OK, where do I start? Let's go back to 1996 and age 9, when my mom talked me onto The Racer—my first "big" coaster. That ride spooked me so bad that, as of this spring, I had not been back to KI or any other amusement park since. Fast forward to this May (now age 23), I saw a TV commercial for KI's Gold Pass, got online and looked at it, checked my (tight) budget, and decided to go for it. My first visit, I hit up some of the smaller coasters, such as Flight Deck, BLSC, AE, and The Racer. I found that I would be scared on the first ride because I didn't know what to expect, but the second (and subsequent rides) were very enjoyable. Each visit, I added a couple of bigger rides, starting with The Beast, Vortex, and Firehawk on the second visit and progressing to Diamondback and Flight of Fear on the third, and before long, I found that I couldn't get enough of the biggest rides, particularly Diamondback. I was thoroughly surprised at how fast I went from having been scared of coasters for 14 years to having ridden every coaster in the park and loving every minute of every ride.
Though I usually went alone, in early August, I went with my mother for a day. That day was less about rides than it was about just visiting with her, as I don't get to see her very often. Early in the day, I talked her onto Flight Deck, and I still remember the look on her face throughout the ride as she was scared throughout the ride; luckily, it's a short ride. She was limited in what rides she could ride due to minor back problems, and so I didn't ride much either, but that day was more about reconnecting with her, and it's one I'll remember for quite a while.
Also in August, I traveled down to Orlando for a Star Wars convention, and while down there, I had the opportunity to visit Disney's Hollywood Studios for an evening during the semi-private Last Tour to Endor event, the final night for Star Tours. While there, I was able to take advantage of the short lines to ride Rock 'n' Roller Coaster five times; it's not the best coaster, but at least I can say I have a credit from a park other than KI. That night was a unique experience also, and another one that I'll remember for a long time to come.
All in all, it was one of my best summers in a while, if not ever, and I'm pumped for next season. I'm definitely going to renew my Gold Pass for next year and visit KI as often as my tight budget allows. I'm also considering a trip to Cedar Point for a day or two if I can find the money to do so. Thanks to all the people that make KI run, and I'll see you next year!