KIfan73

This brings up a point that I thought about during a visit to KI this summer. There's several reasons I thought of that would make it tough to run a corporation whose main "product" is amusement parks. First, how many other companies have to offer the same "products" (in an amusement park's case would be rides, attractions, etc.) that they've had 20, 30, or more years while trying to remain fresh and offer new experiences? There's new clothes, cars, etc. every year. They can't tear down an amusement park and start over every year. Cedar Fair (in the example of Kings Island) has to offer their customers stuff that was installed, what, 3-4 owners and 35 years ago? Second, there's not many alternative distribution channels if you own an amusement park. You have to continue to bring your entire market to you. Wal-Mart or McDonald's can just throw up a store wherever there's a market for it. Third, and this is related to the one above: You're such a large distance from a majority of your market. I would think you would have to rely so heavily on people just (hopefully) remembering the good times they had at your park, and want to come back. Your "storefront" isn't seen every few miles and in lots of towns.

^Thats been my experience exactly. "Hey, I heard Cedar Point bought Kings Island". "Well, its actually Cedar Fair and they own several parks". "Oh, OK" onto next subject...

^That makes me think of something... For the people that are well-versed on KI history, has the park done better being owned by media companies or entertainment (strictly amusement park) companies? I know it sounds dumb, but it just dawned on me that's a big difference about Cedar Fair owning it...not a media company.

I want to get there by next summer. My mom talks about going there before KI. I'd just like to go check it out. Looks like a neat place.

^ I wouldn't go that far. I don't think they're "pushing" people away, but I do think that most people are used to it being included in admission and with their season pass. I hope its hugely successful both this year and next year, and every year after that. I just know I probably won't pay extra next year to go to it. Hopefully I'm in a tiny minority.

it will go down the drain just like winterfest I'm afraid I agree with you.

I searched other threads, but hope this hasn't already been posted... I was reading the 2008 Season Pass FAQ section on PKI.com and it states very clearly that next year HH will definitely be a separate charge. I believe it even says that the free parking will not be available during it, as well. http://www1.cedarfair.com/kingsisland/spec...fo/pass_faq.cfm I know it has been said on here that it was expected to be an up-charge, but I hadn't read anything definitive. Again, I hope this isn't a re-post.

I researched the ride that this thread is about, and its actually called "half-pipe". Anybody that's rode a half pipe knows that this ride would be a real rush.

Maybe just have it themed to skating (skateboarding), and at opening have a big skate demo with some big pros. It would definitely be something different, and would be something that a lot of kids are really into.

I think it would be a great addition, especially if themed with X-Games or Tony Hawk or something like that.

I went 17 years between my first and second visits to KI ('75-'92). So, if I could I would love to be able to go back and ride Lion Country Safari and Enchanted Voyage. As far as rides I can actually remember, I would have to go with King Cobra, Antique Cars, Phantom Theatre, and Days of Thunder in the F/X Theater.

AWESOME pics. I was just showing them to my mom. We rode that in '75...but I've never seen pics of the actual station and monorail itself...we have pics of the animals, and the woods. Wow, just when you think you've seen everything!

As crappy as I think the food is (for the most part) at KI, I've never heard one person complain either at the park, or the numerous people I talk to that visit the park. I really don't believe its that much of a deal breaker. I think its an issue that IS noticed more by the enthusiasts than the GP. There's also never a shortage of people to line up and shell out the money for it when I'm at the park.

Thats funny, just yesterday I remembered something about the site being mentioned on here sometime over the summer. Great job!

Good pics. Was the 16th an education day? If it was, I had a chance to be there that day (I'm a teacher). I love the shot from the parking lot. I really don't know of any more of an exciting view than that one.

That does look like fun. It would definitely be something unique!

I kind of fell back in love with the older water rides at KI this summer. I think it would be neat to get a newer version of a water ride in the park. I would think it would be a lot cheaper than a roller coaster (maybe not). It would steal a little thunder, maybe, away from the Columbus Zoo's new park opening...

I'm undecided. I've had a pass the last two years, and it has been a FANTASTIC value. But, sometimes I've felt like I've almost "made" myself go because I have the pass. Before I had a pass, I just went if a group of friends was going or something. Either way, I need to decide before my trip to HH.

Except for picking up your jacket, are you able to do the whole process online?

I think it would be AWESOME.

I rode IJ last year during FearFest...

I used to be afraid of DZ and Delirium. I finally rode them both. I'm still scared of them, and haven't got back on since.

^Wow, somebody must really miss Phantom Theatre.

I voted for off-season, just because its such a loooooong winter, and it would be cool to go to the park for an event, just to check it out. For me, KI is getting to be like the NFL or the NBA-the off-season is a season in itself!

You gotta love any company that when you click on "products" its lists various coasters and rides they build.