KIfan73

I think I have an idea of why WindSeeker is where it is…this is a thread I started a few months ago: http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?/topic/24860-just-noticed-this/#entry448256

I think that having something like the trams would be great to have again, especially from a customer service perspective. It seems like it would help give the impression of "we're glad you're at the park", instead of "here's our park, and don't be afraid to throw plenty of money around!" (possibly by doing the first thing, the second thing may actually happen with even more frequency).

While we're doing some speculating here, IF SoB is removed, I really don't think that anything will go in its place. I look for there to be development in other, sort of underrated spots (see Diamondback) in the park. I can see the "footprint" of the park just being moved away from that area, especially if FD is ever removed (which I would hate to see, because I really enjoy it).

Browntggr, I love Vacation, too. It's maybe the only movie that I could watch over and over again (even more than I already have!). I love the opening that you posted, too…I don't think there's been a trip that i've been on since that movie came out where some lines from it haven't been quoted…lol "Mr. Griswold ordered a blue sports wagon, where is it?" "I don't know sir."

The 80-some miles in between where I live and the park.

This is really not to endorse the park's pricing of the lockers…I really have no idea of how much the prices are or aren't inflated…but I worked at a small roller skating rink on and off 20 some years ago, and even back then, I was utterly stunned when I heard how much the cost to purchase and operate the lockers.

I believe the Kings Island Inn is the only one with a shuttle. Personally, I've always stayed there and have always had a good experience.

In these forums, I have found that we often go back and forth between two main perspectives. One is that of a park visitor. The other is more of an operational perspective. Often the latter is used to create a reality check for the former. I can understand the reasons why or why not Kings Island may or may not get a large coaster (or other attraction). However, that doesn't stop me from thinking that Kings Island needs something new and exciting sooner rather than later.

A diversion, to me, is when your attention is taken away from something. I wonder what we're supposed to not be noticing? And what are we instead looking at? Confusion.

I just have to say what an interesting story! Definitely didn't know that nugget of information.

I have visited the park regularly since 1992. I'm amazed at how much the park has changed in the last 20 years, as compared to the first 20 years. 1992 doesn't look a whole lot different than 1972.

The only time I have witnessed some fairly sketchy behavior was in SoB's queue. There always seemed to be something different about the line for that ride than others...

Preferred parking=Fast Lane?

I would have Diamondback go into a small turnaround before the lift hill, similar to The Beast.

I just couldn't help but notice how long the lines were last week, by 11AM on a weekday. The Racer's line was probably 40 people deep into the midway by noon. I know several of the rides were running less trains, etc.

I'm wondering if enough aren't sold, if ride operations can be/will be manipulated to the point where the demand for Fast Passes increases (in other words, ensuring there are long lines).

If there's a certain number they want to sell, and it's not happening, I wonder what the park will do then?

Here's a pic of the clock I took on Wednesday, June 6:

Thanks! All those lines gave me the opportunity to do probably my favorite thing there…just walk and take in the scenery.

I read in another post that only one side of Racer was running (and the line was well into the midway by 11), Flight Deck was running two trains, Invertigo was closed, Diamondback was closed, Adventure Express had maybe the longest line I've ever seen in that queue, and Vortex's line was like when I first rode it in '92-to the end of the cement planter. Add in the loss of shows as compared to last year, and the understaffing at some dining locations (not scientific at all, just compared to what I remember before), it came across to me as a major staffing belt-tightening by the park.

That does look fantastic…they should hire you to do the maps for the park, too!

Evidently, yesterday must have been a popular day to visit the park! I got in right at 9, so I took advantage of the ERT. Positives from this trip: It was great having The Beast for ERT for a whole hour. Pretty much all walk-ons. The park looked fantastic. I had a Cinabon, and it was awesome…the girl that waited on me was really nice. Waterpark addition looked really nice. The floral clock was starting to come together! Negatives: Long lines very early in the day, well before noon, for everything-would have been a great day for Fast Passes. Pizza went to $8.19 for one slice (with breadsticks), the two-piece deal for around $6 something was always my mainstay. Got in line at the former Hank's to get a salad..after 10 minutes of the same person being rung up and the line not moving, I decided it wasn't worth it and left. Seemed to be understaffed. No shows at Festhaus during the week at all (from what I gathered on their website, but not before my trip). This was a real bummer for me. I thought it was pretty nice to have a live show to watch while I ate lunch/dinner. With Diamondback and Invertigo down, no shows in the Festhaus, no show in the KI Theater, and no show in the Int'l showplace, the park just seemed a bit "off". I would really feel for the family who chose their lone day to visit the park as this day. Even if you're not into all of that stuff, I think it's nice have them going on while you're at the park, and would probably somewhat help with the lines on the rides. Some random pics of the park:

I usually visit during this week (at least for the last 5 or 6 years), and it's always been up and running. It may seem silly, but I'm really not going to be happy if, for some reason, it's traditional operation is not in Kings Island's future plans.

I really hated to hear that the Gold Pass lot was gone. I've had relatively uneventful parking experiences for the last several years.

I'm going this week, so this is FANTASTIC news!!!