jbeast

Don, As much as I hate to see rides taken out, my bet is Invertigo and Congo Falls. I only hope in the grand scheme of things that they would be replaced by something that really wows guests entering from that side of the park.

During my last visit to Carowinds riding Nighthawk wasn't even on my radar with Fury around the corner. And my old Eagles too. That said, I am sure some people loved the coaster and it is just a bad PR move to say too bad, no farewell tour and last ride announcements. So, deal with it. Just do not understand that mode of thinking. As bad as it stung for the Flying Eagles to get stolen from the park, the days leading up to and the last day to ride them was beyond cherished by me and others. Knowing one of your favorite rides ever is leaving and still getting rides in until that happens makes you appreciate that ride so very much more. I absolutely loved that ride. Like the bumper cars, every ride on the Eagles was a different one than before. I contemplated not buying a pass the following year I was so angry. But the park still offers a great day every time. So, I got my pass like usual. Now, if KI at the time, said out of the blue that the Eagles were being shipped out after the fact and did not let anyone know they were leaving until it was too late to get final rides. I would have been alot more hurt and angrier. I would have seriously reconsidered buying another pass. Of course, as I have said before, it still burns me after all these years walking past that stupid basketball game knowing the truly amazing ride that was once in that spot.

The last thing I want in the old Bat/Vortex spot is another family type coaster. That spot has been occupied by two of the most iconic coasters KI has ever had. I loved the original Bat. And while Vortex wasn't my overall favorite, to say it fit that spot and was an icon for the park is a vast understatement. It was just stunning to look at on the midway. I feel that a major coaster should always be reserved for that area. KI needs to step up and install a coaster worthy of that spot. I know the season pass numbers and families are key, but so are the millions that love big coasters. I will be so disappointed if it is not the case.

I make a point to go down to Kentucky Kingdom every summer. Stormchaser and Lightning Run are worth the 2.5 hour drive alone. Same with Holiday World. Have to get my rides on Voyage! Cedar Point is a every other year trip, and this year will be it.

As a much younger person, I can remember when KI announced The Beast, The Bat and King Cobra. It seemed like they were always trying to be on the forefront regarding new coaster installations back then. I am hoping for an incredible coaster in The Vortex old spot, but this news worries me regarding that.

Before my move to northern KY, I used to live on the East side of Cincy and would take a ride by the plant every once in awhile to see if I could spot any track outside. Coaster nerds unite! Ha!

I visited for the very first time last year and was blown away by the detail of the scenery and trains. I sat by the Coney Island scene for awhile just taking it in. It is a shame that it is closing, But it is what it is. I will make sure and get out there again before it closes.

The structural issues with both the original Bat and SOB doomed both coasters. If I remember correctly, part the lift hill structure for SOB fell over in high winds during construction. The design flaw in The Bat was what made it so much fun unfortunately. That wild swinging back and forth was what made the ride memorable for me. I'm sure it was slower and rougher than I remember...seems forever ago. But it was a new concept at the time that I was in awe of. I am really happy they brought back The Bat name at least. I agree. I think it would amazing if they could rebrand a new ride around the story of a doomed Son of Beast. I'd still be wary though since it does have such a negative light. I would love to see a ground up RMC there with some Beast theme.

Of all the coasters I have ridden, Son of Beast was just repetitive and had a somewhat boring layout. The first drop and loop were awesome. The rest of the ride was rough as hell at times. I rode it many times with and without the loop cause my oldest kid loved it. He liked jarring pain I suppose...ha! And the more I rode it, I just wished it was something so much more. I agree, times are indeed different and who knows what it could have been. Although with the negative PR the ride garnered, I doubt they would want to revisit the name again for another version. But as stated, look at Top Thrill 2. So, I could be wrong. Maybe because it was so big and such an intense and jarring ride is why so many liked it and it continues to be talked about. I was a young teenager when the original Bat was opened. And through the lense of a young kid, that coaster holds a special place in my heart. So, I do get the fascination with Son of Beast...as rough as it was.

I personally love Orion and enjoy it for what it is. The first drop and speed are amazing. I don't mind it may seem a bit shorter than Fury. I am happy that KI finally got a 300' drop speed machine. I love Fury too for the same reasons! I love Diamondback too for it's great airtime and fun ride. And my love for The Beast knows no bounds, but Voyage, for me is one of my favorites too. And thinking about it, just about any rollercoaster I have had the opportunity to ride through my life, I enjoy it for what it is and the park that it may be in. It's always a good day when I get to ride a good coaster. Each have their own great elements and that's why I travel to different parks to enjoy them. I just spent last Sunday at Strickers Grove riding Tornado (and the flyers). Not the biggest coaster ever, but so much fun to ride! I am and always will be a coaster geek, but as I get older and wiser I have fully realized that KI has been so fortunate to get the coaster installs it has. We are lucky to call KI a home park.

Don, My vote is for Son of Beast. I am still hoping they figure out how to make Top Thrill 2 a reliable thrill machine. I loved Top Thrill's speed, so it would be amazing for them to figure it out. Son of Beast was doomed from the beginning. I so wanted to love that ride and was genuinely excited about it. But then I rode it. That's all that needs to be said...ha!

Johnjniehaus: I cannot agree more! To this day and everyday I visit the park, I cringe when I walk by the stupid basketball game that sits where the Eagles once were. To say I still miss the original Eagles is a huge understatement. I absolutely loved that ride! Snapping like crazy and every single ride was a different experience.

After visiting Holiday World for two days recently again, I get reminded how much our KI waterpark needs some love. Surfin' Safari is just awesome on every level. Wildebeast and Mammoth alone are worth the trip. Although, I realized I am not as young as I used to be climbing those stairs to some of the slides. And going absolutely airborne on Jungle Racers. That was a bit painful. On the other side, Voyage is still my all-time favorite coaster, next to Fury and The Beast. It's nice to see the new additions for next year at KI. I agree more trees are needed too...it gets so hot and crowded out there. It'd be nice if you could wear your water shoes on the rides at KI too like HW does.

I completely agree! It is supposed to be fun being on the forums talking about our favorite park. I just stay away that kind of banter that is argumentative in nature. Get enough of that everywhere else. And, funny story. A person called me a name on another coaster site and really was not nice to me for some odd reason, no matter how I tried to be cordial. We had an event up at KI a year later. I saw his screen name on his sticker on his shirt, and approached him to say hi. The look on his face when he saw me and how big I am was priceless. I was like, you remember the name calling you did. He apologized profusely. I had no ill will, just wanted to make him realize, you don't always know who is on the other side of the keyboard. So, be nice and have fun and respectful.

Interesting addition to CP's lineup that I did not see coming. It'll definitely be a fun coaster to enjoy with my pass next year! Now, let's get that big wide open old Vortex spot some love with an amazing and quality coater installment too! It has been empty too long now!