WesReviews

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. In that case... yikes. If I'm unable to have children someday, Chang is to blame. I feel sorry for those folks at Great Adventure.

Wow... a standing coaster in this day and age? Thought those were relics of the past. Looks fun.

So, I did a Google Earth search last night and looked at the graveyard area near The Racer... in addition to a couple of large white trucks, and a large orange container of some sort, I noticed two rows of what appear to be green-ish yellow coaster track. The map image is dated July '10. I know King Cobra is supposed to be long since scrapped and off-site, so what ride could these bits be from? Is it at all possible there are a few remnants of Cobra remaining?

Does CP even have any more room to expand? Looks pretty much land-locked to me.

I know Vortex isn't sinking, but I do get nervous about it. The last few times I've been to the park, I've heard things like "Vortex sucks!" or "They should replace that one with something better." in walking past other parkgoers. This kind of makes me nervous that Vortex's shelf life may be shorter than we want. I know they're not really in a monetary position to do a drastic removal of it and replace it in one season (they've got plenty enough of that left to do with SoB, likely) but it does make me wonder. It's not the tallest, longest, or the fastest, but for my money, its probably the most solidly fun ride in the park. Something else I'd noticed is that only until they pulled all the SoB merchandise, they didn't have a whole lot devoted to Vortex. For example... the set of four shot glasses (Firehawk, Beast, Diamondback, Son of Beast) now features a Vortex glass instead of Son of Beast. Before that, Vortex stuff wasn't being pushed very much at all. Plus, isn't Arrow out of business now? Is someone else making replacement parts and so forth for the track and trains? if this has been discussed before, my apologies. Just came to mind when I saw the thread.

Yes. Terpy: a. In your heart you knew he would, and b. Tis true... Yes to media or yes to sold at the park? Or yes to both? Never been able to find this on eBay or Amazon. Must be insanely rare.

I've seen these videos on YouTube a few times. In regard to the original VHS... were they distributed to the media or sold at the park?

Ah, okay. Missed that one. Thanks, Andrew!

I still wonder if they'll be able to do all the required fake rock/foliage/vegetation theming stuff in the 6 weeks or so that they have left. The Dinosaurs Unearthed stuff looks pretty elaborate, and for it to be the "largest in the world", you would think it would take more than a month and a half to get everything cleared, set up, and tested. I guess we will see, though. If this dino thing turns out NOT to be the big news, of course... my money is on KI re-opening SOB as a backwards stand-up, to honor both The Racers and King Cobra.

If it is the Dinosaurs Alive thing, are they going to be able to create all the sidewalk and plant theming in just 6 weeks time? Those pics look pretty elaborate.

I didn't see anyone else mention this, so my apologies if it has already been somewhere... Not sure when this was updated, but according to the Wikipedia entry for Kings Island, the ride names and descriptions for Planet Snoopy at Kings Island are... Charlie's Wave Crave 2006 Skateboard themed ride that spins as it glides over a ramp; known as Avatar: The Last Airbender (??-2009). Woodstock Flyers 2006 Known as Danny Phantom's Phantom Flyers (2006–2007)and Phantom Flyers (2007-2009). Kite Eating Tree 2006 A very small version of The Drop Zone ride; known as Plankton’s Plunge (??-2009). Snoopy's Wet Zone 1995 Known as Nickelodeon Green Slime Zone (1995–2005) and SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom Bash (2006-2009). Captain Snoopy 2001 A Vekoma family inverted coaster; known as Rugrats Runaway Reptar (??-2009). Lucy's Flight Zone 1998 Known as Atom Ant's Airways (1998–2005) and Timmy's Airtours (2006-2009). Helicopter Highway 1998 Known as Yogi's Sky Tours (1998–2005) and Lazytown Sportacopters (2006-2009). Charlie's Liftoff 1992 This junior roller takes guests up a small hill and then circles around and goes up the chain again. It was remodeled in 2006 to reflect its new theme as part of Nick Universe. Known as Scooby Zoom (1992–1997), Top Cat's Taxi Jam (1998–2005), and Little Bill's Giggle Coaster (2006-2009). Snoopy's Swingset 1992 Known as Pixie and Dixie's Swingset (1992–2005) and Backyardigan's Swing-Along (2006-2009). The Pet Show 1992 Known as Dick Dastardly's Biplanes (1992–2005) and Blue's Skidoo (2006-2009). Snoopy-Go-Round 1982 Known as Hanna Barbera Carousel (1982–2005) and Nick-O-Round (2006-2009). The Train Station 1982 Known as Quick Draw's Railway (1982–2005) and La Adventura de Azul (2006-2009). Snoopy Vs. Woodstock 1976 Known as Flintstone's Boulder Bumpers (1976–2005) and Jimmy Neutron's Atom Smasher (2006-2009). Snoopy Kart 1979 Known as Fender Bender 500 (????-2005) and Nick Jr. Drivers (2006-2009). Lucy's Kidz Coaster 1972 A John Allen/Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters family wooden coaster. Known as Scooby Doo (1972–1979), Beastie (1980–2005), and Fairly Odd Coaster (2006-2009). Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin 1972 A Sally dark ride experience for families which involves shooting laser guns at ghosts and ghouls. Known as Enchanted Voyage (1972–1982), Smurf's Enchanted Voyage (1984–1991), Phantom Theater (1992–2002), and Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle (2003-2009) Summer Blast With Charlie 1972 Themed log ride from Coney Island (1968–1971). Closed during the 2000 season, reopened with new name and theming in 2001. Known as Kings Mills Log Flume (1972–1999) and The Wild Thornberrys River Adventure (2000-2009). Silly Sweepers 1972 From Coney Island (1967–1971) Known as Alley Cat 500 (-2005) and Swiper's Sweepers (2006-2009). Extreme Fun Palace 2010 New For 2010

Definitely looks similar to the Komodo movie artwork, however, what of the "Ride Sally Ride" clue? Definitely pointing in the direction of "Mustang", although the 09 coaster's teaser art is definitely not the eye of any horse I've ever seen. As someone else suggested, though... a "Cobra" is a type of Mustang car... Also, the fact that cobras aren't native to Ohio didn't stop them from naming the original "King Cobra" in the first place. As far as the track color, copperheads are reddish brown in color. They're not really known for speed, though. Doing a little investigation into types of "fast" snakes, the Black Mamba is the world's fastest. Further digging... the "Taipan" snake is native to Australia. Could the buildings some are mistaking for "western-themed" be instead, Australian outback?

Let's break down the clues (and forgive me if I forget any)... From the Teaser Signs: "WARNING" "The Park Strikes Back in 2009" "Slippery When Wet..." "Ride Sally Ride!!!" "Steep Incline Ahead." "Run for the Hills!!!" "Move Slowly DO NOT DISTURB!!!" From KI's Website: "WARNING: OUR MEANEST RIDE HITS THE PARK IN..." "DO NOT DISTURB" (written on box crate similar to Son of Beast's promotional teaser) "36 Years in the Making... and You Can See it Here First." "It's Coming... 08.06.08" "SSSHHH!!" - Teaser eye image appears to be that of a reptile. From the Ride Itself: - Hypercoaster - Splash Pool - Trains like Behemoth - Possible Western Theming - Rivertown location - Red Track Mustang is a possibility, except for the "Move Slowly Do Not Disturb" clue. If disturbed, a Mustang probably wouldn't do much more to you than any other type of horse. And honestly, if not for the "Ride Sally Ride" clue, I doubt anyone would've thought of Mustang. None of the other clues point in that direction. Though, this clue is the most obscure and specific of them all. The others could indicate any number of animals/creatures. Plus, the eye on the website is decidedly NOT that of a horse. The clues to me seem to indicate a "monster" or terrifying type of animal that is dangerous. "The Park Strikes Back"... what kind of animal strikes? A snake. I really like where this guy's head's at. Or maybe Cobra Canyon... Cobra Valley... Cobra Falls... Cobra by itself wouldn't be bad, either. Of course, if this coaster is in any way related to or inspired by King Cobra's former presence in the park, I would think the track pieces would be green and yellow. So, the whole cobra thing may be a wash. Copperheads are reddish brown in color, however.

Why not theme is as "The Crypt" of Kings Island? Utilize past ride names and theming... Screamin' Demon, The Bat, King Cobra, etc. All of whose names evoke terror/excitement. They could throw in a few animatronic props (large hissing king cobra wrapped around one of the original KC train cars). It'd be a sort of "graveyard of the park" type of scenario.

Just based on the drawings, it looks to me like the edge of the manta in the front's 'wing' thing hits the water, along with the edge of those on the actual trains. This could just be for the concept art, though.

I've never been to Sea World before, but I think I may have to make my first trip once Manta opens. Looks like fun!

It's also interesting to note that Vampire/Flashback hasn't had major malfunctions (that we've heard of, of course) since it left Kentucky Kingdom's care. I'm not saying what happened to Vampire was SFKK's fault, but in light of the Superman incident, it's certainly possible, I think. I'd hate to think that SFKK is lackluster in the area of ride/safety maintenance (being a Kentuckian myself and proud of the park) but if changes need to be implemented in their processes and procedures for the fun and safety of all, any and all faults should rightfully be made known.

I realize this, but thought about other possible examples of ride neglegence in Kentucky Kingdom's history. Besides, someone else mentioned Starchaser earlier in the thread, so I felt that maybe Vampire's fate tied into the park/Superman injury discussion as well...since it seemed to run fine for so long and then almost instantly was removed due to malfunctions. My apologies for assuming wrong, I guess.

In light of the alleged maintenance neglegence on behalf of the park, could this also be attributed to the fate of The Vampire? It seemed like Vampire ran relatively fine for most of its life and then one season just went berserk. Food for thought...Could The Vampire have been saved with proper maintenance?

I remember Phantom Theater. It wasn't the greatest ride in the world. At best, a low-rent Haunted Mansion rip-off. At worst, much too tame and safe for the serious scare fan. I would definitely welcome an updated version of Phantom Theater or a new "haunted house" type attraction at Kings Island, though.

The only one that ever hurt my groin was Chang, which I refuse to ride again because of this. I never experienced any problems on King Cobra, etc.

I agree. Vampire gave the then young park a signature, flagship coaster to market and build around. It was the "leader", so to speak. Without it, I guess Thunder Run became the flagship, by default? I still have a Vampire mesh cap around here somewhere. Maybe a button, too.

Guess the Paramount sign should've tipped me off as well. How sad, though. Anyone recognize any of the other items in the Virtual Earth pic? Also, does this mean the train cars from KC are no longer stored in FoF as well? Is everything from KC now gone from Kings Island? I found a pic on the net a few months back of a girl touring FoF and she managed to take a picture of the original King Cobra sign. I believe a train car or two was still there at the time, but I have no idea when the pics were taken or if these items still exist. Anyone know?

Same here. Copperheads are fairly distinct in contrast to other snakes. Their bodies are not very long (in human terms, they would be considered "short and stocky"), they have reddish brown bands, and their head is shaped much like an arrowhead. They may not be extremely common in Cincy, but I am 100% positive that what I saw was a copperhead, and am certain that they reside in the area (if only in low numbers).

The color of the snake and its head shape were unmistakable. Being from Eastern Kentucky, I've become accustomed to seeing the copperheads, usually at least once every other summer or so. In fact, I almost didn't see the snake because of its deep brown/reddish color. I had to step closer to finally notice what it was, and once I saw, I didn't linger a moment longer.