cassie_KY

Greyhound buses in Ohio-- I like how they conveniently did not give a venue!

Bowling Green has several things to do. There is the Corvette Museum and not too far from Mammoth Caves and that whole underground adventure. We are planning a cave trip to Mammoth and doing the Intro to Caving tours they have. I have alway thought Holiday World looked like alot of fun. We are planning a trip there but probably not until late this year or next. Of the three you mentioned, I'd want to do Holiday World.

Pardon the non-tech talk. What I meant is, there is the launch and the ride shoots straight into the dark. Then, a hard turn up and to the left. Right there. Don't know what element that starts. I think it is the lauch from a lighted place straight into the dark and the brain can't keep up. That make any sense?

Flight of Fear right after the launch when it goes into dark and does the first turn. Especially in the morning! Doesn't stop me from riding though.

^ I LOVED Tales from the Crypt. Imagine having that music and right when the ride starts, hearing the Keeper's laugh!! Me likes that idea. Can I vote??? What about Elvira and then tie it in with the FX Theater Elvira Gig?

I had a very bad experience with Firehawk (Sorry folks!) and I was rather intimindated by Beast. I rode it and, honestly, the first hill is not bad. I picked a middle seat and looked at the back of the head of the person in front of me so I would not be looking around (or down!). The person I rode with chatted at me as a distraction and it was over before I knew it. Now, I can look around and am very comfortable with the ride. It's my favorite!

If you think about the topography what about Ridge Runner or Rivertown Racer (with a tip of the hat to Coney)? Since it is a western theme, Miner's Revenge? Claimjumper would be different.

It was over 20 years ago for me. I don't remember the order, but I know we did the Smurfs Enchanted Voyage. I was scared of Gargamel (sp?) when we went through the room where he was. I remember riding a roller coaster. My dad took me and told me not to close my eyes. I am certain it had one tunnel, but don't know what it would have been. It was a kid one as I was too short to ride the others (I remember being upset about that. I'd go to each ride and say "Am I tall enough?") I also remember riding kid swings and the animal monorail. The thing that sticks in my head was wallking through the park and looking up at the Eiffel Tower. We were going to go to the top, but the lines for the elevator were really long. We walked up to the lower observation deck though. I thought I was so high up there!! Now, I always start and end my day with The Beast!

That was a nice trip report. I like the "long read" ones! It sounds like you all had a good time. And, I know what you mean about going to SDATHC or any of Nick and not having a kid. We did get some looks!

^ Thanks! Is there a specific lane or gate that I need to go through? We have not been before and have to go on a weekend and we are wanting to pack as much into the weekend as possible.

I hope you all don't mind me jumping in on this topic, but a group of us are going to CP the weekend of June 20th. I had read about the different entrances to CP. Which one is the better one to go in? Two of us have passes and the rest don't, so we won't be able to do ERT, so any way that would trim off some walking would be great!

This was when the park closed last Sunday night, May 18th.

Here are some pics from our trip. You can go through the whole album, but we had several duplicates. I wanted to post some of the better ones. Eiffel Tower The Crypt Another of the Crypt Avalanche Avalanche and Volcao Out the Top of Volcano Top of Anaconda Lift Hill Anaconda Splashdown Anaconda Loop Painting Dominator Dominator Dominator Loop Fountain at Night Nighttime

Carousel (in the sleigh thing) as long as we are not nauseous by just standing up (it happens guys!) I am also a fan, while it is not a ride, of feeding the fish by Outer Hanks. I also like waching the Slingshot. I spend a good bit of time watching people launch. Personal favorite was these two huge guys. They get on and when it reaches the top, you see them reach out and hold hands they were so scared. Then, they get off, they shake it off and act all tough.

Thanks for the comments. I totally forgot to mention Dominator and what was going on with it. Saturday, while we were waiting in line for the Scooby Doo Ghoster Coaster, there were four men on the lift hill and another in a cherry picker painting it. That night when we walked out, we heard this whooshing sound, and they were testing it. Looks pretty impressive, if not a little spooky watching an empty coaster run the track over and over. On Sunday, they started testing it again about an hour before closing. As we left, we drove over to the ropes in the parking lot and took video of it testing (note: we stayed in the parking lot and did not enter the restricted area). We are going to post our pics and (hopefully!) the video later tonight.

This past weekend, we packed up and headed out to visit a new park- King’s Dominion. I’m in nursing school and we both wanted a trip to celebrate surviving the semester and the start of summer. After work on Friday, we were on our way. The drive there was uneventful, but what is with these “Speed Limit Enforced by AIRCRAFT” signs all over the place? I was half- looking for an airplane with sky hooks to pick up speeders or something. We stayed at the Motel 8 in Ashland, VA. IT is about six miles from KD and considerably less expensive than the Best Western or Motel 8 that share Exit 98 that KD is on. The place was very clean and quiet. I woke up to birds singing Saturday morning and I had never experienced that in a motel stay. It was a nice change from hearing Interstate traffic. Breakfast was normal hotel food, coffee, juice, cereal and bagels, but that’s all you need for coaster-riding fuel! KD opens at 10:30, so it was unusual for us to leave the hotel later in the morning. With trees lining the highway, there is no hint a theme park is even around until the Red, marquee-like sign peeks over the tree line. We had made it. Platinum passes scan at the parking area. The lady at the parking toll plaza was extremely nice. She asked us if we had been to the park and pointed out where to park, where to get guest maps and where guest relations was if we had questions, then wished us a nice day. That was kind and helpful and, sadly, not seen as often as it used to. The first thing you notice on entering the park if Dominator sitting to the left of the entrance. We had never been to GL, and it was impressive to see. Passes scanned no problem at the turnstiles. The workers commented that they didn’t know the computers had been set up to accept passes from the other parks and were happy about it. What struck us first about KD is green. The landscaping is gorgeous. Trees, grass, and flowers were all over. I was expecting something like KI with some greenspace, but there is such an abundance at KD that you can’t see attractions or crowds. It gave the park a real peaceful and private feeling- more like you had invaded someone’s private garden than going to an amusement park. We had decided we wanted to ride Grizzle first. It was the furthest ride in the back of the park and we thought we’d start there and work our way around. Again, this place has a lot of trees, waterfalls, and creeks. In addition, guests are able to walk deep into the park before the roped off areas are encountered. The wait wasn’t long. I missed the National Anthem like they play at KI. Instead, a park security guard whips out this little card and reads a disclosure statement. Then, the ropes are dropped and all guests are free to roam. Grizzly was really close. No sign, just a large carved bear to point the way. The coaster is tucked back in the woods like Beast with narrow wooden ques to get to it. The narrow lines were a theme at this park. I can see it being a good way to keep order and cut down on line jumping, but it was not possible to walk two abreast when traveling with someone. We read on the sign the Grizzle was modeled after the Coney Island Wildcat and that was neat as the possibility of riding that coaster no longer exists. We were in the second train. The track needs a little TLC as it squeaked at times and the cars jostled around. However, the ride is a good one. The first drop surprised me. It drops about 80 feet, so it’s not the tallest, but you do get lifted out of your seat. Then, down another drop, up, and then a drop into black, Yup, a tunnel. Took me by surprise as you don’t know it is there until you are inside. You get the whole “swallowed by the grizzly” effect they were going for and some chewing action as the track tilts back and forth while in the tunnel. After some more drops and two moderately banked curves that catch you by surprise due to the speed traveled through them. In addition, I never felt a brake applied the entire time which made for a fun ride that felt on the verge of losing control the entire time. Verdict- I liked it. The next coaster was Rebel Yell which is KD’s racing coaster. It was changed this year so both sides face forwards. Where it was early in the day, they were only running one side. This coaster’s layout is very similar to The Racer’s. There is a good first drop with some air. Another good drop and then the turnaround. A series of bunny hops followed then a drop into a tunnel leading to the brake run. Verdict- KD and Cedar Fair, for the love of all thing’s coaster, please put some grease on the tracks and a coat of paint on this coaster! People hold their ears it squeaks and squeals so loud. It’s a nice coaster and an addictive ride. A little attention would go a long way. Hurler was next. This is a bigger wooded coaster with high banked curves. To quote my dad the ride is “rougher than a cob.” On the first turn, I bashed Nathan’s shoulder twice with my ear and thought I had torn it off. I reached up expecting to find a bloody stub but was relieved to find a numb, intact ear. After learning my lesson, I didn’t brain myself for the rest of the ride. Verdict- it’s a fun ride and you get some air time, but I wouldn’t ride it in the back or marathon it as I like my internal organs where they are. Ricochet was next. It’s a wild mouse coaster with a 50 foot drop. I didn’t care much for the ride because it felt like we were going to go off the side at each curve, but that’s the appeal of this type of ride, right? By then, it was non and Avalanche was open for the day. The line was pretty long, but we wanted to take a turn on this toboggan style coaster. Yes, it’s a tight squeeze fitting two adults in those cars. Each car is painted to represent a different country. There is a lap bar that two people share. There were no seat belts. The cars “flex” when they move and that is a little disconcerting. We got our “Cool Runnings” vibe on. This was a neat ride, but I was uncomfortable because as I was the person in front, I was leaning backward and it made me feel like my balance was off. KD has a Back Lot Stunt Coaster. We didn’t get to ride this at KI’s opening day due to crowds. KD has kept the theming up well. If felt a little faster, but I have no proof. The tunnel was really dark and in m experience, KI’s is never totally dark and that added to the ride. Verdict- I liked the ride before and this version is still fun. We took a walk through Kiddie Land. Compared to KI, it looked a little sparse. I liked that this park had not completely kitted out in Nickelodeon. There was a Huckleberry Hound ride, car rides, plane rides, a mini-viking ship and other small rides kids would enjoy. Scooby Doo and the Haunted Mansion had a spot. Scooby’s Ghoster Coaster was next door and we took a spin. Let me say, those seats are small! I can’t confirm, but I’m sure the ride ops enjoyed watching us jam ourselves inside and share a seatbelt! It reminds me of the Fairly Odd Coaster at KI and is painted a bright blue. It was fun and I am glad the kids that road it with us were laughing and yelling. They were having a ball! It was Choral Concert day at the park and there were lots of middle-school age people running around (I remember that age and took great offense to being called a “kid”). We decided to grab some lunch (Subway), walk around, and ride some of the flats. I have been reading about the antique cars and the Eagles since I started reading these boards and KD has both of them and they sit side by side. We hit the cars first. The signs were the old ones and had Snaggle Tooth or some such character on them and that made me think of my first trip to KI (I am not a fan of Nickelodeon, but know Cedar Fair has to go with what is popular with today’s youth). The line was long, but all the rides were that way. I got to drive and it was fun steering through the woods. It is heavy in trees and ivy and it was very relaxing. I really got a kick out of the sign out front that stated the amount the cars were bought for and that if each one were bought today, they would be over $13,000! Next was the Eagles. Swinging things make me uneasy, so Nathan was the Red Baron for the day. We had a good wait, but the ride op Shawn was funny and told jokes and made flying sounds when people swung by. He pronounced bird “Buuurd” and it made everyone laugh. There was a mirror mounted so you could check your form as you flew by. Those things really swoop and dive and I think we did great for our first time! What surprised me is that the ride was silent. I can see why so many people like them. We next took a ride on the Scrambler. Those are one of my favorite flat rides and this one ran well. It was fast and it was fun to “squish” your ride partner when you get to the corners! The crowds had died a little and it was time for another coaster. We decided to hit up Anaconda. I am not the bravest person and have to break my ride days up with flats and coasters, so we had saved this one for a little later in the day. The coaster, to me, is very pretty. It sits totally on the water and is painted to look like a snake. We had read it had an underwater tunnel and after watching it go under the water (there is a splash affect going in and out that is pretty neat) it looked like it would be fun. I was so surprised. This coaster was a blast! It goes up the lift and into two inversions that are smooth and fast enough that you don’t get that hanging feeling. Then, it straightens out and goes through some banked curves up to a mid-course brake and then down through some more curves and then the corkscrews. It was really fun and I could see this being a great coaster to take kids on to get them used to loops because I didn’t find anything about this coaster to be threatening. Verdict- A+ in my book. After, it was getting late. We took another spin on Rebel Yell’s other track and it was just as fun. We hit up Hurler again and I saved my ears. This ride is better in the middle to get a smoother ride that doesn’t knock you around too hard. By this time, it was about 9:00. The park closed at 10:00. We wanted to find a coaster and marathon it out for the remainder of the evening. We picked Grizzly because it was in a darker corner of the park and that tunnel would be even better in the dark. Going up the lift hill, we had a full moon and stars above our heads. That was an awesome experience. Yes, the ride is great at night. Not The Beast, but a good one none the less. We got to do 12 rides in a row on Grizzly. It was wonderful!! The ride op was great. He proclaimed that Grizzly was his baby and that the orange car was his absolute special favorite. There were several kids on the train and he told us every time that the coaster knows how much fun we are having and that we have to scream really loud because the louder we scream, the faster we go. He even let us ride one ride past ten as we were all begging “One more time! One more time!” Afterwards, we headed out of the park with 25 rides under our belt. We were sore and looking forward to doing it all over again the next day. DAY TWO Sunday morning, the crowds were light all day due to drizzling off and on. That made it even better for us to get as many rides in as we could without waiting in line. First up, we hit Flight of Fear. We both love this coaster and wanted to see how it compared to KI’s. Their que is different. There is not one inside. They have it tarped off and keep the lights really low. It was a really creepy effect to come around the corner and have the spaceship sitting there. It looked more authentic. Instead of the computers and all laying about, there were dozens of 55 gallon drums stacked all over and some other odds and ends to give guests the a real warehouse feel. When we got there, we were the only people there. They were still testing. I thought we were going to have the ride to ourselves when another couple arrived. I was sure they were going to have us wait a few minutes for some more people, and I would not have complained, but they waved us on board. The other couple and us sat far enough apart that it felt like we were riding alone. It was very cool. The inside is really dark and they play music inside and have a few colored lights. The ride is intense as always. The brake in the middle was not on very hard, so the car only slowed down a little instead of stopping like KI. Great ride as always and the little touches made it just as great (I like the lights being on at KI sometimes. It is surreal to look at all that twisted track as you are riding). We headed back over to the Italian Job and rode it a couple times. We made the acquaintance of a little girl and her dad. She told us how she loves all the rides and the best spot is the front seat. Her favorite was Volcano in the front and she thought Anaconda was slow. She looked maybe 9 years old and you could tell her dad was so proud of her. People like that make amusement parks even more fun! We then headed over to Anaconda, waved at our new friends (in the front seat) and headed out. It was just as fun as the day before. We had the chance to do a double, but decided against it because being flipped upside down so many times early in the day can upset any stomach. Next was back-to-back rides on Rebel Yell. They were running one side and stayed that way all day. Fun times. Hurler again. Yes, I forgot my lesson and tagged my ear again. For everyone, do NOT wear earrings on this thing! I had taken mine out and could not imagine what it would have felt like to have left them in. We visited Grizzly again. It started to mist while we were on it and we hoped the rain would hold off. I always pack ponchos so we were ready either way. Next up, we walked across and hopped on the Eagles. The ride op didn’t check our belt as it fell apart when we touched it and we put it back together quickly before the ride started. We flew a long time. The ride sits against a pond and it was fun to look down as we swung out over it and watch the rain drops fall. As we walked down, the Sponge Bob 3-D was right there and no one in line, so we thought we would try it since it had been about a year. Just like KI’s, so nothing new to write home about. When we got out, it was starting to rain in earnest. We grabbed some lunch (we are Subway addicts and hit it again) and sat under an umbrella and watched people get soaked on Wave Swinger. The Drop Tower shut down due to wind, Avalanche never opened and Berserker closed too (we wanted to ride it, but it did not open for the rest of the day). The remainder of the major rides stayed open. Some of the small ones closed because the crowds had really thinned out. We headed over to Italian Job and hopped on it again. Then, went over to Anaconda. Then, we wanted something new and headed over to Shockwave. Neither of us had ridden a stand-up coaster. It looked fun and had a moderate wait. The crew did a good job processing people and they ran two trains. They took their time to make sure our seats were at the right height and we headed out. As we started up the lift hill, the rain started back again. I made the joke that we were going to be like a bunch of turkeys and drown on the way up. The man in front of me really liked that one and laughed hard. This was a good coaster and surprised me. It didn’t hurt at all and I really liked the small “hops” before coming back to the station. Nathan said his calves hurt a little in the section right after the loop, but it wasn’t overly painful. I kept my knees flexed as it reminded me of riding horses and I did the ride the same way. We decided to tackle another flat and chose the Nickelodeon Sky Surfer ride. It is like the Eagles and you site in this cart thing with a rudder that you can turn to make the ride move around. Here is the backstory- I absolutely detest rides where my feet dangle. I don’t know what it is, but it terrifies me. I can ride the roughest nasty coasters there are as long as I am in a car or my feet are on something, but you put my feet out in the air, and I can’t handle it. We thought this didn’t look bad and it would get an idea if I could suck it up for the Crypt and Volcano. Well, it backfired. In tears before we got to the top and sobbing before we got back down. Nathan swore the little ride-op girl was going to whip him for taking me on it. I knew we could not leave the park without doing the Crypt and Volcano. I also knew that from the above paragraph, I was only going to be a spectator. We headed over to the Crypt. Visually, this ride is sweet. They have places where you can sit and watch. I had seen video of the ride when it was Tomb Raider and it appeared that the changes they made the theming was minimal. We watched a few cycles and then Nathan took a turn. He was on the backside because they had to balance the weight, but I can spot those shoes from a mile away! When he got off, he said it was a lot of fun and we talked about the two of us trying it down the road—just not today. Next was Volcano. This had the longest wait of the day at about an hour. I kept our stuff and sent him on his way. He road towards the back. The ride looked pretty short, but it packs a lot into the time that it has. When he got back, Nathan was all smiles and saying he may now have a new favorite ride. The launch was good, but blasting through the top of the volcano was the best moment he ever had on a coaster. They have cameras on this ride and you can buy a video of your ride or a photo. This looks to be a good ride and I am going to have to do some work to get up to riding it. Again, not today. From there, we took another ride on the Italian Job, another on Anaconda, and a spin on the Bumper cars. Let me say, the drivers on that ride were out for blood. I don’t think it is possible to flip a bumper car, but they were doing their best! From there, we took another turn on Shockwave. Still very enjoyable and Nathan reported that since he knew what to expect, he had no pain in his calves. As it was 7:10 and the park closed at 8:00, we decided to ride the evening out on Rebel Yell. We got nine rides in before the park closed. That coaster is truly fun. For those who want to know, the backseat is pretty rough on the back and there is quite a bit of speed in the front. Total rides for Sunday= 29. Not too bad. Thanks for the patience reading through this! We had a great time and wanted to share.

Wonderful trip report!! Camden Park is in my back pocket and I have the greatest memories of the place. We drove up there an evening ago to find where it was again as we had not been there since we were little. We are going in a couple weeks. I did not realize there was that much back in there. I am really excited to go again and it looks like there is enough there to warrant a few trips. I have a friend that works there and he says that everyone is so nice and that the new owners are the best.

OK, I'll ask, I am old enough to have been around when the Clown Band was going (I think), but never saw it or ever heard about it until this press release. So (drumroll please!) is there a link or a page or something that talks about the clown band and what it was? Thanks!

We were going to go this summer. I knew it was Big Dipper's 50th, but did not know they were going to do an "event" on that day. Do you have details?

^ Yeah, we are planning a trip to Coney. We were there for the Flower Show and thought it looked like a nice park and it would be worth going to for a nice day that is not crazy crowded like King's Island can be.

Simple request- I would like a Ferris wheel.

Firehawk. Was scared to death I would fall out of the harness! Guy sitting next to us was the biggest help and got me to laugh. He was screaming "I want the Snoopy Ride!" as we went through the loop.

One of my friends runs the train (Guessing that you don't really "drive" it. right? What is the correct term, anyway?). He has done it for a few years now and absolutely loves it! They have put alot of work getting the place back together and is worth a visit- or two.

I don't know if you are looking for price, convenience or what, but we stay at the Day's Inn. It is an exit away and it is $44 a night with taxes. They have an outdoor pool (never used it) and do the whole bagels and the like for breakfast in the morning. We aren't there for the huge hotel, just a place that is clean and close to the park where we will be spending our time.

Well, I took too long to write out a trip report. Got chastized by the SO and he wrote one instead. Enjoy! We will try to post pics later. This was our first trip to KI on opening day. We’d been there a few times last year…..but we had been going through coaster withdrawal for several months…..it was good to be back! We had spent an extended weekend in the Cincinnati….New Port Aquarium on Friday, Coney Island Flower show on Saturday, and opening day of KI on Sunday. All planned by my sweetie as my Valentine’s Day present (yeah it was a few days after V-Day, but it was worth the wait). We arrived and were in the park by 9:45, first time we’d used our new Platinum Passes as well! The rope dropped and we were off at a run to the best ride in the park….perhaps the best woody in the world…..The Beast! After The Beast, we headed over to Flight of Fear. Always a good time! After that, we started down the aisle….. The Racer, followed by The Adventure Express, then and (after stopping to snap some pics and feed the fish) The Son of Beast! We rode SoB for the first time last year during Halloween Haunt. That was a rough ride…we were expecting more of the same. Oddly enough it was smooth as butter (that being relative, we are talking about SoB here). From there we headed over to Avatar ride in Nickelodeon land. Fun little ride, we had to help two little kids. It was rather cute (if you knew Cassie, you’d know what I mean!). It had started to rain a little and we were hungry, so off to La Rosa’s! The sweetie and I shared 2 slices and a gigantic Diet Coke under an umbrella across from the construction zone (we were at the La Rosa’s in Rivertown). Whilst consuming a cool drink and some truly excellent pizza, we discussed what we think the new construction will turn out to be. I’m hoping it’ll be a huge “Out & Back” type. The construction zone will be the loading and unloading area. After lunch…we were off to Vortex. Neither of us had ever rode it. Anyway, I think we both enjoyed it. I tend to like steel coasters with lots of loops (but not Firehawk), Cassie tends to like wooden coasters with less than one loop. From Vortex, it was back to Adventure Express (in the front car no less!) and The Racer (in the front seat of the front car, a first for us on any coaster!!!). Then was off to do a second trip on SoB. I managed to look cool and get my picture snapped on SoB with my hands in the air! From there we went over to Flight Deck, also the first time either of use had rode it. A really fun ride, just too short to justify the wait! Then it was back to Beast! A rather long wait, but The Beast is always worth it. By this point we were getting tired and it was starting to get late. So we made the last ride of the day count! The suspended coaster in Nickelodeon land! She is not fond of them (to put it mildly), however they are one of my favorite types! We call it her “training” for Cedar Point! Anyways….by making it the last ride of the day….it was if it shot her nerves to hell! Plus…she had to tough it out and be brave for the children! They were everywhere! And loving the ride….how would it be to see an adult cry? Yeah, I’m that evil. We picked out a magnet for the fridge (we get a magnet on every trip we go on), and we found a KI sweater for the sweetie! After that, we headed out and called it a day. Actually we looted through our box of treasures we bought at a place called Jungle Jim’s from the day before. No joke, if you’ve never been it is worth burning a few hours of coaster time to check it out.