KIfan1980

I hate this stereotype almost as much as I hate this Half-Pint Brawlers idea. Adults often forget who raised these rowdy teens. A reality in life is that the actions of a few often impact the perception of a group in a negative way. All you can do (which I know you do) is continue to act responsible when you are at a park and encourage your friends to do the same. Also, some of us would probably criticize/complain today if we saw teenagers doing things we did as teenagers. I have been going to the Holloween events at both KI and CP since they first started. The events at KI have always been dark and intense, what I would characterize as not "family friendly" way before Cedar Fair took over while the events at CP have always been more light hearted and fun, ie, more family friendly. I, therefore, don't think it is fair to characterize KI's events as not being family friendly solely because of Cedar Fair when they never really have been family friendly. markr - I think you make a great point here. A big difference between Kings Island and Cedar Point is that KI separates out "Howl-O-Fest" and "Haunt" and general park operating hours, while CP celebrates "HalloWeekends" fully (although with some changes at night). This allows KI to push boundaries of darkness and intensity for Haunt, which in recent history seems to have invited the criticism and concerns raised in this thread and does impact (to what degree is unknown to us) their ability to advertise themselves as a family friendly amusement/theme park the rest of the year.

According to the Six Flags link shared above, Green Lantern "delivers a ride experience unlike any other" I'd be willing to bet that the ride experience is somewhat like what Chang used to offer.

Todd - thanks for posting and providing the code word! I do think this looks interesting. So based upon the composite layout in the link below, this is the portion of the ride coming out of the figure eight and heading to the top of the map. Makes me think the figure eight should be pretty forceful as the speed will need to be pretty good to carry through the portion of the course the clip shows.

You'd never see that today. There is no way that many bottles of water are sold at $4 each. :-)

I know of several families that are: - Unaware that KI is open during the days on Sat/Sun in October - Unwilling to take their kids due to the Haunt decoration Last time I went to the park, there was a ring and signage at the end of IS by the fountains. My kids asked about it.

Maybe they'll ask their friend, the media director of a popular Kings Island fan website, to link to it, with an ALL-CAPS title, and a Parental Advisory warning to help drum up discussion/attention/controversy - with any luck, the local "news" will pick up the story and help with the promotion. I agree - Now I know to avoid the "show". I hadn't been too bothered by this until I watched the video.

A couple of thoughts: - I believe there would likely be more visitors of a different generation to the park today if we still had Antique Cars. I certainly would rather have both them and Stunt Coaster (and that should have been an option). - Regarding Tomb Raider's placement. The issue for me is that you (like Paramount did) are beginning with the ride and theme in mind and trying to find a location for it. Imagine the options from a theme park design standpoint: begin by saying - let's add a Giant Top Spin, choose a location in Rivertown, then try to determine a good theme for it. No, it wouldn't fit nicely into the marketing plan for a movie, but I bet there could be some good options.

Hate is too strong a word. I'd say I was reluctant to accept the change that occurred with adding "Paramount" to the name. It took something away from the magic of what was just Kings Island - seemed too corporate. Probably made me biased about other things that they did. I'd also reiterate a point I've made before. To me, theme at a park isn't about a ride being themed, it is about an area being themed. Personally, I prefer a street of shops with an International feel, an area where I could experience wild animals and adventure, an area with a traditional amusement rides, and a remote mining town area versus a group of rides with incredible back-story, queue houses, and on ride effects. To my memory, this type of theme left during the "PKI" days (whether Pictures, Viacom, or CBS driven - it felt like Paramount to me, since they changed the name to that).

If we wanted a Mack Spinning Coaster - I'd take one like Sierra Sidewinder at KBF. That was a great ride for a kiddie/family coaster.

It is a standard practice in this country for public $ (whether subsidy, direct payment, partnership, and/or tax breaks) to be provided by Governments to Private Business (which can include stadiums, amusement parks, or any business). These are typically negotiated and done in such a fashion where the benefit to the community (jobs and tax income, further development, convention/hotel/other business) will offset the cost. How would Kentucky benefit in this scenario? Summer jobs for teens and a few tourists from Ohio, Indiana, and Nashville will not pay out in my opinion. Especially when Kentucky already is in financial trouble. One could argue that a good way to save $ for Kentucky would be to let go of the fair board representative responsible for running off Six Flags. How'd the fair do this year? Is he earning his salary?

So the state would theoretically provide money for all this, get a $1 million dollar lease payment, and no parking revenue. I know Six Flags rejected the lease after the fair board refused to renegotiate. Was Six Flags offer worse for Kentucky than this?

Jasper - great thread. All - I've enjoyed reading your responses. Here is mine. This summer began with a winter trip to BGT and a spring trip to Dollywood. It also included a weekend at Holliwod Nights, fathers day at Cedar Point, and SoCal fun at Knott's, Legoland, and Belmont Park. There were also many trips to KI along the way. So let me begin by saying that I recognize that I'm blessed and lucky to be able to do all that and have a family that puts up with and/or enjoys parks like I do. Memories from the year include: - Riding some incredible rides for the first time: Montu, Maverick, Silver Bullet, Raven, Voyage, Thunderhead - Meeting new and riding with both new and old friends - My 6 year old looping for the first time on Tennessee Tornado, and riding so many more with him (Vortex, Magnum, Ghostrider jump to mind) - My 4 year old conquering Flying Ace, Shake Rattle & Roll, and Surf Dog - A special morning Train tour with KIC friends - Many Diamondback rides with those I've met on the train and in line over the past two years, including the first train of the year (yes I'm too old and out of shape, but I beat a lot of he younger crowd!) - The atmosphere of the parks I've visited. It's about so much more than the coasters - The inspiration of the people I've met - I met Will Koch and his Mom one weekend in my life, yet there is much I take from that experience Once again, I'm reminded that the best times are those spent with friends and family doing something I love. Twice this year, I saw my kids choose not to ride a ride because a friend was too short or scared. They had more fun walking through Snoopy's Starlight and riding RFYLCB with a friend than something else alone. I'd also like to thank all those who's hard work allows me to enjoy KI and all amusement parks. From park services to ride ops, from food to maintenance - your efforts help make being a coaster/park fan th experience it is.

Watching this commercial reminds me again of two thoughts: What is the target audience for Kings Island. As far as I can tell, it seems to be two groups: "thrill seekers" who you'd typically find in line for the big coasters and flats (DB, FOF, FH, Drop Tower, Delirium) "families with young kids" who you'll typically find in Planet Snoopy, watching Shows, and growing into the family coasters and flats (FD, AE, Racer, Shake Rattle & Roll, Viking Fury) What is missing from Kings Island. Enough rides and attractions that allow multiple generations to come and enjoy a day at Kings Island as the commercial indicates. I think a couple of more family flats (my vote would be to start with Antiques) would be a welcome addition.

B&M Invert would be my choice - and I don't want to give up Flight Deck to get it.

I think that SF KK will be looking a lot like This in a few years. Lots of talk and ideas about re-opening ... but what ever comes of them.

There was a recent story about a reporter who wore a Florida hat to an Arkansas coaches press conference as a journalist covering Arkansas. She ended up without a job I believe.

Someone who was being honest. Can you imagine the topic and the number of tantrums that would be thrown here on KIC? How about those that would occur on Channel 5?

Sure feels like I missed a since deleted topic or something. Response to CoasterKrazy - yes, KI should protect their information if they don't want it to become public. The management of KIC, however, also has a right to include in the Terms of Service (that posters agreed to abide by when signing up) that non public information will not be shared on these boards. If it, as it seems to, helps them retain a positive relationship with KI - why wouldn't they? There are many other places where these rules don't apply. They do here.

I'm with you! It's a topic I rarely discuss with anyone. I actually find it sad that people can not have a legitimate discussion about certain issues (politics is but one) because of the "mean-spiritedness" that occurs. I believe that the way to solutions is through discourse - if we stifle the discussion, we will miss the solution. Note this is not intended to say we should discuss it here - I want to abide by the TOS. I just believe that the avoidance of discussion is not a good thing in principle.

And here, if you search for Holiday World, you can see titles that give you an idea of whether it is TR or advice or question or new ride information. On TPR, you have 161 pages that nobody is going to read through. I like the setup here. Also, I believe there might be a limit to the sub-forums available as I recall one got dropped when the meet-ups forum was added last year.

Regarding the brake run tunnels - Were those always there? I have memories (which can be faulty) of these being an open sided canopy when I first began riding.

I also prefer Raven to Legend. Raven and Voyage - I'll take Voyage once or twice, but could ride Raven all day long. I am also a fan of a certain element on Raven.

What do you mean Racer in it's original form? Racer is currently in it's original form. (minus one dip at the end of course) Several things have changed on Racer over the years. In addition to the final dip you mention, the trains have had headrests, seat dividers, seatbelts, and individual ratcheting lap bars added if my memory serves correctly. I've also "heard" that there were other track modifications in addition to the final dip, but can not speak to the accuracy of that.

Dare I ask which worked best at parks not named KI?

A couple of notes: To Upgrade in the past has required you to pay the difference between the CURRENT (at time of upgrade) Platinum Pass price and the price you paid for your existing Pass. If you are only going to go to CP for 2 days in addition to KI, it may not be worth upgrading from this Gold Pass price, especially if you might stay at an on-site property at CP (parking fee waived) or if you would only be using a Starlight admission for one of your days at CP.