hands on in my spare time to achieve a certification in animal training. ( so I can train others how to train ) WHY DO I MENTION ALL OF THIS....? Well, I love what I do for starters. I would not trade my job with animals for any other job in the world. And I developed my love, and DESIRE to work with animals by watching Kings Islands Seal/Dolphin shows as a child. SERIOUSLY, NO LIE! I have always wanted to work with animals, as far back as I can remember as a result of seeing these shows. This is why it would mean so very much to me to have this part of the video. This is the show that helped to make me into the animal enthusiast that I am today. And I want to share it with Disney's Animal Kingdom in hopes of maybe making something like it here. This show was just SOOOOooooooo UNIQUE. Even when compared with SeaWorld. I always tell people that, but nobody really believes me. This video, is my proof. CAN I ORDER IT? I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO PAY FOR IT? THANKS M.F.

Fantastic Job Ladies and Gentleman. I love it. m.f.

I am glad that you had the opportunity to enjoy SeaWorld Orlando. And I agree with Avatar. Those are some pretty nice photos. m.f.

When I first started working at the park in 1995, those things were up there. They are so worn with age. I agree that these things need to come down now. Along with the NAME..."P" who must not be named Theatre.

Hey, Kings Island has updated their website again. It shows lots of perks for getting a gold pass, including SPEEDPASS lines, and priority seating at TimberWolf amphitheatre. They also have a commercial for Firehawk. It looks pretty sweet. I especially like the Red Font for Kings Island, with a Blue flag dotting the I following the video. Kings Dominion is updated with WaterWorks too! m.f.