italianchef

A few weeks ago I dreamed that I was riding Flight of Fear - and the rest of my dream eludes me. So, I went to PKI after that and rode PKI three times in a row!

I choose Shake, Rattle, & Roll because it takes too bloody long to load and unload people into Monster. Additionally, I think it's a little more enjoyable.

If Taft Broadcasting still existed and operated Kings Island, the following benefits would not exist: 1. A season pass that you can use at any other Paramount park. 2. TR:TR. 3. Nickelodeon Central with all its theming and characters. However, if Taft Broadcasting still operated Kings Island, I think we'd have the following benefits: 1. The Animal Safari would probably still exist. 2. All Hanna-Barbera characters, including the Flintstones & Jetsons, would still roam the park. So, I guess it's a trade-off. Sincerely, Italian Chef

I don't see why the International Restaurant can't simply be re-opened all year around - and drop the proper attire required rule. And if PKI begged me to switch careers and be the executive chef the International Restaurant....I would give it serious consideration. Though the menu would be largely Italian.....I'd have some French, American, Japanese, Chinese and Thai dishes to keep the menu "international".

I have heard that Kings Island used to have an INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT that was separate from the park. In other words, dining at the restaurant didn't admit one to the park and vice-versa. What if PKI re-opened the International Restaurant and kept it open all year? Additionally, what if PKI kept a skelaton crew all year around and charged a minimal fee (say $10) to people to enter the park during the off-season. However, the only rides available would be The Eiffel Tower and Grand Carousel. Or better yet....add FoF and the Paramount FX Theater. What would y'all think of that? PKI all year around. Even if only 2-4 rides and a fancy restaurant. Riding FoF during the winter would cure me of my annual roller coaster withdrawal syndrome and I LOVE PKI! May I read your comments? Sincerely, Italian Chef

For starters, Kings Island was never owned by a "he" but by a corporate entity known as Taft Broadcasting, which has been defunct for years. Taft Broadcasting owned Hanna-Barbera (which is nowed owned by Warner Brothers) and bought Coney Island Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. Taft CEO Charles Mechem allowed Coney Island General Manager Gary Wachs (who was part-owner of the park) to keep his job. The two men planned to opene Kings Island Theme Park off Kings Mills to get away from the floods of the Ohio River. The park was influenced largely by Disneyland, which is why Hanna-Barbera characters were so influential in the park. In 1984 Taft Broadcasting sold Kings Island to Kings Entertainment Company (KECO). American Financial Corporation purchased Kings Island from KECO in 1987, but retained KECO to manage the park. Then in 1992 Paramount Communications purchased all of KECO’s amusement parks and Kings Island and established Paramounts Parks. The global media giant Viacom purchased Paramounts Communications in 1994 and ownership Paramount’s Kings Island has undergone much expansion since then. Now back to the original question.....if Taft still owned Kings Island, I'd say the following would most likely have happened: 1. There would be NO Nickelodeon Central. 2. Hanna-Barbera characters would still roam International Street and Hanna-Barbera Land - plus maybe some newer ones including Johhny Bravo and The Powerpuff Girls. 3. Paramount's Action Zone would not exist - it'd still be the Animal Safari. 4. There'd be more parades, a ferris wheel, and overall a traditional amusement park theming. My guess is that maybe there'd be 10 instead of 12 roller coasters in the park. Either way, if Taft still owned Kings Island there'd be no influence from Viacom or any of its affiliates including Nickelodeon, Paramount's Pictures, VH-1, CMT, etc. Sincerely, Italian Chef

Your statements remind of a 1970s episode of Soap when Danny (I think) was dumped by his girlfriend. She told him that she loved him but wasn't in love with him. It was comical, you'd have to see it.

PKI already has Subway, LaRosa's and Skyline Chili, which are fast food chains. Why shouldn't PKI invite Burger King as both institutions share the name KING. Plus children and maturely challenged adults can get Burger King crowns from Burger King at Paramount's Kings Island. The theming fits well together.

I never got to ride the monorail and visit the Wildlife Safari because I lived in New York at the time. However, I think that it was a mistake to take the Animal park and monorail out because I would've loved to see animals and ride the monorail at PKI. Heck, Disney World built the Animal Kingdom last decade and it has been highly successful. My guess is that PKI removed the animal habitat because of the costs and risks associated with maintaining wild animals.

I once heard a joke overseas "What do you call a person who speaks three langauges? Tri-lingual. What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Bi-lingual? What do you call a person who speaks one language? American." The butt of the joke was that we Americans are the most linguistically and culturally challenged of all developed nations. Hence, it's fair to say that many Americans will accept a cheap immitation of an Australian water resort because we don't really know what Australain is. I have never visited Down Under, though I had 2 Australian roommates in Japan. So, I have an understanding of Australia. I hope that the new water park will be awesome. Nevertheless, I am reminded of the fact that we as Americans should study other cultures more in depth to understand them. Sincerely, Italian Chef

At least you could go to PKI today. I couldn't because I don't work at either PKI or GE. Hence, I took Mrs. Chef to the next best thing - The Beach Water Park. However, it was so cold, that we left after less than 2 hours and had lunch at Bob Evans. Ironically, I wish both PKI and The Beach the very best of luck next season.

I love both rides. When I ride Xtreme Skyflyer, only the initial drop is scary. After that, it's smooth sailing. However, every second of Sling Shot makes me scream with fear and shock. Hence, I vote for the more intense ride so long as it doesn't give me cardiac arrest. Have a groovy day! Sincerely, Italian Chef

Chatter, My advice is get a baby sitter for the kids and take your wife alone to FearFesr because it's too scary for small children like yours. PKI even states that it's not good for children under 12 years old. Additionally, (if you have a baby sitter) I recommend renting a hotel room as they are cheaper in October and making it a romantic and fun time for you and your wife. Since FearFest a Halloween celebration, I recommend a nice bottle of red wine for the hotel room. Perhaps a Cabaret Savingnon or Merlot. Just a suggestion from one married man to another. The day time attraction for children are fine for your kids - but the evening haunted attractions are NOT. If possible, take the kids one weekend (as FearFest is now free with your season pass) for the family oriented aspects and take your wife another weekend for the scary stuff that probably won't bore you. Have a great day! Italian Chef

Maybe they took a vacation. The restaurant is not managed nor staffed by PKI, but ny outside vendors. The owner is from Singapore.

I have a suggestion for the park too. They should bring back the H-B characters - at least once a month and announce it in advance so people like me can make it a point of taking pictures with them.

Ryan, Thank you for your kind comments about Mrs. Chef. I much appreciate it. Have a great day, Italian Chef

I go to FearFest exclusively for the mazes. Therefore I am NOT looking forward to the extra-large crowds that'll be there this year.

Thank you DragonLord. I will pass on your well wishes to Mrs. Chef. You are correct that I will have to spend much time in Hanna-Barbera Land. Thinking about it makes me miss Cindy Bear, the Flintstones, and all the H-B characters that PKI pulled out this year. Have a great day! Italian Chef

WHAT!!!! THAT IS AN OUTRAGE! I SO NOT GOING TO FEARFEST NOW THATS THE MARK OF The Beast! WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE NUTS! MAN THAT A CRYIN SHAME! Ahh! Just do not ride it. Thats like saying you are not going to ride The Beast, because it's "The Beast" You could go and suggest that they rename it "Route 66", like that show... I think I may be going to fearfest on the 18th. I'm just going to ride the rides though, the attractions have very long lines. - Sorry about that. I agree that certain folks take religion much too seriously. The name 666 is purely for entertainment. In no way is PKI endorsing Satanism or any other evil cult. FearFest is simply for entertainment. However, some folks beliefs are different from my own.

Both Mrs. Chef and I liked 007:License to Thrilll the best! It gave me the opportunity to pretend that I was Agent 007 on a mission - and I like the turns that the ride made.

Sorry we missed you as we rode FoF 3 times. Hey, if anyone ever wants to try my AWARD WINNING cuisine, just meet my wife, praise Japan, and convince her you are a saint - and the rest is easy.

Prior to going to PKI, Ryan dropped by my home and met Mrs. Chef. My wife is a strict judge of character and after meeting him, she invited BoddH to our home for dinner (cooked by me, the Italian Chef of course). That says a lot because Mrs. Chef seldom likes folks she meets and invites them to try my culinary creations. Therefore, hats off to Mr. Ryan who made a great impression on my wife. I specialize in Italian food, but I also do some French and Japanese dishes quite well. Ryan and I greatly enjoyed the rides - especially FoF, The Beast, and Delirium. We also took great pleasure in dining at Mandarin Cuisine. Sure, the food isn't as awesome as some of the Chinese restaurants that I ate at in ASIA itself and New York City - but for Ohio, it's darn good! I highly recommend it. Have a great day! Italian Chef

Logically speaking, the majority of the populance on these forums love PKI. My question to the rest of you is why do you love PKI? Please tell us why. My reasons? 1. It's close to home. 2. The rides - especially The Beast. 3. The theming - especially H-B Land which reminds me of my childhood. 4. My book which has given me much fame. 5. It's the first American theme park Mrs. Chef and I visited together. 6. The shows - especially Graveyard Shift....and I miss it! Have a totally groovy day! Sincerely, Italian Chef

Hey folks, Every pass holder can attend FearFest free. I am sad because the lines will be WORSE than ever. I'd rather pay admission for shorter lines - and I'm a cheap guy! How do the rest of you feel? Have a groovy day! Sincerely, Italian Chef

MissDi, I see the logic in your line of reasoning and greatly appreciate your contributions to this esteemed webpage. Have a great day! Sincerely, Italian Chef