malem

^^^ There are automated tools that automatically spy on connections. Some criminals have set such programs to capture others' data at frequently used WiFi hotspots.

Encrypted connections are safe to use over public WiFi, as only the site owner (with the site's private key) can decrypt data you send. Many sites and apps (including Gmail, Twitter, Google Docs, Google search, bank websites) are protected. When using a web browser, it's important to make sure that the site is secure (eg. padlock icon, "https" url, or other indicators depending on your browser). If you receive a certificate error message, do not accept the invalid security certificate. Unencrypted connections can be intercepted by anyone in wireless range of your device. If you're logged into the KICentral forum over public WiFi, for example, someone else nearby could theoretically see what you're doing and even make posts from your account.

^ Yes, you can upgrade at the park when it (or the season pass processing center) is open. You would pay the difference between what you paid for gold (~$90 last fall) and the current price of platinum ($198).

^ If you renewed on November 1, you have an installment plan instead of buy-now-pay-later. Your pass is fully active (and will remain so unless you miss a payment). Those who bought passes with buy-now-pay-later (Nov 7 through the holiday season) weren't billed anything until this month. These passes weren't active until they were paid for.

We get to live!

O'Charley's has more options and seems more budget friendly, so let's meet there. I'm telling them 6:00pm so that we don't have to be in a hurry. They have a call-ahead seating arrangement instead of taking true reservations, so I'll call back tomorrow afternoon to get us on the list. If anyone else is coming, make sure to let me know by then so that we get a table large enough for everyone. Weather permitting (i.e. no lightning), I'm planning to head down early for a jog at nearby VoA Park. I'll then get to the restaurant by 5:45pm to make sure that they're ready for us.

Chain restaurants can be hit-or-miss with food quality. I've been to the LongHorn location at Tuttle Crossing (in Columbus) a few times and have had no problems with service or my food. For anyone who saves newspaper ads, there is a coupon for LongHorn Steakhouse in last Sunday's Columbus Dispatch (and probably other newspapers). O'Charley's might be another consideration if people want a more inexpensive option. They offer a selection of dinner entrées for $9.99, though I haven't been impressed with their food quality after they stopped operating their own commissary. Link to menus with prices: http://www.longhornsteakhouse.com/menu-listing/dinner http://www.ocharleys.com/menu If we're meeting for dinner, we should get a headcount and decide on a restaurant soon. Especially if we have a larger group, I'd like to make a reservation before they close tonight.

For what it's worth, pki.com is again redirecting to visitkingsisland.com.

Busch Gardens has unveiled its 2015 April Fools joke on its official Twitter account: a link to an 8-month-old article about them from The Onion. https://twitter.com/BuschGardens I wish I were joking.

^ Paramount Parks, Inc continues to exist as a subsidiary (named Cedar Fair Southeast, if I remember correctly). At the time of the acquisition, Paramount Parks, Inc. was way ahead of Cedar Fair, L.P. in technology. It makes sense that they contributed the IP block. You're right, though - Cedar Fair really should update the name on their registration. EDIT: It's Cedar Fair Southwest. Perhaps Richard had Kings Island on his mind when renaming the company.

It's down again.

So far, no finalized plans (other than the list of 5 people, as of 7:19 this morning). How about 6:15pm at one of the restaurants right at I-75 and Tylersville? (In no particular order: O'Charley's, Perkins, IHOP, TGI Fridays, LongHorn Steakhouse, Dewey's Pizza, City Barbecue, Bob Evans) Anyone (who is going) have a preference? I'd suggest picking somewhere that will take an advance reservation, so that we're not stuck waiting on a table. (All of those except IHOP, City Barbecue and Bob Evans)

Except during Haunt; fireworks end for the season on Labor Day weekend.

Anyone else up for dinner that evening? 1. malem 2. Goble 3. Gator

Off-hand, I suspect that you'll have lots of company. Holiday weekend, spring break for many, weekend following a very cold Opening Weekend, new roller coaster. I won't be there this week. If I make it down this spring, it would probably be over a weekend in late April or early May.

The list on Kings Island's website is still being updated; CP Food Blog has the latest word from the park on specific menus: http://cpfoodblog.com/2015-kings-island-dining-plans/ . Most quick service meal locations at the park are included, excluding third party operators (eg. Panda Express, Chick-Fil-A). There is currently no price break for purchasing dining passes in quantity. Prices generally go up as the season progresses, so finding a later discount that's better the current price is not likely. Do note that there is a 4-hour waiting period between meals this year. If your typical visits don't last long enough for you to redeem two meals, for example, the dining plan might make less sense.

Rates are high, but they rely on aggressive discounting to fill up the hotel.

GOCC is having their annual Spring Fling event at Kennywood this year on Saturday, May 2 (Kennywood's Opening Day). Members of GOCC and other roller coaster clubs (ACE, Coaster Crew, CoasterBuzz, TPR, etc) are invited. Details/flyer/registration: https://greatohiocc.org/events/event/55-gocc-spring-fling Anyone else from here thinking about going? I'm considering it, and I might also be at Kings Island the day before for their first non-Saturday 10am-10pm operating day.

Easy to say when you live a stone's throw away from the park.

^ If you missed the payment deadline, your seat would be offered to the next-highest bidder.

^ Nothing wrong with you liking it. My point was that, for many, Panda Express might not constitute a primary meal

^^ The calorie count of a meal doesn't necessarily correspond to how fulfilling it is. Individual results and preferences vary. The nutrition calculator on pandaexpress.com shows that a sample 3-entreé plate has 1490(!) Calories. 570 of those are from fat(!), and 604 are from carbs. To many, this is not a satisfying meal. Not to mention the 109% of the RDI for sodium.

I won't have eaten since lunch, so I'd prefer somewhere that I can get a more substantial meal. Somewhere that accommodates groups well and has various price/portion choices would be ideal. As we found out a couple months ago, Panda Express's table configuration doesn't work well for groups larger than 4. TMI

Any suggestions as to where? Nearby on Tylersville are a typical selection of chain eateries (O'Charley's, Bob Evans, LongHorn Steakhouse, etc), Dewey's Pizza, City Barbecue, and some local/ethnic places.

^ Good luck on your interview! Since you post here, make sure to pay special attention to the company's rules about what you can (and can't) share via online platforms. (As an example, if you take a picture at the park while going for an interview, you can't share it online because it was taken from an area currently off-limits to the general public.)