OldieButGoodie

That is considered a restricted area. Keep out! Thanks for clearing that up for us KIPR (I didn't see the previous post, sorry!) - none of us want to be in trouble! Glad we got that before anybody (hopefully) went down that path.

^^^ I can definitely go for unsweetened Iced Tea - thanks for the tip Snowman!

Absolutely, anyone can buy a $5 wristband and get 20oz unlimited drinks. If you have a souvenir cup they'll fill that as well. Those with Gold/Platinum passes can sign up for Funperks and get one free wristband to start with, and other awards as they spend money and/or visit the park (separate thread on that). it's a *great* deal. And they'll always fill the souvenir cup with icewater for free too, which we often switch to when it's hot.

I'm in awe of what some of you were able to do (way too many Racer rides for me!). My sons thoroughly enjoyed the event, big shout-out to Don Helbig and the entire KI staff who worked this event, they clearly make a huge difference in the experience for this truly great cause. I especially appreciate being able to tag along and take pictures, and as soon as I have a free moment I'll upload them so I can link 'em here. I must have a pic of everybody involved, so I'll try to get on that tonight.

The answer's always 'no' if you don't ask, but I wouldn't hesitate with a camera in-hand. Seems the worst that might happen is they'll ask you to leave that area,

My son and I saw the show yesterday, and I haven't seen my 8-year-old laugh so much in a long, long time. I liked the dancers (something for Dad, something for lad I guess). I agree with the previous post that the dancers were reasonably 'family', and you'll see much more out in the park (often on inappropriately young girls). All in all, the show is very reminiscent of the the Sideshow production at CP and was very enjoyable. We'll no doubt see it again. The only gotcha for today's electronics-laden society (and folks with expensive cameras) - were a couple of water gags. Watch for them, or sit in the upper half of the theater!

^^^^ Ko-Rect! lol

I wonder if SC is a displaced ice skater. Obviously there are some rough edges on this show, but if it turns out anywhere near as good as the 'Sideshow: A Carnival fo Magic" show at CP it should be fun to watch. Anyone who watched the first run of Pint-sized Brawlers would have said the same thing. My first thought was "What was KI thinking?!?!?", but they worked on it, polished it up, and made it a hoot to watch. So much so that on at least one evening the Festhaus was full to capacity. I don't think I've *ever* seen that before. So, there's reason for optimism...

I love this idea, but would opt for 'summer' music for Soak City - last year's soundtrack was *much* too short and repeated very often.

Too late now I suppose (unless viewing with a smartphone in one of the few spots with actual cell service!) - but I find the shady area between The Beast and Vortex to be conducive to a nice nap. I have certainly made the brick wall comfortable by using my backpack full of towels, and it helps if one procures a frosty adult beverage from the stand near LaRosa's first! lol

Yes - Platinum Passes with KI as the home park work (can personally vouch for that). They had a booth in Soak City where they were signing up folks and passing out the wristband if you wanted to redeem, just last weekend. I do not know if they had one of those up front or not. You can also sign up with your pass using your smartphone, if one is available. ;-P

I did get the disappointing news that beer doesn't count. Guess that makes sense, it's only the most expensive 'food' in the park! lol

Where was the fourth queue? I can't picture it in my mind. Fourth queue house was adjacent (more or less) to the current photo stand. You can probably still see the concrete slab if you look thru the fence on your way out.

^^ Second!

That's the actual sandwich you were served? It really looks good. That is THE actual sandwich. It did not last long - must've been defective. I think it evaporated! That came from Kings Island? That actually looks good! No kidding - it's the actual sandwich. I'd have liked a bit more of the peppers and onions, but it really was tasty. He had trouble getting it all on the sandwich, it's all new. Didn't take too long once I got the order in.

That's the actual sandwich you were served? It really looks good. That is THE actual sandwich. It did not last long - must've been defective. I think it evaporated!

These are the ones that live in the benches outside Hank's. They're huge and get in your face - and if they have a yellow spot in the middle of their forhead they're carpenter bees. They're annoying but harmless (but make sure it's a carpenter and not a bumblebee - there are lots of pics online) I don't really understand why they don't just caulk the females into the holes. Works great, the drones leave and the females just suffocate and die in the wood. No pesticides, no problem!

I've been stung by a female, not fun as they don't have a detachable stinger, they will keep stinging you. And it hurts!! The feamles only usually around the nest. yee-ouch! I have only had that experience with yellowjackets, which of course are much smaller.

I finally got my Philly Cheese... here's what it looked like (and it was pretty tasty!) KI Central would not let me use this URL, but you should be able to click it. http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a2db32b3127ccef04f1fb2fefd00000030O02CcOWTVoxag9vPgo/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I'm signed up now too! Funperks.com url worked fine. Yesterday the lady at rivertown potato works asked me if I knew about it, and if I had a gold pass. I replied that I had a platinum pass and handed it to her. She said it was only good for gold passes (lol) - I suggested she scan it anyway. ;-) She did mention it was only for KI passes, I wonder if the issuing park would have anything to do with the problem CPBob is having? I would think that when it's fully operational it would not matter, but you never know. They also have souvenir pilsner glasses for us adult beverage drinkers at Carowinds.... 9.99 to purchase, 5.99 to refill. (wink wink, nudge nudge if any KI folks are reading!)

Most of the bees I encounter at KI are carpenter bees. The hang near the wooden benches, and the drones are stingerless. I've never seen a queen come out of the bore, although they do have stingers. Agree with previous post though, contact guest relations. The squeaky wheel will get the grease!

CPointer - you may be right, but the stack they had during early pass processing were identical to what's in my pocket. We went down hoping to get the Snoopy platinum passes, but alas, they were the same. Maybe they used those up and went to something other, but I doubt it wouldn't be waterproof.

We looked through, and they def had some great T-shirts, but the prices were out there. We'll have to go back though...

Wow! Good luck to you in achieving your goal!

Platinum passes are *exactly* what we were issued last year - and what we have are plastic. Certainly they have held up to the waterpark and wet rides, and everything else we could throw at them. Bring it!