IndyGuy4KI

I love hearing stories like this. I wish SIX was able to see the value in these types of partnerships.

I am doing HWN too. When you are not sure if an event will take place, you make other plans. I hope all that attend have a great time!

The marketing for Good Gravy was amazing. The coaster might as well have been Fury 325 with the excitement they were able to generate around it. Since GG and SSBR are almost identical in layout, the question I would be asking if I were the park is why SSBR would not be right next to Good Gravy? If GG can hit the #1 spot, SSBR should have been #2. GG should have won on the detail of theming, even though I think the ride experience is better on SSBR. How far could SSBR have gotten up the list if there were a better marketing campaign for it? Over the past few years, it seems CF/SIX has really scaled back on the PR/Marketing of their products. I don't know if that is coming from Charlotte or what, but the lack of marketing is showing big time in polls. If they want to win those #1 titles again, they have to really change their marketing and PR strategy. As someone who wants to see KI win those #1 spots, and who promotes the park as much as the park itself, I want to see them on top a lot more!

KIC is the place to be!

Yeah, I was very sad to see the train was not on the track. Maybe it was not certified yet for the new year.

Before it closes forever, I went to EnterTRAINment Junction today. I wanted to document the Coney Island Display. Here is the KIC gallery of the photos. https://kicentral.com/photos/coney-island-display-entertrainment-junction Here is also the video I took. I also added the WinterFest Eiffel Tower display as well.

Here is the first half of fireworks on New Year's Eve 2024.

Adding to the Vortex spot first is my vote. Then focus on AZ.

It would be full of trims.

That day little kids didn't make it to the bottom of the hill.

It will be interesting to see how they update the legacy SIX parks websites with a new theme and colors. Does not look like any of that has changed yet.

I looked at our front gate gallery and did not see it. Not a lot of photos from that era in it. https://kicentral.com/photos/front-gate

I do want to reiterate. KIC has spoken to the park and there is no plan to remove The Bat. As of right now, The Bat being removed at the end of the 2025 season is just a rumor. Until we see evidence or get word from the park it is just that, a rumor!

The KIC admin are going to moderate and do their best to follow the TOS along with making a decision based on other known and possibly not known factors. We are not always going to make a decision that makes everyone happy. On the subject of The Bat. I removed a thread that was posted by a member claiming to have insider information from Charlotte without revealing a source. The park nor KIC admin owe or need to make a statement because a thread gets posted about an insider information rumor. I have spoken to the park and there is no plan to remove The Bat. As of right now, The Bat being removed at the end of the 2025 season is just a rumor. I realize everyone is a little on edge with the changes the new Six Flags company is making. We are all passionate about our park and want to see it be its best. We also can't get so upset about the things we don't like that we forget to enjoy the park.

KIC is sending you well wishes that you are able to get the funds you need to help your family.

I tried last night at 9:30 and they were out. I ended up getting the smoked sausage, but I am not posting the photo (although I did take one.) I would be moderating the thread the next 8" days. You can find it in the WinterFest 2024 gallery if you wish.

I finally got to ride Racer yesterday at WF. A first time experience to ride it during this season and seeing the park all lit up in lights on the ride made it quite magical. I also love the ornaments in the station.

The atmosphere and the WinteFest Wonderland Parade is now highlighted in our latest KICentral YouTube video.

That first drop in the back always got my stomach txt no other coaster has ever done. Maggie in the back might be close.

We have beat this horse, the term Giga is a word. Call it a hyper or call it a giga. Just enjoy it. Topic closed.

On November 29th, 2024 Kings Island's WinterFest opens for the 2024 season. Kings Island fans quickly made Winterfest a family tradition once again when Cedar Fair (now Six Flags) reintroduced it in 2017. The excitement continues this year as families prepare to enjoy the park's WinterFest. Why do dedicated fans call the current WinterFest 'WinterFest v3.0'? Let's uncover the story behind this intriguing moniker. WinterFest v1.0 The original Kings Island WinterFest debuted in 1982, a year before the Cincinnati Zoo's "Festival of Lights." Over the years, millions of guests enjoyed this holiday tradition. However, when Paramount Communications acquired the park, they extended the fall operating season, leaving insufficient time to prepare for WinterFest. As a result, the beloved event was discontinued after the 1992 season WinterFest v2.0 On July 25, 2005, Kings Island announced the return of WinterFest after a thirteen-year hiatus. The 2005 WinterFest featured iconic decorations like the Eiffel Tower transformed into a towering Christmas tree and the Royal Fountain converted into an ice skating rink. The Kings Island and Miami Valley Railroad became the White Christmas Express, complete with 1940s-era characters. However, in 2006, Cedar Fair announced the cancellation of this second incarnation of WinterFest. WinterFest v3.0 In the summer of 2016, Kings Island announced the return of WinterFest for the 2017 holiday season. This new version of WinterFest debuted on Friday, November 24, 2017, and is included free for Gold and Platinum pass holders. Today's WinterFest boasts over 5 million dazzling Christmas lights. Let us know in the comments if you attended WF v1.0, 2.0 or now 3.0. KICentral hopes you enjoy the 2024 season of WinterFest and we look forward to seeing you share your memories in trip reports and reviews on the KICentral forums. WinterFest 2024 Reviews: https://kicentral.com/forums/topic/49043-winterfest-2024-reviews/

We'll use this thread for Winterfest reviews in 2024. We look forward to seeing you enjoy the holiday season at Kings Island.

That is amazing and thanks for sticking with us all this time. Here is to 20 more years of enjoying and chatting about KI on the KIC forums!

I think this was a great addition. Considering the short turn around time for the park, it came together well. Now that we seem to have constant 90 ° weather summers in the region, a lot more shade was and is needed. I do wish we were able to get the higher capacity Sol Spin. I do think the two editions were a great pick. I realize a lot of enthusiasts prefer the Huss versions. Keep in mind, in 30 to 40 years, new enthusiasts will say they prefer the Zamperla versions to whatever newer manufacturer would be making them at the time.

Since Vortex was a 48" coaster, can we assume it was a "Family Thrill"? I guess I am saying we could get a very similar ride to Vortex and be considered a family thrill coaster even at the 48" mark.