italianchef

Like I said before, I seriously doubt CF has the money for the parks. My guess is that (1) An investment company will buy the whole set of parks, or (2) the parks will be sold off individually to different concerns. We'll see. Have a great day! Italian Chef

I can see Cedar Fair purchasing PKI to dominate the Ohio/Midwestern theme park market. However, for some reason I don't think that the company has deep enough pockets to purchase all 5 Paramount parks. And if it does - what will happen to Star Trek The Experience???? I suppose we'll have to wait and see. Have a great day! Italian Chef

Hey thanks for the posting on Phantom Theater. I really do miss it and I'm sure others do, too. Have a great weekend! Italian Chef

Amen! I wish that PKI still had Star Trek characters. It's make PKI look more like a "movie park". Have a great day! Italian Chef

Come on...you mean you're not working those contacts you made while researching & writing the book? If I had that much influence over Paramount Parks, I would've been the one hired as the Newsletter Writer/Editor. Though I was a finalist, someone else beat me. Having an MBA, being the author of the only non-fiction book written about a Paramount park, a freelance writer, a former public access TV producer/scirpt writer, and corporate bank employee was not enough. Fortunately, I still have my day job that pays me more than they would have anyway. Still, it would've been so cool if I gotten the job. Have a great day! Italian Chef

I voted for the higher ups. After seeing what Maureen Kaiser did at Winter Soar, I was HIGHLY impressed. Consider: 1. She helped organize the event - which PKI didn't make a PENNY off of. 2. Made an awesome presentation. 3. Led a tour in the cold. 4. Allowed competitors to speak at the event. 5. Did clean-up as in TRASH collection work. Professionals like her, don't grow on trees. Hence, I voted for MK. Have a groovy day! Italian Chef

I am going to tell you what my guess is - and it's 100% off speculation. I don't know anything more than anyone else. My guess is that an investment company will purchase Paramount Parks and keep things exactly they the way they are now - from our perspective. Of course with a new company the compensation packages of the parks' employees would change as I reckon they'd no longer have CBS stock options. Aside that, I think everything will pretty much be the same. Have a great day! Italian Chef

This was my first visit to PKI - other than the parking lot last weekend - of the year. It was great to walk on park property, see the construction site, hang out in the International Street Restaurant, see old friends and enjoy Maureen's awesome presentation. In addition to being author of the Kings Island book, I am a freelancer who has contributed to 10 publications. I've interviewed lots of people - probably more than 200. Maureen is unique in her demeanor, professionalism and enthusiasm. As a journalist, it is very easy to work with her. And I think Jennifer, the new PR assistant, will greatly contribute to the success of PKI. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders and an excellent work ethic. Though sad to see H-B Land go, I am greatly looking forward to enjoying NU with my son, Toddler Chef, and wife, Mrs. Chef. Overall, tonight was a great experience. Have a great day! Italian Chef

I am very excited about tomorrow's tour. In all honesty, I have NEVER been on the park's property (other than the parking lot) during the off season. Thanks for the tip about wearing old sneakhers. See you tomorrow! Italian Chef

My guess is that which ever entity (or entities) purchases the parks will surely want the Nickelodeon license beause of its popularity. However, I am not as certain that the new owner/owners of Paramount's Parks will also want to pay a premium for the Paramount Pictures license. Rides like Top Gun or TIJ can easily be re-themed and few of the movie-themed rides have much impact because of the films they are based on. That's my humble opinion anyway. Have a great day! Italian Chef

I liked Toy Factory better because it wasn't as loud. But both were awesome shows. Have a great day! Italian Chef

As a fan of PKI, I'd like to thank the staff of PKICentral for providing this AWESOME and FREE service to all of us PKI enthusiasts. Have a great day! Italian Chef

Does this mean that Scooby Doo is no longer Warner Bros/Hanna-Barbera?

I thought that PKI was getting rid of Hanna-Barbera. Can you elaborate on the ride? Also, how is SDATHC remaining the same? It can't be in NU and there is no more H-B Land. Will it be in IS? Thanks, Italian Chef

I own it. Some folks thought it was lame, but I liked it. One thing I appreciate is that it shows both Kings Island and the Kings Island Resort and Conference Center. Have a great day! Italian Chef

Actually Disney has lots of thrills - and family entertainment as well. It is pointless for anyone to compete with Disney heads on. Disney is the industry leader that all other parks should try to emulate. Have a great day! Italian Chef

It was on at 10 a.m. We missed it! I didn't see it in the TV Guide until now. I wish they'd replay it. Merry Christmas! Italian Chef

Perhaps the International Street Restaurant can be re-opened as a casual lounge all year around. By lounge I mean a bar with appetizers and maybe sandwiches. That would make it cheaper and more profitable to maintain. What do y'all think? Merry Christmas! Italian Chef

So long as Viacom/CBS own Kings Island, the formal name will be Paramount's Kings Island. If the company finds a buyer, like they wish to, then and only then will "Paramount" be dropped from the name. That's my humble opinion anyway. Have a great weekend! Italian Chef

Let's face reality. Odds are that Paramounts Parks won't be "Paramount" in the future. However, it'll take quite some time to find a buyer with the desire and capital for such an investment. If Viacom/CBS sells the parks as separate units, I'd say they could liquidate those assets fast. If the company insists on selling them as all or nothing - they may end up stuck with an asset they don't want. My opinion is that whomever buy PKI (and perhaps the other parks) will also be given the rights to Nickelodeon and perhaps Paramount for at least 10 years. This would make the sale more appealing and give Viacom/CBS free publicity. Anyway, I've yet to see anyone with money say they will or can realistically buy PKI and/or all of the Paramount's Parks. Let's just assume for the next 3 years, no major changes will happen. Have a great day! Italian Chef

Shouldn't we wait until WinterFest ends until we start the count down? After all, we can visit PKI if we want to, we just can't ride any coasters or other good rides. Have a great day! Italian Chef

PKI still sells my book, The Unofficial Guidebook to Paramount's Kings Island, in Emporium and if anyone buys a copy and wants me to autograph it...just contact me. I'd be honored. If by some chance they are sold out, which I seriously doubt, try: www.orangefrazer.com or www.amazone.com My last e-mail with Charles Jacques was several months ago. And he gave me no indication of when his book will be finished. So I wouldn't hold my breath. Assuming it'll eventually be finished and released, I'm sure we'll read about it. Have a great weekend! Italian Chef aka Charles Infosino

Hello CincyJen, It is NOT an alcohol free event. Beer, wine, and some spirits are also available. I sampled the red wine on Media Night and was pleased with the high quality of the vintage. Have a great day! Italian Chef

Here is the article: http://www.citybeat.com/2005-11-23/events.shtml Happy Thanksgiving, Italian Chef

I too was surprised, but not disappointed, that SDATHC looked exactly the same.