KIfan73

I'm very happy with Cedar Fair. In fact, given this new coaster coming, the only thing really on my wish list would be a sit down restaurant, or at least more diverse food options. I will say, contrary to what a majority of the posters on here write, I've been happy with the food I have gotten this year.

Now that's the best story I've read about Kings Island. Glad to know about how other parks do this, too.

^Great point. Definitely a possiblity. Longer than The Vortex doesn't sound bad, for sure.

I'm kind of stunned right now...finally...real details....3 loops!?

I would love to see a documentary or read a book about them planning those parks. I read one about the planning of Disney World. Very interesting stuff.

Just two weeks before this trip, I made a trip to KI. During that trip, I remember thinking to myself that there were a few rides in Nick U I'd like to try, but wish I was in a group with some kids in it so I didn't feel out of place. Well, lo and behold on Monday evening I got a call from a very good friend saying he was taking his family to KI the next day and wanted to know if I wanted to join them. Without much thought, I told him I'd see him the next morning (especially after seeing the forecast for Tuesday). We made the 80 mile trip to KI and got to the park about 5 minutes before the metal detectors opened up. Here are just a few shots pre-rope drop. Gorgeous morning. We got started by riding SDATHC. I hadn't rode this in years. This was a blast (and I scored 1410), beating out my friend's 13 year old brother-in-law. He was not terribly happy. lol Next up, my friend's 3 year old daughter got in line for the FOC. This would be her first roller coaster...and FINALLY my first ride on it!! Now I had a good excuse to get on it. What a fun little coaster. Absolute blast. My friend's daughter rode a few more rides while we watched, then my friend, his brother in law, and myself went to the main park to ride a few rides. In a nutshell, while I still enjoy riding the "big" rides, our most fun was had today by riding the less intense rides. A few obligatory shots of the park Next up was Congo Falls. I'm as guilty as most people, I usually walk right past this. BUT, I recommend anyone to make the walk across the bridge and ride this ride. This was an absolute blast. We rode it twice in a row. It is also possibly the most landscaped ride in the park. Its like going back in time. Why can't they do it like this anymore? After a while (and dinner), we met up with the rest of the group back in NU. I rode Wild Thornsberrys River Adventure. I had not been on this ride in over a decade. Again, an absolute blast. Around this time, I also got to experience Phantom Flyers. This was pretty fun, too. Next up was a ride I wish I had ridden a long time ago: Runaway Reptar. I had no idea what a great ride this was. I can't wait to get on this again. I was nearly too tall for it, however, but it was a comfy ride. I had a few more pics, but for some reason, my memory card isn't wanting to give them up. Anyway, I felt like a discovered a whole new amusement park during this trip. I highly recommend mixing in a good dallop of these smaller, low profile rides into your trip. I also recommend going to KI with a child. If you don't have any, go with someone that does. It will shed a whole new light into your experience, and you definitely won't be spending time pondering such things as how rough the SOB is or if The Beast has too many trim breaks on it. This may have been my most fun trip to KI ever. A couple pics to finish up. Thanks for reading!

I'm 6'4", and it hurts a little, but never stops me from riding it.

When you said "we're tall tall" for The Vortex, does that mean you couldn't ride it?

As far as eating goes, a fun place is the Festhaus. With the (good) live shows in there, its fun to watch while you eat.

Did anyone else get their KI e-newsletter today? It mentions another really cool thing they've added for the 4th...

Thanks. It just seemed like one of those days where all of my pictures turned out well.

I had maybe the best weather ever for a trip to KI on this day. Absolutely gorgeous. Anyway, the photos tell the story of this trip.

Last Tuesday (6/17), only the Blue side was open. It looked to be that they were testing the red side.

Nice TR. Your trip sounds like my last couple trips. The newest ride that I rode all day long was Adventure Express. Took in a couple shows, and enjoyed the landscaping. Ah, nothing like getting old, huh!

For some reason my Photobucket account is not working, so I'll give a short TR without photos. When I saw Tuesday's forecast of the low 70s, I knew it was my day to go. I started with a double ride on The Beast, and worked my way counterclockwise to Flight Deck. Lines were short until 1pm or so. In between rides, I ate lunch while watching The County Line, and also took in Endless Summer on Ice. I've never been a big show person, and until last summer, had never been to one at KI. I've got to say they are a great addition to a day at the park. They are really good. I think CF made a great investment in adding these. That leads with what I will end with. Cedar Fair is doing, I think, what any smart owner would do. They are maximizing what they have. Even without thinking about the Firehawk addition, I think they have made smart choices about using the park to its potential. The park is always spotless. They've rejuvenated Festhaus, as well as the shops (and the merchandise in the shops). The landscaping is great. I notice lots of new paint in all areas of the park. I feel like they are really concentrating on the "infrastructure" of the park, rather than adding completely new things, and neglecting other parts of the park. Heck, even Viking Fury looks great. The main thing is that I was entertained from 10 am until I left at 6 pm (was tired and still had a 90 minute drive home). No letdowns. Anything I went to do, I was pleasantly surprised with cleanliness, attention to detail, and efficiency. Great job KI and CF!

I wonder with MB being a beach destination, if people just aren't interested in going inland to a park. Surely, there are many other major parks close to beaches, though. Like someone said, I've ate in a HR restaurant, and the prices there were like getting punched in the teeth. I imagine its probably worse in their park.

During the few times I've been to Myrtle Beach, I couldn't figure out why there wasn't a big amusement park there. I hate to hear that they got one and its not doing well. The last time I was there, a friend and I would wait hours just to get into a restaurant. If they have trouble getting crowds into a major amusement park, something's got to be REALLY wrong.

You have got to be kidding. I was looking forward to going there. Wonder what they could have screwed up that bad? Money back guarantee within 30 minutes? That does not sound good.

I heard them practicing for the Totally 80's show on Tuesday. Sounded pretty good.

Thanks for the opportunity to see those views. Its a shame its not open anymore.

Went to the park today. Awesome day. I'm going to try to post a TR in a little bit. Anyway, getting ready to board the ET, and I see Don Helbig (sp?) (I only recognized him because of the fact I frequent this site) with a camera crew (Ch 5) getting on, as well. Did anybody that that gets channel 5 see any story about KI on the news today? EDIT: Tightrope walk!? HOLY COW! BTW, here's a link to the video: http://www.wlwt.com/video/16635744/index.html I'm actually in the background of the video! (yellow shirt).

I wonder if they had to...post bail?

I agree, although I imagine its just the perceived thing. In my opinion, Firehawk is probably the most frustrating ride to wait in line for.

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