KIfan73

Oh, I'd kind of forgotten about the confusion about the passes. This was my second season to have a pass, and I'd REALLY like to have another one for next year, but I really don't know if I can put myself through that process again. I just have a KI pass (the only park I'm really interested in going to). I remember last fall standing in two lines during Fearfest for an hour while the rest of my party was in the park riding rides. Then all the switching back and forth during the off-season wondering if I'd get free parking, or what benefits I'd have. Then, finally during my first trip this season turning in my temp pass, getting my gold pass, and asking the guy if the free parking was on my pass. "Oh, that had free parking on it?" ughhhh I love going to KI, and the pass has been a good value for me. However, if there was this much hassle and confusion over something I HAD to do, that would be one thing. But, for something that is just for fun, and is a 140 mile round trip for me each time, I just don't know if I'll do it again.

Congo is a blast. I hope they don't tear it out. I hate to sound like an old-timer, but they just don't build 'em like that anymore. It has more 'theming' than any new ride they put in. Its almost like going back in time on it, but its in great shape, too!

They do seem to be letting that end of the park die off for some reason. The FX theater would make a nice place for a restaurant. Sort of back by itself, with awesome views of The Racer. "Racer Diner"? That would be a unique experience they could offer...couldn't get that anyplace else. Would need some soundproofing, though.

It is sad to see the FX theater now, especially if you remember what it was like new. When the Days of Thunder movie was new it had race cars all along the queue, sound effects, etc. Then (Kyle?) Petty had a movie on a big screen to get you ready, along with a bunch of other neat race car/NASCAR theming. A new midway its its place is compelling, though...

Thats funny. I posted about that a month or so ago. After all these years, thats the first time I'd noticed it. When I was at the park about 3 weeks ago, the gate was actually open...(loud, suspenseful music insert here...lol)...

Wow, thanks for all the great info. I've talked to a few people I know, but I always got different answers...then, I thought to ask the experts! Great pics, BTW, Avatar!

I have been really wanting to make my first trip to WDW for awhile. I don't know why I haven't posted this question here earlier. Whats the best/worst time of the year to go to Disney World? Thanks for any help.

For plain ol' fun, I think WWC is right up at the top for rides at KI (and to think I rode it in '92, and didn't "find" it again until last summer!).

Does anyone know what year the DOT go-kart track opened? I can't think of any frame of reference of when that opened. That does take up a lot of space. I can't believe that it takes in that much money, either.

I say sell KI and KD to Disney.

I'd never heard that it was, but it wouldn't surprise me. That is a bunch of wood! Just to stand back and look at that thing, its amazing.

That is an amazing story. So glad that it seems to have a good ending. An also amazing about Dee? the RN. There has to be special powers somewhere to allow people like that to be among us!!

Largest wooden coaster, yes, but I was reading Hendrick's post about it being the world's largest wooden structure in the world.

Is SOB really the largest wooden structure in the world?

Kings Island is a great deal for me. I buy a season pass in the fall, park for free, and usually don't spend much when I'm there. In fact, I can drive 170 miles round trip, and spend the day at KI for not much more than a nice meal out. I think its a great value. However, families are the ones that really have to shell out the $$. They walk in the door, have just paid $10 to park (most families I talk to only go once a year, if that, so they don't have a pass), and then pay $15 (I think) for a stroller. Kids need to eat at certain times at the day, so there's who knows how much for a meal for the family. I think they need to work on making it more reasonable for families, especially ones with small children. Mom and dad pay the big admission price to get in, and maybe get to ride one or two major rides. Most of the day is spent in Nick Universe.

I really want the new restaurants, shops, things like that, but I think first of all, KI needs to "drop the hammer". I think they've got a good selection of the smaller, family rides. I definitely do not think they need anything on the scale of TTD, but just a big (key word there) steel coaster. Even when I talk to families that go to KI, and after they talk about the fun their kids had on the kids rides...the parents always say things like "man, that Beast is still one bad ass ride, or The Vortex is still awesome, etc". The parents make the decision to go to the park, and for most adults that have grown up with KI (or parks in general), the "big ones" make them want to keep coming back. I see it all day long standing in line at KI. Parent(s) spending the whole time in line for a major coaster trying to convince the kid "it won't be scary"...lol. Mom and dad still want their big coasters!

I would just like a huge, regular ol' steel coaster. One with a big lift hill, not necessarily any loops...maybe something like MF.

AWESOME...thanks to whoever put that together. All afternoon I've been looking at my own pics and ones on KIC, and trying to match them up with the old ones...Its really neat (for better or worse) the changes over the years!

I will admit that, other than KI, I have only been to one other major amusement park (CP, once). However, I'm probably just sentimental, but KI just doesn't seem like a park that fits in well with an amusement park "corporation". With companies like Six Flags, I just always picture roller coasters over parking lots. However, from what I've read about Busch Gardens, it sounds like KI fits in with their business model. I just don't think of KI as an amusement park. I like the trees, grass, and fountains. To me, thats the main thing, and the rides are icing on the cake. This is probably why I avoid Action Zone so much.

I would say this was in the plans before they ever bought Paramount Parks. They've only owned them a year, and usually, by the time something like this is covered by the press, its been worked on for some time.

Guess I need to buy a few more drinks and maybe a souvenir every time I visit the park!!

GREAT, wonder what kind of even newer changes this will bring about... Kinda sounds like they're wanting to have their cake and eat it, too...

^That would really liven up that ride, huh?

What the heck?? Is this "The Year of Amusement Park Incidents"? KI sure is getting all kinds of publicity this year.

You know, this site is always great, but I thought things had just been a little "quiet" around here lately...I know its gonna be good!!