marlfox_21

I wouldn't say that I take exceptional care of my body. I've ridden numerous coasters at many parks, and I only have One complaint. Son of Beast hurts. I rode it for it's media day back when it first opened and when I was as fit as a fiddle. It hurt. I was sore for nearly a full month. When it reopened occasionally, I hopped on it again for some reason numerous times. But at some point in 2003 I rode the thing and it didn't just hurt, it HURT! A lot! I never rode it again. I couldn't even look at it without cringing. And I pick up large varying snakes on the end of a 10 ft. hook, which is a lot of weight on your arms. I have carried Eagles on my shoulder, which is a lot of weight to carry on your shoulders. I've picked up alligator snapping turtles from creekbeds, I've assisted in catching deer with my bare hands, and I've been on Alligator's backs for relocation. I've been bit, scratched, clawed, torn, and thrown. To me, that's FUN! Son of Beast hurts. I strongly support the decision to have it removed in favor of something safer.

After my trip to St. Louis, I returned to Ohio for a few days, which naturally means that I stopped by Kings Island. While riding Flight Deck, I noticed 2 men walking the perimeter of the Son of Beast. I could be wrong about this, but there was what looked like new bamboo plants along the exit of Flight Deck facing the SOB. I can't imagine how difficult it was to come to this decision, but I applaud it. Hopefully they will build not One attraction but a variety of attractions in the space where SOB currently stands. Preferably attractions designed for families. ( All ages ) My only question now is what happens to Wolfpack?

I don't start many topics on here anymore, but I really thought that this was something that was worth mentioning. I had the opportunity to go to Kings Island a couple of weeks ago and I witnessed something that honestly caught me offguard. Not many things surprise me anymore in the world of public parks, but this was certainly an eye opener. While me and my group were boarding the train to leave Soak City, a man dropped his hat over the side of the train. He stared at it for a moment and started laughing. My immediate reaction is that he realized that nothing could be done about it, and that he would move on. Then he stared down at a little girl, then his eyes met whom I assume was his son. He picked this young boy up, and held him over the side of the train and then dropped him beside the train. Oh, if only I still worked at the park at this moment in time. The boy picked up the hat which had literally landed on the track and held up his hands to be picked back up by the man. The man asked for the hat first, then picked the boy up and back into the train. The young boy then took his seat, and the man then kissed the little girl on top of the head. ( Put One in danger, and love the other. ) This was the most bizarre example of being a parent or guardian that I have witnessed in quite a while. To be clear, the boy was not injured and the train was not moving, and I understand that KI associates cannot see everything that goes on involving a ride so long and massive. But the issue was very real. The boy was bent down under the train to pick up a hat which was lying on the track, and did so at his parent or guardians request. My only regret is that there wasn't anything that I could do about it. I would have went to an associate, because technically it was child endangerment, but I had no way to prove what I saw, and I didn't figure that a lot could be done. That's why I am bringing this issue up here. I trust this site, and I know that KI pays attention to it. My summary is that this was an outrageous action taken by a parent, it has really been bothering me to have witnessed it and no material item is more important than anyone's safety.

I would actually want a 2nd flume. Something big and waving back in the treetops. Like what they had in the past back by The Crypt. When I think about it, adding something like a large treehouse for adults and kids to walk through would be kind of cool too. Kind of like the Robinson Family Treehouse at Disney. I could go on and on with this. The bottom line is not to put all extreme rides up, but a collection of attractions that would create sentimental value from individual memories. I understand that everything at KI does this, but I am referring to something that the entire family can enjoy together, like Dinosaurs Alive.

This is just the simple rambling of a fan. A fan who likes to see great things happen at great places. Despite a relative fanbase, yes, I would remove the S.O.B. In it's place I would take advantage of the wooden area, and maybe start a new theme. Something similar to Rivertown, but not really at the same time. I would put up a massive new concept, something much like Adventure Mountain at Dollywood ( only bigger ) with the trees in the background to make it blend in splendidly. I would put up a new log flume ride to also fare well with the trees. Maybe I would even add a pond, where children could fish. ( That's different! ) In addition to all of this, I would add a zip line, and plant some new trees. ( Save the Trees )

Even when I lived in Ohio, I can honestly say that I never even thought about visiting The Beach. This statement holds true only for visiting the park during the summer months. I made a handful of visits to the park during it's Holiday Fest run. During the summer, I always went to K.I. for Water Works instead. Then Boomerang Bay. I kind of wish that I had taken the time to visit the park at least Once now. It's sad to see it go, as it is just another sign of government and the economy killing jobs.

Well now. How profitable is the SOB? I don't know. When you are in Ohio, all that you want to do is take a trip to DisneyWorld, Universal Studios, or SeaWorld. The people who I know in Florida, who grew up around all of the previously named parks have a very common denominator. They all want to visit Cedar Point. When they read about a wooden coaster the size of SOB, their interest is blocked by a red flag. Most of my friends in Florida whom I have discussed this coaster with have the idea that this coaster idea is crazy. Why would anyone want to ride a wooden coaster that tall and that fast? Then again, One of the tallest and fastest wooden coasters in Florida between Orlando and Tampa looks a lot like a mini SOB in the beginning of the ride. It takes off in that same out of the station direction and circles back around to go up the lift hill, and goes over that same circular bounce before the drop. Of course, I am referring to Busch Garden's Kwazi. This ride alone is rather uncomfortable, and would not send a good message about the Son of Beast. Long story short, the ride is not attractive to a lot of people. And honestly, it's not attractive at all to me. Maybe I've been in FL. for too long. But I'm willing to bet that family attractions would attract more Floridians than not. But then, there are other places besides Florida. Please do not take my opinions to heart if you love this ride. Just take comfort in knowing that we are agreeing to disagree. Even if the ride opens again, it will still be closed to me.

How can you say except for the smurf on the front? I remember the Smurf's enchanted voyage fondly. It is my greatest single memory of the park regarding rides. And to see the dolphins. That brings back great memories. Those dolphins peaked my interest to the highest level, and I have turned that into a career. The 80's and the early 90's were amongst some of the best year's the park has ever seen. One can only hope that the new president will take the company back into that direction. Pure family.

Oh I don't know. The bridge at the Cincinnati Zoo over Vine Street is splendid and makes for a great new entrance to the park. Just imagine what the safari will look like when it's complete!

I hope that I didn't miss anything. I looked all over for this topic, and thought for sure that I would find something on it, but alas, I have not. Did anyone else watch the episode of Ghost Hunters this past weekend featuring Kings Island? I was taken aback by the episode a little bit. I have always heard rumors of haunts at K.I., and some of them were not mentioned on this show. But I have heard of the little girl before, but I did not realize she had a potential origin and the name Missouri. The show served Kings Island well, but I think this could have really made a full 30 minute or even an hour episode with the use of the park. The lights in the International Restaurant were interesting, and the recording of "I want my mom" was freaky.

I guess what Kings Island's WinterFest is missing compared to Zoological Parks, etc is this. When people go to the Cincinnati Zoo's Festival of Lights, it's not just a trip to the zoo. After all of these years, it is now a tradition. We know what to expect, and that's greatness. And that's just it. We don't stop and think to ourselves, "is the zoo worth it?" because we already know. It is a high expectation that is met year after year. It's almost as though, we feel like we haven't celebrated Christmas without our trip to the zoo to see their amazing lights and shows. Winterfest has been out of the spotlight for so long, people no longer know what to expect. And if you can only afford to do One thing, that One trip is probably going to be what you already know will not be dissappointing to you. Too many questions come up regarding WinterFest. How much does it cost? What can I do when I get in there? Are the shows any good? How is the park decorated? Is there anything to do that doesn't require spending even more money on top of admission and parking? ( And let's be honest, for those of us who went, there really isn't. ) Another question that crosses my mind is why is the park having Winterfest? I remember the Winterfest of old. I remember the smiling, and the ice skating, and the fabulous tree of lights stringing down from the tower. I remember it feeling like Christmas. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, true enough, but still. I understand in full that it is a business, and businesses make money, but is there even a spark of the old desire to make people recognize the holiday for the right reasons? Going back to what I remember about WinterFest. Sure I would take the time to go if they ever had it again, but most young couples no longer relate with it. It is a chance to them, and One that they do not know if they will enjoy or not. It shouldn't be expected to rake in the dollars in it's encore season. But in time, it can become a high expectation and a tradition.

I find it interesting that zoos (Columbus and Cincy, namely) have found such success with their wintertime events while Paramount's efforts floundered. In Columbus, the zoo typically sees its highest daily attendance records broken not during mid summer or even Ohio's pleasant fall, but during the cold, December "Wildlights" dates. Sure, the zoo's smaller infastructure might make it easier for them in terms of ROI, but the park's dramatically larger scope and attractions roster, one would think, would lead to a very successful event. When I think about Kings Island, I think about teenagers running free, roller coasters, a lot of walking, etc. These are great things, but they don't necessarily bring out that concept of "Family" What are you marketing? I want to be careful to word what I'm saying correctly. Kings Island is a great family park, but roller coasters and teens are not going to bring in the older crowd. This is where Zoo's are different. It is worth the merit and the exhaustion because everyone can enjoy everything as a group. And zoo's don't come out and say it, but you will always find a scene or Two relating directly to Christ. A lot of people are fully aware of this, and appreciate it. The lower prices don't hurt anything either. And at zoo's you can enjoy the warmth of a heated animal house without having to spend money between all of the shops and food stands. Kings Island is a great value, and I truly miss WinterFest and I wish that they would bring it back. Another factor is that too many young couples with children have no memory of ever visiting a WinterFest at KI, where the Zoo's have built quite a reputation that has been shared by generations.

I had heard that the Rave Motion Pictures Movie Theatre across the street from Kings Island is closing it's doors. Does anyone know if there is any truth to this?

Remember where you parked. The parking garage at Universal is insane. Don't ask the associates at Discovery Cove/Sea World how often the animatronic whales need to be painted. ( not joking ) That question is the worst.

Let them tell you what they want. Free marketing. Free Counseling. Free Polls. Reading the mind of the buyer.

This attraction needs to have something done to it. The theming outside of the ride is fantastic, but the inside ( you know, the part that matters the most to the rider ) seriously lacks something to be desired. I wouldn't be the least bit dissatisfied if they ripped the whole thing out and put a pond back in. Or added a new log flume ride in it's place. In fact, I would even be happy to see them rip it up and plant some trees. Finally, even though I know this would never happen, that building would make a great planetarium.

It's good that you are putting your health first. I'm happy to hear it. I started putting my health first again for the 1st time in a while. I was almost back to a weight I haven't been to in 14 years. So I put together a home gym consisting of a bench press, stationary bike, pull up bar, curling bar, barbells, 500lbs worth of weights to make all of this useful, an ab roller, an indoor trampoline, jumprope, I have placed a rope about 20 ft. into a tree for climbing, and I have constructed a chin-up bar. To date, I have made excellent use of all of this equipment. In the past 6 months, I have dropped 16 pounds. I have had the bench press for a long time, ( I have been using this for much longer than the rest of this equipment ) and have worked my way back up to lifting 300lbs in 3 reps of 10, which I have not been able to do in nearly 8 years. I have been rather aggressive at it, skipping the more traditional 3 days a week, and working half of the equipment for 30 minutes, skipping 2 days, then working all of the equipment for 60 minutes, skip 2 days, repeat. It's proven to take a lot of determination to keep doing this. The hardest part was I found myself getting bored and uninterested in finishing a workout. So I placed a TV and a radio in the room to help with this.

I've never met anyone before. I met to do so once, but I ended up arriving at the park hours after I had planned. That's because it was planned. If I hadn't planned it I would have arrived precisely when I meant to.

It has always personally kind of bothered me that the rides name is Son of Beast. Technically, we are calling it The Anti-Christ.

As you tear it down, reconstruct the frame with steal to make it just like The Voyage. That would be an interesting ride.

The park can still make money off of this thing. Just charge to have guests names and addresses carved into a piece of the Son of Beast. And if I may make a suggestion, if this ride really does finally go......Don't sob over it. The ride really isn't worth the tears. ( Unless you happen to be riding it. )

Nobody should be willing to make comments and judgements without knowing the facts involved. I'm mentioning this not because of KICentral but because of comments I have read on other sites. That being said, animals cannot simply be introduced to new habitats in facilities such as The Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, etc. due to the possibility of contaminating the previously housed animals with diseases. This is not impossible, it just requires careful planning. Now, please consider the sheriffs options for a moment. Do you give conditions an opportunity to change? At that moment, you have an opportunity to prevent people from getting injured ( or God forbid, worse ) either by an incident involving an attack, mauling or a traffic accident, etc. with a rare and seriously dangerous animal that most people do not understand. Keep in mind that you would have people getting injured trying to hunt or catch these animals on their own as well. And EVERY animal has some degree of danger. The key is to recognize how One species can harm you over another. Getting back to my point, if the local law enforcement had taken no action and someone did end up getting hurt the question then would have been "Why did you do nothing when the animal was in your sight and you still had control." Muskingum is lucky to have an official who is not afraid to make the hard decisions....popular or not.

I'm gonna post 10 more times so I have have reply #1000. LOL

All that it really says to me is "Well......we have thought about it. We can at least let people know that it's on the table."

I would post my trip report regarding my 1st trip to Cedar Point in nearly 9 seasons on here. But the only thing I have to say ( because this would take a while to word properly ) is that you don't want for me to post it. The only thing good that happened was that I was with and had time alone with my wife. Which is always wonderful but.... ( I could have stayed home to be with her and saved my money. ) And yes, I don't usually have anything bad to say about these parks. .......growllllllll.