Hoeter

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.

It still doesn't link properly dude. I don't know how you do it from a phone.

One of the articles said it would open in the Spring. It's not guaranteed for opening day, if I remember correctly.

The link for this video is broken, or Youtube is being stupid again. It won't play for me.

My sarcasm detector must be broken this evening...

No...2:00pm. Please refer to my post two up from this one.

2:00pm as stated umpteen times in this thread...

Local 12 is also reporting on the new attraction. http://www.local12.com/News/Local/story/Dinosaur-Attraction-Coming-to-Kings-Island/D3jnsJLygkKMucYaKdfz1A.cspx

I voted Carl Winslow. "Did I do that?"

It's still playing fine for me...see post #965. EDIT: Terpy beat me to it!