BoddaH1994

Thanks for the props.

I have been informed that there will be a story tonight on the Ohio News Network at 9:00 about Tony Bradburn's plan to tax KI's guests.

If you don't do a trip report about your experience watching the CMAs I'm going to ban you.

I thought the same thing. Why not have KI sell stickers? You know... a Kings Island sticker... that happens to cost $44.99 but includes FREE park admission, however that apparently won't work. They want to tax everyone who walks through the gate and every car that passes through the tolls not matter what they pay.

A Post On A Blog By A Concerned Mason Citizen

Oh yeah, I should add... they had a random free Billy Ocean concert too.. "Get out of my dreams! Get into my car!"

Hey everyone! After 6 days in sunny Florida, braving the 85 degree weather and constant sunshine it feels great to be back in northern Kentucky! (Did that sound sincere?) Anyway - my 6 day adventure consisted of 9 parks and needless to say, I'm extremely tired! I want to give an early shout out to Delirium_guy for being so kind as to opening his home to me for the week and being my tour guide in the parks. He's a great guy and I got to meet several of his fantastic friends along the way. Day 1 - EPCOT I landed in Orlando in the early afternoon and was picked up for a quick stop by Delirium_guy's house before heading to the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow - EPCOT. The first thing I noticed was Spaceship Earth. I had seen pictures of it, but couldn't really fathom how big this thing was before I saw it in person. The first thing we rode was just that -- Spaceship Earth. It was my first Disney ride experience and some of the animitronics were absolutely amazing. The ending was a bit campy, but apparently the ending's pretty new. That was followed by Mission Space, which was a good ride experience too. I know I've heard that the ride was made a little less intense, but it's still certainly a lot of fun! The g-forced imposed on you go along perfectly with the animation on the screen in front of you. It's very convincing! After doing Storm Struck, we went on to Soarin', which was am AMAZING experience. To be honest, I kind of expected something a little more intense but the ride itself gracefully waved from side to side like a real hang glider would. Although it wasn't what I expected, it was definitely the best ride experience that Epcot had to offer. Following Soarin', we met with some of Todd's friends and checked out the ongoing Food and Wine Festival where we sampled the finer options from around the world. The following photo, however, is one of the finest delicacies from Lake Buena Vista Florida - The Goofy Gummy Burger, which Todd thought he could consume in one bite... he was wrong. It wasn't long until Illuminations : Reflections of Earth started, promptly at 9:00. I had heard a lot about this show and expected nothing short of perfection and boy did they deliver! The best part of the show is that fact that it carries a meaning. Even those who do not know the meaning can tell that they are attempting to convey a message with very few words to express that message. The show begins with this: Good evening, on behalf of Walt Disney World, the place where dreams come true, we welcome all of you to Epcot and World Showcase. We've gathered here tonight, around the fire, as people of all lands have gathered for thousands and thousands of years before us; to share the light and to share a story. An amazing story, as old as time itself but still being written. And though each of us has our own individual stories to tell, a true adventure emerges when we bring them all together as one. We hope you enjoy our story tonight; Reflections of Earth. The reference to sitting around the fire reflects that there are 19 burning torches surrounding the lagoon. Each torch reflects 100 years in the Common Era, with the 20th torch (representing the most recent century) lit in the final act of the show. After hearing the announcement of the shows commencement, you hear the faint blow, as if a candle were being blown out, and the torches dime and fizzle out. The show is broken up into three acts: Act I - Chaos Chaos represents the creation of the Earth. To represent the fact that the planet was a lifeless fire-consumed ball, an inferno barge shoots up flames dozens of feet in the air. This intense heat can be felt from hundreds of feet away standing on the shores of the lagoon. Act II - Order In the act about order, the gigantic LED globe is first introduced and "cools" from a hot white, then red and finally blue as chaos turns to order. The areas on the globe that are the continents display images of famous people, places and events. Act III - Meaning As order evolves into meaning, the globe opens up like an orchard and thousands of fireworks are shot both from the ground and the globe itself. The epic finale is a large torch within the globe (representing the 20th century) being lit along with the 19 other torches along the banks of the lagoon. An exerpt from Illuminations I found on YouTube: Although the park closes after Illumations, they left Test Track open because it had been down earlier in the day. I thought the ride had a lot of fun parts and offered a fantastic out-of-control feeling. Day one certainly went well and was a fantastic first impression of what Disney had to offer.

An admissions or parking tax will affect anyone who visits the park -- whether you're a passholder or you buy a daily ticket. The person most responsible for this is Councilman Tony Bradburn whose contact info can be found by clicking here.

A lot of argument has been made about the price point of Winterfest. The truth is, it was VERY expensive to put on that event. Both start up costs and continuation costs. If it was $10 or whatever per person, it would take every bit of 30,000 - 50,000 people in the park to make it profitable. On that note, comparing it to the Beach's Holidayfest in terms of price point isn't a fair comparison. It's apples and organges in terms of the money put into them.

Fantasmic or Illuminations... that'd be hard one for me to choose which one is better...

Hey everyone! I'm chillin out at Delirum_Guy's apparentment. Just got back from Sea World a few minutes ago and I have to meet up with him again at 10:30 since he had to work at Discovery Cove until then. In a few minutes I'm going to meet my old friend Brandon (who used to work on The Beast) and we're going to go out to eat. For you old timers, he was The Snapper on here. Later tonight I plan to meet up with Ariel (DeliriumDreamer) and probably hit Downtown Disney. But yeah, AMAZING experience down here. I want to say the the highlight of the past two days has certainly been Illuminations at Epcot. I expected the perfect show and it still over-delivered. I still have a lot ahead of me, including Universal tomorrow. I hope I'm not annoying anyone on Twitter with the constant updates, but I wanted to share the experience with you in real time. If you want to check in on it I'm at twitter.com/ryansuhr. I certainly do have a big trip report ahead of me... Have a great day, Ryan

There was also Lauren, a dancer.

Kings Island - 31 Stricker's Grove - 1 Coney Island - 1

Unfortunately due to the fact that many of our paid sponsors are web sites we really have to draw the line somewhere in terms of people advertising for their owns sites for free...

Yeah, but my stand up act wouldn't go over very well during park hours.

Apparently I'm too tall to be a character.

Kings Island will hold auditions in search of trained, talented and versatile singers, dancers, atmosphere acts, characters, costumers and technicians for the 2010 entertainment season. Auditions will be held November 3 at Ball State University and November 6-8 and November 13-15 at Kings Island. Interested performers should prepare the following: Singers: Prepare two vocal selections. Country and pop singers should bring sheet music or CD with one up-tempo selection and one ballad. A pianist will be on site for accompaniment. Rock singers should bring sheet music or CD with music that shows off their vocal abilities. Singers may be asked to read a brief monologue and to dance, so they should bring appropriate clothes and shoes for movement. Singers need to bring a current photo and one-page resume. Dancers: Kings Island is looking for energetic, technically trained dancers experienced in jazz, ballet, hip-hop and acrobatics. Dancers will be taught a combination during the audition. If dancers sing, they should bring music as specified above. Dances should come prepared in comfortable and appropriate clothing and shoes. Dancers need to bring a current photo and a one-page resume. Atmosphere Acts: Kings Island is looking for individuals to perform as atmosphere entertainers that have an awesome approach to entertainment. Bring a current photo and a one-page resume. Characters: Kings Island is looking for enthusiastic individuals to portray Peanuts characters. Individuals must be 4’10” to 5”6” for characters. Please bring a current photo and a one-page resume. An interview and movement audition will be conducted. Technicians: Interviews will be conducted for experienced sound operators, lighting operators, follow spot operators, stage crew and costumer positions. Please bring a one-page resume with references for an on-site interview. Please note: Auditions will take place in order of arrival within your talent category. You must be 15 years of age to audition and/or interview. Auditions are limited to two minutes. Times are listed for registration only. The audition procedure may take a long time – please prepare to wait. Kings Island strongly encourages participation from all cultural backgrounds. Audition Schedule: Tuesday, November 3 Ball State University Carmichael Hall Room 202 5:00pm – 7:00pm – Singers and Atmosphere Acts 7:00pm – Dancers Friday, November 6 Kings Island 6300 Kings Island Drive Kings Island, Ohio 45034 5:00pm – 7:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers 7:30pm – Dancers Saturday, November 7 Kings Island 6300 Kings Island Drive Kings Island, Ohio 45034 10:00am – 1:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers 2:00pm – Dancers Sunday, November 8 Kings Island 6300 Kings Island Drive Kings Island, Ohio 45034 10:00am – 1:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers 2:00pm – Dancers Friday, November 13 Kings Island 6300 Kings Island Drive Kings Island, Ohio 45034 5:00pm – 7:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers 7:30pm – Dancers Saturday, November 14 Kings Island 6300 Kings Island Drive Kings Island, Ohio 45034 10:00am – 1:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers 2:00pm – Dancers Sunday, November 15 Kings Island 6300 Kings Island Drive Kings Island, Ohio 45034 10:00am – 1:30pm – Singers, Atmosphere Acts, Peanuts Characters, Technicians, Costumers 2:00pm – Dancers For more information call Kings Island’s Entertainment Department at (513) 754-5740 or visit http://www.visitkingsisland.com/.

The time has finally come for everyone's favorite summer getaway - Kings Island to say goodbye for the final time this season. The staff of KICentral would like to thank all of the Kings Island associates, KICentral members and supporters for all of their dedication and contribution this season to help make this site what it is today. However, as one season ends it becomes time to look forward into the future and all of the high-flying thrills and surprises that 2010 has to offer including a massive kids' area renovation as Planet Snoopy takes over center stage next year. What's your favorite memory of the 2009 season? Many may say that their first ride on Diamondback - Kings Island's tallest and fastest coaster- is an obvious answer, others may say that a special event such as the ASA World Tour or Nik Wallenda walk come to mind, others may just like to reminisce about priceless moments spent with friends and family at the park this year. Click here to tell us about your favorite memory of Kings Island's 2009 season. The offseason is also a fantastic time to catch up on your history lesson - Kings Island history, that is! Of course, why crack open a book when you can explore the history of Kings Island with "Riding History to the Limits" brought to you by CET's Nate Byrum. This feature-length documentary about the long and unique history of Kings Island will take you on a roller coaster ride starting back with the park's original conception in the mid-1960s all the way up through today! Do you want the latest information sent directly to your cell phone? Sign up for KICentral's official mobile club and receive text alerts with the latest news and information about Kings Island! Signing up is fast and free! Click here for more information about KICentral's official mobile club! Are you an avid Kings Island fan or do you casually visit once a year? It doesn't matter! KICentral.com is the site for you. Why not register on the forums of KICentral and tell us about your thoughts and experiences involving Kings Island! Registration is fast, FREE, and easy. Don't forget to keep checking KICentral.com for the latest news, rumors and information about Kings Island amusement park!

Just as a reminder, I can answer questions pertaining to myself and KIC, however I can not directly answer questions about Kings Island, Cedar Fair, etc.

Christmas At EnterTRAINment Junction Opens Nov. 21 Christmas At EnterTRAINment Junction (world’s ONLY train-themed family entertainment center.) 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester, OH 45069, (513) 898-8000. (877-898-4656). Open daily Nov. 21-Jan. 3 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). Times: Mon.-Sat 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays noon-6 p.m. FREE parking. Magical indoor holiday celebration with lights and decorations; FREE holiday themed train displays; two beautiful walk-through experiences featuring A Christmas Carol & Journey To the North Pole; visit ice cave, winter wonderland, North Pole, reindeer stable, elves’ workshop, Santa’s house, and more. $10 for holiday-themed walk-throughs ($5 off with combination ticket); separate admission for EnterTRAINment Journey, which includes the world’s largest indoor train display, kids’ interactive play area, railroading museum, expo center. For more information, call (513) 898-8000 or visit www.entertrainmentjunction.com.

Haha.... like a crossover episode?

If you're willing to do the technical side of this I'm willing to do it. Why not?

You can order a copy of the original "The Beast" book from Amazon.com by clicking here.

Oh wow... are you flying out of CVG too?

New Hobby Retail Store Opens At EnterTRAINment Junction In West Chester It’s a holiday shopper’s dream come true (CINCINNATI, OH) --Just in time for great holiday shopping, EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester is opening a large, new retail store carrying top-of-the-line hobby products and supplies. Junction Hobbies is a 5,000 square foot retail area located just inside EnterTRAINment Junction’s entrance onto Main Street. The new retail area is now open, with official opening set for Nov. 1. Junction Hobbies brings together under one roof, thousands of quality products from the biggest names in the hobby industry. “Our goal has been to create the single best store in the entire region offering a unique mix of quality hobby merchandise and supplies,” says EnterTRAINment Junction’s owner Don Oeters. He added that shoppers, young and old alike, will find, among other things, G-scale and HO scale trains and accessories along with the Midwest’s largest selection of doll houses and miniatures, Thomas and friends merchandise, PLAYMOBIL products and much more. New items will constantly be added to the store. Train hobbyists will find a huge collection of G-scale and HO-scale trains and train-related items from the top manufactures in the industry -- USA Trains, HLW Trains, Bachman and AristoCraft. Of course, nothing is hotter in the toy market than Thomas The Train merchandise, and Junction Hobbies carries hundreds of Thomas products, from puzzles, wooden railroads and tops to games, flashlights, stickers and friction toys, and beyond. “If you are looking for Thomas merchandise, Junction Hobbies is the place to find it,” says owner Don Oeters. “Junction Hobbies has a huge collection of popular Thomas products for Thomas fans everywhere.” PLAYMOBIL toys continue to be a sought-after and dynamic brand with 2.2 billion PLAYMOBIL figures manufactured between 1974–2008, and another 100,000,000 produced in 2009. Junction Hobbies carries just about the full line of PLAYMOBILE items, including castles, pirates, knights, dinosaurs, vehicles, boats, and entire miniature play worlds like the award-winning “Egypt” and “Animal Hospital,” plus settings like a zoo, circus, farms, magic castles, an airport, to name a few. For doll and dollhouse enthusiasts, Junction Hobbies carries the top-quality lines of products in 1/2” and 1” scale. Shoppers will find dollhouses such as Adirondack cabins, playhouses, colonial houses, Victorian cottages, rustic barns, Alice’s HomePlace, and a Vermont farmhouse. Also, scale components are being carried such as furniture, doors and windows, roof shingles, building components, cabinetry, appliances, fireplaces and chimneys. In the future, Junction Hobbies will offer how-to clinics and classes for hobby enthusiasts. The award-winning EnterTRAINment Junction is home to the world’s largest indoor model train display, a giant kids’ interactive play area, the American Railroading Museum, an expo center and seasonal walk-through decorated for the holidays. EnterTRAINment Junction is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. every day except Sunday, when hours are noon-6 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Easter Sunday. It is also closed on Wednesdays January through March. Parking at EnterTRAINment Junction is FREE, as is admission to the Main Street area and the new hobby shop. EnterTRAINment Junction is located at 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester, OH 45069. For more information call (513) 898-8000 or (877-898-4656.) The web address is www.entertrainmentjunction.com.