AdventureExpresser

I hate seeing what is happening to this park, I thought the park even though it was small, was very nice, the architecture was great, and the Zep and Life in the Fast Lane were great coasters, but the highlight for me was the Fireworks display and the Nights in White Satin ride. I absolutely hate to see this ride demolished, I wish it had been put in a very busy park where alot more people could have experienced this gem. The one thing I can say is that we people who go to Myrtle Beach six , seven times a year and have been doing this for their entire life, could have told you not much business will make it out in that area, for one, everyone tries to avoid that road for all the traffic congestion. Two, we had the pavilion at the beach for years and Family Kingdom, you did not have to pay to get into these parks and if you were walking the strip you could just walk in and enjoy the parks for a couple of hours and move on. Three, if they could have built this park around Broadway at the Beach or near Barefoot Landing, I think it would have been alot more successful. If the Burroughs and Chapin company were smart now is the time to put together a complete amusement park at the Broadway just like the one they had downtown. People enjoy the rides at the beach, but they like the carnival feel more than they accept a theme park.

I too was at Kings Island on Saturday and have to say it was the best haunt experience we have had in all the years we have been going. When we got there went ahead and renewed the platinum passes for next year, this was the easiest this has ever gone, just paid and told me we would use the same card for next year, I loved it. Everyone wanted to try the Crypt first, so we get in line and hear mechanical difficulties, it is closed, and i am thinking "Oh please don't let this be this kind of day". So we head for Firehawk and the line is already halfway through the ques but they are still only running one train, had about an hour wait. Went to Vortex next, always a favorite in the backseat. Headed back and got on The Beast, NO WAIT. Went back to the Crypt and got on this time, I love what a wild ride they have turned this into, but would be even greater if they would play haunted music or sounds, and make the concrete floor look like a cemetary as they drag your head over it, that would make a great ride. Went to Action Zone next and did all the rides in this area, of course Drop Tower had mechanical difficulties but waited it out, Line for Delirium very long, even line for Son of Beast was an hour wait. I did notice it seemed it was taking alot longer than normal to get trains loaded and get them out of the station. Especially my second ride of the day on The Beast, All three trains were contiually lined up on the platform. My biggest complaint was that we had purchased tickets for the buffet at Wings, but the line for the buffet was so long, it took a very long time to get through it and when we finally did the manager was coming around and telling us our time was almost up and we would have to be leaving because the second seating was getting close, I got mad and told him for the money I paid we would stay and eat, that it was their fault for not having a better system to get people in there and accomodated. We did get in the front of the line for Urgent Scare, and I was glad the line was very long, I know not many people have had good things to say about it, but I thought it was really good, they gave me a good scare about 5 or 6 times, and I would rather have that than that Elvira Crap we have had for years. Went to the Massacre Manor next , line was clear back down past the Dodgem, but I thought they did a much better job in this one this year than last year. Went to the Trail next and this was the shortest line and we had the most fun on this one, we went as a large group this year and we had more fun scaring each other than what the workers were doing. Cornstalkers and the Construction site were fun but not as intense as what we had already experienced, did not do Club blood, because everyone was wanting to do Carnevil and time was running out, but the kids as well as I absolutely loved this one, we laughed as much as we screamed which made for a great time, the kids talked about this one all the way home. Of course The Beast was the last ride and we did this at 12:30am and was the best ride I have ever had on it, and I have rode it more times than I can count, but this ride will always be memorable, and my group was over half the train so made it a family ride to remember. Kudos Kings Island , you all did a wonderful job this year, and I noticed that the hecklers were not around this year, didn't matter to me if they had them or not, but I think someone made a pretty smart decision.

When we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe, they actually passed out discount coupons to everyone in our party that got you a ticket for $38. I had a season pass, but the other people I went with wouldn't have went to the park if they hadn't given us the coupons. I hate to see this park going down so quickly because I really enjoy it, but if parks that have been around for many years are having economic woes, what made them think a brand new one would make so much money in its first year. People going to the beach will walk, walk, walk, and walk some more in the evenings, so to get them to a place, you have to let them walk around for free and let them spend their money as they want, that is why the pavilion amusement park was always so successful UNTIL the year they started charging everyone to come in. I want this park to survive, if for only one reason, I LOVE the Nights in White Satin Ride.

Well I love having fun also, but the lady next to me with her little kid was from Ohio also so she knew of the story also and she started going into a small panic so I had to try and calm her down, NOT MY JOB , but I was considerate to try and keep her from going into a panic

Believe me I did report this to PR in the park and they weren't too happy about it either.

Arrived at Carowinds campground around 10 pm on Thursday, loved it that this campground was located right behind the park, so of course I took a long long walk around midnight around the park, checking things out, and semi after semi was arriving over by Thunder Road with that big blue metal track for next years coaster. The next day at the park, the first thing I notice is how well the grounds are kept, the landscaping was very good, the employees I came across upon entering the park were very polite and helpful. The first ride was Nighthawk, about a 25 minute wait, I favor Firehawk alot more, this ride was rougher and shorter. Next off to Top Gun, 10 minute wait for front seat, this has got to be one of the best inverted coasters I have ever experienced, thumbs up high for this one. Off to Thunder Road next, I don't remember which side was rebuilt but the gray side about beat you to death, and the blue side was far more smooth, this was a walk on all day. Glad to see the Southern Star back, I love that ride. Carolina Cyclone, need some brakes guys before you hit the corkscrews, you are going so fast it isn't enjoyable, your just getting your head knocked everywhere. As for the Hurler , some major retracking needs done, Son of Beast is like silk compared to the ride we had on this one, felt like it broke a couple of ribs. Went to Drop Zone and mind you this looks like the same type of tower that was at Kentucky Kingdom. Just as we start up we stop, and I hear the guys say the E-light has come on, and they started to make a joke and they started hollering,"Your all trapped and it is tore up" and started laughing, I didn't find this funny esp. after the incident in KY., But I rode it anyway after being trapped in the seat for over 20 minutes. I had a blast blowing the geyser up at the kids on the super saturator, but you can tell it is going because they have let it run down so badly, the trains don't even carry water anymore, and only one water geyser shoots up at them. Vortex was a favorite and so was the Goldrusher, all these rides were walk ons. Of course I had a blast over in the kids section, riding the Flying Eagles we used to have. Prices are pretty concurrent with prices we have at Kings Island BUT the portions. I started laughing when I ordered a 4 dollar ice cream cone and got it and it was no bigger than the size of a baseball, there were a couple of management personnel at a table right there and I took it over to them and showed them how ridiculous that was, and they said someone messed up but I told them I learned my lesson and I went back and forth to my camper the rest of the day for food and drink, but other than that it was a great day. Got to Hard Rock Park around 7 pm when it was cooling down, and the park was very dead, but I loved that. First of all I listened to people bickering all week about what a rip off the park is, they are going in expecting a Kings Island or Busch Gardens and I know you aren't going to get that especially in a parks first year. I have to say though I was expecting not good at all after listening to people but I found it quite the opposite, the park is beautiful and they have payed attention to every small detail to make sure everywhere you look you are going to notice how well they have themed the park. Of course everything was all sparkling and clean, the employees were wonderful, even the ones walking through the park to get somewhere would ask you how you were doing and say "Rock On". There are live bands playing throughout the park, from a coffeehouse, to a pub, to country in front of the lake, even seventies dancing over in front of the game area, with the employees in their go-go boots and tye dyed tshirts. Went to see the country Ice skating show, spectacular; the malibu beach party, awesome; and the stunt show, was really good. As for the rides first off the kids loved Kids Rock State Park, it was totally different experience for them than the same old kiddie rides you have at every park, I loved it also that they got to experience the Banana Splits because they loved them as much as I did when I was young. I couldn't keep them off Slippery When Wet, this is a longer version of the super saturator. As for me I loved the Life in the Fast Lane Coaster, a mine train style coaster but the employees are a show in themselves getting you all hyped up and when it takes off and they kick those powerful speakers on between your legs with that song, it makes a whole new experience for you, loved it that there were two lift hills and at the end was the metal rocker that blew a ball of fire up toward you as you enter the station. Maximum RPM was a fun coaster also, lets say the ferris wheel gives you a whole new meaning to roller coasters, actually it is a little scary thinking what if your mini cooper rolled out of the wheel, but the radio keeps flipping to different radio stations until it gets to "Sunglasses at Night" and that first drop is a good one. What can one say about Led Zepplin the ride, it is one awesome fast machine and you never know which way is up, I love it that it climbs the lift hill so fast while "Whole Lotta Love" is being blasted in your face, and that first drop is great, even waiting in line they put you in groups and you go in a room making you feel like your in a stadium watching classic Zepplin, loved it but kids really didn't. The Best for Last, "Nights in White Satin" has got to be in my top 5 dark rides of all time, just can't even explain the experience, it is a must for anyone at the Beach, I rode this ride 14 times that night and could have kept on. The second night we were there there was a horrible storm and we got trapped in a restaurant , they passed out complimentary Pepsi to everyone until the storm was over, but the power went out, so any food already cooked was given away and I found out they did this all over the park instead of having to throw it away, but they gave everyone in the park refunds or free tickets to use another time. As for prices I think food prices were comparable to other parks but the quality was far better, souveniers were high but anyone that has been to the hard rock cafe knows that. My biggest fault I could find were that the queues were horrendously long and you couldn't bypass them you had to walk through everyone because they were on different levels. If anyone wants more info on "Nights in White Satin" I will try to describe it the best that I can, just ask.

I called down to the Hard Rock Park last week to see about getting tickets and I wanted to see if they offered a twilight ticket. Riding rides in the afternoon heat of Myrtle Beach might be a little too hot, and since the park is open till 1 am going in after 5 would be great, but the rude operator was like, "Nope no discounts, everyones ticket is $50 no matter what time or how old." So they must have just put these discounts out, glad I waited to buy tickets. I have drove by the park many times, but for some reason I just don't think it is going to have the flair and excitement the Myrtle Beach Pavilion had, still the biggest mistake in history to get rid of it.

I live in one of the highest poverty areas. Eastern Ky/ Western and Southern West Virginia and the gas stations are killing us here, 3.99 here today. People can make fun of us if they want but might be an idea to go back to horse and buggy days.

Legally can the government do anything about the gas prices??? Is this a way to break Americans from using more and more fuel every year??? Today I had to do something I really really hate to do and that was cancel my reservations for Myrtle Beach in July, having a 36 foot travel trailer I took down there this past April cost me 600 in gas. The way it is rising right now, there is no way I can afford to take it down there in July. I am going to take the money I have saved and put a down payment on another small car and park that camper in the backyard facing the Ohio river, so this summer I will be camping in the backyard, might not be so bad, have a boat and a pool, my own little campground. Again are the oil companies wanting to watch America fold and fall????

Did anyone else notice yesterday all the kids that were in-line for rides and were smoking. I also saw alot of people carrying beer all through the park, I thought that had to be consumed in designated areas. Also have they always played the music on the train ride like they were doing yesterday, I liked it. By far the employees running the train were the friendliest.

I was also at the park yesterday, and have to say everyone must have the winter blah's because it was busy. I think most of it was next day prom parties, I would say 85% of the people there yesterday were teenagers. The day started in a very long line to get my platinum pass but very happy to see that they had people at every camera post so it moved quite fast. Next went in New Guest Relations to ask a couple of questions but after hearing the chewing out the ladies were taking from some guests wanting compensated for broken rides was one and another who had been coming there for 10 years was just ticked off that Cedar Fair had taken it over. So I asked my questions and gave the ladies some words of compliment. In my eyes there was a cleaner essence to the park, landscaping is looking better than what I have seen in past years. I was upset to that The Crypt was going to be closed for the entire day , that was the one ride I wanted to do. So headed to The Beast , the que's were open on the top platform, and were running all three trains but they weren't getting out of the station fast, it seemed all three would be waiting in the station for a very long time, but I got in the backseat(the best) and loved every minute of it. Seemed the brakes weren't being used as heavy as they were last year, especially in the braking station. Great Ride. I know most people have downed the Wings Diner, but we ate there yesterday and to me I think the buffet is a wonderful addition to the park. The food might not be first class but it was hot and they kept it coming out. By the time I pay and tip at Ryans or Golden Corral I am paying the same price, so to get filled up for a day of riding, I say Kudos for finally giving us this. I know it is early in the season but I will have to say I don't remember ever seeing the trains on the coasters being backed up in the stations as bad as yesterday. The Vortex was the worst, line moved slow compared to what it normally does but still a great ride. Red Racer was great but they kept running them yesterday seldom racing them and that is the whole point to the ride. Firehawk way too long, hour and a half wait, will hit this the next time. Son of Beast was great as always for me, they kept the trains moving fast, line was backed up to the tunnel but moved fast. Love the backseat again. All the dirt moving they are doing around the Son is that to fill in where they are working over in Swan Lake. Headed to the Festhaus to watch the show around 4, I am not a country music person but I love live singing of any kind. The guys had the moves down but the singing left alot to be desired, I liked it but nothing compared to what it could be. I felt bad for them because people were getting up and leaving and being loud enough to hear, "This Sucks". They are trying but as usual people compare everything to other things, the lady next to me was comparing it to shows at Busch Gardens and nothing can compare to those. I wish they would look at opening more shows early in the season, if it is just a small band and a singer people would enjoy it. I always end my day with a Blueberry swirl cone over in Nick Universe, it was so good had to have a second. All in all a very fun day.

Sorry to bring it up, I have been out of the country and didn't have access to a computer.

Has anyone noticed that Tombraider: Firefall at Kings Dominion has been renamed The Crypt and The Italian Job is now Backlot Stunt Coaster, I believe.

Your right there, I couldn't understand having to buy tickets for a specific day. If it had been a season pass event, it would have probably done alot better. You know people just spend money during the holidays and sometimes on stupid stuff. I know we spent more money in there for winterfest, then we do going for a day on the season passes, but it was worth it.

I still think alot of the reason for its failure was the weather. The winter was extremely cold that year early in the season, the first night we went was the day after Thanksgiving and it was in the low teens that night, even though they were all cold they loved it. After that night, it seemed it rained almost every weekend after that along with extremely low temperatures. .

I attended Winterfest in 2005 and was the probably the best family experience we have ever had. I have never seen the park more beautiful and when they did the show in the front to turn the lights on, WOW, it was like chills (not from the cold) came over us. The parade was beyond better than any we have been to around the area, and the show in the Theater was great. It was absolutely the best Christmas Experience a family could attend, and I hate to see that it failed. Kudos goes out to whoever planned it out and put it on. Winterfest was one thing that made Kings Island stand way out in front of the competition for my family and all the children that went with us still talk about it to this day, wishing it would come back.

I loved the Bayern Curve as a kid. The Myrtle Beach Pavilion kept the same ride for years after Kings Island got rid of theirs, it was called The Swiss Bobs there. By far it ran much faster at the pavilion, when it would reach its maximum speed there they would blast a train engine siren making the ride a total rush. I for one also loved the Sunshine Turnpike and the Wheel of Fortune as a kid. I miss the days of how beautiful the park used to be and all the variety of shops there used to be. Are there any others that know Kings Island so well that when you watch the episode when the Brady Bunch was there you catch the big flaw. The Kids are trying to get the blueprints to the front of the park from the canoes, they actually make it to the front of the park, then they end up at the back of the park, then almost to the front again, and somehow end up to another side of the park, I never really payed attention to that till I got older.

I have to probably agree with you Ki Man. Isn't it funny the three things we are all always talking about missing at KI so much are the Flying Eagles, the Antique Cars and the Cobra. They all still exist at Kings Dominion.

My favorite parks: First would have to be Cedar Point. After having spent so much money on an RV, it is so great to be able to park it at Lighthouse Point at Cedar Point and enjoy all the rollercoasters whenever I want. Of all the campgrounds I have been to this has to be one of the most high classed camping areas I have ever experienced. This allows me to save the best time to ride a coaster way up into the night after most have left to go home. This is the same reason I love Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens Williamsburg so much also, can camp right next door to the dominion and enjoy both parks since they are only about 60 miles apart. As for a park with the all around experience I look for, would have to be Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Wonderful rides, great food, large array of shows for everyone, gift shops with beautiful displays. Not to mention how clean the park is and how beautiful they keep the grounds. I enjoy this park so much more than Disney because it is on a smaller scale which makes it more quaint but does it with some of the most high classed efforts ever seen at an amusement park. Maybe if Kings Island would get that Campground back in, it could then move up the scale of my favorites. It is ashame that KI is the closest park to me but can't enjoy it like I used to because I have to park my camper 8 miles away which doesn't make for a good experience.

Does anyone know how much changing of the names will actually affect the ride?? I am referring to TR:Firefall. The effects and the music make this ride not only enjoyable but also very enjoyable just to watch. I just wonder how much of it they will change. That just adds a flair to the Congo section, even though the Italian Job ruined the theming of that area. I just wonder if they will try and fit Dominator into the theming of that area, or will it become a part of International Street? I cannot express how much hopefulness I have the Hypersonic will stay around for one more season, I find that to be the best blast off experience I have ever done.

I really loved Tombraider the first year it was opened, when it was working. There were plenty of revolutions, including the one where your picture was taken. Over time revolutions have been removed making it more disappointing to me, especially after riding the one at Kings Dominion, plenty of revolution time. Is this because the Top Spin at Kings Island is so huge compared to the one at the Dominion??? That is what made TR at Kings Island so impressive was the flipping in the darkness. I know if they retheme this ride, I am sure the soundtrack they use will be changed, and I will be honest, when the ride first starts that was what got the excitement going for me was the music.

Hello everyone, I think we are going to try our luck this Saturday with Halloween Haunt. I would rather go on Friday, but when you live 3 hours away, you want to make the most of as much time as you can. Of course, if they would ever bring back the campground, I could just spend the night,,,,Hint,Hint.... On Saturday, I will be wearing a light blue Busch Gardens shirt that says "Defy the Five" on it, if anyone comes across me there, introduce yourself from this sight, I would love to meet some of the people I have chatted with on here.....

You never know, they might have pictured the one at Kings Island on that brochure, and take out Tomb Raider.....

I know Cedar Point is wanting to do away with Demon Drop, you think that might be a place for the Texas Twister???? If so, hope they do it up a little like the one at Kings Dominion, put it over water and have the fountains, that makes it a little more exciting...

Wasn't the King Cobra the first stand up coaster in the US also, and don't forget The Racer was what started the entire explosion of mega coasters. I would love to see something with high speed, lots of drops and smoothness come to the park, I would love to have a combination of the Griffon and Apollo's Chariot come to the park.