BoddaH1994

I believe that this picnic grove existed until Face/Off / Invertigo was installed in 1999. From what I understand, there are still some remnants there; however, it's not much to write home about. If you look over in that area from Invertigo's lift hill, you can clearly make out that the land was unnaturally formed. When I heard about this about five years ago, I think there were bicycle games (those temporary metal gates) stored there, but I haven't given it much thought since then. What I don't know is whether this was something inside the park, or if you could only access it from outside of the front gate. From what I've been told, it was less of a "picnic grove" and more of a set of picnic tables where people could eat from the coolers they brought. I never experienced this, so I'm only speaking from what I've heard. Any firsthand knowledge would be greatly appreciated! For those of you who have no idea what we're talking about, it's the clearing just north of Inverting.

I ate at the Winterfest buffet tonight. I must say, this might have been the best experience I've had in the IR (and I've had a lot of good ones!). The turkey was very good, along with the carved beef, but the real stars of the show were the mashed potatoes and stuffing. It's "easy" to make mashed potatoes good, but how in the heck do you make stuffing the star of the show? Well, Chef Perez seemed to find a way! It had something to do with the super-fresh breading along with a hint of jalapeño. A friend of mine passed on the stuffing at first because he "doesn't like jalapeño" (different friend with a limited palette, not Don!) but he was convinced to try it and admitted that it was some of the best stuffing he had ever had! It worked so well! I didn't take photos of the food because that's already out there, but here is a photo of the setting/view: Also, it was originally reported the desserts were and uncharge. Either that wasn't accurate or the policy changed because we got desserts as a table service at the end of our meal. There were three or four options. I opted for the dark chocolate brownie with peppermint garnishing. It was also one of the better sweet treats that I have had at the park. The cost was $40, minus a ~10% discount for season pass holders. I know it's kind of tough to fork out a cash for a meal when you have the meal plan, but if you have the means, you really should do it! If you look up the buffet on the web site, it prompts you for New Years Eve tickets; however, don't be confused because this is first come, first serve, walk up. I highly recommend checking the web site if you intend to eat the buffet as it is only on select dates. https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest/attractions/international-restaurant-winter-buffet It was tough to forego the limited-time-only Holiday Meatloaf Burger for this, but no regrets!

https://www.cedarpoint.com/calendar-and-hours Note that they’re closed Tuesday and Wednesdays in the early season. Plus 8:00 closes into June and starting again August 18. This is less days and operating hours for Cedar Point’s season pass holders. It should be noted that Kings Island has not yet released their 2025 calendar. Now more than ever, the wise financial decision is to wait until you see what you’re getting before you fork out your hard-earned money.

*Meatloaf Burger

You are 100% correct. While KK's event certainly affects things, the Zoo, Newport Aquarium, etc now have very popular Christmas events. You know what they don't have? Rides like Kings Island. That's the ace they'll have have up their sleeve when faced with competition.

Don't say anything in front of Snoopy's Soapbox Racers and Backlot. Parenthood is tough.

Theme Parks By Don blog on this: https://themeparksbydon.com/could-this-be-kings-islands-next-family-thrill-attraction/ Tower Topics on the subject:

I suppose that's kind of like when you pick on that kid in high school, then they come back to school 50lbs heavier, all muscle. Got into CrossFit over the summer. But let's be honest, that park is in capable hands with deep pockets now. If they didn't pay attention before, they should now. Kings Island's offerings have been complacent at best for half of a decade. A good percentage of their market is in KY and IN. Those people may look for alternatives if Kings Island doesn't make any waves in the near future.

Kentucky Kingdom announced on a live feed that Herschend, the parent company, had committed to $25 million in capital over the next two years. That likely eclipses the total investment that Kings Island has had since 2021. Silver Passes on sale now.

To be fair, that's probably the agency's mistake.

Hopefully it’s maintenance and not removal.

I’m still holding out hope that it’s something like a Big Bear Mountain. My fear is that it’s another B+ “cheap but cheerful” experience like we’ve seen every year since 2019ish (yes, that includes Orion).

If you were hoping for something physically big for 2026…. well, I’ve got news for you. https://investors.sixflags.com/news/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/Six-Flags-to-Invest-More-Than-1-Billion-Over-the-Next-Two-Years-to-Enhance-Guest-Experience/default.aspx

Demolition paperwork filed for several rides, including Green Lantern: …and finally, the park is no longer blatantly denying the Kingda Ka rumors: