KIfan73

For those that have been to a Disney park, how have they changed visually over the years?

Wow, I never get tired of that video. Yes, I'll chime in. I think a lot of the old beauty of KI has been lost, although I still think it's a beautiful park.

Actually, lots of people can guess, and some already do know!

There have been some interesting posts in the last few days on the KI insider blog if you haven't read it lately!

I still can't believe that whole area was ever at Kings Island. It's just so hard to imagine. I did visit it once, but was too little to remember. It's fascinating seeing that area compared to today. Thanks again!

Is thread was just mentioned on KIPR's twitter!

That would have been fantastic. And, I'd say that most would agree that Diamondback is more fun. -KIfan73, who is not always in the majority

Another great pic and another attraction replaced by something not as fun (but, in this case, can't be blamed on FUN)!

Great picture, once again! What shop was that in the old picture? It looks like stuffed animals in the window.

I am seriously having some KI withdrawal. I get so excited during the off season when I think of my first visit to the park, even after all these years.

While I like very much the snoopy starlight area around the tower very much, it still makes me sick what was removed.

This has not been dippin dots' month!

Wow, I am really enjoying these pictures! I really love KI history stuff, which is probably well documented... BTW, the whole July 24th thing just got a little weirder.... http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8670&view=findpost&p=139977

Thanks a lot for posting these!

Actually, I meant KI management... Somebody must have had an axe to grind that wrote some of that stuff. It is not anywhere that bad. We have stayed there about 5-6 nights a year every year since the campground closed. I have seen a continual decline...but nothing nearly as drastic as that. The "little" thing I notice are mostly how they repair things...kind of sloppy...like over caulking around the tub or toilet. The only problems that we have had that pop into mind over the last few years: TV wouldn't work...they brought us a working one. Refridgerator wasn't that cold...they brought us a working one. No towels...they sent them right over after we called. As for dirty, I wouldn't stay somewhere I thought was dirty. The ONLY "really? moment" was on our last visit...the carpet had a stain where it appears a kid spilled their juice. I was surprised they didn't clean it before they let anyone check in. As for the employees...no problem there. I have never had a rude employee....PLUS the bus drivers bend over backwards to get you there and back tothe park when you want. The oddest time was when I rode the bus over...but walked back to the hotel mid evening. It wasn't really busy that day...so I guess the driver was keeping track of how many people he was taking over & back. Near the end of the evening my family was riding back on the bus....my sister asked the driver how late he had to work...he said "Well, you are almost my last people to bring back...I just have one more guy over there, then i'm done". My sister described me and he said "Yep, thats the guy i'm missing". I think THAT'S customer service! I easily recommend the hotel as long as someone is not expecting a luxury hotel...and speaking of that, I once stayed in a hotel in Chicago that was about $200.00 a night...and something kept scratching me while I was in bed...I reached down to find a big old clipped toenail....i'm guessing they hadn't changed the linen. <_< (So higher prices do not always mean better quality.) My experiences at the KI resort sound like yours...

Usually in the 80 to 100 range...

I think that the KI resort gets a really bad rap. I've stayed there a few times over the last couple years with no complaints, and I'm really picky. EDIT....Interpreter, you posted while I was making this post...I wonder if some of these "glitches" may be fixed with the new management?

I would like to see "street views" of different areas of the park when you click on them on the map. Possibly have them be live views when the park is open. During the season it might be neat to have a short live video feed with someone in the PR department talking about something interesting in the park that day, or just featuring a certain attraction or show.

I've always wondered why they didn't build it closer to the park.

Thanks for posting this. I stayed there during this era, but unfortunately don't remember it. When it was new, I would think the patrons would have been amazed, especially given the time period and it's location I southern Ohio.

I'm having my '72 map framed right now. Can't wait to see it.

Although it's not in the same league, the tower seems to me like KI's cinderella's castle...I've never been to a Disney park, but I can only imagine that they treat the area around that castle with some sacredness. Let's hope someone in charge starts feeling the same way. (yes, my references were deliberate, but just so happen to also relate so well!)

I remember the last time I rode the antique cars. If I remember right, it was the last labor day they were open. What a shame. I would love to see them do more in the future to bring back the feel that attractions like that provided.

Awesome thread! What a great idea, to recreate old photos....can't believe I never thought of that! Also, I can't believe that "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is over 20 years old! (I was entering college at that time)

This is one of the most interesting posts I've ever read about "what could have been" at KI... http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20147&view=findpost&p=344872