Tchu

For people with Season Passes, could they just skip the hand stamp and leave the park, then re-enter using their pass (as if it were the first time they were entering the park that day)? Or, is there a limit to the number of times your pass can be scanned for a day? Seems like it would be less of a pain, as opposed to dealing with ink that seems to wash away too easily, or rub off on shirt sleeves and stain clothing.

Not literally. Thankfully. Indeed! Also, I can confirm that the ride is fast. Has there been any word on the validity of whether it's full of venom? It'd certainly give new concern to the brakes biting hard once the weather warms up...

The difference is, The Beast is a ground hugging terrain coaster, spending much of its time probably less than 20 feet off the ground. So with all the trees around, you really notice flying by them... you feel their enclosure. Diamondback is an entirely different... beast. With it being more about changes in elevation, focusing on the up & down movement, and with it featuring much of its track 100+ feet off the ground, trees wouldn't offer the same effect. I do think the splashdown area would look a little nicer with a couple full-grown trees in there (A Weeping Willow, I think would especially look nice). But overall, I think the area will look nicer and fuller once the trees bloom and are filled with thick green leaves. As of last weekend (4/24-4/26) the vast majority of the large trees in the wooded area were still large jumbles of bare sticks. Once those fill out in the coming weeks, things will look even better.

The front and back (meaning the very first car and very last car) of the train each have their advantages and exclusive treats. Back - Strong floater air over every single hill. You'll be outta your seat from the time you get pulled over the crest of a hill, all the way down the drop, and until you start into the next hill. - Pulled through the hammerhead. In the back, I find this element to just stand out more from the back seat. Much like with the hills, you're literally yanked through it. - Great pop of air outta the MCBR. In the back, you'll be lifted out of your seat when exiting the MCBR, something you don't really get as much in the front. - The Splashdown can get you wet and sounds great right behind your ears. If you like water rides, the back seat is your lone opportunity to bring that element into Diamondback. Front - Less airtime on the first drop, but the view is incredible, and dangling 230 feet off the ground... watching the track seem to curve under itself... is awesome. - Less overall airtime, but the air you catch is more varied. The second, and specifically the fifth (trimmed) hills offer downright ejector air-time when you crest them. The 5th hill literally throws you from the train, with the clamshell doing as much to push you back into your seat as the forces. - The splashdown has an entirely different effect. What you lose in the proximity of the splash, you gain in an amazing view, sitting in a roller coaster that is skimming the surface of a body of water. Its a cool experience. - In the front, you get a pop of air heading into the brakes. From the back, the coaster has slowed too much by that point to truly lift from your seat, but in the front, you'll be catching air-time as you hit the brakes. For me, both the front and the back are absolutely excellent, but I give the slight edge to the front. Dangling over the first drop, 23 stories up, is just awesome. Plus, I prefer the variety of airtime offered in the front (floater, forceful floater, and ejector). And catching a burst of air during the final brakes of a coaster... thumbs up. I think it basically comes down to whether you prefer lots and lots of floater air (you'll be outta your seat longer in the back) or the more varied floater/ejector air combo offered from the front.Also , whether you prefer being pulled over the first drop, or dangling high in the sky with just a restraint keeping you from sliding forward.

This might more accurately be a story, and less a Trip Report… is so, I apologize in advance! It had been an interesting start to the amusement park season. I've always been a big fan of Kings Island, and have been enjoying the heck outta roller coasters since I was about 12 or 13 years old. It has been in the last couple of years that my enjoyment has crossed over into that "enthusiasts" territory. And in that spirit, for the first time ever, my wife and I bought season passes (Platinum) and, also planned for the very first time to be at KI on opening day. I had been following Diamondback's life since the beginning and was practically salivating at the thought of April 18th. It was going to be fantastic. And then came the evening of March 28th. One fall, cracking the back of my head on my parents' deck, while home visiting for the weekend, and my plans were changed. I was diagnosed with a concussion and told that it would be wise to stay off of roller coasters until the symptoms were more or less gone. Meanwhile, I walked around with a constant headache, dizziness, and occasional nausea, and kissed my April 18th date with DB good-bye. The weekend of the 24th – 26th rolls around. Feeling much better (though not perfect) and getting the thumbs up from my doctor, my wife and I planned for a trip to the Island on 4/25. Friday afternoon at 2:45, I'm out running errands in the beautiful weather when a thought hits me… it would be a gorgeous evening to go to the park. At 3:00, I called my wife up at work and said "would you be able to, and would you want to take the rest of the day off, sneak out a couple hours early and go to Kings Island tonight instead?" At 3:30, she got the go-ahead from her boss, drove home, and we were off, hoping to enjoy the great weather and a less crowded park than we were likely to find on Saturday. Not ten minutes in the car, and we hit the dreaded Columbus traffic on I-270 and I-71. Not only that, but the sunny skies quickly turn cloudy… big black storm clouds. And all of a sudden, I'm apologizing to my wife for dragging her outta work early. We finally get to Mason, traffic lifting outside of C-bus, and find that the sunny skies have returned. We grab a bite to eat at Wendy's (to save a couple bucks) and then head for the park at a out 6:15 PM. And it's dead. I've never in my 15 years of going to Kings Island seen the park that empty. The parking lot was showing a lot of empty spots, but the line for Season Pass processing led me to believe the park would still be fairly crowded. We stepped through the gates and International Street was a ghost town. We power walked all the way back to Diamondback (probably not passing more than a dozen people along the way) and hop in line. It's just under the lift… maybe 8 or so minutes, and we're quickly seated in row 12. Unbelievable ride. I'll post my review of the coaster in the appropriate thread, but this thing lived up to all the hype… and there was a LOT of hype and expectations. Loved it so much, we jumped right back in line. Though the general consensus seemed to be that DB was a "back seat" ride, I had heard a couple people mention that the front was where it was at… so this time, we requested Row 1, and the ride op was kind enough to grant our request. Front seat added about 3-5 extra minutes to the wait, but it was worth it. Count me among those who think the back is incredible, but the front is just a little bit better! Taking a break from DB, we headed to what had been my favorite KI coaster, The Beast. New sign looks great, though I still would have preferred walking under the sing (ala Diamondback) as the entrance. Nonetheless, the redesigned entrance area (all of Rivertown, for that matter) looked fantastic. Walked on to The Beast and immediately felt claustrophobic after having ridden on the amazing DB trains, which are literally just elevated seats on a floor. Funny little story… As we're waiting for the train to dispatch, on of the ride ops gets on the intercom and goes into the whole "Just a reminder, the use of electronic devices while onboard The Beast is prohibited" speech. And though it's kept general, he's looking directly at someone in the very front of the train. Whoever it was who was trying to text or set up their phone to record video, they didn't seem to care, and kept the phone out in their hands. The Ride Op now goes specific, looking right at the person and sternly saying "Put the Cell Phone Away. Put it away so we can dispatch the train". This prompted a young child (girl, I believe) who sounded no older than probably 8, to yell "Hey, putchya cellphone away! I wanna ride!" Got a laugh out of several of us on the train (and apparently did the trick for the offender, b/c the train dispatched immediately afterward) Beast was a blast, but felt rougher than ever before. Likely because of the smoothness of DB. Still, I contest that the Double Helix is the greatest finale on any coaster anywhere. Got in line for Firehawk, but they were only running 1 train, and so despite only a couple hundred people in line, the attendant at the entrance said it was about a 40 minute wait. No thanks… especially with the remnants of a concussion… that forces of that loop would not have done me well. Nearly black out as is even when feeling fine. So it was on to Vortex. Newly painted rails look great… sound awful. The screeching while stuck in the block brakes on Beast for ten minutes (of which the crew was extremely apologetic. Thumbs up to The Beast crew who were working at about 7 o'clock on Friday night) was painful on the ears. Still, a fun ride, but some of the classic Arrow-transitions banged my wife and I up pretty good. And neither of us were feeling too great after getting off that one. So we took a break, walked around, got my better half a six-dollar cup of Dip N Dots… And then it was back to Diamondback. This time, we got the very last row… better than Row 12, but still not quite as good as Row 1. I think it's the ejector air that you get over hill 5 in the front row that separates it from the back, in my opinion. Arm got soaked on the splash. Soaked. A night ride on The Beast (probably still the best night ride ever) and then finally, a night ride on Diamondback. Had just gotten in line when they stopped the train on the lift and announced "technical difficulties". I couldn't believe the people that immediately flocked from the line. There were two young kids with their father waiting just behind us. The dad wanted to leave, the boys wanted to stay and try to ride DB. The father told them "we'll wait it out a couple more minutes". Thankfully for the youngsters, the ride was up and running again about 5 or 6 minutes later and they got to ride. We went Row 2 this time… incredible ride at night. Perfect way to end the evening. Had a nice chat with the gentlemen in Row 1 as we sat parked in the brakes and strolled back to the station. All in all, it was a wonderful evening. So worth it to take off from work early and head down. Perfect weather and no waits for anything (other than Firehawk). Hoping to get back in a couple weeks. Just a wonderful evening at the park. Next time, I plan on taking the camera and getting some pictures. But for a three hour evening in the park… dedicated to riding our favorites… amazing night.

Ride was incredible. Easily jumped to number 1 on my list, and the front seat definitely is the place to be on this one. The first drop is amazing, but its the second and fifth hills that are the true gems. In the front car, both the second and fifth hills provide ejector air, something that B&M hypers aren't typically known for. The night ride is top notch, maybe better than The Beast. Plummeting 150-200 feet up and down in total darkness... spectacular. The first helix is superior to the second. In fact, the only criticism I have of the ride is that the first half (till the MCBR) is so absolutely incredible, that as fun as the second half is... it just doesn't live up to the first. All in all, 9.9/10 and superior to everything at Cedar Point. And I love MF and especially Maverick.

Incredible night to be at the park. Wife and I didn't arrive at the park until after 6:00 and left by 9:30. Still managed a ride on Vortex, day and night rides on The Beast (which seemed to be running rough) and 4 rides on Diamondback. The longest we waited for DB was about 25 minutes and that was only because of a temporary difficulty that shut the ride down for 10 minutes or so around 9:15PM. Speaking of which, was any forum member on that train that got stopped halfway up the lift? I noticed they sent a Ride Op to talk to everyone. I was expecting they would want to evac the train and make a few runs with empties, but after ten minutes or so, they let the train go ahead as usual. But then proceeded to run a few empty trains afterword. Anyways, great evening. Still had a few minor side effects from the concussion I suffered a few weeks ago, so I stayed away from some of the more forceful, intense rides such as Invertigo and Firehawk. Although, Firehawk was running only one train, and even with just probably 150-200 people in line, they were saying the wait was going to be 40 minutes. DB a ten minute wait... FH a forty? That's a no-brainer.

Looks like a pretty good list. Glad to see Diamondback at #1. Comparing the "accuracy" of these opinions, based on 2008's list... I see that the top 3 (Behemoth, Steel Hawg, and Ravine Flyer II) were all well-received by the public, with Behemoth and RFII both immediately taking places near the top of most steel/wood coaster polls respectively. I was really surprised/bordering on shocked to see that Europa Park's launched Mack coaster "Blue Fire" was nowhere on the list. They really went all out with that one. A themed dark ride to start things off, a lot of fake rocks and boulders were put up all around the ride to create numerous headchoppers etc. And I believe the ride is showing off brand new restraints that are OTSR that function just as lap bars and offer a great amount of freedom. The ride's already opened and is getting excellent reviews. I've heard several european coaster enthusiasts already stating that it might replace Expedition GeForce atop their steel coaster lists.

Was going to be there (first year I've ever bought a platinum pass... first year I'd ever made plans to go on opening day) and then I went and got a concussion a couple weeks ago. Now, I'm not medically cleared to ride coasters (or do anything that could cause whiplash/head banging/dizzy sensations) until two weeks after all symptoms have subsided. Still suffering lightheadedness, so it'll probably be the 25th or first weekend in May before I can go Enjoy the park, guys and gals. Looking forward to some awesome photo trip-reports!

Best. one. ever! You might be a KI addict if your extreme fear of snakes causes you to flee from a ten-inch Garter, but can't keep you away from a mile-long Diamondback

My guess would be seed. Sodding is a bit more involved. Rolling out lush, beautiful, green, ready-to-go grass and laying it down piece by piece can be a bit expensive. Then again, it gives you your desired result much more quickly. Though, I suppose much of the answer to "seed or sod" will depend on just how much of either they'll need. The more rocks, boulders, trees etc that occupy the area, the less grass they'll need to fill the remaining space.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't it been stated that the auction will be for the first 5 trains once the park opens for the season? I could swear I've heard/read "be the firsts to ride Diamondback when it opens to the public on April 18th". I would imagine that anyone who has any enthusiasm/passion for the amusement park industry is aware of the fact that a select few employees/ride manufacturers etc will have ridden the ride during the testing phase. And I doubt too many people bidding hundreds of dollars for one of the first seats on DB aren't enthusiasts etc. I'm not saying that certain information shouldn't be kept as hush-hush as possible, but I think the park has made it clear the auction is for the first rides when the park and coaster open to the general public. And I'm guessing that's not news to too many people who are bidding for those first seats. Chances are if your throwing down a couple hundred bucks to ride a rollercoaster... you're a bit of an enthusiasts. And enthusiasts of any subject tend to be fairly knowledgeable on that particular subject. I don't think the auction/park is in any sort of trouble. Speaking of the auction... over $60,000 raised for the charity. That is absolutely incredible (especially considering the current economy) and major thumbs up to Kings Island for doing this. That is a ton of money for a great organization.

While I didn't go through the entire list, I did a quick add up of the top 50 or so bids, and I'm pretty positive it's already surpassed the $35K mark The top 10 alone easily busts $20K. Which is great news for the charity. Given the time left to bid and the addition of two more trains, I'd imagine the grand total ought to flirt with $50K

Forgive this possibly obvious question from a first time season pass holder... My wife and I went down to KI last year in September for Halloween Haunt. Before entering the park, we purchased 2 platinum passes (the announcement of a coaster like DB will lead a guy to throw down 300 bucks ). After purchasing the passes and receiving a receipt, we went around the corner and filled out forms, had our pictures taken, and were handed 2 platinum cards. Am I correct in assuming that the paperwork/picture taking was the "processing" being refered to, and that my wife and I are already good to go come April 18? Thanks guys, Matt

While the Behemoth videos do show a difference in train speed between testing and once it was open to the public... I don't think its that big of a difference. I'm not expert (I know there are some people on this sight with more consctrution know-how and those who are bigger coaster enthusiasts) but I would expect Diamondback to run faster than Behemonth simply from being lighter on the brakes. On Behemonth there are numerous trim brakes on the hills. In fact, i believe there's a stretch of three or four climbs with a trim brake on the way up. It appears that the only brake during the course of the ride on DB (aside from the MCBR and final brak run obviously) is a small trim on the first hill following the hammerhead. With fewer brakes through the course of the coaster, there are less opportunities to alter the speed of the ride, thus I would suspect DB will carry more of its raw speed and momentum from gravity than Behemoth, which has numerous points set up for man-made altercations to the speed of the ride. It could be that in the testing of Behemoth, all of those trims were being used minimally. During the video with passengers, you can clearly see the brakes grabbing the train and slowing it down on its ascent. Its visible to the naked eye.

"Go ahead... try and make me get up."

Looking back at the artwork/renders for the ride, and comparing that with what they've started around the splashdown, I'm noticing a definite difference. Granted, there's a long way to go before the landscaping will be 'finished', but it appears that they are going with a boatload more rocks than the renderings showed. If you look at the section under the track, where it dives into the splashdown, it's nothing but rocks. Small rocks, large rocks, medium rocks... but all rock. If you look at the art renderings, the entire area around the water finale is grass... with large boulders only around the very edge of the splashdown. I have to say, if this small glimpse that we're seeing now is how the finished product will actually look... I'm definitely pleased with the change. The splashdown area in the rendered artwork was gorgeous... but with all the grass and shrubbery and what not... it looked far too much like a lagoon, or tropical setting. When I think Diamondback rattlers, and the western theme the park has mentioned for the ride, lots of bright green grass and lush plant life is not the first thing the comes to mind. I think dirt. Rocks. Land that's a little more barren and worn by the weather. Lots and lots of rocks, with some patches of dry earth peaking through would look infinitely more appropriate to the suggested theme. I'm loving what I'm seeing so far. Here's hoping they do keep with the occasional boulder peeking out from the middle of the splashdown.

I heard that Vortex was sinking into itself, but I may be crazy as a Bat. Meanwhile, I suspect that Diamondback will be just as advertised, and that's something I'm very much looking forward to in 09.

Looks like we could see completion of the first drop before the day is out (it'll at least be most of the way there). Should make for an awesome next update from Mr. Helbig and the KICentral staff. Plus, one good side-profile picture after completion of the drop should finally be able to put to rest any questions/concerns some may have about just how tall/steep the first drop will be when all is said and done.

Screechin' Eagle was a great coaster. I remember the last time I went to Americana (the whole family went... the whoooole family) probably about 9 years ago. My brother and I, along with our cousins, must have road that coaster a dozen or more times in a row. Ride Op wouldn't let us stay on, but we gladly would hop off, rush down the exit, make our way through the entrance and hop back on the train. It was a blast. Great coaster and even better memories

Casper is "the friendly ghost". This is a massive, menacing piece of machinery... it must be the mountainous marshmallow man![/alliteration] As it relates to Diamondback's destruction of The Beast's entrance... I'm in complete agreement with those above. I really hope Kings Island does something special for the new Beast entrance. This is a world class coaster, and it'll be celebrating 30 years... it deserves an entrance sign/plaza/area that can match the awesomeness of the ride itself.

Following in the footsteps of Clifford, I nominate "Stay Puft" for the new large white crane

My wife and I actually purchased our first ever season (Platinum, in this case) passes when we went to Kings Island a couple weekends ago. I have to say, I'm a bit concerned as well. My Platinum Pass says nothing about 2009 on it, and when we wet to have our pictures taken, the lady made us fill out information forms. It wasn't till I had filled it out and was handing it back to the lady that it occurred to me that the form read "2008 Pass Renewal" at the top. So, much like Terpy... I'm defnitely hanging on to the paper receipt that says "2009 Platinum Pass".

Question sent. Here's hoping for a response that confirms the top-notch landscaping seen in the renders!

Might be a question worth asking, in regards to the splashdown area. The renderings and promotional artwork show a detailed splashdown made to look like a natural pond. Will the final result hold true to the renderings, landscaping the splashdown with large boulders around the shore and the occasional rock jutting up from the middle... or was this effect just for the artwork used to promote the ride? I'm really hoping they give special care to landscaping the splashdown area. A natural looking pond with boulders and lush foliage nearby will look a thousand times better than a swimming pool with a rather bare lawn surrounding it.