standbyme

Can't resist the temptation of posting "That's what she said".

You paint a very nice picture. (I also like your avatar!)

It's more like how old they weren't !

Delirium13, yes, you are not losing it...I noticed my mistake and looked to see if anyone was replying yet...then I edited the "this year" out...then your post popped up when I refreshed...sorry.

Those days appear to be over. As you probably already know, the last retail map was back in 2002 for the park's 30th Anniversary. It would really make my year if the park put one out for the 40th*. Out of all the Kings Island items I own you would only find 3 of them displayed in my home...and 2 of those items are framed maps. P.S. I have noticed that even Walt Disney World does not sell maps. (DisneyLAND does though.) *Assuming it looks nicer than the handout map. Edit: For Delirium13, I noticed my mistake...and tried to switch it but you beat me!

Don't get me wrong...the maps haven't been "great" for years...it just seems like they are getting colder and colder as the years go on. Where is the person with imagination? I would be happy with a combination of this type of map and the type that they used to sell. The map needs personality...have some Peanuts characters thrown in around Planet Snoopy, put a couple of cartoons of park guests enjoying things like The Eiffel Tower's observation deck...highlight a few of the "main" attractions by making them stand out with their official logo...celebrate a rides anniversary on the map like Adventure Express' 20th. Overall I would like to see it more like a kids coloring book.

I also love the old train shots! It also makes me wonder where all of those figures ended up...maybe Debbie Reynolds has them. Welcome to the site!

In the big picture I would say that you are 100% correct, the map's only function is just to make sure the guests can get from Point A to Point B. The problem I have is what's so wrong about criticizing the park for not setting their bar a little higher and hire someone a little more creative? The park certainly wants us to oooh & aaaah over what they think is great...why can't we do the reverse when we feel they didn't give it their all? In my opinion the "perfect" park map is not only functional but something that is visually appealing enough to excite the guests. I still have fond memories of my family going to the park when I was little...we would open up the map and start pointing excitedly "I want to do that...and that, and that!" P.S. And I also find abandoned buildings interesting.

Careful...some people may accuse you of not being patriotic.

The opposite is true...the captions made the report! Thanks for sharing.

^I am at least good at following clues. I saw your FUN birthday wish for selective and came over to this thread to see if he was somehow connected with it!

My brother-in-law seems to have a knack at the peach baskets...he has brought home about 3 of the big prizes. I personally do not care to play the games...but my nephews do. Most of the time when I play it is the squirt type. I will play against my nephew when it is just him & I, that way he is guarenteed to win something. At least 3 times in the past while we have been at the park a complete stranger has won a prize and turned around and asked one of my nephews if they would like it. It is always a nice moment...and i'm not sure who is happiest, my nephew or the person who seems to know how much they just made someone's day.

Would a tree hugger even like a map knowing that the majority of them cause the downfall of trees?

I for one would prefer all of you kids not to chime in and say "I wasn't even born yet"!

Thanks for the report...and the photos! (Although seeing the photos of the crowds is reminding me of the awful time that I had there last summer. )

jandbyb79, Thanks so much for sharing the photos. (It's also nice to put a face to a poster's name!)

I agree with your reasoning...but the "fly on the ointment" is that this attraction appears to be pretty high maintenence. I would say that it will probably only last as long as the dinosaurs stay in good working order. Once the park has to start putting much money in them I am guessing it will either be removed pretty fast or the "less impressive/non moving dinosaur exhibit" will be made available to everyone for free...after all, who can complain too much if it was free. (Besides us here of course! ) Then down the road we can look forward to seeing the dinosaurs spread around the park during Halloween Haunt!

That is a very nice article. It is nice to see someone able to continue enjoying what they love so much at that age.

Ouch...that wasn't a nice comment! (I get a visual of what a washing machine sounds like when the load becomes unbalanced and starts thumping real loud.)

Not meaning to "step on Paul's toes"...but I recently acquired a brochure that was pre-park opening and thought I would share part of it. (By the way RD...I have no doubt Paul has a Rotor photo for you...you might want to specify what angle you would like the shot from. )

^My memory is not that good to remember how accurate your renedering is...but even if it's not exact I still say you did a good job. (Now all you need is Lee Harvey Oswald with a gun...and to pick that trash bag up!)

(From the above picture.) Is that area really that color?

I do not go to too many adult museums...mostly just children's museums. Thanks for sharing...it looks like a nice museum. By the way I have always liked Marjorie Main...she seems like she would have been nice "in person.

Costumes? What costumes...it HAS to be the real Banana Splits...otherwise no one would have paid this much for an autographed photo of them at the park a couple of days ago. Prepare to be shocked! http://cgi.ebay.com/KINGS-ISLAND-AMUSEMENT-PARK-PHOTO-BANANA-SPLITS-SIGNED-/200591828231?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb4346507 *EDIT: I forgot that since this is a completed eBay auction you have to have an account to see it. For those of you who don't, this photo sold for $168.50. Three bidders fought for it, and judging by what the winning bidder has bid on recently he is not a Kings Island fan...just a Banana Splits fan.