rlentless

yes, it felt like someone beat me with ball bats across my thighs

Despite the cutbacks and some could argue slightly watered down new rides . . the KI season pass is still one of best values for you entertainment dollars. Sometimes I go just to walk around the park - my Happy Place. But they kind of let the impression grow that anytime you see an overflowing garbage can or dirty table, that is it due to cutbacks . . real or not. Not sure of the best way to show KI my displeasure of cutbacks. Being honest, I don't want to give up my season pass. So I thought not spending extra on meals and merchandise would be my protest. Sadly I failed, I still spent extra money during my visits. I am part of the problem.

Here’s an idea that may work to increase attendance. Most seem to agree we need more Pass Holder visits and more family style attractions. Extend Rivertown by creating ‘The Beast’ village. At the back end of this new village add ziplines, tree canopy tour, types of attractions you might find in Pigeon Forge. Then during the Fall Season it becomes a “Renaissance Festival”. The Renaissance Festival in Ohio draws 200,000 year. You can be stuck for an hour or more trying to get in. Just think how crowded all the Fall Festivals are around here . . people love them. Now from Sep 20th thru Dec 31st you have Trick or Treats, Renaissance Festival, Halloween Haunt and Winterfest. With that lineup offer the “Bronze” pass good for the Fall/Winter season . . just like the Silver pass is good for the Summer season. My wife has a Gold Pass just for Winterfest. Otherwise she probably would not have any pass. With an extended fall/winter lineup people may opt for it. I don’t know, maybe a stretch. But in my circle we are already marking our calendars and planning for these Fall festivals.

I think an Octoberfest could be done utilizing the Festhaus and plaza area out front. Also, it would be a little disjointed but the Tower Gardens could hold activities/food/drinks (bier) too.

Assuming these numbers are close to correct. Just curious, what could KI ever do to the break the 4 million mark? Or is 3-3.5 million the best a seasonal park in the middle of Ohio could ever hope to achieve. Not saying that is bad thing, those are great numbers for a seasonal amusement park. But would an expansion, record breaker, theming, etc. ever get it past that 4mil mark? Free ticket??

I believe The Beast lake was removed in '86 for the opening of The Vortex in '87.

I wonder if the Intamin tensions will 'cool' some now with the merger. Not sure of their relationship with the old Six Flags company.

I didn't get a picture but I saw the RiverRacers signs in the train cars yesterday.

I'm excited for CW . . looks like a great addition to the park.

Just a thought hit me when watching The Vortex video, and I know it could never happen. But would you want an exact newly built replica of The Vortex as it stood in 1987? Maybe with a new twist somewhere. Or one of new coaster types listed in this blog over the last couple of years?

Plus if we get a new coaster in the Invertigo spot, then The Vortex spot will remain empty for a number of more years. Hard to believe it's already been almost 5 years now.

The nerd in me likes these stories about railroad rides at theme parks. I never been but would like to visit 'Worlds of Fun' to ride this train. This story is from Rivershore Press. https://preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webview/370788/126668028199831317

Bring back "Half Pint Brawlers". It will go along with all the new places we can buy alcohol.

Thanks Ryan for ruining our folklore. The little girl in the blue dress is 'true'!! Employees saw/heard her.

It would sit empty for 4-5 years . . unless they decide to install the next coaster in AZ instead of The Vortex spot. Doubt we could get two new coasters.

Just in case anyone is interested. It's a fun little park and I believe they open to the public every 4th of July and a few select dates throughout the summer. https://local12.com/news/local/strickers-grove-fourth-of-july-4th-summer-amusement-park-theme-fair-rides-rollercoaster-ferris-wheel-field-cornfield-opening-to-the-public-this-week-for-celebration-festival#

I think most would agree that AZ needs an overhaul. Until that happens just leave Congo Falls where it is or we will be looking at an empty spot for the next several years. The next coaster would need to go into The Vortex spot. Right? Then we could expect a new coaster and overhaul of AZ that would include CF, Invertigo, Timberwolf, and The Bat (possibly).

I feel like there is always markers by the old columbia road. Who's messing with us??

With all the alcohol it is time to bring back the "Half Pint Brawlers".

Looks like food & wine - https://www.journal-news.com/entertainment/kings-island-announcements-a-new-festival-shows-and-an-opening-date-for-its-newest-coaster/SQYEV27IYFGPRGVQSPSBV5ZOHQ/ There will be also be a new event this year: The Food and Wine Festival on weekends June 7–30). “Choose from a variety of regional and international red and white wine selections, complemented with scrumptious bites of charcuterie, varieties of cheese, sweet treats and more in a relaxed atmosphere with live entertainment and activities the entire family will enjoy,” the park said in a news release.

What ever KI gets it will be an already proven design and a people eater. While it will be a world class ride, it will not break any significant coaster records that CP currently holds.

I think it would be great idea if they made a smaller Moonlight Gardens replica for an indoor VIP area . . without the dance floor . This could pay a little homage to Coney Island in the process. I think I remember reading the wrought iron was stored at Kings Island once. So maybe they thought about doing this at one time??

Gotta admit I have been more anticipating "Camp Snoopy" than SSBR. Not sure if it's the park's problem with marketing or just me. I thought what they did with Adventure Port was great and wanted more upgrades like that around the park. Then I started thinking "Would I really know about a new coaster at KI, if I wasn't reading KIC posts everyday"? Not sure.

I am slowly losing faith in CF. Not just this but other cuts to the "experience" of being in their parks. I know they want a strong bottom line for the merger but hoping things turn back around after it is complete. I don't expect them to be Disney or Universal.

I got to ride it when it first opened. Actually went on my lunch hour with a co-worker. I really had no idea what type of ride it was and went totally uninformed. It was amazing and I was blown away. My favorite part was being hung upside down to the lava pit . . I could feel the water hitting my face. The only other time I was that amazed at KI was my first time riding "The Beast", but you gotta know I was 12 when it opened. The other ride that comes to mind is seeing "The Outer Limits: Flight of Fear" being launched for my first time. You could hear everyone in line just say 'wow'. Remember it was a new experience back then. Honestly, I do not think Disney or Universal could have done a better job.