iChase

For some reason, I was thinking that too, Jackson.

Hopefully, this isn't a sign of getting old, but the thought of looking at the completed DB is almost as (maybe more?) exciting than the thought of riding it. Nah, it's not getting old. It's valuing aesthetics. I'm also excited about seeing the area done. I just want to see what the park does with the blank dirt canvas. Also, I can't wait to see the splashdown area filled.

Your spine begs to differ....

Kelli, I completely agree. Sometimes you just have to swallow your pride. After all, supporting yourself, and possibly your family, is the most important thing right now. No matter what, you are going to have to eat s*** and pretend to enjoy it. It's a very sad truth. My advice, be yourself. Don't be nervous or fidgety. Don't try to act like you think they want you to act. Just be you. The interview is about showcasing you and your strengths and in some cases, your limitations. They can tell when you're laying it on thick. Think of it as a veil. You can see through it, but not well. They can see you under your sugar coatings, but they don't really know what you look and act like. Also, if you've seen Step Brothers, don't wear a tuxedo to your interview.

You're welcome, and thanks! Suggestions are welcome too.

Ah, stupid net. Double post.

I'm not really sure when they will. I would assume they're having a cartoonist render Diamondback and the other changes, such as Beast's new entrance. I would imagine we would see it some time next month. As for the look, I doubt it will be much different other than DB.

I was going to bring that up. I really hope to see some nice landscaping; and knowing the KI landscape team, it will. I think the real finishing touch (beside trains) to DB will be a lush bed of grass and some fresh landscaping.

Great PTR J.D.! I enjoy your delivery in your writing. It was great to see you, I always look forward to talking to you. You're a laid back guy so it just makes it better. Me too! I always speculate as to who the man behind the Terp is.

I missed it by a day. The mods removed it before I got to see it.

Hello all, epic bump here. I've updated the widget for all those who have it (or those who have yet to get it). It now reflects the earlier opening date, April 18th, instead of April 20th. Also, it's now set to 10:00, instead of 11. Get it here! The download link in my original post is updated as well.

Wasn't it this time last year someone snuck out of bounds and snapped a picture of the recently cleared Swan Lake?

Good news about the guests. I doubt I'll bring any though. But I know for sure Ksings and I will be there.

Right, because a masterpiece of John Allen which sparked the Second Golden Age of Roller Coasters and, along with Fairly Odd Coaster (and numerous other classics), was the foundation of Kings Island isn't worth being a fan of.

I love it when Shaggy comes around.

I think it would be safe to assume. I would love to see that. I always liked that little water feature. Tying an old element into the new ride would certainly be clever.

I'm looking forward to it! Judging by the angle of the picture, I think you asked me to hand you a water. Someone did in that area, at least.

Sweet! Three cheers for closer Chick'n!

I do too! I try to mention it at every turn of the conversation. As for people from KIC, I usually see the mod team walking around and a few people here that work on rides.

I'm embarassed to say, I actually didn't bring my camera. I ran out of my house at the last second and didn't realize I forgot it til I got to Hamilton. Now, the 21st, expect to see me in picture mode. I am however, working on a special PTR treat. I'm in St. Thomas right now with my camera and unlimited warm weather and sunshine. I'll post back later this week when I get home.

Nice TR and pictures Kawana. I'm disappointed that you were there and I never got to meet you. Ah, it's okay. We have more opportunities. By the way, you captured a hungry iChase vege-tizing his sub in your picture of the food and Avatar.

ride yes ... attraction no Agreed. They have a little gold mine there. Just a little extra picking and it would prove profitable.

^ I agree. The park is very pleasant on Mondays.

I went to one Bring A Friend Free Day, and from what I remember, it was terrible. Never again.

I don't mean to write a novel or get all sentimental, but here it goes. I always go with three of my friends, or more depending on who gets a season pass. We live around the Richmond/Fountain City area of Indiana so we have about an hour drive. I always drive. If we go for an entire day, everyone will spend the night at my house. In the morning, we'll leave bright an early. I usually try to get everyone out the door around 8-8:30. Then I'll head out for the back roads. We always take 227, which once you cross over to Ohio turns into 177. Then from there it's pretty straightforward. When we get to Hamilton, I'll usually pull over for gas depending how much I have. Gas is better in Ohio for the most part, so it works out. Once on Tylersville, we usually have time to stop for breakfast. It usually ends up being Mickie D's (which usually sucks for me since I don't eat at the big three fast food places, D's, Wendy's, and BK.) So I'll usually head across the road to Chick-Fil-A. From there we head to KI. Every since we were kids, my friend Jake and I would play a "Who can find the Eiffel Tower first?!" game. We still do to this day. Since I know the route like the back of my hand (Chase notices a new freckle he never knew about, doh.) I usually win. We'll then get there. If we get to the park early enough we'll wait out on the road, rock the car back and fourth, and see how many other cars we can get to follow. We've been doing our "man trips" to KI for about three years now. Really, since I first got my license. I've had the most fun at KI with this group and made the most memories. I know, it sounds sappy, but these are the times I'll look back on and long for. Every time we go our experience is different, and to this date we've yet to have a bad trip. In fact, as I'm writing this, I'm getting excited for this season. But I'm also becoming a bit worried of what will become of our traditions after we all graduate and go our separate ways. I know I'll still have Jake since we're both going to Ball State, but the rest, I'm not sure. Anyway...after our day is over and our fun is had we decide when to leave. If we leave early, we usually run out just before the fireworks to avoid the mess in the parking lot. But usually we'll jump in line right before the park closes, for either Firehawk or Beast. This helps us avoid the bloodfest in the parking lot. Occasionally we get a spot and stay for the fireworks. Mostly at the beginning of the season, though. Sometimes, I'll have a new person to our KI regulars group, or if we're in the mood to be creeped out, I'll drive down the road to the Peters' Cartridge Factory. We never go in, or even stop for the matter. But for those of you who know what I'm talking about, it's creepy enough just seeing it, knowing its story (in addition to supposed stories and folklore), and being in its setting to give us a good chill. We then keep going up the road and turn around to get back to the main roads. We then progress home, usually one or two heroes promise they'll stay awake while I drive. They never do. So I get my chance to put on my jazz, which no one else will listen to, and drive home enjoying the peacefulness, my thinking time, and the jazz. We then get back to my house and everyone barely crawls up the stairs and passes out in their beds. If we leave early enough, Jake and I always want to play Rollercoaster Tycoon, so we get home and to that for the rest of the evening. But usually we never get home anywhere before 12. Good times, good memories. I wouldn't trade this for anything. Sorry for the massive post, by the way.