rlentless

It is coming to the Smokies and it's based on history-inspired storytelling in the form of shows and immersive experiences (no rides). The theme will be centered on the Cherokee Indians. The article states it drew the most visitors behind DisneyLand Park in France. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/money/2022/05/10/puy-du-fou-open-theme-park-cherokee-indians-smoky-mountains/9679895002/

I would like to see a new dark ride. Also, some might disagree but a more thrilling water ride like Pulsar in Belgium. My ultimate desire would be a RMC. I know because of the structural issues it was impossible, but I always wanted the SOB to get the RMC treatment. I just really liked seeing the huge structure. I love Steel Vengeance and if I ever could visit Japan, I would like to ride Hakugei. But I am torn because that would mean we would not have gotten Banshee. So I guess it worked out for the best. But still would love a ground up RMC.

Just more flats in general . . maybe a couple in the dead spots back behind the Eiffel Tower. Or the path across from the Diamondback pond. Right now I cannot picture if there is room there. Also, a nature trail to take a break from the crowds when you want one.

From outside resources there are 3 trains running today.

I would much rather see another flat if Monster had to be removed than a seating area. Are flats a maintenance nightmare? It seems like we lost alot over the years.

I am loving all the updates/changes the park has done this year. Looking forward to some other projects to be completed like the Garden Towers. Makes me wonder what they have done on the Soak City side if anything.

Wow, look at the crowd. Great seeing these gates opened for business again!!

What are some of your best tips and tricks for Opening Day? Traditionally it has large crowds and you can easily miss out on you favorites . . food and rides. Or are you like me, I just turn left and start circling the park with no plan. Best sequence and times to beat the crowds for rides? Best times and locations to find places to eat? Shows??

The Racer almost looks like a new ride.

I seem to remember there was a webcam managed by one of news stations (I think) that was located around the International Restaurant.

I don't really mind the divider and seat belts. I just wish there was a better option for the orange pull down bars. They make riding The Beast and Racer a somewhat painful experience for me. I wish the bar would go down between you legs. But I guess the idea is to cram you against the side of the seat. But it hurts!!

I am expecting more improvements in other sections of park. I am blown away by the improvements they made for this season. That being said, I am hoping in 2022 or 2023 we get an announcement of a new attraction in The Vortex spot.

I like the walkthrough attraction idea with walking paths. But I voted for a new section of the park that would include the river. Not sure how worried we need to be about flooding or if you can see houses on the other side. But I would like new true Rivertown section with shops, restaurants, rides, zip lines, walking trails, etc.. Yes, someday a roller coaster on the river's edge.

I agree, if they were going to move it that would have been done a long time ago. Why take on the extra expense unless you need the space? Why look at an empty spot unless there are plans for it?

I thought it would be nice to put up a plaque or sign at the location of each defunct ride. Just give name, some history and facts. Maybe include some pictures.

Also, in this 2007 post CoasterRZ explains that PTC recommended them. https://KICentral.com/forums/index.php?/topic/9283-seat-belts-on-Vortex/page/2/

In the Timeline of Kings Island's History on KIC it show The Beastie got them in 2000. So maybe that gives us a close proximity of when PTC recommended them?? 2000 – The Beast`s sequel was unleashed, a massive new wooden roller coaster named Son of Beast, opened in Paramount Action Zone. The ride was designed by the Roller Coaster Corporation of America and was the world’s tallest, fastest, and only looping wooden roller coaster. It was the first wooden coaster built at the park since The Beast. An upcharge helicopter attraction, Flight Team Aerial Helicopter Tours, was also added. Kings Island introduced a new Halloween event, FearFest (today known as Halloween Haunt). Kings Mill Log Flume remained closed for the 2000 season. A WaterWorks entrance, from the parking lot for season pass holders, opened. Seatbelts were installed on The Beastie. 2000 was the final season for Kenton’s Cove Keelboat Canal.

Nice article in the Hamilton/Middletown Journal-News today. One part of article talks about the investment the park made to The Racer and The Beast. I know the focus is on roller coasters but with so many other updates this year I am excited about this season. https://www.journal-news.com/what-to-love/american-coaster-enthusiasts-kings-island-earns-reputation-as-must-do-experience/4MTTXUZPTJEKBGOOW77Q3IDTB4/

I couldn't agree more . . all the updates I am beyond thrilled for the upcoming season. Things like this make me want to continue renewing my season pass and spend more money while I am in the park.

This is great!! Can't wait to see all the updates opening day. Kudos to the KI management team.

I also miss the Rivertown look and feel we had in the 70's and 80's. But like BoddaH1994 said, we cannot have both if want rides like Diamondback built. Even Tomb Raider, it was an amazing ride with the theming when it was first built but came at the expense of one my favorite rides back then - Kenton Cove's Keelboat Canal. I know Diamondback could have been built somewhere else farther away. But the early years under CF they focused on "Amusement Park" look and feel. I can remember 7-8 years ago walking down Coney Mall one night and in every direction I looked, it just seemed I can see a roller coasters/rides lit up and running seeming all on top of each other. The sounds, lights, laughter, screams and action just hit you and it was an amazing experience. So I can see how someone planning would go for a more "Amusement Park" feel . . maybe even "Carnival Feel" could be a the term. But I still prefer the theming of park areas.

I was thinking about this and cannot remember. I believe there was not anything in this spot before The Bat was built except maybe part of the canoe lake. But when did they build the path from where The Vortex entrance was going down to the LaRosa's Pizza building?

Here's the picture from King's Island twitter account. Am I allowed to post this?

I don't have a picture but I saw a tweet of some new sidewalk/curb replacement in what I think is around the Eiffel Tower area. Has anyone else seen it and know where they are doing those improvements?

I always wished our train went around the entire park. It could be a way to get over to Oktoberfest/Coney Mall from Planet Snoopy/Rivertown and vice versa. I do not remember which park but I thought one of the CF's parks has a train going around the property. Or it use to have one . . maybe I am thinking of a different park chain. Kind of similar to getting across the park via the Sky Ride . . although I would like that back too.