italianchef

Tonight I went to Kings Island with my wife and we left our son with a baby sitter. We saw the ice show, rode The Racer, and did some other rides that my son is too small for. We had dinner at Panda Express. it was a shock to pay $31 for fast food for 2. Now I know why the numbers aren't too great. But at least the portions were good.

I am most certain that Star Trek: The Experience will be sold. It just doesn't fit into the CF model. CF doesn't do Hollywood. And I've heard rumors that GL was doing so bad that it'll be sold. Selling these facilities would not end CF's debt problems. But it would reduce them.

Wow! I am so excited. But since my wife is afraid of SOB, we won't ride it this weekend. Besides, I am not that fond of the ride. I think SOB should be retired and replaced with a steel step-child.

That episode of the Travel Channel is on YouTube. A certain author with thinning hair spoke very briefly during the presentation. Best regards, Italian Chef

I recall reading that September and October are the best times to visit Walt Disney World.

If I had the money, I would LOVE to purchase Star Trek: The Experience. I am a sci fi fan and will bring a sci fi actress to KI next month as my guest. However, Star Trek: The Experience just doesn't quite fit into Cedar Fair. It is a Hollywood attraction and Cedar Fair does not do Hollywood. It's a main street kind of amusement park chain. I reckon that CF should sell ST: TE soon. As for Geauga Lake, it is a tragedy. Part of it used to be Sea World. The whole park used to be Six Flags Worlds of Adventure. Whales and other animals lived there. Millions of dollars were invested in that park. And now what? I have heard rumors that GL is doing so badly that the park will be shut down. Perhaps CF should cut its losses and sell this under-appreciated noble park.

Giuliani was brave to govern New York City for 8 years, especially after the 9/11 attacks. But is he brave enough to ride any of the thrill rides at Kings Island?? If he does, the photo ops would get him many a young vote. That's my opinion anyway. Best regards, Italian Chef

I'd be thrilled if Disney did purchase CF - or at least Kings Island. But it would cost lots of money for Disney to re-theme and upgrade the parks. And Disney would want to replace CF's management team with Disney managers. That is something that CF doesn't want.

In my opinion, Disney is more likely to purchase Great Wolf Lodge than Cedar Fair. From my experiences and observations, the Great Wolf Lodges are closer to Disney in terms of theming, design, amenities, and service than any of the CF parks. And by owning Great Wolf Lodge, folks can get a taste of Disney, but not an alternative to a Disney park. I love Great Wolf Lodge - and I'd love it even more if Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse replaced Wiley Wolf and Bilko. I'd be thrilled if Disney purchased CF and less inclined to travel to Florida or California to enjoy a Disney park. And I think that is one reason why Disney wouldn't purchase CF - less visits to the main parks in Florida and California.

Ryan is correct. Kings Island is the park of choice for local families who don't have quite enough money to go to Disney World. It is cheaper for my family to visit Kings Island 15 times a year than one visit to Disney World. That is why I love Kings Island so much and am there so frequently.

As we know, Cedar Fair has taken on a large amount of debt and might sell one or more parks to reduce debt. Which facilities do you think Cedar Fair should sell and why?

The writing is on the wall. Tear SOB down.

Perhaps SOB should be retired, removed, and replaced by a large steel coaster.

It will be in the parking lot.

Guess what? Nickelodeon's Slime Across America is coming to Kings Island!!!! I was shocked to read about it. The following Pulse Journal article tells all about this exciting event. http://www.pulsejournal.com/hp/content/oh/...familymain.html Have a great weekend! Italian Chef

Provided I find a friend to carpool with, I plan to attend and do all activities.

I would like to see a new indoor roller coaster.

There is no place in this world that I love more than Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It is Heaven on Earth. I've also been to Disney parks in California and Japan - and they are pretty awesome, too. I VERY VERY VERY much wish that Disney would purchase CF - or at least Kings Island. But I VERY VERY VERY much doubt that they will. Disney likes to have attractions that are of superior quality and open all year around. I think it's more likely that Disney would purchase Great Wolf Lodge than Cedar Fair. Have a great day! Italian Chef

Geauga Lake is not earning enough money. It ought to be sold, even for real estate. Star Trek: The Experience doesn't fit well into a traditional amusement park chain. It ought to be sold. Selling those 2 parks alone would reduce debt. Additionally, I'm sure CF can sell a one or two water parks for more to reduce debt. We'll see what happens. Have a great day! Italian Chef

It seems that Cedar Fair is seeking a buyer that will keep its management team in place. What do you THINK the future of Cedar Fair is?

I'm totally shocked. CF has only owned the former Paramount parks for one year! In my humble opinion, anyone who purchases the parks might not want the stipulation of keeping the management team in place. I am seriously wondering what will happen. If CF cannot find a buyer, will it sell GL, Star Trek: The Experience, and some other properties? Does this mean NO new rides at KI next year? Does this mean that CF does not have the money to renew the Nickelodeon license and NU will someday be Camp Snoopy? There are lots of questions and at the moment, few answers.

Hi Deb, My son is 3 years old. Best regards, Charles

What is an FEC?

Since it's geared toward kids under 14, I won't bother visiting it. Sure I have a 3-year old. But we go to Kings Island for all of us.

After work Mrs. Chef and I picked up Toddler Chef, changed our clothes, and headed to Kings Island for a family evening out. First Toddler Chef and I wrote Little Bill's Giggle Coaster while Mrs. Chef video-taped us. I'm happy to report that my son did NOT cry. Next we headed to Wings Buffet for dinner. WOW! I was greatly impressed. All you can eat and drink (but no alchocol) for $15. And the quality and selection of food is not that bad. It was a great surprise. Thumbs up KI. After eating we boarded the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad. While enjoying our scenic ride, it began to rain. But since it didn't rain too hard, I rode The Racer alone while Mrs. Chef shopped with Toddler Chef. And we all enjoyed some more of Nickelodeon Universe - including a second ride for me and my son on Little Bill's. While exiting NU, I purchased blueberry ice cream for Mrs. and Toddler Chef at Toddler's request. Okay, for those of you without children, my trip report must seem lame. But for those of you who are parents, you know how excitin it is to see your small children enjoy their first amusement park rides. Best regards, Italian Chef