Hoeter

I heard many people last night wondering what's going on back there in Action Zone. Whatever it will be is going to be HUGE! Wonder how long it will be for Channel 5 to get their hands on what Kings Island is cooking, similar to what they did with Diamondback?

Thanks Terpy...it's good to be back. It's been a hectic few months as my work schedule only allows for evening or weekend trips out to the park plus I have just finished moving closer to Cincinnati. Mount Orab to Mason is quite a haul so it's more convenient with my new location to visit the park more often. Aside from this, I will have to head out to Batavia and see if Clermont Steel Fabricators has anything brewing in the form of coaster track.

Hello all...it's been awhile since I've posted here and it's also been awhile since I've made a trip out to Kings Island, but for the sixth straight year I will be visiting Kings Island with Gold Pass in tow. This trip was a random one, arriving around 8pm with the intent of getting in a long overdue night ride on The Beast. The park was packed this evening, with Music in the Parks taking place. However, most groups were either meeting up or departing when I arrived. With this in mind, I proceeded into the park and was relieved that the instant renewal was a fast and seamless process. First ride of the evening was Adventure Express. The wait was approximately 20 minutes and the line was around halfway back to the midway itself. However, the line moved fairly quickly and it's weird not seeing Son of Beast right on the other side. After this ride, I headed over to The Racer. Chose the blue side which was approximately a 10 minute wait. Amazing ride as always. While on this side of the park, I went and checked out the construction happening over in Action Zone and I officially cannot wait to see what this develops into. Only time will tell what Don, Greg, and company have in store for Action Zone and I cannot wait for 2014. I'm excited! While in the vicinity, I headed over to Flight Deck. Only a 2 train wait itself, this provided a unique perspective as well into the massive land clearing and construction happening in the area. Similarly to Adventure Express, it's weird not seeing Son of Beast mere feet away from this attraction and it's different for both rides. Finally, I headed over to The Beast to get my first night ride in several years, and it was well worth the hour wait, which includes the downtime for the fireworks. I forgot exactly how amazing a night ride on The Beast is, and tonight was no exception. In closing, regarding the construction happening over in Action Zone, whatever is coming, most likely a coaster, is going to be HUGE. The pictures that I have seen in other trip reports and here on KIC are great but to put it in perspective requires you to see this in person. Whatever is planned for 2014 will be massive and will put Kings Island back on the map. I cannot wait to see how this unfolds. Until next time folks, keep ridin' on...

Rode past CSF in Batavia this afternoon after my shopping trip down to Eastgate. Saw one lime green piece and a couple of pieces awaiting paint on the side. At this point there's not much activity taking place from what I saw.

I prefer The Beast, Vortex, and Diamondback in the front row. Every great once in a while, I'll get the urge to ride Diamondback in Row 16. Honorable mentions on Vortex...7-1 will actually startle you with the amount of airtime on the first drop, and as Terpy mentioned 5-1 is the recommended seat on this ride, as Ron Toomer designed the ride experience around this very seat.

Gary is a good guy, I've rode with him many times and I've had some neat conversations with him. Here's to 7,000 more rides Gary! Not to hijack the thread or anything, but on a related note...does anybody know if Darlene is still keeping tabs on her ride count?

Thanks for sharing your experience with us TheCrypt! I had the opportunity to visit USF and IOA back in 2009 a couple of weeks before KI opened for the season. I wasn't that much of a fan of roller coasters before this trip. Before this trip, I did the coasters at the Disney parks in Florida, as well as The Beast, Firehawk, Racer, and Adventure Express at Kings Island. The Incredible Hulk did it for me, a month before I rode Diamondback for the first time. I will never forget my first ride on that thing.You can't keep me off of roller coasters now, it's a great adrenaline rush and a great stress reliever. Anyways, I need to get down there soon to check it out, it's been way too long. Once again, thanks for sharing your experience with us!

http://www.cincinnativiews.net/images-2/Kings%20Island%20overhead.jpg This is from 1972, one story entrance...when the IR was added, they built the second story over the existing structure

I really like this design, and I'll agree with one of the previous posters, it does remind me of Disney. Since the metal detectors are now gone, a revamp of the front gate area would be welcoming. If I'm not mistaken, the International Restaurant was added in 1973 so it's overdue for a remodel.

I had the chance to ride yesterday...and I have to say that it was probably one of the best, smoothest rides that I've had in a long, long time.

I just renewed my pass and today sounded like the perfect day to go. Can't wait to see how The Beast is since it's retracking,

Please don't let the same thing happen to The Beach as it did at Surf Cincinnati...the photos of the place overgrown were depressing.

I have ridden The Beast many times and each time has been a memorable and enjoyable one. One does stand out though, it was a night ride and I was in the first row. Never experienced anything like it before. Hurling through the darkness with nothing in front of you. There's usually a line for the front row, but the wait is absolutely worth it.

Don, I emailed you about 9 or 10 that I had.

Having today off from work, and nothing to do...I decided to put my pass to use for the first visit of the season. Arrived about 2pm and parked in the Gold Pass lot. They actually have someone checking passes in that section now. I did not have to mess with pass processing since I renewed my pass online- quick, painless, got right into the park... First ride was on Boo Blasters, short wait- maybe 10 minutes at the most. Same old ride, scored 1450. Next up was Diamondback- row 16 on red train. Great ejector air, great ride as always. Some parts of the ride already need to be repainted. The Beast was after that. 15 to 20 minute wait for the rear of the train. Ride broke down as I was getting off. Retracked portion is a LOT smoother. WindSeeker, 25 minute wait. Not a bad ride Kings Island, very relaxing and a great view of the surrounding area. Gets to the top real quick... Firehawk, 40 minute wait. About typical the past few times I've ridden. Red Racer, walk on for the third row. Great ride and great airtime as always Adventure Express, walk on for the last row. Great ride as always, still smells like raw sewage back in there. Flight Deck, waited 10 minutes and the ride broke down. New paint looks amazing, definitely an improvement over years past. I also like the stripes they painted on the brake run. Noticed the cars were making a machine-gunnish sound. Not sure if it's intentional or if it's something with the trains. Anyone else heard it? Congo Falls, walk on. Nice ride to cool off on, felt amazing. Some final thoughts...WindSeeker, Dinosaurs Alive, Vortex area looks amazing. The pavers are definitely an improvement over the pavement that has been there. Also, the new landscaping and the area in general looks a whole lot better since WindSeeker and DA have come in. It's nice to see Coney Mall get some love for the first time in a long time. In addition, WindSeeker is an amazing ride. It's relaxing and you can really see alot from 300 feet up. Kudos Kings Island, and I will be back soon.

Downloaded the app just now for my Android phone...awesome app for those in the park. This app has a car locator feature. Just mark the spot when you get out of your car and you no longer have to remember the section you parked in... EDIT: Someone already beat me to it on the car locator feature.

I just have a KI Gold Pass...last had a regular pass in 2003. Didn't go to the park for 5 years or so...came back in 2008, bought one and have renewed each year since.

I miss the Top Gun music when leaving the park at the end of the night. Perfect for that fun filled day...

For example from what Jesse said...today, tomorrow, and Sunday Diamondback and Beast will run for ERT. Vortex and WindSeeker are listed as the normal rides, when WindSeeker does open. Hope this helps.

Congrats Jesse! Ryan and Dane made an excellent choice.

And the WindSeeker webcam is a Fox 19 feed...

Nice PTR...thanks for sharing. I agree with some of the other posters about WindSeeker...it's gonna look sharp at night and will be an amazing night ride. Looks like I will be able to get a pass this year after all...got some extra money coming in, can't wait to venture up there for another amazing season.

From Mason Buzz: http://masonbuzz.com...-dinosaur-park/ Is it just me or does Greg Scheid look just like Don now... http://masonbuzz.com/photos/album/72157626170941873/album/72157626170941873/photo/5537748409/kings-island-announces-dinosaurs-alive-attraction-dino2.html

Check out KI's Facebook if you haven't already...the majority of everyone posting there has their tightie whities in a bunch.

Yeah that one works buddy, that looks awesome.