KIfan73

Yeah, my mom gets a little ill when she sees what GTOs go for at Barrett-Jackson. She bought hers nearly new from her soon-to-be brother in law who worked at a Pontiac dealer at the time. 1970 GTO Judge Ram Air III 4-speed. I guess in the early '70s none of these cars were really worth anything as insurance rates began to soar. She sold hers for $1500 (in almost new condition) in 1973 or '74.

An overhead current shot of KII/R: It's always amazed me at what a sprawling complex the Inn/Resort is. When you look at an overhead shot of it, you can see it really quickly (and every section visible has two stories, I believe!). When it was the only show in town, it's size would have made sense. I've wondered how, for the last few decades, it has been able to support its footprint. I don't know how hotels rotate which rooms they rent, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's entire sections that haven't been used in years.

For comparison, here are pictures from 2013:

Whether the good old Kings Island Inn/Resort gets demolished or not, it probably deserves its own photo thread. Here's what I've got: These are from 1972, from a visit made by my mom, aunt, and uncle (before I was born!): From the parking lot (it really doesn't show much, except for just how much there wasn't across the street):

No, no problem at all!! I hope lots of people posts pics they have of the KI Inn/Resort in this thread. I have some more from over the years I'm going to post.

^I was gonna post my pics on this thread. What a shame. Another thing that will disappear from the "original vision" of Kings Island. The pic with the two girls in it are my mom and aunt. Both pics are from 1972. It looks like it would have been quite the experience to visit the whole Kings Island "resort" back then!

I'm 6'4" and I've rode it a few times without problems. It's actually a really good ride. It would have made a nice addition to the "regular" side of the park, except for it's low capacity.

When The Resort opened, was it the only hotel around?

Wow! I have to say, I would really be sad to see that happen.

Wing it Friday nights...I know I can't be the first one to giggle at that...considering where you'll eat them!

I had almost forgotten that I acquired these tickets a little while back...supposedly these were purchased during Coney's final weekend of operation. Either way, I felt really lucky to get these little pieces of history.

That is part of what's confusing me - if you looked at that view from the same angle today, wouldn't the Int'l Street shops be visible? I was under the impression that all those buildings were constructed before the park was opened and weren't part of any expansion. It'd be great if KI posted "throwback" pictures every so often. I'm fascinated by that Taft video about the park's construction, wish more stuff like that was around. i think that pic is actually in front of the entry building, before you go through the gates.

That's definitely a rare view of the park. Looks like its from a fairly early time in the park's history. It drives me nuts when I think how many historical pics the park itself probably has in it's archives!

I know I'm not the only one that has noticed how much Kings Island's history has been highlighted in various social media posts this season (both by the park, and other related accounts ). This makes me kind of excited for 2015!

I actually purchased that episode from iTunes. That's a real gem. I watch it every once in awhile on my iPad or Apple TV (or iPhone for that matter..pretty small picture though). Picture quality is outstanding. It gives many great views of old Kings Island, including the Kings Inn.

I was looking at those gravestones this summer and thinking how all the thousands of people that go past them have no idea of their significance!

Kings Island must bring in dump truck loads of money during Haunt.

That Galaga game is a real gem. I played that a ton back in the 80s. Only a quarter, and no line. I played it for about 20 minutes for one quarter last summer...talk about an 80s flashback!

Or location??

Being one of the, if not THE best thing in the park, as is, I hope they don't change a thing about the fountains. I believe that those and the Tower alone would qualify as a world class destination.

I'm always jealous of all of you guys that can determine which is the best seat on a ride, and can name/analyze all of the different elements. After a few decades of visiting Kings Island, 99% of the time I still just get in the shortest line (but I do know not to sit on a wheel seat) to get ride as quick as possible. I will say that Banshee has completely blown me away, and I love its first drop, as well as the rest of it. I didn't think I could get so excited riding a ride again....it was just like when I first rode Vortex the first time well over 20 years ago.

That should be their commercial for Haunt!

Can't believe no one has mentioned The Bat/Flight Deck/Top Gun's first drop...I still giggle after all these years.

I almost forgot about that. I rode The Beast a week ago, and it was the smoothest ride I have ever had on it. Unbelievably smooth.

Can't believe how much has happened at the park just since I went a week ago...organ came back to The Grand Carousel, Shake, Rattle & Roll has vanished, videos at Banshee, the Haunt building was put up (just dirt last Wednesday)...not to mention the 10 millionth DB ride happened!! Sheesh!