CoastersNSich

I was there. I can verify that it was real and NOT Photoshopped. The old sign was fading out, and while they're at it, why not change a name on it. Of course, there is another insignia: to the left of the exit, just outside the on ride photo(video) stand, it reads "J.G.C. 96." Shouldn't that read "R.L.K.?"

Explaining my vote... Overall Vote: 4 Cedar Fair was the kind of company (or better yet, THE company) that I hope would buy Kings Island. What's Improved: - Cleanliness. You can't miss the Cedar Point-esque-labeled trash cans! I was around Dick Kinzel and the CF management team, and they were picking up every little thing off the ground. The park's ecology team seems to be everywhere, from the midways to the bathrooms. And their yellow shirts do look nice. Overall, the park just has a better appearance than in the past few years, IMO. - Food choices: I'm not going to get into prices, but it's nice they're keeping the buffet at Wings Diner, the favorite Cincinnati foods (Skyline, Graeter's, LaRosa's), while adding new choices like Panda Express and new stuff at other locations. - Ride Maintenance: It seems the coasters are running a lot better, especially The Racer and Beast! - Merchandise: They have changed some of the shops around, and so far, the stuff looks good, though I haven't bought anything yet. Also nice to see that space on Coney Mall as a grunge-like shop again, even though that might not be my style. - Other: Security has an increased presence throughout the park, and the uniforms look a bit better, especially with the caps. I also like seeing the metal detection workers now wearing security uniforms rather than the cheaper yellow concert venue shirts. Keeping the metal detection was also smart - it puts me at ease knowing that line jumpers or other ignorant guests aren't packing heat. Also, I like the change in music, it's a bit more relaxed. What NEEDS to Improve: - Ride Capacity: Do the ride operators still wearing the Paramount Parks shirts have something to do with this? Vortex is stacking like crazy, Racer still not racing at times. My impression with Cedar Fair was that staffing was supoosed to improve, especially with greeters to check height at entrances so they don't have to delay loading in the station. Hopefully this aspect gets better, but there seems to be a Burger King attitude here. - Pricing: While the pricing of daily admission and season passes is still reasonable, I still find myself less than impressed with the prices of food and drinks. If I had to point out the most marked-up items, it's the soft drinks by far. The food may be pricey, but drinks are just insane, when comparing to what's outside the park - or even with other parks. Others have said that Six Flags is a bit lower, and even Disney charges remarkably less for food/drink! I know that CF needs to raise some money to pay off the Paramount Parks purchase, but why not do it by selling more than just charging more. And LORD knows I hate to resort to McDonald's or other cheap fast food as lunch for a theme park visit. - Admissions: It took way too long to pass through parking tolls on Opening Saturday. I know it was the first day, but not only was this a safety issue with the back-up, but also with the slow moving traffic, Al Gore would have a fit!

Nice to see you back on the forums! It was great hanging out with you on Saturday as well, making the waits not as boring. I've got several copies of the map already, but thanks for posting it for those who haven't been yet!

I just got back... I'm not serious about wanting Vortex's demolition... But it seems the ride ops there (and Racer) have the enthusiasm and speed of Burger King...

Anyone who makes these kinds of threats now must be an idiot. They're most likely going to get caught, thrown away, and expelled.

I only have one reply for a thread like this.... "TAER IT DOWN!!!"

If our cities and communities were built so that we wouldn't have to drive to do EVERYTHING, there would be less demand for gas, and possibly lower prices. This means being able to walk, ride a bike, or take transit to do things in the metro area, community, or your neighborhood. There was a plan in 2002 to build a light rail system in Greater Cincinnati, that would eventually include service to Kings Island... I guess gas prices weren't high enough to pass that plan.

There's GOT to be a morning after, Maureen!

I have visited Kings Island just almost every single year since 1982, when I was an infant riding the Wild Animal Safari Monorail. I discovered KICentral.com (or its predecessor) around 2003, became a member, but only lightly used it until the merger with PKIUnlimited.

And on the day that should, IMO, have been one of the happiest - the return of the old name - as well as a beautiful day weatherwise. I'm definitely going to miss you, Maureen, from those many encounters at the park, to time being with her for two No Coaster Cons in metro Chicago. The guy or gal who replaces you has the challenge of filling your shoes, just like you had when Jeffrey Siebert left for Schlitterbahn. "There's got to be a morning after!"

AFLAC!!! Last night, Beast, Vortex, and Italian job were having issues. First ride I try doing, The Beast, breaks down when I'm midway on the ramp queue. Second is IJ, when I reach bridge, another incidence of downtime. My first attempt at Vortex this time was successful, but I saw it break down/set-up once or twice. I did make it onto Beast and Vortex later, and though I was at the park for less than three hours, was a memorable visit. I just have the feeling that the park is simply looking better than it has been the past few years...

Also mentioned in the article: Of all people to put live entertainment on the backburner, Paramount?...

And now, my photos: (Link to another site...) http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewt...p=369527#369527

I just got back from the park with my MAXX pass... - There was a pretty good turnout, especially with the beautiful weather. There were two sales windows open with a moderate line, I could have bought online but no problem though. - Before making my purchase, I asked if parts of the pass were upgradable, like All-Ohio Parking or MAXX Plus, and they said yes. I decided to get the MAXX with Kings Island parking only, for $160. All-Ohio parking is $70, so if I feel that I'm going to CP and GL at least four times, I'll upgrade later on. - A moderate line to also process. I NEVER got to see my picture, and I'm not sure if they even loaded my personal information in, unless they got my credit card info (address, name, etc.) - Compared to my SFKK pass, it's a bit thinner, but obviously a serious improvement compared to the Temporary cards. ALSO: - I did see the CFEC flags at the Passenger Drop-off/Pick-up area. A neat contrast to the unchanged Paramount sign. - Most of the trash cans, just about every single one in front of the metal detectors, have the Cedar Point-style stickers on them. You'd swear that the park is now called "Cedar Point South!" - You can smell fresh paint and landscaping. The curb lining the former tram pathway has been re-painted, the first time in a LONG time! - Some of the Season Pass employees were still wearing the Paramount shirts, at least one still with the Paramount Parks nametag. Supervisors, though, were wearing Polo-type shirts with the CFEC logo embroidered and with new nametags.

Remembering a famous picture from 2003 when an On-Ride Photo building was being constructed, I think I get what you mean.

Lots of rides through the woods on The Beast, fun racing rides on The Racer, and simply standing about 300' off the ground looking down on the park from the Eiffel Tower come to mind.

Do you mean that the park has lost it's luster since CF took over last summer, or do you mean the the park has lost it's luster under the Paramount years? I think he's trying to say that the park has lost its luster during the Paramount years, and is trying to persuade Cedar Fair to bring some of that luster back. I happen to agree with most of what he says, as well.

Rather than crass budget cuts, you're more likely to see price increases for food and drinks to pay off the debt. I believe that this will be a really great year for me because: 1) I'll be hopefully starting a "new life" by entering graduate school to study architecture - either here in Cincinnati or in Chicago. If I do go to that Windy City, it will be late summer/early fall, so I have enough time to enjoy my home park. 2) Kings Island's first real intense, thrilling coaster since 2000 - even if I first rode it in 2002. 3) Kings Island is Kings Island again! 4) Hopefully a new attitude throughout the park, more energized, enthusiastic employees. 5) The five new shows, for when I want to take a break from the rides. 6) More of those many great rides on Adventure Express, The Racer, Vortex, and The Beast.

What's also great about this is that I can also add my parking pass to the card, and have it all done before opening day, so I don't have to fork over an extra $10.

I also just saw the commercial, once during "The Bachelor" on ABC WCPO 9, and FOX WXIX 19 during the 10:00 news. - Kenton's Cove Keelboat Canal is shown, even though it last operated in 2000. - The looping ship from Kings Dominion is shown. - The PKI logo is clearly shown in an IJST shot. - See the guy in the front row, on the right, in the Congo Falls shot? You might know him. He looks very familiar. - A few years ago, Sears used the slogan "Where else?" I'm just sayin'.

For those who seem to believe in what UncleHenry is saying, I've got a little reading for you.

Yeah, even though Cedar Fair may be getting more buying power, it's another way to boost the profit margins, though the savings won't be passed on to the guests - which is to say that the "industry experts" were half-right on this one. This leaves guests wondering why the new ownership is raising the food and drink prices compared to the old Paramount people, and wondering if CF is really better than the old owners in this regard. Are they also taking the approach of Six Flags in trying to offer a better quality product with better service, in regard to higher prices? Answering the first original question: Add a B&M hypercoaster filled with airtime. That suggestion hasn't changed for years.

There was some speculation after the announcement of the acquisition, from folks like Dennis Speigel of ITPS and Purple People Bridge, that Cedar Fair would get increased buying power causing lower prices. Seems trip reports from Carowinds and Kings Dominion have proved him wrong...

Funny thing is, they used to do someting kind of like that. It was called "Bring a Friend Free Day." While people didn't line up before 6AM to get in, it was still beyond packed and stacked on those days.

I'm probably going to eat before and after I go there. The food in the park isn't necessarily bad, but fairly expensive. And for the relatively short time (about 5 hours?) that I'll be in the park, it makes more sense for me to eat somewhere for less or better. When heading to the park, I find it easier to simply head for the main parking gate for the Expo Center, from the westbound Watterson Expressway, so you don't have to circle around the perimeter road. With Freedom Hall straight ahead, I usually go left to park in the lot next to the park and the East Hall/Wing. While it sucks that there's no re-entry option to parking (without paying again), at least it's just $5, and not $10 to $15.