BB1

I’m calling the park today to figure out how to even do my pass for 2026 as I’m confused on how to go about my pass upgrades. Which is sad because in years past I knew how to do my pass, not anymore. 20+ years of being a passholder, 10 of which I’ve been buying out of my own pocket and this is by far the craziest year for it.

For full transparency, I've been busy this year. Between going to Epic several times, Cedar Point and a slew of other regional parks; I haven't been able to or engaged with the park as I usually am by this point in the year. However, with that being said this year is a serious let down. I have been to the waterpark a few times this year and noticed every time the same inefficiencies and lack of guest experience being the forefront of park operations. The following is going to be a rant that is fueled by the fact that I have been going to this waterpark religiously for the past 20+ years which is wild for me to think about but is true. That, coupled with my actual experience as a lifeguard who worked in Soak City, cross trained on both sides of the waterpark knowing the ins and outs of everything before Tropical Plunge in operations; I would like to think I know a thing or two. I was grateful that I did learn how Tropical Plunge operated from friends who worked at the park, those days however are over as most of the people I knew now are in some form of park management or operations at KI and other parks that may or may not be in sunny central Florida. That being said, the expansion was a breath of fresh air but the waterpark feels like it was supposed to be switched to a new theme and was honestly half baked. The didgeridoos and the spouts on the river are painted to a green and brown, willows have been planted across the action river, the children's area in splash landing has been repainted to reflect a more earthy tone and lastly a whole section of the park is effectively themed to a lake/river section. Even the main store was repainted and feels like something out of a camp site than a tropical oasis. Listen, I will beat the Boomerang Bay drum all my life as I loved that era of the waterpark. However, at least with the Soak City retheme it was pretty conclusive and the theme flowed through the whole waterpark. This.....just stands out in a negative way. It feels as if, in my opinion, the park was supposed to retheme the waterpark but didn't have enough funding to actually follow through. Instead of just adding what they did, they just painted a solid portion of the rest of the water park in this pseudo themed area of the waterpark. I wish almost that they created some form of cohesion, maybe retheme mondo and make that whole section into the "river country"; which I would have been all for as that's a unique take on how to do sections in a waterpark. The cost cuts are, well, for a lack of better terms frustrating especially on weekdays where you have to trek to the edges of the waterpark for an actual drink stand instead of the lines of the Island Smokehouse. Operations are honestly my biggest gripe with the new focus on "synergies". Listen, I come from a time when Pineapple Pipeline and Tropical Twisters were always the first to close off for staffing. I understand how the park can hemorrhage lifeguards through the season however the operational efficiency is just not there. Thunder Falls is honestly where this post really came from. I spent a full HOUR waiting for this slide, both at the bottom and at the top. Both times I have been to the waterpark this year Green was closed off, and Blue was the only operating slide. This led to a very poor customer experience, as I waited so long I could not believe it was so slow. The chain speaks of cost cutting measures, of closing off drink stations, of reductions in parks but can keep in it's budget to have a slide that is not being used as an asset for guest experience is wild to me. Now I can imagine you're probably thinking "Well BB1, it costs money to have a lifeguard staffed up there." I agree, but why did I see 3 lifeguards in the lazy river basically doing what 2 lifeguards can do. That is, two guards were handing tubes to guests and one was in the river sizing people for life jackets. There were even times when I worked there where we wouldn't have someone in and just have the sizer on duty to spiel. In my honest opinion, this is more of a cost to the waterpark efficiency than anything else. You can sit here and tell me cost cuts all day but when I see assets not being used and having excess in certain spots I see inefficiencies that should be addressed. Lastly, the employees this year are just really bland. I get it, dealing with guests who can be a bit much can be exhausting. However, to be basically barked to go up the stairs for tropical plunge for the tubes is really upsetting to when I worked there. No one asks how are you, no one really smiles and interacts. Basic task, no questions asked, no interaction besides here is how to ride now go. I hate the fact that every time I went I really didn't get the interactions I gave or I got in years past. You deliver fun, you should want to be fun and have fun at work while also maintaining safety at it's highest measure. Have I been spoiled by Universal? No because I remember how the park was a decade ago and this is totally different. That being said there are a few good things that came this year. The new security process is fluid and straightforward. The new waterslide doesn't do much, is kind of a lug to bring up your tube, but is a fun slide that checks the box of what I wanted from the waterpark. (Is it as long and as dynamic as I wanted? Far from it, but like the "Giga" the park gave just enough to say hey we gave you what you asked for. I appreciate the new trees, wish there were more trees but I appreciate the move to try to give more greenery; but we're still miles away from what we had prior to 2012. I know most people here really aren't interested in Soak City, but I felt like this needed to be addressed. Before you ask, yes I'm planning on giving guest feedback when I come back this weekend. What are your thoughts this point in the season?

I’ll ditto what Tim said, posted usually was less. Even ministry was quoted an hour and we got on in 45 min. Monsters keeps a low wait time due to the nature of the attraction.

The fact I know more about USO HHN than KI Haunt is upsetting, but also I just don't have many circles left in the KI Haunt sphere. (Ironically, everyone goes to Cedar Point or just skips it and goes to Orlando) From the photos I saw I could easily see that being pirates or something medieval. Could easily see the park try out something like a pirate haunt after the success last year or just create a torture ren fair concept based on the photos posted. SIX has been working with external properties but the implementation absolutely was atrocious. It just wasn't up to par and I would be hard pressed to think the parks would be OK with continuing with a very lackluster offering of a major property. I hope that KI can bring a really next level event this year, the likelihood of that happening is the same of me not going to HHN Orlando 15 times this year (which is happening, getting the pass with express)

After being at the park for a full week and really taking some time at some other parks here are a few thoughts. Epic, is arguably going to be the biggest fish in the theme park industry for the next decade for how advanced it is. The food, rides and hospitality are blended effortlessly with cutting edge technology and actual creativity. There are a lot of Universal original staff members at Epic, but also a pretty good contingent of Disney crossovers. If you are planning on going to Epic, take some time, give yourself a few days at the park and really enjoy yourself. If you want an extra day or a few extra days all universal hotels had tickets when I was down there a few weeks ago. Dark Universe is arguably my favorite section, it's every horror fan's dream and they aren't done with it yet. The fact that USO is already starting on the expansion pads moving forward is wild to me but a strong belief that the park has so much potential. I went to USO, IOA, and every Disney park after my visit and felt so underwhelmed after my experience at Epic. I'm going to post a full review of the park in the next few days but I can't help but say bravo USO for creating such a unique product. I'll be back down in July and then in September, October & December or November so I can't wait to see what they bring to the table moving forward.

I’ll post a full breakdown later but just a snip of where I’m at: 1. I’ve ridden every attraction at Epic now, Monsters Unchained the Frankenstein Experiment is arguably the best ride here. 2. Save Ministry till the end of day or around lunch, quoted 90 waited 35. 3. Stardust Racers is a brilliant coaster, green is more air time and intensity focused while yellow is more speed and flow. 4. Helios is the best resort on property and the Athenian Punch is immaculate. 5. the Opening Day ticket has a digital medallion, it’s a NFT, which requires a wallet.

The rest of the park is barely even busy. We did Frankenstein, Werewolf and Hiccups with walk ons essentially. Just got to pizza moon the Ube pizza and pizza nicarossa? Is AMAZING!

I’ll be there! Just got word that all hotels down here have dedicated lines to epic so we will be there as soon as possible tomorrow am!

Update: You can use your prestige pass bring a friend at Cedar Point. Very frustrating to have two conflicting bits of information but I believe, personally, that the first individual was just giving a blanket statement without looking into it and the second knew what was going on.

Once again I come with another story of how terms are subject to change still occurs in this day in age after the merger. Season Passes | Season-Long Access | Kings Island How do I redeem my free Bring-A-Friend? Present your valid Prestige Pass at any ticket services window, and your guest will receive a ticket and lounge voucher. The Prestige Bring-A-Friend benefit is good for two visits annually during the pass validity. You may use the two free visits on the same day or use one visit on two separate days. Passholder must be present to redeem this offer. Prestige with the All Park Passport add-on can also redeem Bring-A-Friend tickets at other legacy Cedar Fair parks. Note that only two Bring-A-Friend tickets are available annually during the pass validity, regardless of at which legacy Cedar Fair park they are used. For context, the park advertised that you can use your bring a friend VIP ticket at ANY legacy Cedar Fair parks. Prestige receives exclusive benefits at the home park for which the pass is eligible. Prestige with the All Park Passport add-on receives exclusive benefits at the home park the pass was purchased through, plus unlimited visits to ALL Six Flags parks and the exclusive benefits at other legacy Cedar Fair parks offering the Prestige Pass. Prestige 2 annual Bring-A-Friends may be redeemed at all legacy Cedar Fair parks; Prestige Single Use Fast Lane benefits may be redeemed at all legacy Cedar Fair parks except Schlitterbahn Galveston and Schlitterbahn New Braunfels; the remaining Prestige benefits are only available at Canada’s Wonderland, Carowinds, Cedar Point, Kings Dominion, Kings Island, and Knott’s Berry Farm. Benefit availability may vary by park, please contact the park you are planning to visit for questions regarding applicable benefits. This is a direct quote from the Cedar Point website mind you. After the lengthy battles of “terms are subject to change” I am ultimately skeptical of what the parks actually offer and this always call in to confirm information. I started off calling into KI over the weekend, where they said they are 99.99% sure that I should be able to use my bring a friend VIP benefit at Cedar Point. They referred me to Cedar Point to confirm and I did exactly that today. When I spoke with the operator, they stated verbatim that my bring a friend is valid ONLY at my home park. Totally contradicting what the park stated on their website. I’m going to call again tomorrow with this information but I wanted to let everyone know that once again there seems to be a major disconnect in what is offered and what is actually served. I’m hopeful this is just a simple bit of lack of coordination however if this is the case it’s extremely disheartening that what is communicated vs what is offered are totally contradictory. I’ll be totally transparent here: I hate not knowing what my pass actually gets me. I want for what I paid for to be valid and clear, which in my experience is as clear as mud with SIX and legacy Cedar Fair parks. I know park execs look at these forums, I know park employees look at these forums, I’m taking the avenues that are available to at least confirm what I can do; but this level of confusion is just unreal. I’m sorry, this should be a simple memo or an excel reference sheet it shouldn’t be a legal quagmire that turns into a he said she said situation.

My issue is that I feel like the BBQ selection has been diluted. When we had Tri Tip, pulled pork, ribs and rotisserie chicken. We had a brilliant season with the first seasonal run, burnt ends just doesn't cut it for me in terms of BBQ quality. I found it funny that even Tower Topics is highlighting that there are so many locations with chicken tenders. I believe that yes, giving something for everyone is important; however I feel like this push really just rubbed me the wrong way. Put it in certain locations, Grain and Grill which is supposed to be fresh, Coney BBQ which is supposed to be BBQ items, should not be the venues for a fried product like chicken tenders.

There’s a time and place for accolades, I’ll call the park out when they are doing a great job. The fact Larosas in I Street had AC was wonderful. The fact of the matter is that I’m a paying passholder, who worked at the park and has a vested interest in wanting the park to succeed. Those who argue that critiques aren’t needed and that everything is hunky dory should realize that every addition that comes to the park originates from some sort of critique or lack in the guest experience. I want for people I know to recognize Kings Island as a world class experience, I want people to have a myriad of reasons to come to the park. Conversations like this are why previews and openings occur, to see what works, to see what resonated and make changes moving forward. Don’t think for a second that individuals in the park don’t read these forums, they most certainly do. Opening Day was enjoyable, much more laid back, less crowds and more of a relaxed atmosphere. Really excited to come back with my newly purchased Kings Island button up shirt sometime!

I am beyond thankful that I took a ton of photos of those last year. Very upsetting that the last vestiges of BB are gone but the wood was looking worse for wear. I'm looking forward to the additions, I'm excited to see other slides if they got new paint jobs like Tropical Plunge and I'm excited to see if we get some new landscaping as we desperately need trees and lush landscaping.

So I decided to just make a post in this thread instead of making a trip report update on my trip report topic as it's a little more relevant here. I want to be very clear, I am not pessimistic about the park to be a downer, far from it. I worked in the park for years, I still know people in the industry, I respect their careers and the employment of every employee at the park as I know the struggles they go through throughout the year. The park today was an interesting reflection on market pressures that we have seen on people buying season passes at lower rates. The fact that I got to the park around 12:50 and the parking lot was already to the brim was shocking. Better yet, being a Prestige passholder expecting to check in at the preferred parking guard shack, I found no one. In fact, anyone could park there today which I honestly didn't appreciate. I paid money for this perk, I want to make sure those who also paid for the perk are being allowed but everyone and their brother parked there. In fact, as I was leaving there were cars parked in non parking zones without tag or ticket which just added to the proverbial circus going on there. The new security entry just screams issues in the future. I hope the park can be flexible and move the stations to support higher volume days but the current set up has me concerned for lines out the door for events like Haunt and Winterfest. The park itself was busy, and that's an understatement. Lines went all the way out into the midways, there were no precautions to support guests and lines accumulating to the point where the enrique's line and Racer was practically back-to-back. Alas, eventually turnstiles were eventually opened but the park was packed beyond belief. That coupled with the fact that Coney BBQ had to open the second side around 1:20 says everything about the crowd situation. As for operations, I know it's the preview day, people are new, I'm not going to disparage anyone for being fresh and getting on board as that is normal to have going into the season. The fact Diamondback is in 2 train operations was concerning. I will say that doesn't mean that the visit was without concerns. I walked into the Larosas today and the ac was Off or just not running at a high enough tempo the fact that it felt more intensely hot in the Larosa's quick service in International Street than what it was outside made me seriously consider the working conditions for the employees in that moment. Could it have been that something was going on in that given moment and was fixed after my visit? Who knows, my point is that it was intense and I couldn't believe it. The merchandise situation, well that's changed as well. Emporium itself has a new line of cosmetic soaps and lotions, which my sister who would be in that target demographic was even confused as to why the park would offer this. The middle section just felt off in comparison to the rest of the store, which I wish the park offered some home goods for the park in that section as I think it would fit well with the flow of the store in general. The merchandise at Island Collection & Trading company was the usual flare, but the park is seriously pushing squishmellows, even those not associated with the park. Which the new layout for Trading Company just feels very Point Plaza, which is a great thing to have a modern, fresh location that has easy access to park merchandise. I have to give credit where credit is due, the new button up shirts are a welcomed addition to the merchandise line up in Island Collection, same for the quarter zip jacket. I will most certainly be wearing this in the office Monday but I wish we had more business wear from the park like this. I want to lastly touch on the VIP Lounge experience, the people who work there are honestly some of the most hospitable people I spoke to the entire day. Ride ops in Boo Blasters didn't even ask us if we enjoyed the ride, just stayed silent and pointed for the exit. The group who works it is incredible, and I cannot say anything ill to them. What I can say is that the Coke machine was flat, but at least I got my cookie. My capstone is this: The park overall is trending in positive directions in most directions. Tropical Plunge got a new paint job and it looks stunning. River Racers looks amazing, so I have no major qualms there. I feel like the food quality (rather have more fleshed out menus than almost every location having chicken tenders, am I really the only one who has a problem with every location that isn't Larosa's, Enriques, Skyline or Panda having chicken tenders?) has some improvement, I'm a foodie at the end of the day, we were spoiled by Major taking chances and bringing our experience up a level. I APPRECIATE the fact Chef Perez was in the kitchen at Coney BBQ and was really bringing everything he could to support the team, I think he has amazing talent and I'm hoping he has the chance to showcase that more with improved offerings throughout the year. I know he makes good food as the Chef's Plate is wonderful, I just would like to see more robust menu options and more catering of certain foods to certain venues to drive more demand. (hint hint chicken shack) Also, Mike Koontz was on location and met with Perez at Coney BBQ. That's the kind of leadership I want to see from the park and I support that a million times over. As always, I am hopeful for the future, I am critical as I know the level of professionalism the park can bring to the table; I want the park to thrive, I want new enthusiasts to have memories like I did when I was younger.

I had lunch and dinner at the park: Coney BBQ simply put felt like the park was not prepared for the event. They have one side open and only opened the other side when we got to the front exchange point. To say I feel like the park needs to refine is an understatement. I MISS the tri tip, give me brisket give me something that is a BBQ standard. The fact we have chicken tenders makes no sense as we have a whole restaurant dedicated to chicken tenders. My issue is that sure I enjoy the burnt ends but I wish we had seasonal offerings that switched things up a bit. The burnt ends are decent, the potatoes were okay but not something I would get again. The portion sizes for the potatoes are small, the flavoring I felt was a decent stab at trying something different which tasted good but I feel like the other sides give you so much more. Would love to see collard greens come back but I’m unsure when that would ever come back. I think my point here is that I hope the park gives the head chef the opportunity to use the Coney BBQ as a way to expand on the guest experience. There’s a lot of opportunities that I hope the park takes advantage of. As for dinner I got Grain & Grill. This is where I figured out the overall situation on portion sizes. If you get a “cupped” side like a salad or macaroni & cheese it looks like you get more quantity than just standard potatoes. I got the honey soy beef and Greek salad, ironically I didn’t get offered naan bread which might have been a fluke but I didn’t see anyone else getting naan bread which I hope isn’t a budget cut moving forward. Same quality overall but I hope that we can keep the same portions as we did last year moving forward.