matthunterross

Antique Cars and "renewing" Racer is a fantastic start. Retheming the entire park back to it's original concept would draw me back in (e.g. Oktoberfest back to a fully-functioning German/Bavarian land – working glock, proper region-specific Fest food/shows, etc. – Action back to Africa, International Street back to original lands/countries with appropriate music, and so on). Adding little flats back throughout the park, in each "land", would make a more well-rounded environment too (instead of pigeon-holing the families/kids to Peanuts) – and on that note, seeing a dark water ride there again would be amazing. Coasters are fun, but what makes a great park experience to me is the full experience – complete, appropriate theming (visual and aural), and a balance between small/mid tier and large ride experiences (in addition to plussing through entertainment venues).

Hm, interesting... https://twitter.com/KingsIslandPR/status/650106466674823169/photo/1

Not sure if its already been mentioned here, but the Arrow Development blog recently posted The (Original) Bat's full opening day press kit: http://arrowdevelopment.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-bat-full-opening-day-press-kit.html

Airbrush T-shirts.

This I think is the epitome of Oktoberfest - 1987. Everything still stuck to their area's respective story, including rides spread throughout for a wide range of age-levels (additionally, German music, King Cobra in African area, Skylab in Coney, etc.). Why remove these rides? Why add rides and re-theme restaurants that don't reflect that area's nationality? Why ignore themed assets already there (i.e. this)? Oktoberfest isn't unique though - comparing all areas of the '87 park with today, you'll notice a slow degradation of the "international" and locally-themed placemaking. Anyway, list of things in this image now defunct: Der Spinning Keggers, Flying Dutchman, Skylab, Ferris Wheel, King Cobra, the whole Wild Animal Habitat area - almost everything. Image source: Geauga Dog, Theme Park Review.

http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?/topic/27293-smurfs-gargamel-from-the-enchanted-voyage-ride-ebay-auction/ Maybe? Or any dark boat ride back where it was intended.

Matt Ouimet didn't yet have full reign. Ya got banked money for a coaster instead. Unfortunate.

Speaking of theming... http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2013/09/kings-dominion-planning-special-40th.html Why didn't this happen at KI?

Unfortunately. I had a feeling when Cedar Fair bought KI that they would continue away from what KI presented itself as upon inception. KI is still no doubt still a beautiful park with great landscaping, but it's solely an amusement park anymore, and now does not dramatically differentiate itself from any of the other amusement parks across the country. Possibly the only way it does is through its stalwart holdings from previous owners (i.e. Beast). To me, in the long run, you win through thorough placemaking - environments, story, and show. The KI clientele is much different than it was years ago, when you had a much broader demographic. Yesterday, families were going for a whole day (or few days), traveling through multiple storylines (lands, eateries, shops, total presence) - today a much smaller demo going for cheap quick thrills and not much else. Yesterday, families and kids enjoyed the whole park in multiple ways, today they're continually pushed off to one section. The funny things is, yesterday's park wasn't even that elaborate in it's production, but they continually stuck to their plan, marketed it that way, and built out as much as they could. And it worked - well.

Here's another timely article: http://www.themeparktourist.com/news/20130906/14246/big-debate-does-theming-add-experience-park Be sure to check out the poll results.

Another update for the heck of it: German theme Again, full set here.

Speaking of theming... Remember when the type of new rides were chosen (and at the very least, named) with respect to the themed land they were to reside in? Here's some concept art for new rides to be installed in 1973: Main Gate Restaurant Bayern Kurve Flying Dutchman Kenton's Cove Keelboat

Great review on the importance of music in the park-going experience here: http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201306/3543/

Completely agree about the font. More coming.

Thought some of you might enjoy these things: http://halftimberedstudio.blogspot.com/