beastfan11

In my younger and more vulnerable years I was petrified of roller coasters. This was back in the days of my family visiting the park once a year. I waited in line with them as they were wanting to ride Vortex with the promise that they’d dump me in the station cage while they rode. When the gate swung open my dad jumped in front of me as I tried to cross of the cars. He told me to “sit down and shut up.” I rode Vortex and loved it. Good times.

Since 1886, Coney Island has woven itself into the fabric of Cincinnati history. It's a park that has ebbed and flowed along with the Ohio River in the face of floods, relocation, and rebirth. Considered at one time to be "America's Finest Amusement Park," one could argue that Coney was responsible for the creation of the contemporary amusement park. Parks of the day were often seedy and unsafe, but Coney Island had served as not only the cornerstone for what amusement parks could be, but as a springboard for what was to come. The park was a "dollar a year," salaried resource and inspiration to what some consider the greatest theme park endeavor in history: Disneyland. The evolution of Coney Island encouraged it's own demise and rebirth, but as of September 21, 2019, a major aspect of the long standing family tradition has met it's demise for the second time. I grew up going to Sunlite Pool every summer. Personally, the ride side of the park had always held a certain level of mystique. Older family members had described the park in it's former glory and I grew up with the fantastical ideas of the Coney Island of yesterday. Venturing into the ride side as a kid was frequent enough; however, they were not as common as the countless summer afternoons spent poolside. But when the hot summer days turned to slightly cooler summer evenings and I was lucky enough to convince my mom to let my sister's and me explore the rest of the park, it was a consistently memorable experience. Unknowingly at a young age, I grew to appreciate partaking in the same activities that Coney Island guests had experienced since it was conceived. As I grew older I was able to learn more about the park and it's storied history. My fascination grew more intense as time went on. Concerts at Riverbend throughout my teens and adulthood always included time spent in the park, and I often enjoyed strolling by a dark Moonlite Gardens headed back to the parking lot as much as I enjoyed the show I had just seen. For the last day of public ride operations I came to pay my respects not only to the demise of a long standing local tradition, but to my own passion and fascination. Dramatic? Definitely. But the park's existence has acted as a tangible connection to the past, my past, and as consistent reminder of the ever-changing landscape of age. I celebrated not by riding rides, but mindfully capturing my favorite corners of the park through the nostalgic lens of my recently purchased Polaroid OneStep +. I'm not claiming any of these are fantastic photographs, but I figured I'd share regardless. I'm by no means a photographer, but I'm pleased as to what I was able to accomplish after, uh... a few (?) mixed drinks outside of Moonlite Gardens. The future of the park is unclear at best, and the recent shift in focus is a major loss. I'd like to believe that the decisions being made are in the best interest of Coney Island and it's future. My fear is that the lack of any major investments to the dry side of the park has resulted in it's current state and that the removal of the rides is a quick attempt to save the park as a whole. I hope I'm wrong. With that optimistic prediction, I'll end with the hope of seeing rides and that park in the next 15-20 years. You know, like last time? Coney Island has been a stubborn and resilient park for over 100 years. Here's to 100 more. Cheers, friends.

That seemed to be the general consensus at the park last night. I, for one, am not buying the “guest research” emphasizing a greater focus on the water attractions. The ride closures coupled with the canceling of Fall-O-Ween is raising a red flag or two. I also have heard rumblings on Facebook about coolers not being permitted anymore? I don’t know if that’s true, but it seems like something might be going on behind the scenes. The whole thing reeks of Geauga Lake to me.

I hope the Eli Bridge Ferris Wheel finds a good home.

This is a revolting decision.

Good info @kimv1972. Thanks for sharing.

wHaT iF tHe BlUe PrInTs ArE fAkE?! Exciting night ahead of us, friends.

Not a direct response to you in particular, but to this idea as a whole: Cedar Fair is going to evaluate the potential return on any investment they make. Enthusiast-driven labels like “giga” don’t make a difference. Why spend more cash on a 355 foot tall coaster that would (theoretically) show the same returns as a coaster that’s 296 feet tall? The cost of construction would eat into its potential earnings. There’s nothing to be ‘embarrassed’ about when it comes to profit. That’s business, baby. Side note: I, too, am pulling for a “Shooting Star” themed name. “Project: Shooting Star” has a nice ring to it. Vague enough to develop an interesting theme and a fun throwback to yesterday and the history of that particular area of the park. See ya Thursday, kids.

Haven’t we talked about leaving John Matarese alone?

I could see it happening eventually. Grand Carnivale seemed to do well and Winterfest ‘05 had a parade if I remember correctly.

Because we’re not allowed to talk about the teasers in the teaser thread until they’re done teasing. Until then we have to discuss it in the decoding thread for the ride that’s already been decoded. Or in the alternate construction thread that covers the same information.

I desperately need to own that Shooting Star print in some form. Still think that’d be a killer name.

I second this. I’d love to buy the defunct ride prints.

It may or may not have had multiple accidents that resulted in its closure and destruction because 200+ foot tall wood coasters have a hard time at Kings Island.

Looks like a good time! Thanks for sharing! May the force be with you!

That’s what’s up. Count me in.

That Peter Mayhew shout out got me.

I’m team Shooting Star. It would be perfect. Edit: it would be cool to see some signage/theming to reference the ride.

I’ve never in my life encountered a group of folks who complain this much about a (now) non existent roller coaster. There’s a lot more to life than Giga coasters and record setting. Chill.

I really, really like this.

The day of the Banshee announcement a placeholder webpage was tested . It featured a wing coaster with the tag, “The Bat Flies Again!” From my understanding this was done to make sure the actual page launched smoothly after the announcement. It wasn’t much of a “fake website” as has been described.

Just popping in to remind everyone it’s “footings” and not “footers.” Cheers.

Looking good. Can’t wait to see what the lights will look like.

I tried to visit the Brewhouse on Friday evening for dinner. Stood in line for a half an hour after asking the associate if I could order food at the bar. They said no. I got to the register and was told that I could order food at the bar. I went to the bar to order and their POS system was down. #kingsislandcomplainer

Pictures don’t really represent how the fountains look in person. With that said, still feel like it’s a downgrade.