KIfan1980

This is such a wide open question - a couple of quick thoughts: Kings Island I think Kings Island is a better park now than it was when Cedar Fair took over - I don't think you can play the game of could another owner have made it even better. Compare then to now, and I'll take now There are some things that Cedar Fair has done to the park that I'm not a fan of, there were also things that Paramount/CBS/KECO/etc... did that I was not a fan of. I'm not the one in charge - I think that would be the only way to change this Other Parks I'm not qualified to assess this. OK, I'm probably not qualified to assess any of it, but I really don't know enough about the other parks Cedar Fair as a Company I'd guess that many unit holders are still wondering where the "exciting new growth opportunities" and "annual cash flow synergies" that were supposed to occur according to Mr. Kinzel are Quotes can be found in This Link

On a related note, I wonder if The Vortex photo booth will remain in it's current location (or in existence) - it seems like something has to give back there to open up space a little. The whole "paths on both sides" piece is what's surprising and confusing to me. I was thinking that the current AT Exit could be reconfigured for both an entrance and exit to AT, with the current entrance being converted to queue for WindSeeker.

Emphasis Added - why exactly would you want an entrance to Action Zone from that end of Coney Mall? I think we need to ask when the KIC aerial photographer is scheduled to take flight to get a better idea!

I know some of us are getting older, but putting the "assisted living" article in the KIC Meet Up forum - really Terpy, that's not nice!

Makes me wonder what is going on "at this time". I guess I have no choice but to be patient.

I am in no way in favor of a federal agency handling amusement park safety - while I don't always like state to state differences, there is no reason to get another level involved which would likely move to lowest common denominator. I do, however, continue to wonder how this ride was designed and/or operated without a safety device that as others have explained would have been fairly cheap. The fact that one still hasn't been installed - I have no words.

Not on the official topic - I will eagerly await the Avatar and RailRider PTR's! There are some things that make this forum great - and PTR's from you guys are part of it. I have enjoyed the time I've spent on this forum, have learned a lot, and met some great people, but have also enjoyed reading and learning from people I have not yet met just as much. On the official topic - I took a drive through the GWL parking lot yesterday to see Flight Deck in person. I think it is looking good - there is a clear contrast between the rails and supports. Looking at it made me want to get out there and ride it. Would I prefer a different color scheme, yes. Is it a big deal either way, no.

So when you talk to your friends at KI, do they find it humorous how bent out of shape we get on KIC about things like this?

Call me a pessimist, but I doubt this will ever see the light of day. Is the museum doing that well financially that the people behind it can raise $150 million in this economy when Ed Hart can't raise $50 for a shuttered park? If they had $150 million, is this really the outlet they are looking for to spend it? I'm not sure what the right model is to build a new park in 2010 - maybe I'll be proven wrong and we'll find out, but I'm not betting on this.

At one point in the "New for 2011" thread, the following post mentioned Jeff Gramke talking about an action theater exit path relocation. This would imply that it would remain. Of course, I can't vouch for the validity of the statement and recognize that plans can change, etc., but I for one am hoping that they keep Action Theater open (even if it is still Sponge Bob) as my boys enjoy the ride/show.

Bing birds eye views of Kings Island are old - in some views you can see SoB with Loop, in others you can see GWL under construction. Someone can probably quickly tell you what year this would be. I'd have to research so won't guess. In the Google Maps images (which are from the late summer/early fall of 2010), that train is not there.

According to Yahoo Finance the top institutional investors (as of Jun 30th, 2010), include Q III, Mr. Raynor, and Q 4. Comparing that to the SEC filings from Jan/Feb timeframe, it looks like Q has just been moving units around, but still held (as of Jun 30th) 18.1%

Terpy - while I trust you that the queues used to come in from the outside, I don't believe it was changed at the same time as the exit ramp relocation. I believe I remember (enough disclaimer) going up through the center but still exiting between the entrance and what is now subway (I'll still remember it as an ice cream stand) during my mid 80's heavy season pass years. I'm on mobile, so can't see the first picture well, but believe it shows that also (do we know when this was taken?).

I hate to break it to you buddy, but we are old (in years - although we both know how to enjoy life like kids at times also). Your question just struck me funny considering how many of the posters on these forums weren't alive when Raptor opened. Also, many of those that were alive were not old enough for coasters, so many probably haven't seen the commercials.

Corporate Credit Rating = B+, which I think is the same as what Cedar Fair was when they refinanced Still in the "non-investment grade" or junk category.

Mark - the Raptor commercial you are talking about does sound familiar to me, but that was a long time ago, so with my mind - who knows

Tree replacement and Wetlands replacement are two very different items. From my experience (different industry), wetlands replacement is governed by state law and requires that wetlands are replaced at a 3:1 or greater ratio when looking to obtain a construction permit for work in a designated wetlands. I don't know if any of the WindSeeker site is considered wetlands, but Coney Mall is almost certainly not . Tree replacement can be a stipulation from a planning department when someone looks to redistribute/develop a property and is looking for planning permission. I'm assuming that most of KI property (subject to setbacks, easements, limitations on total developed acres, etc.) is able to be developed as part of the amusement park.

Any public school, secondary included. 59% and below is failing. any public school isn't correct, the school i go to if you have below a 67% you're failing; the lowest b is an 85% and the lowest a is a 93%. So technically he is right 59% is failing, but in your school so is 60-67%.

I know, if they hadn't, what would we be complaining about following the announcement that construction on the new ride was starting.

I have no data on amusement park buildings (and do trust that you know of what you talk), but would also note that use of the LEED certification process as the only measure of green construction is incomplete. There are buildings that attain LEED certification that are no more sustainable and energy efficient than non-LEED buildings, and there are sustainable/energy efficient buildings constructed that do not go after the LEED certification - the fees can get expensive, and even more so for non-members of the Green Building Council.

Based upon a facebook update and a read of the belmontpark.com website, it looks as though this beachside park near San Diego might be in jeopardy. I visited this awesome little place a few months back - I hope this is a dispute that can be resolved. Sorry for no links, I'm on mobile right now.

There have been several topics/posts on this site about ways to get involved in the theme park industry . Looks like some Ohio State Engineering undergrads took the approach to create a unique (at least I've never come across one before) student organization to help them with their goals. See the website for the Ohio State Theme Park Engineering Group that was created by students in 2007 (sorry if this has been posted in the past - I searched and couldn't find). I came across this from an article in my wife's recently delivered alumni magazine (can't find an electronic link to that).

Evidence that you've got too much free time tonight and are using it searching on Google Earth FYI, this threadmight answer some of your questions.

While the Planet Snoopy rides may not be the hardest to actually operate, I'm guessing that having to deal with the kids (and parents) may make them one of the hardest places to be a ride op.

A few things jump to mind: New rides that the kids had grown into - 6/7 year old took on Vortex, Drop Tower, and started to really enjoy The Beast, while 4 year old added Surf Dog, Flying Ace, and Shake Rattle & Roll, although the division when one is over and one is under the 48" line isn't fun. First train of the year on Diamondback, row 4 - who knew the old guy could still run like that Train tour with others from KIC - great event, great people Random rides and hanging out with people I've met through KIC and riding DB - too many to name, not always long enough spent together, but always a pleasure Although not KI related, I'd also have to say a highlight of 2010 for me was adding so many rides and parks to my coaster count: Busch Gardens Tampa, Dollywood, Holiday World (with an awesome KIC group at HWN!), Knott's, Legoland CA, Belmont Park along with Maverick, TTD, Wicked Twister, and Wildcat at CP.