BoddaH1994

It won't be anything this year. They planned on a new restaurant this year but that was before Firehawk... I think we got the long end of the stick on this one.

I know Dane has mentioned this, but I thought I'd make an independent post about it because I think this is such a killer addition to our community. In case you didn't notice, on the upper right hand corner of the forums is a "My Friends" option. This brings you into a new section of the forums which allows you to easily browse and access members profiles. We encourage you create your own profile and upload a photo. This will help build our community and make the site much more than just a faceless Kings Island web site. Just to avoid confusion, this system is very similar to MySpace and Facebook but has a very distinct difference. Well, two. First, none of that annoying profile music... I hate that. Secondly, and this is important, if you choose to make someone your friend, they will automatically be your friend. There is no approval process like the sites mentioned above. However, there is a tab for "mutual friends" which exclusively shows the people who have 'Friended' you and you have 'Friended' them. Let us know what you think! Regards, Ryan

Thanks... I'm sure they were worried about that.

I can tell you for sure that it'll be painted after assembly. If that's the color which it's being painted (which I'm guessing it is) they probably just painted that section to see how it looked before committing to anything.

Earlier today I was privileged enough to take a quick tour of the construction site of Firehawk. Of course I just had to share my experience with you, the fine folks of Kings Island Central! Track spans several hundred square yards of the parking lot now and is waiting for its new home behind Ft. JG Cooper. At Ft. Cooper, excavation has been completed and now construction presses on for laying footings and the retaining wall. Click here to see photos! Regards, Ryan PKICentral.com - You know Philly Beef & Swiss, there are starving kids in China who don't even HAVE a parking spot.

Heh... what I said was, "There's nothing like the flying sensation." not "There's not sensation like the flying sensation." Kind of sounds like, "There's no business like show business." doesn't it? Oh well, good article... get's the point across. Glad to have been a part of it. Ryan

Yeah, I can understand the frusteration and confusion. I do apologize for that. The powers that be DID allow us to leave posts about the new attraction.

I think you're an excellent guesser.

Firehawk to Debut at Kings Island Memorial Day Weekend Kings Island’s first flying coaster sends adventure-seekers soaring! Kings Island, Ohio – Kings Island celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2007 by soaring to new heights with its 14th roller coaster, Firehawk. Debuting Memorial Day Weekend, this innovative flying coaster propels willing test pilots 115 feet in the air and through five inversions at speeds of more than 50 mph – all while facing the ground, experiencing the inconceivable feeling of human flight. The best of the best begin their mission just behind Flight of Fear roller coaster in Coney Mall. After boarding their four-across yellow and red pilot seats, guests are lowered backward and begin their ascent up the 115-foot-tall red and steel gray lift hill, only to be flipped over and jetted at top speeds through ½ mile of steel track over the course of 2 minutes and 30 seconds! “The addition of Firehawk reflects our commitment to combining one-of-a-kind thrills with fantastic family entertainment,†said Greg Scheid, Kings Island’s vice president and general manager. “We’re looking for some real thrill seekers who are ready and willing to fly. What a way to celebrate our 35th anniversary!†Firehawk joins a portfolio of 13 award-winning, industry-leading roller coasters including The Beast (the world’s longest wooden coaster), Son of Beast (the world’s tallest and fastest wooden coaster), Flight of Fear (the world’s first coaster with LIM launch technology), Vortex (the country’s first six-inversion coaster) and Rugrat’s Runaway Reptar (the world’s first inverted coaster for children). # # # Attraction Name Firehawk Description Thrill flyers experience heart-pounding excitement as Firehawk soars through more than ½ a mile of steel tracking. Willing adventure seekers lie down to experience this 51 mph., top-secret, all-altitude airborne mission. But they’re certainly not relaxing – within seconds, each pilot is facing the ground, experiencing the inconceivable feeling of human flight. Manufacturer Vekoma International Track Length 3340 feet Ride Speed 51 mph. Height 115 feet Angle of descent 30 degrees Inversions 5 Hourly Capacity 400 guests per hour per train Riders 24 (6 four-passenger rows per train) 2 trains Ride Length 2:30 minutes Location Coney Mall Height Requirement 54†### Moving Firehawk to Cincinnati Firehawk Flies Down I-71 Before Landing at Kings Island Moving a major roller coaster takes time, engineering skill and 150 – 200 flatbed trucks. Kings Island, Ohio – Building an entertainment center in one’s home takes time, patience and skill. Equipment must be inventoried, time blocked off, tools located and patience mustered. Now imagine bringing that entertainment center from a location four hours away. In 300 – 350 gigantic pieces. On 150 – 200 flatbed trucks. When Firehawk, Kings Island’s 14th roller coaster debuts over Memorial Day Weekend, it will cap off seven months of extensive planning and construction by two Cedar Fair parks. Kings Island surveyors and engineers began clearing the ride’s eventual location behind Flight of Fear roller coaster in November 2006. The approximately 5.5-acre site sat on uneven ground, making it necessary to fill in some spots with up to 25 feet of earth. All site excavation is complete, and more than 300 concrete footers will be poured this week to prepare for Firehawk’s placement. Actual ride construction will begin in mid-February. Disassembly of the former X-flight roller coaster at Geauga Lake in Aurora, Ohio, began in December. The coaster was removed piece by piece, beginning at the ride station and continuing around the length of the track. In total, the move involves more than 300 pieces of steel track, driven down I-71 in groups of one or two. Each piece is independently numbered and specifically grouped in Kings Island’s parking lot. The coaster trains will be transported separately, disassembled, tested and reassembled in Kings Island’s steel coaster shop. The Cincinnati-based firm Fenton Rigging is overseeing the process at both parks, and local engineers are assisting Kings Island’s construction and engineering teams with the project. When the 3,340-foot red and gray steel coaster is complete, it will feature a dual-load station, two dark red and yellow trains with 72 safety check points and two on-board computers per train, an on-ride photo station and 13 specially trained ride operators. Kings Island opens for weekend operation Saturday, April 21. Gates open at 10 a.m. Daily operation begins Wednesday, May 23. Boomerang BayTM opens Saturday, May 26. For more information about Kings Island, guests can call the park at (800) 288-0808 or visit www.pki.com. Individual gold season passes and four-pack family passes are now on sale by calling (800) 952-PASS [7277] or online at www.pki.com. Discounted park tickets are also available when purchased in advance by calling (800) 288-0808 or online at www.pki.com. Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: “FUNâ€Â) is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. The Partnership, which owns and operates twelve amusement parks, five outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and six hotels, is one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, Virginia / District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, and Toronto, Ontario. Cedar Fair also owns and operates Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure located in Las Vegas, and operates the Bonfante Gardens in Gilroy, California under a management contract. # # # New photos of the former X-Flight track has been uploaded into the PKIC Gallery. Unlike other photos, PKIC kept our fans in mind and got up close with the flying beast, Firehawk! Pictures include close ups of the track, supports, and pictures of the track being unloaded from the truck. http://photos.pkicentral.com/thumbnails.php?album=180

Ok, I got official word from the park: Gold pass benefits are available for Maxx Pass and Maxx Pass Plus pass holders, but are only valid at Kings Island. As far as parking goes. Your parking will be integrated into your season pass barcode, as it has been in the past. If you have an All Ohio pass, you will be able to swipe your pass at Kings Island, but will receive a sticker for Geauga Lake and Cedar Point.

Believe it or not the early blueprints of IJ had a 'Antique Cars Shrine' near the exit of the ride.

I thought there was a legality behind the ice water. Wouldn't it put a black eye on the park if someone had a heat stroke there and the news reported that they either couldn't or wouldn't pay the 'outstanding inflated prices' that the park offers? As far as Coney goes, I think the charge is for the physical cup itself, not the ice and water.

If this goes over well, I wouldn't be shocked in the least to see KI get one... and soon..

You're right. They'd take absolute hell if they got rid of the fireworks. The GP would certainly notice that.

You're right. It was there the past two or so years before it was axed. I've been all though the PT... inside and out and stuff have no idea how they do it. However if you want an interesting tidbit, there are still tape markings on the floor in the storage area on the left side of the stage for the ice performers.

Good point. How are they going to handle the ice in the PT? Will they put a rink on the stage, or will they remove the stage and have the ice on ground level? I know they have the flammable hazard storage below the stage, but is there flooring between the stage and the lower level?

I highly highly doubt that's true.

Sorry RailRider, the powers that be requested that we do not update with anything of the sort again until the announcement on Feb 5th!

I'd say the best thing that Paramount did for the park was made it so it's a thriving park here in 2007 and not a bankrupt vacancy up in Mason as it very well could have been with Linder.

After a short stop by our very quiet and closed Kings Island, I have shot some high resolution shots of the mystery materials being staged in the parking lot. In addition to the neon green track, several grey supports can be seen being staged with the track. You will also notice that workers were using a fork lift to move pieces of the track from the truck to the staging area while empty trucks left and full trucks arrived. Click here to see photos! Regards, Ryan PKICentral.com - Two updates in two days for you because one won't do.

I'd have to say Elements 7 Excitement 8 Restraints 9 Speed 7 Intensity 9 (The hill and the loop did it for me) Looks 7 Overall 8

There have been many rumor circulating about how parking passes are going to work in 07 at PKI. A lot of people have been under the understanding that the park will convert to parking stickers like Cedar Point. I'm very glad to let you know that I can confirm that parking passes will be treated just as it has been in past years -- scanned onto the pass, next year. I know a lot of people were concerned about this, so I'm glad it could be cleared up. Ryan

As reported in another thread, Gold Pass benefits are back! Here is the official press release: Kings Island Announces Enhancements to 2007 Season Pass Program Gold pass benefits and family passes return for 2007 season. Kings Island, Ohio - Kings Island's season pass holders shine like gold again in 2007. All Kings Island season passes purchased before May 27 are upgraded to gold and come complete with special perks, including speed lane opportunities, double ride days, early access to Boomerang Bay, an exclusive parking area, meal deals and more. Any previously purchased 2007 season passes have been automatically upgraded to gold. In addition, family season passes are back. Guests purchasing four or more passes receive a special four-pack rate of $84.95 per pass, a savings of $5 per pass. "With less than three months before we open the park for the 2007 season, this is the perfect time to start thinking about a Kings Island season pass," said Greg Scheid, Kings Island's vice president and general manager. "A gold season pass is designed to maximize the guest's experience while at the park, providing both time and monetary savings, as well as an unlimited amount of fun!" Season passes are now available online at pki.com <http://www.pki.com/> or by calling 800-288-0808. Adult season passes are $89.95 each. Junior/senior passes are $49.95 each. Individual season-long parking is available for $34.95 and is applied directly to the pass upon processing. No window cling is required for parking privileges. Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: "FUN") is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. The Partnership, which owns and operates twelve amusement parks, five outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and six hotels, is one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, Toronto, North Carolina, Virginia / District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri and Michigan.

Press Release: Kings Island Announces Enhancements to 2007 Season Pass Program Gold pass benefits and family passes return for 2007 season. Kings Island, Ohio - Kings Island's season pass holders shine like gold again in 2007. All Kings Island season passes purchased before May 27 are upgraded to gold and come complete with special perks, including speed lane opportunities, double ride days, early access to Boomerang Bay, an exclusive parking area, meal deals and more. Any previously purchased 2007 season passes have been automatically upgraded to gold. In addition, family season passes are back. Guests purchasing four or more passes receive a special four-pack rate of $84.95 per pass, a savings of $5 per pass. "With less than three months before we open the park for the 2007 season, this is the perfect time to start thinking about a Kings Island season pass," said Greg Scheid, Kings Island's vice president and general manager. "A gold season pass is designed to maximize the guest's experience while at the park, providing both time and monetary savings, as well as an unlimited amount of fun!" Season passes are now available online at pki.com <http://www.pki.com/> or by calling 800-288-0808. Adult season passes are $89.95 each. Junior/senior passes are $49.95 each. Individual season-long parking is available for $34.95 and is applied directly to the pass upon processing. No window cling is required for parking privileges. Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: "FUN") is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio. The Partnership, which owns and operates twelve amusement parks, five outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and six hotels, is one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world. Its parks are located in Ohio, California, Toronto, North Carolina, Virginia / District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri and Michigan.