KIfan1980

I knew at least one for a short time. See below I would, my son turned 6 on Monday and is tall enough for The Beast and he definitely was not the tallest six year old at his birthday party. Although, I have not yet let him ride The Beast yet - there are some things that the park, lawyers, and insurance companies might say is ok that I'm not willing to sign up for.

The reality is that the do know what they are doing. They are following a strategy that is carefully thought out and that they believe will result in improved results for themselves and the CF unit holders. It has worked for them in the past and they believe it will continue to work. I would agree with that sentiment except that the old way it worked in the past seems to work no longer. "If you build it, they will come" just isn't working any more. Which is exactly why the final paragraph I wrote - that you erased from the quote - was written. Repeated below: "The problem is that so many things have changed - the economic situation and its impact on customers, the availability/ability to refinance debt, the overall size of CF, and much more. Whether the strategy is going to work out long term is undefined."

You are not the only one. SAME HERE EXACTLY. Saying the first ride was worst makes me even more afraid to go on now. I need a belt and then I'd go on. I need something visual to tell me that I'm safe and looking at those seat restraints certainly don't make me feel better... Here is a nice "visual" to tell you that you are safe. While waiting the average 30-45 minutes in line, count how many people go up the lift hill on a train but don't come back through the splashdown on the same train. Then think about the ~40,000 trains have done that on Diamondback this year already. Climb in and ride!

On the blue soft serve - even though it is not on the menu board, you can order a kids size and still get a good amount of ice cream at a lower price. I know this to be true when ordered in a cup versus a cone, not sure if kids size cones are offered.

Wow, seriously?? This is to almost everyone that has posted in this thread - I'm not discounting your opinion and do understand a little about what you are saying, but, I still get a thrill on almost any coaster I ride as it reaches the top of the lift hill (from FOC to Diamondback) Is this thrill the same as the first time I rode it (probably not), but there is still a thrill. I think you've got to be a little careful in life to not always be looking for the next bigger thing - take it if it comes along, but enjoy the existing items just the same. Otherwise, you might always be slightly disapointed.

Quotes from link in post #1 (available in full at seekingalpha.com): "Richard L. Kinzel We've been pleased with the ablity of our individual parks to control their operating costs this year. With our industry continuing to face an uncertain economy and value-seeking consumers, we have made a concentrated effort to control costs while not sacrificing quality and guest service and of course safety would never be compromised under any circumstances." " Peter J. Crage No. All of our parks are operating profitably." Yet the company still lost ~$45,900,000 (when I actually put all the 0's there I realize it is a bigger number) in the first 6 months of the year while only paying down about a quarter ("Richard L. Kinzel I believe so. We're about $30 million to $35 million through the first half and then the remainder will be in the third and fourth quarter.") of the $129 million term debt reduction planned for this year My opinion: There is MAJOR work to do to make FUN an attractive investment and although KI was highlighted due to the addition of Diamondback which will be used as the basis for the soon to be announced work at other parks, I don't believe that CF can spend its way out of trouble and just hope for a better economy and better weather. Market results today: FUN closed at $10.92, down $1.02 (-8.54%) per http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=FUN

I was amazed last year at how many parents just didn't get what was about to happen in the park and heed the warnings. It's kind of sad that the park feels the need to parent these adults with the re-enter approach. I actually think the shut down Nick U approach has some validity, but this may also give a false impression to those parents with kids above Nick U age who still have no business being in the park when the Haunt starts.

As PKIVortex noted, that is actually Vortex - in addition to Flight Commander, some other things give this away: Flying Eagles moved to new location, Zephyr installed and Flying Carpet moved. FYI - the picture is taken between 1990-1993 Also, although The Beast entrance is in Rivertown, the ride actually goes fairly close to The Racer Turnarounds.

To avoid issues, if you want to have awards, they should be based upon content and not individuals (obviously, there is a link to the person in some cases, but it is less 'personal') and should strive to be positive (no 'dumbest' post category). Some proposed award categories that fit this criteria would be: - Best Debate (Unfortunately the "Trim Brake" thread doesn't fit the last year criteria) - Most Entertaining Topic - Best Topic - Most Entertaining KI Trip Report - Most Entertaining Non-KI Trip Report

There are just too many potential people to guess.

Avatar - thank you for being willing to share your personal stories to help illustrate the point. As to the event, my thoughts and prayers go out to the family along with the lifeguard and other responders. This tragic event is likely to be traumatic to some people for a very long time (imagine the "what if" game the lifeguard or others who were there will play). I'd also caution folks to try not to judge - as a parent of young kids, I always try to be in the water with them, hold hands in parking lots, teach them how to stop their bikes at streets, etc..., but also know first hand that things can happen in an instant despite all your best efforts. Nobody is perfect.

Terpy - Well said. I have a couple of other thoughts though: - It may seem like forever that you are waiting for your child to hit the 48" mark, but also know that you will eventually get the opportunity to have a very special day of "first rides" when the purple wristband is given out. Wait for it patiently and enjoy it when it arrives. - I recognize the frustration, especially if you remember a time when a ride had a different height limit or have been to other parks (in other states) that have big coasters with smaller limits (for example Big Bad Wolf is 42" whereas Flight Deck is 48"). So park shopping may be your best bet for finding a more thrilling but also safe ride experience.

Which leads me to continue to wonder whether Cedar Fair will eventually have to follow the Six Flags financial restructuring path. Time alone will tell.

That is just plain ugly. It'll be interesting to see how results like this affects their "final phase of financial restructuring"

Isn't it officially called The Big Bad Wolf? I know how much it annoys you when people make these kinds of mistakes http://www.buschgardens.com/BGW2/Explore/Rides.aspx?id=489 Also, I'm glad to see that you have some that don't reach the heights of favorites - although in all seriousness, I find it hard to say I despise any coaster manufacturer. They all strive to make something that I enjoy.

What the h*** have I been working then? You must be working Wild Thornberry's. Indyguy4KI is talking about Kenton Cove Keelboat Canal when he references "where the old log ride used to be"

Trust me completely redisigning a website is a very hard and time consuming process especially making a decent one. As far as the calender goes I agree that it looks good and is the step in the right direction. I understand that redesigning a website is hard, But I've got to agree with Beast1979 here. The "PKI" website is significantly worse than others including Cedar Point and the fact that the templates exist for the pages at Cedar Point should actually make it much easier to copy for KI. While maybe not doable in a day, it could probably be done by a small team within a month - certainly Cedar Fair has had plenty of time since purchasing the old Paramounts parks by now.

I like doing that on Diamondback (especially at night). Internation Steet looks AMAZING with the lights on some of the buildings. They remind of the winter and gingerbread houses. There is a similar AMAZING/beautiful view of the park you get at night from the top of Flight Deck's first drop. You like tucked away in the corner and the whole park is there for you to see. Another item, I was trying to figure out today whether it was an optical illusion or whether the track/spine color for Diamondback changes slightly as it goes into the splashdown area. It just looked a little darker than the piece next to it.

Overall, I have to agree that the Diamondback team has done an outstanding job this year. The main queue line never seems to stop, they are typically energetic from ERT through post fireworks rides, and they work very hard. Agree with the Kudos.

I gave this advice on a different thread yesterday, but it is valid again here. If you recognize that a member is just trying to cause arguments, the best course of action is to ignore. By responding you are encouraging the behavior.

As an idea, I thought and still think SoB is not a fail Engineering and Construction - ok, I'll agree to the epic fail opinion here. You'd have thought this was the coaster built back before high end computer aided design. But I'll also say, in my opinion, there is no reason that it couldn't have been designed and built successfully as a wooden coaster. Unfortunately it wasn't and that will mean it will continue to cause issues (for riders and the park) until it goes through a major rebuild or is dismantled.

This is a good question that made me think for a while - here is what I came up with (including my assessment of Kings Island against my criteria): Parks need to have the following: - A good variety of rides that can be enjoyed by the full age range of guests - KI gets a 8/10 on this one. Missing a few items like some "classic" flats (ferris wheel anyone?), family rides, and another high end steel coaster. - Landscaping that doesn't overwhelm, but makes the place feel relaxing - KI gets a 7/10. It has some great spots and some barren spots - General upkeep such that you'd notice the one or two exceptions - KI gets a 5/10. Its improved recently, but there are still a lot of opportunities - Helpful, professional, and friendly associates - KI gets a 9/10. Sure there are one or two that aren't, but all-in-all, I think they do a great job - Good security - KI gets a 6/10. Another opportunity here; While I feel safe, I don't think the rules are adequately enforced The following aren't required, but can help a park become better: - Fun Waterpark: BB helps KI - Railroad: KI's is ok - Observation Point: Eiffel Tower is one of the best - Theme: KI has not maintained which hurts it in my opinion - Good Food at reasonable prices: KI is average here - Useful Website: No, just No - Shows: KI's are good productions - Events: KI's are ok (a lot of gimmicks)

See also. http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?...15&start=15

Diamondback FOF - a little bit of advice. If you recognize that a poster is just trying to cause arguments in threads, the best course of action is to ignore. By responding you are encouraging the behavior.

While I'm sure it was "unfortunate" for many who worked there and those that liked the Post (and I'm not claiming that this is the reason for your comment), I get frustrated at how big a deal is made (especially by other media outlets) about newspapers closing down. The business model needs to change if you want to stay in business as the world changes around you - this has been going on for years and will continue to go on. Despite what the nightly news might tell you, this is called progress - I don't know where we are progressing to, but we'll get there.