BoddaH1994

If you remember the 80s (and I'm sorry, a lot of us don't -- I remember little things) then you'll really appreciate the show. If you don't remember the 80s, you'll still enjoy the show. It's a win-win.

The wiring for those lights just kind of lays on the ground on that deck. It's also kind of dirty up there. I saw a bunch of coins, sunglasses, etc on the deck which clearly had been dropped from the upper decks. If they were ever to reopen it, it would take some work.

It was closed simply because staffing is very difficult for it. Wouldn't you rather have a 300ft deck open and a 50ft deck closed and send the 4 extra people to help out on the major rides? To my knowledge, there are no current plans to permanently reopen the 50ft deck.

I know some of you guys skip over the front page headlines because they get a little news-y for those who visit often, but we have one that you won't want to miss. KICentral was given a rare glimpse at the 50ft observation deck on the Eiffel Tower! It's been closed since the 80s, but at least you get to take a look at it. http://www.KICentral.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=238

...and one of them performed at the Cincinnati Gardens.

There’s entertainment everywhere at Kings Island in 2008 and this Saturday, June 21st, Kings Island will give you a flashback to a time when Michael Jackson topped the charts, leg warmers were all the rage, and mullets were still socially acceptable in the brand new show Flashback: Totally 80s! Join the cast as they celebrate the 1980s in one of the most exciting and acrobatic shows that Kings Island has produced in years! People young and young-at-heart will enjoy some of the most timeless songs to hit the air waves in that decade. Flashback! Totally 80s! will debut in the International Showplace Theatre this Saturday, June 21st! Speaking of the 1980s, it was at some time in the early part of that decade that the decision was made to close the 50ft observation deck on Kings Island’s Eiffel Tower. For over 20 years, that deck as well as the stairs leading up the base of the tower have sat vacant. Many have seen the 50ft observation deck as the elevator has flown past it, but few can actually say they’ve actually stood on it. In the spirit of nostalgia, KICentral is excited to give you a rare glimpse of the 50ft observation deck as it stands today! Click here to see a preview of Flashback: Totally 80s! and photos of the Eiffel Tower’s defunct 50ft observation deck! Just a few weeks ago on May 24th, nostalgia was in the air at Kings Island as Robbie Knievel attempted to surpass his father’s legendary 1975 jump in the parking lot. This Independence Day, the nostalgia returns! In 1974, thousands in attendance at Kings Island watched in awe as the late great wire walker Karl Wallenda successfully completed an 1,800-skywalk right before their very eyes, setting a new world record. On July 4th, Karl’s grandson, Rick Wallenda, will attempt to break this record with two death-defying feats! First, Wallenda will make a 900ft walk beginning at the Eiffel Tower and passing over the Royal Fountains (which will be shooting 10,000 gallons of water at him) and ending up at the flag pole outside of the front gate. This feat will be done at a nerve-wrecking 112ft above the ground on a thin 5/8” cable. This event begins at 2pm. Next, Wallenda will attempt an amazing 2,000ft walk 75ft above the ground on another 5/8” cable above Coney Mall, in the same location that his grandfather made his legendary 1974 skywalk! This will happen later in the day at 7pm. Rick Wallenda will be performing both stunts with nothing between him and the ground—no harness, no safety net, as it is the only way that he will perform his stunts. Is that not enough? The 4th of July will also feature special appearances by the Clown Band, the Hanna Barbera characters, an amazing air show with sky jumpers, and topped off with the largest fireworks display in the 36 year history of the park! All events are included FREE with park admission. Discount tickets are available by visiting Kings Island’s official web site, VisitKingsIsland.com! You can also enter to win a VIP viewing area for the fireworks from Kings Island and Cincinnati.com by clicking here. The Cincinnati Reds were on hand at Kings Island on June 16th, and they certainly worked up the crowd with cheerleaders, the Reds Pump Up Crew, visits by Gapper and Mr. Red, and a question and answer session with some of your favorite Cincinnati Reds! Photos from the event can be seen by clicking here. Cincinnati Reds Day at Kings Island may still be history, but the partnership between the Cincinnati Reds and Kings Island continues with a very special ticket package. The Double Play Package offers the unique ability to visit both Kings Island and the Great American Ballpark all in the same summer while saving quite a bit of cash. The specially discounted Double Play Package can be purchased by visiting Kings Island’s official web site VisitKingsIsland.com! Visit Kings Island Sunday, June 29, and see the stars of The Young and Restless during the Joyce Becker Soap Opera Festival. Enjoy two Question & Answer sessions with actors Christian LeBlanc, Greg Rikaart, Daniel Goddard and actress Emily O'Brien. The event is FREE with park admission! Planning a visit to Kings Island? Be sure to add an All You Can Eat picnic mean to your ticket for the best meal deal in the park! Buy your meal ticket in advance online at www.visitkingsisland.com and you’ll enjoy a picnic-style meal complete with Southern fried chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, potato salad, unlimited soft drinks and ice cream treats. Kids under age 3 are free. Refreshments and food are served from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. This great money-saving deal is available daily in the Picnic Grove but hurry, space is limited! Kings Island has partnered with the Great Wolf Lodge and the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau to give away 30 prizes in 30 days! Between June 16 and July 15th, 2008, a special prize package will be awarded that includes a family four pack of two-day tickets to Kings Island, a three day two night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge and a gas card. To win one of these 30 amazing prizes visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com/win. 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! The summer is still young and it's not too late to get a Kings Island season pass! Purchasing a season pass gets you a whole summer of rides, shows, attractions and FREE admission to Boomerang Bay Waterpark Resort. Do you want the real deal? Kings Island now offers the new Cedar Fair Platinum Pass which includes FREE admission and FREE parking to all Cedar Fair properties such as Kings Island, Cedar Point, Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom, Knott's Berry Farm and more! Click here for more information and to order your 2008 season pass! Is a season pass not right for you? Avoid the long lines and pay only a fraction of the regular gate admission by purchasing your single day admission tickets on the park's official web site, VisitKingsIsland.com. Remember these deals are ONLY available through the web site, so purchase online and print at home for the best value and fastest way to experience Kings Island! 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! Regards, Ryan

A Cedar Fair executive named Brian Edwards, who was part of the PR team for both Cedar Point and Geauga Lake, spoke at the GOCC Christmas Party and said that the decision to close Geauga Lake was pass by the board only a day or so before the announcement.

Wow... I had no idea about the story that you just told. How was everything resolved? Did you get out of it?

I've heard different things tossed around from under the black hat.

I say just make yourself ride it. Worst case scenario is that you don't want to ride it again. The ride gives you a great 'out of control' feeling, but is far from what most would consider intense. Many of us have ridden The Beast countless times and can assure you that it's completely safe and bearable.

Could there be an "Special announcement" about future rides that day, or maybe even better track being raised and put in place? Probably not.

Just a few weeks ago on May 24th, nostalgia was in the air at Kings Island as Robbie Knievel attempted to surpass his father’s legendary 1975 jump in the parking lot. This Independence Day, the nostalgia returns! In 1974, thousands in attendance at Kings Island watched in awe as the late great wire walker Karl Wallenda successfully completed an 1,800-skywalk right before their very eyes, setting a new world record. On July 4th, Karl’s grandson, Rick Wallenda, will attempt to break this record with two death-defying feats! First, Wallenda will make a 900ft walk beginning at the Eiffel Tower and passing over the Royal Fountains (which will be shooting 10,000 gallons of water at him) and ending up at the flag pole outside of the front gate. This feat will be done at a nerve-wrecking 112ft above the ground on a thin 5/8” cable. This event begins at 2pm. Next, Wallenda will attempt an amazing 2,000ft walk 75ft above the ground on another 5/8” cable above Coney Mall, in the same location that his grandfather made his legendary 1974 skywalk! This will happen later in the day at 7pm. Rick Wallenda will be performing both stunts with nothing between him and the ground—no harness, no safety net, as it is the only way that he will perform his stunts. Is that not enough? The 4th of July will also feature special appearances by the Clown Band, the Hanna Barbera characters, an amazing air show with sky jumpers, and topped off with the largest fireworks display in the 36 year history of the park! All events are included FREE with park admission. Discount tickets are available by visiting Kings Island’s official web site, VisitKingsIsland.com! The Cincinnati Reds were on hand at Kings Island on June 16th, and they certainly worked up the crowd with cheerleaders, the Reds Pump Up Crew, visits by Gapper and Mr. Red, and a question and answer session with some of your favorite Cincinnati Reds! Photos from the event can be seen by clicking here. Cincinnati Reds Day at Kings Island may still be history, but the partnership between the Cincinnati Reds and Kings Island continues with a very special ticket package. The Double Play Package offers the unique ability to visit both Kings Island and the Great American Ballpark all in the same summer while saving quite a bit of cash. The specially discounted Double Play Package can be purchased by visiting Kings Island’s official web site VisitKingsIsland.com! Visit Kings Island Sunday, June 29, and see the stars of The Young and Restless during the Joyce Becker Soap Opera Festival. Enjoy two Question & Answer sessions with actors Christian LeBlanc, Greg Rikaart, Daniel Goddard and actress Emily O'Brien. The event is FREE with park admission! Planning a visit to Kings Island? Be sure to add an All You Can Eat picnic mean to your ticket for the best meal deal in the park! Buy your meal ticket in advance online at www.visitkingsisland.com and you’ll enjoy a picnic-style meal complete with Southern fried chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, potato salad, unlimited soft drinks and ice cream treats. Kids under age 3 are free. Refreshments and food are served from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. This great money-saving deal is available daily in the Picnic Grove but hurry, space is limited! Kings Island has partnered with the Great Wolf Lodge and the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau to give away 30 prizes in 30 days! Between June 16 and July 15th, 2008, a special prize package will be awarded that includes a family four pack of two-day tickets to Kings Island, a three day two night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge and a gas card. To win one of these 30 amazing prizes visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com/win. 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! The summer is still young and it's not too late to get a Kings Island season pass! Enjoy one of the many options including the basic season pass which gets you a whole summer of rides, shows, attractions and FREE admission to Boomerang Bay Waterpark Resort, upgrade to a Kings Island Gold Pass and get a summer of fun plus free VIP benefits such as an exclusive parking area, early ride times, and more! Do you want the real deal? Kings Island now offers the new Cedar Fair Platinum Pass which gets you all of the VIP perks of the Gold Pass but includes FREE admission and FREE parking to all Cedar Fair properties such as Kings Island, Cedar Point, Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom, Knott's Berry Farm and more! Click here for more information and to order your 2008 season pass! Is a season pass not right for you? Avoid the long lines and pay only a fraction of the regular gate admission by purchasing your single day admission tickets on the park's official web site, VisitKingsIsland.com. Remember these deals are ONLY available through the web site, so purchase online and print at home for the best value and fastest way to experience Kings Island! 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! Regards, Ryan

One of many surprises scheduled for that day. :-)

I'm trying to find some hard evidence of ACE having a big hand in actually helping to save a coaster, but I'm not finding anything. According to their web site, they seem to be more concerned with educating parks about the historical significance of their rides and possibly lobbying to have SBNO rides moved rather than actually having a deep involvement. http://www.aceonline.org/preservation/

I agree that the park gets annoyed when people refer to The Racer as "The Racers". I've actually gotten emails from park officials asking me to remind the KIC community that there is not ride at Kings Island called "The Racers". I think "The Drop Tower" has a better ring to it than just Drop Tower.

The Cincinnati Reds were on hand at Kings Island on June 16th, and they certainly worked up the crowd with cheerleaders, the Reds Pump Up Crew, visits by Gapper and Mr. Red, and a question and answer session with some of your favorite Cincinnati Reds! Photos from the event can be seen by clicking here. Cincinnati Reds Day at Kings Island may still be history, but the partnership between the Cincinnati Reds and Kings Island continues with a very special ticket package. The Double Play Package offers the unique ability to visit both Kings Island and the Great American Ballpark all in the same summer while saving quite a bit of cash. The specially discounted Double Play Package can be purchased by visiting Kings Island’s official web site VisitKingsIsland.com! Visit Kings Island Sunday, June 29, and see the stars of The Young and Restless during the Joyce Becker Soap Opera Festival. Enjoy two Question & Answer sessions with actors Christian LeBlanc, Greg Rikaart, Daniel Goddard and actress Emily O'Brien. The event is FREE with park admission! Planning a visit to Kings Island? Be sure to add an All You Can Eat picnic mean to your ticket for the best meal deal in the park! Buy your meal ticket in advance online at www.visitkingsisland.com and you’ll enjoy a picnic-style meal complete with Southern fried chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, potato salad, unlimited soft drinks and ice cream treats. Kids under age 3 are free. Refreshments and food are served from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. This great money-saving deal is available daily in the Picnic Grove but hurry, space is limited! Kings Island has partnered with the Great Wolf Lodge and the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau to give away 30 prizes in 30 days! Between June 16 and July 15th, 2008, a special prize package will be awarded that includes a family four pack of two-day tickets to Kings Island, a three day two night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge and a gas card. To win one of these 30 amazing prizes visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com/win. 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! The summer is still young and it's not too late to get a Kings Island season pass! Enjoy one of the many options including the basic season pass which gets you a whole summer of rides, shows, attractions and FREE admission to Boomerang Bay Waterpark Resort, upgrade to a Kings Island Gold Pass and get a summer of fun plus free VIP benefits such as an exclusive parking area, early ride times, and more! Do you want the real deal? Kings Island now offers the new Cedar Fair Platinum Pass which gets you all of the VIP perks of the Gold Pass but includes FREE admission and FREE parking to all Cedar Fair properties such as Kings Island, Cedar Point, Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom, Knott's Berry Farm and more! Click here for more information and to order your 2008 season pass! Is a season pass not right for you? Avoid the long lines and pay only a fraction of the regular gate admission by purchasing your single day admission tickets on the park's official web site, VisitKingsIsland.com. Remember these deals are ONLY available through the web site, so purchase online and print at home for the best value and fastest way to experience Kings Island! 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! Regards, Ryan

From what I've been hearing, what they have planned for that day will make many members on here as excited as a 6 year old girl would be at such a concert. And no, it has nothing to do with the construction site at Swan Lake.

That's actually a rather interesting turn of events. If that's a misquote, that's some pretty serious stuff.

Hopefully better than a Wendy's Baconator. <G> Man........ I miss White Castle!!!! Ah... that's right... you're from that weird part of town where they call the White Castle a Crystals, right?

I wouldn't be so sure. At events like Beastbuzz we used to get vouchers for free games like that... if they're willing to do that, what's double the rings at ring toss?

Mrs. Grundy said to tell you that the Fourth of July has been around longer than 36 years...in fact, there was a Fourth of July before there was a United States of America. Perhaps you meant "the 4th of July will be the biggest bash in the 36 year history of" Kings Island....not the 36 year history of the 4th of July! Fine... mock me... but I have a feeling that even you will be impressed, Mr. Interpreter. And yes, the 36 years of that establishment is of course referring to Kings Island.

Sorry to double post. My phone just went off with a text message from none other than Don Helbig who happened to be looking at this thread. Without saying more, he assured me that this 4th of July will be the biggest bash in the 36 year history of that establishment. I've heard rumors through the grapevine as to what's planned.... I wouldn't be shocked if you have some surprises heading your way.

That's what I meant. Even 2 of 3 years ago, many parks had ACE-exclusive events. Even Kings Island had Beast Bash. Now most parks just lump all of the coaster enthusiasts events together, so you're just as well off joining GOCC for $20 as you would joining ACE for $50 or $60 bucks... whatever it is now. You're absolutely right. ACE and CF are not enemies. They need each other. Unfortunately it seems as though ACE doesn't realize how much more they need CF than CF needs them.

and.... I think the first quote was maybe true a few decades ago, but the 2nd quote is true now. I know a lot of people in ACE... a lot of VERY good people. Unfortunately the organization is now 8,000 strong and wants to throw around their weight. This Big Dipper thing is a perfect example. They tried to put pressure on Cedar Fair to save it but wasn't willing, or couldn't get the means to do it themselves. They seem more concerned with ERTs and publications as someone else pointed out. I mean, they say they preserve rollercoasters, but I've never seen a good example of it happening. Seems like it's just a potential for bad PR from the parks if ACE doesn't get their way. I guess it's obvious why ACE doesn't get many events in the Cedar Fair chain anymore.

ACE doesn't own that land. Even if the Stricker family would take the coaster for free, there's no way they could afford to maintain it. I think CF offered it to them as a wakeup call. As in, there's a lot that goes into this and they can't just leave the coaster there and build a shopping mall around it, or leave it there as a smaller park. We're talking big money. They wanted to teach ACE a lesson the hard way. The PR side has worked out very ironically. Many ACE members have spoken out against Cedar Fair very publicly on account of the Big Dipper, and now the tables have turned because they refused to accept it and that's in the news. It's kind of like lobbying to raise taxes in a city to improve schools, then the public finding out that you live in a different city.