rlentless

Owner says attendance down due mainly to the accident. http://www.businessinsider.com/merlin-q3-theme-park-revenue-tanks-03-2015-9

Had to include Canada since the referenced Skyhawk at Canada's Wonderland http://www.latimes.com/travel/themeparks/la-trb-top-16-new-rides-2016-us-20150902-story.html

Nice interview with Mr. Ouimet. http://www.latimes.com/travel/themeparks/la-trb-cedar-fair-coasters-20150827-story.html

I looked up more information about the "Roller Coaster" at Lagoon in Utah. I guess it just sits at the bottom of the mountain. But this is a John Miller designed classic woodie built in 1921. It really could use a new paint job.

The Beast made this list although I don't really consider it as "Antique". The one I like on the list because of it's name is #8 in Farmington, UT . . . it is just called "Roller Coaster" . . . kind of gave me a chuckle. First time I ever heard of it, but looks fun being on the side of a mountain. Maybe just good for the views. IDK http://mentalfloss.com/article/66938/11-antique-roller-coasters-you-can-still-ride

Alton Towers rollercoaster crash causes Merlin profit warning http://www.bbc.com/news/business-33672357 another story http://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/27/alton-towers-roller-coaster-crash-set-to-cost-merlin-entertainments-up-to-47m.html

Six Flags is following Disney's lead. http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2015/07/23/six-flags-ban-selfie-sticks-at-all-theme-park-locations/?intcmp=features

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/orbitzcom/the-7-amusement-park-wond_b_7798336.html "The Beast" made this list . . . I thought it was interesting that on the "The Great Scenic Railway" there is a brake operator working in the middle car. Hope that operator had a good night sleep.

This is an insane new generation of topspin type of ride. Not sure if this has already been posted, I could not find anywhere on KIC. https://www.yahoo.com/tech/s/m-getting-queasy-just-watching-insane-amusement-park-172145436.html

Disney shuts down roller coaster after rider pulls out a selfie stick http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201506/4629/index.cfm

New slide that launches riders into the air on 3 different levels. I believe their is something similar in Northern Ohio too. http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2015/06/24/scariest-water-slide-ever-may-be-in-texas/

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.