rlentless

Girl, 10, found unconscious after Six Flags Magic Mountain roller coaster ride. http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_28306947/girl-10-found-unconscious-after-magic-mountain-roller

Here is article comparing how Disney is now longer attempting to attract the middle class with their pricing increases. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2015/06/12/how-theme-parks-like-disney-world-left-the-middle-class-behind/

Here is story I came across that was quite interesting from 2008. Talking about how Theme Parks such as Six Flags and Cedar Fair would survive after the economic meltdown. http://www.newsweek.com/amusement-parks-can-six-flags-survive-economy-90869

The accident has triggered the closure of three more rides at two other parks. http://www.businessinsider.com/alton-towers-closes-another-three-rollercoasters-2015-6

IAAPA editors asked 75 industry leaders from around the world to predict how parks will change by 2020. https://www.yahoo.com/travel/future-of-amusement-parks-120461303772.html

For me when I was a kid it was the excitement of who could see the "Eiffel Tower" first as we drove on country roads through Mason. There was not much to Mason in the early days of Kings Island. Also, the Fountains with its manicured bushes and International Street seemed much more grand and regal. Although I do love the mature trees today, back then (70's) it was all open and had a larger than life feel to it. But I guess a lot of you inner kid memories are like that.

A tribute to "The Beast". http://www.polygon.com/2015/5/19/8625239/the-beast-kings-island-ride-it

Story covers recently rehab coasters due to new innovations in the design of coaster tracks and trains. http://news.yahoo.com/theme-parks-turning-aging-coasters-thrill-rides-170033615.html

5 new things to do at Cedar Point this summer. A story from the "Detroit Free Press". http://www.freep.com/story/travel/2015/05/08/cedar-point-new-rides-rougarou/26990829/

Goliath's official speed came in at 71.89 mph. http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/news/ct-lns-goliath-records-st-0504-20150503-story.html

I do not believe this already got posted somewhere on KIC. But seems Kings Island and Cedar Fair is expecting records profits this year. Management team is stating a good January-March quarter for reasoning of a strong coming season financially. http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/kings-island-owner-already-expects-another-record-/nk5gG/

Story from "Detroit Free Press" and Cedar Fair coasters dominate the list. But I do not believe they have a correct picture of "The Beast". http://www.freep.com/story/travel/michigan/2015/04/25/best-coasters-near-detroit/26189307/

Another story about amusement ride injury data collected since 1990. Overall the story says rides are quite safe for the average person, and that most injuries are due to pre-existing conditions. Only mention for CedarFair parks are two incidents related to The WindSeeker and Xcelerator at Knott’s Berry Farm. https://www.yahoo.com/travel/roller-coaster-safety-coney-island-115088399182.html

Maybe since there are now mature trees a groundskeeper do not feel the need to spruce the area up with more landscaping. In 1974 without mature trees or landscaping the area would be somewhat bleak. Or most likely a budget issue, or a lot of resources now go to Soak City. But it does take away the majestic feel of the park when there is an area that looks not kept up. But that is not to say I do not appreciate the beauty and cleanliness of the park overall. I know it’s two different industries, but I am always amazed at how the Cincinnati Zoo makes you feel like you are in a different world. It’s often not until you go outside do you realize in some areas you are only a few feet from a neighborhood and never know it while inside.

http://www.latimes.com/travel/themeparks/la-trb-top-32-theme-park-2015-20141203-story.html#page=1 Nice list of new rides for next year in the industry.

Kings Island submits Halloween Haunt plans http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/kings-island-submits-halloween-haunt-plans/ngjX4/

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-a-thrill-ride-your-roller-coaster-may-not-have-been-inspected-2014-07-11 I always wonder on trends, as reported in this article, really reflect if rides are causing 13k more injuries from 10 years ago. Or, if just more injuries are being reported or tracked. Perhaps new standards forcing parks to report more than they use to. Maybe just because more people attend Amusement parks than ever before. Maybe more people not abiding by park rules. Maybe a combination of all but lately seems to be some effort to make the industry seem not safe. Not saying I know the answers but just speculating. I always feel safe when I attend parks like Kings Island or Cedar Point. Not such a "warm and fuzzy" feeling at County Fairs or Carnivals.

If an elevator got stuck in a building for 4 hours, would it be news? Hardly; at least these people got water/snacks while they had to wait around though I'm guessing bathrooms are not an option. Inconvenience for sure, but nothing close to being stuck on WindSeeker for multiple hours. I do agree with you. I should have said more news worthy than the Banshee stopping on the lift hill waiting for another train to pass a block or protein spillage cleanup.

The stories of "rides of horrors" continues. But I guess nearly 50 people stuck for 4 hours is actual news. I am glad nobody was hurt or ever seriously in danger.

I happen to agree with several of these. http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2014/06/25/how-to-get-kicked-out-theme-park/?intcmp=obnetwork

Kings Island’s 2014 opening weekend was best in park history http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/kings-islands-2014-opening-weekend-was-best-in-par/nfyDW/

Were the restraints comfortable? Any issues like with Gatekeeper?

Marama - means "moon" in Maori. In Maori and other Polynesian mythology she was the goddess of the moon and death. Source(s):http://www.behindthename.com/themes.php

Lilith or Lilithia - spirit of the night

I was 12 and it was August, 1979 and I heard all the stories of the biggest, badest, longest and fastest roller coaster in the world. It was that day I decided to meet The Beast “face to face” as we were challenged by KI commercials. It was also the day I brought my new girlfriend with me. For that entire 3 hour wait in the queue line I was scared out of my mind. The warning signs they put up did not help matters. But there was NO WAY I was going to back down in front of my new girlfriend. As we climbed the lift hill and started rising above the surrounding trees, my heart was pounding out of my chest. But wow what a ride . . . I was totally hooked and still scared. We rode other rides that day like The Screamin’ Demon, Racers, Flying Eagles, Scrambler, etc. But none of them compared to my first ride on The Beast. Later that day I got my first real kiss and I have The Beast to thank for starting it all.