beastfan11

(You’re right, though. Totally nailed it.)

Passes and meal plans, etc. were too cheap. Maybe this could (in hindsight) be looked at as an over correction a year or two from now, but the reality of of the situation is that they spent years giving away the gate, handing out meal plans for a “dime,” and watched as the masses poured in. It’s not so much that the majority of passholders “abused” the situation, but it’s obvious, post merger, that that model is not sustainable in this new Six Flags reality. Seen plenty of plenty of negative reactions online about this today. These are a lot of the same folks who bragged about much “advantage” they got out of their pass, dining/drink plan, etc. Interpret that however you want. Theres a balance. At the end of the day, the situation is what it is. Between the merger and the ultimate failed strategy of passholder add-ons, cheap passes, and whatever… things have changed. The price of gold/prestige passes have, for a long time, been priced way under what they should have, market value be darned. Look no further than the returns, reaction, and overall value when it comes to attendance vs. in-park spending. Whether it’s Disney or Six Flags, less can be more if/when it comes to attendance if guest are still spending money. And in many cases, guests are still willing to renew and pay regardless. That being a good or bad thing is certainly up for debate. Trimming the fat, increasing prices, etc., I hope would/will result in a higher quality output in terms of new additions, cleanliness, added events, and more. Look no further than Haunt. Sure, it’s an upcharge now when it historically wasn’t, but the quality of the event been better, right? I mean… Conjuring? Order of the Dragon? The reported $60k investment in the new Jason maze? Not to mention the concerns about crowds, clientele, and beyond. I personally don’t want to see anyone out-priced from visiting KI the same way I want to be able to take my family to Disneyland without selling a kidney. But it’s hypocritical to celebrate the perceived value of season passes, drink and meal plans, perks, etc., and then turn around and complain about crowds, added retail/alcohol sales, increased prices, lack of non, thrilling “thoosie additions.” I don’t care for the majority of any of these changes. But I’m personally willing to let my dollar go farther when it comes to the overall park experience, given the current status of the chain as a whole. And ironically, it’s not all bad. Look at the aforementioned Haunt experience, PT:OE, certain food experiences, operations… I mean, it’s stellar. But that’s not to say there hasn’t been a handful of miserable fails over the last season or two. Because there are plenty. At the end of the day, I hate to come across like a fanny pack wearing, apologist, thoosie chud. but looking at this as an opportunity to “right the ship” and increase quality as a whole could be for the best. If corporate is committed to that. That’s a big “If.” Who knows. Shareholders are weird. Business is weird. Eh. I don’t know, gang. It’s ultimately irrelevant in the grand scheme of it all, in life, and everything. This is what’s supposed to make me happy…. More importantly, what’s your favorite seat on Adventure Express? I need some levity and optimism.

The one in the (then) Paramount Theater?

Hoping this means the monorail/safari is returning. That’s what the Dippin’ Dots guy at Jungle Jim’s (Eastgate) told me. Can’t wait.

Just checked the queue times site and it says it’s open with a 70 minute wait…. Link

Ditto. Have my sister from out of town going with us Sunday and she told me that’s one of the things she’s looking forward to the most.

Yeah, things seemed normal Friday night as well. Looking like it might be closed now? Could be storm related.

Gotta say, they‘re putting the work into getting it right. Appreciate the dedication. Kudos.

I felt a great disturbance in the Son of Beast revival fanboy movement, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.

To be fair, they’ve been able to make things work with Universal. Hagrid’s had a rough start, but Velocaciaster seems to be reliable. Certainly not to the same tune as their other installs within the chain, though. Not sure what the issues are. It is a shame because I’d love to see them do something at KI one day.

Funny thing about the music. Got three rides in today. First time I could hear the score clearly through the queue and ride. Definitely seems like it’s something they’re working on. Not perfect, but it’s getting there. Appreciate the work that’s going into it, still. Side note, the show looked great. Everything worked perfectly sans the screen in the furnace. Which is a bizarre. Seemingly an easy fix. Not sure what’s up there.

Universal Kid’s Resort First Impressions The reviews are in and… even with a children’s coaster themed to infamous comedian Bill Cosby, Kings Island apparently still had the better Nick kids area.

Gargoyles eyes have lit up on my rides, and the inverted bust is an “analog” effect/illusion that doesn’t have the option of not working, unless it’s unlit or you have vision problems.

Some really solid footage of The Smurf’s Enchanted Voyage from a Reddit post. Worty checking out for those interested.