KIfan73

Yeah, that ride in AZ would blend right in. The area around Eifel Tower always seemed almost sacred.

Since that trip, no more than a couple seasons have went by in between trips for me. But, it is kind of stunning to see how much has changed since then. You don't notice so much year to year, but to see it then, its unbelievable. The park needs to stay competitive, but WOW, has it changed (and lost a lot of grass !). I agree that the Adventure Village/Action Zone is the most pronounced. That part looks really nice/tranquil...unfortunately, I don't think I made it anywhere near it on that trip.

^Good point. Already let the cat out of the bag on that one. Another question to try to stump these guys? I would say much easier said than done.

OK, this pic will really give it away: You guys are good! Long line for AE. Would have never picked up on that one. It was Friday, July 24 1992. That was only my 2nd trip to the park, the first being in '75 (gotta look those pics up, too). I've always kicked myself about that '92 trip because I didn't realize the monorail was there, and didn't ride it. I have pics of the Wild Animal Habitat from the '75 trip (I was 3!). Thanks for the comments, too. I believe I took those pics with just a small auto-focus 35mm camera.

These photos are from a single day trip I made to KI years ago. I was going to post the year, but I'd love some of the experts on here figure it out. I am amazed at the knowledge some of the people on here have. Anyway, I found these, and wanted to share them. I know there are lots of others on here (like me) that eat the historical stuff up. Enjoy. Also Merry Christmas to everyone.

Following this logic, I would think that Cedar Fair would WANT to keep the Paramount name, which would further keep their perceived involvement with the park to a minimum.

I'm so glad to hear its opening. I think its an awesome ride. I also hate to see a large part of KI's resources standing by being unused. I also think its a good statement that they are standing by it and opening it back up. I am looking forward to the improvements, though, that will hopefully smooth it out while still keeping its character.

Yes, I think that things that have history should all be torn down. That pesky Williamsburg in Virginia is such a darn eye sore. Maybe it can be raised and put in a strip mall. I can't honestly believe that you're talking about turning the shops on International Street into something a kin to a shopping mall! Absolutely it should not be torn down. Just updated. When International Street was built, it was new at the time. Just needs to catch up to the times a bit like most of the rest of the park. There's nothing wrong with the atmosphere. I love International Street. I want to be able to take my grandchildren there. However, if any of those shops were any place else other than a popular amusement park, they would have closed their doors long ago. By the way, after checking out Williamsburg's website (never have visited there), I doubt much there has been neglected for 20-30 years.

A Mall Store? I can give you directions to Kenwood, Northgate and Tri County if you'd like. Hopefully Cedar Fair doesn't have the same attitude. Any place that you want people to spend money needs updated once in awhile.

I'd like to see International Street revamped. I like IS, but I'd like to see the buildings and the shops re-habbed. Sort of up to the standards of a store you'd visit at a mall. More of of a variety of Kings Island themed merchandise. Maybe some new postcards at least? A nice, new restaurant. One that you'd go to even if you weren't in an amusement park.

Has KI ever gotten a used ride before? Well, I should say, other than the rides that came from Coney Island?

And one that's not all too accurate. Did anyone really notice any increases as a result of SOB closing? Well, every time I've been at the park since its been open, there's a line. SOMEBODY is riding it. So, those people aren't riding the other rides. Plus, you just hate to see that much of the park's resources going unused.

^Good point. If for no other reason, thats a good reason to open it back up!

If this ride were to be re-located to KI, did I read on here it would be in the FOF area? Sort of like, turn left to FoF, turn right to X-Flight? Is that the area? Neat idea to think of the park branching out into new areas...

You have to wonder how many "casual" users type in KingsIsland.com, get nothing, and figure they don't have a website.

^Not sure what that means. Does that mean it will never become available?

^I would think staffing would definitely be an issue there. I would love to see KI open later, though...look at the weather today! Great day to be at the park.

Oh my gosh, is this making anyone else drool at the thought of Spring rolling around?? I hope we can get a countdown here on the site again!!

Hey, thanks for the comments. That view just really struck me when I saw it. I've got one of them as a wallpaper on my computer. Kind of the perfect end of season shot. For me, the pics kind of define the Kings Island offseason. The park is dormant now, and the new season is far off in the horizon somewhere. Deep thoughts, yes I know...

I snapped these Saturday night after walking from my ride on Top Gun. I thought they turned out pretty good, and have a cool vibe to them...

I can't help but think that the "Holiday Horrors" exhibit during FF had something to do with them not having Winterfest. Kind of like their way of having a sense of humor about it.

I guess Fearfest could become Feastfest. They could just put Thanksgiving buffets all over the park, and people dressed up like Turkeys and Pilgrims walking around the park .

^I agree. AZ is always exciting; Rivertown has great atmosphere; IS is always great (needs some different shopping experiences), but I hear crickets when I walk through CM. Nothing really has changed there for so long (not counting FOF, but I don't think it really "adds" to the area). The old Flight Commander site is really an eyesore IMO, also.

Last night at the park they told me whenever I come in '07, they will give me my permanent pass then.

Its all about perception. Cedar Fair may very well be making some very good decisions, but I don't think they're doing a very good job of making current customers feel that they are. Paramount, to me, did a good job of making the public feel like it was "their" park. Cedar Fair seems to have the persona of "well, its our park now, and this is the way its going to be". Is that necessarily wrong? No. It is their park. I would just think they should be a little leary of doing anything to make dedicated patrons to feel like a "unfriendly" company has taken over. To cancel Winterfest and to jack people around on the season and/or parking passes are two pretty "unfriendly" moves to make.