Diamondback FOF

At 1, Diamondback and Beast were both over an hour. Beast, depending on switchbacks, could be over two. Racer, Vortex, Invertigo, and BLSC were all a half hour or so.

No, not true in the slightest. I'll see about uploading my photos somewhere...

My collarbone is definitely sore today. It was a bit sensitive when putting the restraint down on Banshee

^That was me. Thank you! Where do I collect my prize? I said it in another thread but...if you aren't already at the park today, don't even waste your time going. I left at 1:15 and there was a long line to get through the parking tolls. Then another hugeeeee line to get through the front gate. This part seemed to be going veryyy slowly. Not sure if they're having problems with a new system or if it's just new employees. I'd say ~20-30 minute wait to get through the gates. The line for Banshee goes to the backside of the tower. A (relatively accurate) guess would put the wait at around 4 hours from where it was just after 1 today. That's if there's no downtime. The line is definitely longer than Diamondback had on its Opening Day. I decided to leave the park today. It wasn't worth it to stay. All of the rides were running slower and had very long waits. Diamondback was just over an hour, Beast was an hour plus, Vortex around 20 minutes. Definitely one of the most crowded regular operating days I had seen.

I saw that. On the handout I received, they have the web address listed as visitkingsisland.com/spevents, which redirects to their main page. I love seeing the park adding more things for pass holders. It's a slow, but nice, incremental change. Not listed on the website is the bring a friend for $14.99 (up to four friends) on May 11. I think that webpage was put together in a hurry...lots of typos! Last thought: that ERT for pass holders on the 9th won't be too great I don't think. I feel like so many people will be there that you'll only get maybe two rides in, unless people just don't know about it.

I know someone previously stated that you can use the all season plan twice per day. While I'm sure this is true (or something similar to it), the handout from today says No restaurant list is provided, or the $72 price for renewals. You can "see any ticket window or participating food locations for details."

Definitely longer than Diamondback by a long shot.

If you aren't already at the park, don't waste your time today

Not sure. The calendar says during park hours, but I'd think processing would open a bit earlier tomorrow. Maybe not though.

I leave my sunglasses on the majority of the time.

Oh and to add to what I've already said...While the restraints are nice and offer an unobstructed view and generally allow you freedom, I'm not a huge fan of them...They pull fairly tight over your shoulders/collar bones. I didn't notice a problem much during individual rides, but when I could do a back to back, I noticed my collarbone being very tender even before getting to the top of the lift hill. Sitting here on the couch I notice them being sore to the touch. While they don't lock, they are stiff and fairly taught. Also, the actual restraint lap gap that comes down does become tighter over the course of a ride.

With a minimum charge of two hours. Okay onto my experience. Got to the park ~4:15 and waited for the gate to the parking lot to open. Registered and received our treats...a Media Day t-shirt, a glass paper weight with a Banshee print encased, the lanyard, and the card to receive a complimentary ride photo. Waited in line to enter the park (who here goes to Muskingum University...?). Walked over to Banshee, made it on the ~3rd train of "regular" people. Front row at 6 in the morning with the temperature hovering around 32 degrees is unique, wonderful, slightly painful experience. I was in awe the entire ride and couldn't keep track of where we were. I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY by Kings Island on this. The ride and area is beautiful in every way. The station looks great. The sign is AMAZING. Also....the lighting package!! Holy crap. I was stunned. I LOVED seeing how much was put into this between the sign, station, fog, lighting, tombstones, fencing, landscaping, just everything! Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate Kings Island taking the theming and experience to this level. Really makes me excited for the future. I next rode in row 4 or 5, and there was a lot more rattling here. Slightly uncomfortable. I wasn't the only one who noticed this; others I talked to did too. My third ride was in row 8, right side. Later on, row 8, left side. THIS is my favorite seat. You just get yanked down and around that first drop. It's rare for me to get "that feeling" in my stomach anymore; Banshee's first drop does it for me, especially in row 8, left side. The pacing of the ride is unbelievable. Once you start, you don't stop until the brake run. There is NO time between elements. It's drop into inversion into inversion into drop into inversion into inversion into inversion into helix into inline twist to the brake run. The back half of the ride in incredibly forceful, especially in the back of the train. The blood starts going to your legs and keeps going due to the forces and how quickly you go from one thing to the next. Th first drop in the back row and the final inline twist are my two favorite parts. If you haven't ridden, you're in for an amazing experience. If you haven't seen the ride while dark, you're in for a real treat. Prepare to be speechless!

The Banshee Ice Cream: pretty good stuff The hand breaded chicken tenders: they were okay. Not the greatest, but still good. Very juicy and tender. However, this juiciness was kind of a watery, bland taste and the seasoning in the breading wasn't potent enough. The dipping sauce: I'm picky, and didn't love it, but I did like it more the more I ate it. VERY strong flavor with a mix of tastes The Texas toast: yummmm. It was soooo good!!

The inline twist in any seat and the drop from the back row left side. Breathtaking. Amazing.

^Obviously that link doesn't work on mobile. Thanks KI. I was trying to think of a place to eat that wasnt franchised. LaRosa's and Skyline would seem like they are but I guess not. That is very true. If you are going to plan on going during the summer a bunch, this could be a great deal. Where did you get the prices at? I was using the price from the post above mine. I assume they asked someone at the park. Maybe?

So no Chick fil A or Subway but LaRosa's is included....?

Burnt orange-y red at the top of the arm, then silver, then orange for the bottom of the arm and disc

$72 for a renewal pass...that comes down to 10 meals. Seems like a great deal if you eat in park

Banshee will be much longer without a doubt

The line tomorrow will not be stretching through the park. You know that place kind of behind Delirium that looks paved? It appears as though extra queue has been set up there and down a maintenance road.

The second half of the ride is definitely forceful. Middle row of the blue train has a rattle to it

It didn't grab when I rode at 6. Then again, it was a bit cold out here and likely running slower.

Ya know, I do love me some Graeters. But I also love some goooood soft serve!

Oh no! So sorry to hear this. That's terribly unfortunate, both the whole car being totaled and missing Media Day after trying to make the long, wonderful trip up. But you know...there's still time for someone to drive down to Bowling Green and everyone make it back to KI in time haha

Just want to take the time so say I LOVE all of the stuff you do with Photoshop (presumably) or whatever other image editing software! Your stuff is awesome! Is it just a hobby or something you use professionally?