Kawana

HEY!!! I'm a relative young'n and I still remember some of that. At least the concession stand, and the switchbacks being full and such. Heck, I even remember waiting in a line for The Beast and looking straight up and seeing the Eiffel Tower standing over me. Man that was a long time ago.

True, but it won't be the same experience. Opening day at KI is different from any other day. Isn't opening day technically on Sunday? I'm not sure. I'd love to know though. In the time it takes me to process my new pass the que for DB will probably be filled. I got mine processed in November. You'll see me there in the DB queue, probably not for long since the capacity I'm told will be quite nice. As for me, I can't wait for Diamondback, and I can't wait to make new memories this coming season. I'm getting excited just thinking about it (and I've been thinking about it since November 1st). I can't stop talking about how awesome next year is going to be.

As much as that would feed my ego, somehow I doubt that CF/KI would go for it. I'll see what I can do.

In defense of Beast, we all have heard the term "people eater" thrown around on this site and also by KI staff. I don't think he meant anything crazy or was trying to imply anything, rather he was just repeating a term that most users on this site are familiar with. I do agree, however that tact is necessary at times and it probably wouldn't hurt anyone to stop and think before the "Add Reply" button is clicked. As far as hours and such, my estimates for my arrival are very rough. Of course, more will be made known to us at the appropriate time and I'll adjust my arrival as such.

Late? What's late about it? We still have over 4 months to go (give or take).

I know personally, I'll be there from about 3 on, if not earlier.

Look at Don rocking that DB shirt. In that last photo, it looks like Don is a guy you wouldn't want to run into in a dark alley.

Amen to that. I loved KI's Ferris wheel back in the day, I would love to ride one again, I simply haven't gotten the chance.

How exactly will the early entry work? I guess my question is if you show up with a half hour left, will you still be able to gain access to Diamondback?

Six Flags... More Days, More Fun!!! Not to mention the early access to Diamondback for Gold Pass holders. I'm sure that figures into the equation somehow.

I just watched Shiekra and Griffon's water brakes. Is there any chance that Diamondback's spray is going to be as big as theirs? It seems that those two coasters are really coming into the water brake at a high rate of speed, and after coming out of that last helix, it doesn't seem to me that DB would be carrying the same amount of speed. What do the experts think?

Well, I wrangled myself onto MF, so if need be, I could do the same for Thunderhead.

The Trains are quite roomy, but the restraints are odd. I would loose some wieght so I could ride it, it was a truely great ride. And Dollywood itself is amazing, even non enthusiasts would be charmed by it because it is hardly a park! I actually meant for taller people, but I guess that applies. It shouldn't be as tight a fit as MF or TTD though, right?

Wow. Captain Nemo was telling me about Dollywood, and after seeing this, I just might be able to convince my girlfriend to take a little trip with me down there next year. Thunderhead looks amazing, are the trains roomy, say for a bigger guy? Thanks for the great TR.

What could you see, the bottom of the trains? It may be pretty hard to snap pictures with a train zooming by, don't you think? The angle may prevent any decent photo opportunities. I think in a previous interview Don said they were trying to put the exit path next to the gift shop that way it wont get clogged I would assume that it will look similar to Maverick's exit. Those wishing to view ORPs can do so, while those who do not, can simply exit and return to the queue line.

Very nice. Somewhere I'm sure Andy Bernard is taking credit.

That Quizno's ad will haunt me. That was weird.

Did anyone else notice that a new camera angle has been added? You will see a very good shot of the Final Helix/Beast Plaza area.

If you hit all zeros, won't you be at KI? It will be awesome to finally ride this thing, after watching it sprout up.

Didn't even think about that. Thanks Terp. Where's my head at?

Any news on the actual construction? Beast1979? Anyone?

Avatar, one of these days the stars will align and I'll get to meet you at the Island. Excellent trip report, thanks for sharing. I always like hearing about great family days at KI, and it inevitably makes me look forward to days to come with whatever family I may have in the future. This was indeed, for me personally, the best season ever at KI. I'd always gone to KI in the past years, but nothing like I'd done this year. Being able to see my girlfriend transform from a casual park goer to a budding enthusiast was just awesome for me. Having met the KIC staff was a treat, and hanging out with them was even more of a treat thanks to their friendliness. Once again thank you all for what you do for this site. This site has helped to rekindle a love for KI that a few years ago I wasn't sure was ever going to return.

I saw them pour the floor (ground level not loading) it was prbly a week or 2 ago. I think your right about the plastic protecting the track. EDIT: this post was stupid cuz I miss understood the above quote. Sorry. I'm totally blaming newborn daughter induced sleep deprivation and cold medicine intoxication. On a positive note, that second hill is so exciting. I think I'd be willing to pitch in for another webcam to put on top of the Crypt if we could convince Dan H. to install it. I know I'm an optimist/dreamer but I like the idea. Or maybe Don H. could do it. Either way it would be cool.

Web cam is down right now.... FYI

I'm TTD. Kind of weird, but I'll take it.