KIfan73

1. The Beast 2. Flight Deck-I know she isn't much to look at anymore, but, just after The Beast, funnest ride in the park IMO. 3. Racer 4. Vortex 5. Son of Beast (even though I have "retired" from riding it).

Sorry, I was asleep at the wheel on that one. Still have a fatigue "hangover" from yesterday... I just said "no" to SOB.

For years I've wanted to go to KI's opening day. When I woke up, I questioned my own sanity for having the thought of driving 75 miles, especially with the forecast. I'm REALLY glad I made the trip. I'm going to let the photos speak for themselves. Overall, it was maybe one of the best trips, if not the best trip, I've made to KI. In a nutshell, I really felt like the park is being managed now. For years, even though I had fun at KI, it just felt like it was "there". Just kind of ran itself. I had friendly help everywhere I went. The girls in the shops (Emporium and Thrill Seekers) were especially nice, and even asked if I needed help. I never could understand why the service at KI couldn't even reach a McDonald's level. Well, I definitely think they're on the right track now. I thought Cinnabon was a nice addition. I thought the park was really clean, and I appreciated all the new landscaping. (1:00 show!) By 4:00, I got a little tired of the rain (first time I've ever been in the rain at KI...wasn't that bad). Spent a little while in the shops before I left. I thought the new merchandise was pretty nice. I got a few things, including a puzzle. I think I'm going to frame it. Can't wait to go back!

I found my rides on the red train yesterday to be very smooth. Maybe my best rides on Racer I can remember (at least my nearly 35 year old back thought so).

Wow, I can't believe all the people that post on here all the time were at KI yesterday, and I didn't know how to look for anybody. I went in to see the first (1:00) show. I was impressed. Its nice to have something like that going on in there. I noticed they took all the televisions out. I also noticed all of the CF "brass" in attendance of the first show.

I think CF's doing a good job with the odds and ends. Now, hopefully, this "mystery project" will add a nice horsepower boost.

I've always though that this is a sign that they need to open up earlier, even if it was an up-charge.

How about show a simulator of the 2009 coaster all during the 2008 season.

Yes! Its finally posted.

It's been awhile since I've laughed this hard. Ideally, when you get out to argue with the parking lot attendent about "what do you mean there's no campground", lots of empty Pabst Blue Ribbon cans would fall out of the car at the same time. What would be really neat is to have a few friends do the same thing, and have all of these campers clog up the parking entrance plaza on the morning of opening day...lol..."they built a Great Big Wolf what? on the campground?"..."now, how am I gonna jump the fence to ride the screamin' demon??"...

I'd like to buy a '70's big station wagon, pull up to the parking tolls dressed in chuck taylors, tall striped socks and short shorts pulling a camper and ask "Which way to the campground?".

I think the changes are for the better. I can't think of another year where there have been this many changes. I can honestly say that I am probably like your "normal" parkgoer. If I didn't read these forums, I would notice the changes in ride names themselves, but not much more than that.

Do they always wait until this close to the season starts before they post the new map on their website?

I might go all retro: Beast Zephyr Racer AE Congo, depending on temp. Viking Fury Eiffel Tower Lunch at, ahem, Outer Hanks

I'm pleasantly surprised with the changes. I think its cool they sent KIC the pics, too. The Kings Island Theater is one of those things in the park that is so blatantly straight out of the '70's. For me, thats a lot of its charm. However, I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't get a modern make-over in the next few years. The reason I think this is that CF seems to be putting a lot of emphasis on the shows. The inside is fine, but some sprucing up in the front could really bring some excitement to that portion of the park.

Yeah, it looks like when the Paramount version was there, it somewhat hid the condition of the "roof"-althought I know thats just a facade. Shingles are looking rough, though.

I think The Racer is a true classic. I've always thought the backwards side was a little gimmicky. I'm glad to see it returned to its original configuration.

I just think about a recent installation like Firehawk. Can you imagine them now going to the trouble of having landscaping, water, and/or live animals?

I am just stunned when I see how elaborate that area was. And the darned thing is that I was there and don't remember it!

Great pics, and I really appreciate you adding mine to the album. I've got a question about this pic: There were really live monkeys around Screamin' Demon?? I am in awe of this part of the park (along with LCS). The theming and the landscaping looks out of this world. Question: What is the building in the background? Not sure of what angle I'm looking at. Wish I had a ticket to this place they call Kings Island I see in these old pics!!

....make multiple 140 mile round trips to the park during a season....alone!!

Adventure Express...1992.

I was a member of pkiu, but something got messed up with my username, so I joined again right after the merger, I believe.

I see several tough match-ups in the making, as well as a few old vs. new face-offs (pardon the pun).

Interestingly enough, Wikipedia is reporting that the name has already been changed back to Amazon Falls for the 2008 season.