BB1

I found it very interesting how we sort of got it right but didn't. Carowinds got FURY 325, which does act like a Centurion, but the name must have dropped. In terms of what could come to Cedar Point? No clue, as it could be a new coaster called Centurion, but I would go along with something more on the lines with Streak or some western folklore.

I'll admit, Sam's performance was on point. Even though I made the mistake of saying I like my meat well done, it was a great job, kudos! (Which of course i would take meat raw at the Slaughterhouse.) But the surprise was nice, maybe a bit too drawn out, it was still my favorite this year. However, someone needs to tell momma that you guys need kangaroo meat, two years already and still none!

What I was impressed with this year was the deals at the Coney Confections this year. I basically cleaned out their puzzles of Kings Island (They were virtually a few dollars when they were 12), I basically went on a shopping spree for shirts and jelly bellys. This also means that I was Christmas shopping already, good gosh I cannot believe that this year is coming to a close!

Okay could i first start off with, where did the year go? It feels like just yesterday I came back to Kings Island, rode The Beast again, and now last night's final Beast ride took me out of the season yet again. However, this year was probably one of the better years at Kings Island. We have a solid coaster line up, we actually got a waterpark expansion that I thought was the best expansion in awhile, we had some moderately great food this year, I really can't complain. Kings Island showed the pass holders some of the benefits of having a Gold/Platinum Pass with their ERT nights and a monthly ERT change up throughout the season. Then, to top it all off, we had the announcement of Mystic Timbers, Winterfest, a rumored new restaurant for the waterpark, which of course led to Haunt with our new Field of Screams attraction. I don't know about you but this just screams success in my book. I had fun, my family had fun, my friends had fun, it was a great year. Sadly however all great years must come to a close, hence why the Off Season Poll Series exists (It's a way to keep us out of the doldrums and for me to count down until the end of the off season.) . But to start us off this year, let's reflect on last year and share some of your thoughts about the 2016 season, some of your perks, some of the detractors of the year, maybe a favorite memory?

Sorry this response was delayed- sadly no, but thankfully the 2 other posters showed of the Flight of Fear and Mystic Timbers ones. Son of Beast didn't have a box like that, the reference to it is that where The "Beast Canyon Mining Co." sign usually is (at the main entrance above the soda machines), it said Outpost 5 Mining Co. (or something similar) instead. Outpost 5 was the secret government area where, in storyline, Son of Beast was being held, and "Track 1" of Adventure Express was supposed to head there but for some unknown reason something goes wrong and you go on the abandoned Track 2 instead. (Source: the old station music which can be heard on KIExtreme's KITunes section, select "Adventure Express- Station Master"). I also find it very cool and interesting that if you read up on all the official stories KI has made for many of its coasters over the years, you can connect the themes of The Beast, Son of Beast, Banshee, Mystic Timbers, Adventure Express, Flight of Fear, Firehawk, and even squirm in The Bat/Flight Deck/TOP GUN (you have to use a little headcanon for that one in its current theme though) and make one huge story about a small little town near a river in Ohio and a secret government facility. (The other major coasters/rides either have themes that are too generic or don't match up and thus they don't really fit said story sadly) This sounds almost exactly like the plot of Stranger Things, which is a good plot too. Overall, I am pleasantly delighted with this year at the Island, I'm glad to see the waterpark get some attention, and I am glad to have been there when I could. And, of course, the Winterfest announcement only was icing on the cake for next year.

That's not defunct right? Just name change? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk If we're doing name changes, give me old Boomerang Bay in a field somewhere close to me and let me waste my Summer days away. In all honesty though, I would love to have the original, actually lazy river, Crocodile Run, in my backyard. Also, Phantom Theater would be great in a park like Dollywood or Holiday World, as they keep up with the theming and cherish their attractions.

I wouldn't say that exactly. I believe that SC has 4 main focal points, Rendezvous Run, Splash Landing, Tropical Plunge, and Mondo Monsoon. To say that it is an iconic structure, or the only one, would be stretching it a little bit. Back in 2011 I believe that the main focal point was the Didgeridoos, Rendezvous Run, and Mic's Seaside Supplies area as it had the most improvement post Water Works. However with the Soak City expansion, there's still that plaza feel, simply more that there is more or less a shared focal points primarily on the attractions.

But here's the point: Theming is needed to be paired with good scares. When I went through Backwoods i only had 1 scare. I counted a few pneumatics and various void spaces. Now i will agree that US can have a bad scare rapport. However, everytime that I went through this year I had a different experience which I thought added to the ambiguity. But when you truly get down to it with a great lineup in the Haunt, US is actually not that shabby than it was last year.

Haunts that need to go: Sorority House, & Wolf Pack. Seriously Sorority House made me sick on how terrible it is. Seriously, just dance music and people standing around? It's garbage, complete waste of time and space. Wolf Pack, even though it starts strong, lacks in the end. It was just lacking too much to be a great attraction. First few actors were great then one or two to end out after a long pause in scares. Don't even get me started on Backwoods Bayou, the original incarnation was superior due to the scares and the lack of people in the new attraction. Overall I'm dissapointed with these attractions, ironically enough I find that Urgent Scare has aged well and I think should be given more space and more love. Which it has gained more effects, but it could become even greater than what it is. And the theming this year, it was as if it is in phases. The first weekend had far less theming than this weekend, almost as if it was half done. Overall, KI has potential but it needs to shape up into a world class Halloween Event with some of their attractions.

^Yup, which is truly a bummer as I was excited to grab a grilled cheese for free. It will be something to look forward to after riding Mystic Timbers. On a side note, the place looks dead, too pricy is my note.

Do you happen to remember any of the lyrics, or was it instrumental?Just instrumental, it is a tune that I got stuck in my head and I can't seem to find it. Was it a song meant for Halloween? The only stuff I can think off that would fit is the music from Nightmare Before Christmas. Yes it was only for the Halloween playlist. It's laid back and it sounds like something out of a mystery flick. I can't seem to find it anywhere. <bump> Since this year's playlist is just pop, I guess I will revive this quest. The song sounds similar to what Ramrods created, but I don't believe it is a Ramrod song, It's similar to detective, slow sax with a base electric guitar as the ambience behind the sax. Any guesses?

You could technically make any fast food way cheaper than what the restaurants charge. If you want something "more" then check out their other menu options. They have some unique items, to say the least.BTW, I've also heard the rumor that they're adding it to the dining plan this weekend. Let's hope it's here to stay!! Hey if it is added to the plan, I will be more than happy to try it out. I just can't see a grilled cheese being so much. (Hopefully the Meal Plan will start on Friday!)

Just build a B&M Wing Rider with the evacuation of Firehawk and I will be happy.

Really overpriced for just a simple sandwich. With something that I could make at home for about $3.00, I could buy at this location for $8! I'm sorry but if this doesn't get onto the dining plan, I'm not eating, if the sandwich was larger I would maybe think about it, but in no way is that sandwich worth $8 on it's own.

Every time I go to Kings Island, I always get asked from my friends "Where should I put my stuff? Which locker is the best deal?" I know that I couldn't be the only one getting these questions, also, people even on this forum could have the same questions. So, I thought that I would take this time to share some of my Locker experiences to help you guys. So before I start, let me run down which attractions need a locker: Banshee Firehawk Now, the rest of the attractions have boxes for you to put stuff in, but I would suggest to use a locker instead. So, let's say that you go to Kings Island, you have a bag filled with expensive camera/phone/computer equipment and you don't want to loose it, where should you set it? If you are looking for a cheap rate, I would suggest to go to the Banshee lockers located infront of Banshee. You have to buy 2 hours at first for $2, however every hour after is $1. So, you could essentially get 5 hours worth of ride time for Banshee, or going and riding other attractions without your belongings for $5.00 . If you are looking to charge while riding rides, you could go to the Soak City lockers, located next to the smoking area. Now I do not know the price but I do know that I usually bring my portable battery pack so that I can keep a charge. Feel free to post your own tips, as I know that everyone has different methods of getting lockers at Kings Island.

I have had cups stolen from me ever since 2000. It doesn't happen often, once or twice every few years, at varying theme parks. However, when people do steal from me, it usually just so happens to coincide a sickness, so I guess karma comes back to bite them. My #1 pet peeve to stop this? Leave cups in a place to which thieves won't look, sure they could still steal, but it would look VERY suspicious for someone to be rummaging through a stroller, without a child. My sure fire way of securing products are one of two, #1, leave your belongings with a trustworthy friend or family member. It keeps your stuff on person so that people won't be more inclined to steal. #2, put your very expensive belongings into a locker. It keeps cups, phones, etc all safe for you, the best deal being Banshee's lockers. ($2 for 2 hours, then a dollar then after). However, another way to safeguard your product is to mark it up with a name or something. Make it noticeable to all patrons that this cup is your cup, and if someone were to steal it, someone would be able to see that said cup is missing (if you notify the authorities) and be able to apprehend the foe.

I just wanted to pitch my two cents, location, location, location. If I were to choose a spot in Kentucky to place a new amusement park, I would probably choose Lexington. Bustling city, always have new coming students to UK (Of whom sure are in debt, however one could simply make a student discount.), has a diverse population, and most importantly, land in the outskirts. Now of course, amusement parks have popped up, and went out as history has played out, however I would consider the Lexington-Georgetown distribution more promising than anything else. This would grant some distance to Kings Island, Beech Bend, and Kentucky KIngdom, however engrossing the Kentucky public into a more central location than the latter. Even though investments would be heavy, it would be interesting to see just how much a park could creare in Lexington in profits, especially if there were to be Kentuckian discounts, something that would be a perk for Kentucky visitors.

^Now that would make more sense. I was thinking more along the lines of a clock tower like the one in Crestview Hills, the mini Big Ben in Covington, not a clock like that. But yeah, I would say that would be an excellent addition to the waterpark to keep track on the time. If not that, I guess just stand on the concrete and try to make your own sundial. ​

This, this just made my day, thank you for the laugh. I will be trying out the Skeleton Key rooms this year again, so maybe I will get into Slaughterhouse, they could have some smoked meat, right?

Didgeridoos? *cough cough* I wear a waterproof watch all the time in waterparks, including Soak City. I have never once had a lifeguard say anything about it. The concern with snaps and buttons is that they could drag along the slide and damage it, but if you're riding in the proper position, that shouldn't be a concern with the watch. On slides that require you to put your hands behind your head, you typically have to point your elbows forward to keep them off the sides of the slide anyway, which brings the watch forward and well out of harm's way. Any and all restrictions are for safety, also known as I don't get scratches on Trop Twist or Pineapple. The scratches that snaps, buttons, etc can do on a fiberglass slide seriously hurts, a lot. I know a lot of people here don't go to the waterpark (or have been) as much as I have, but trust me, it is greatly appreciated when lifeguards check for these things because it can and will hurt your back. A clock tower, seriously? I'm sorry, but that would make no sense and would stick out like a sore thumb. Sure, the placement of more clocks around the park would be great, but that's void even at the park as there is only one floral clock. You could always ask for what time it is with any of the park employees, as I am sure they will be more than accommodating to do so. ​

I felt that Field of Screams was VERY lacking in terms of length. With the whole walk around the corn maze area, you are virtually left with no scares for 5 minutes. Not to mention the fact that you never truly went into any sheds, or farm houses, but through the cornfields and the small areas of work. In terms of people, I think it had enough, even though it was repetitive in where people would be. I'm glad to see a Cornstalkers 2.0, but at the same time, I feel as if this attraction could have done so much more than end with a long walk back. Even if the walk back was filled with even more corn, and scarecrows, that would have been great. But really overall, the attraction was fun, disorienting, exciting, for once a great attraction outdoors at Kings Island post ToT, but is lacking with a solid finale.

I thought I would stay mum, but I guess I'll cast my vote. Even though there are some pretty cool posters here, some more interesting than most, I would say I have one individual in mind. I would nominate Malem to the moderation board, but of course, I have to explain why to make sense of it. Out of most members here, he is one of the few to find more middle grounds and coordinate with said ground. Of which would be needed to moderate, to find a mode and reason for everything to go fine. Not to mention that he has been the major coordinator of the meet ups and most rendezvous on or through this site. Also not to mention that he has active participation in the site and especially when it comes to the off season when it feels very slow sometimes. Therefore I would believe that by these categories that he would be a prime candidate for said position.

It's the variety mixed with the "homey" atmosphere Holliday World is known for. Wildebeest and Mammoth are the best of two different but same aspects in the water slide industry. Wildebeest is for the airtime and speed, while Mammoth is a family thrill attraction that feeds off of its' size. Hyena Falls is an excellent slide complex that delivers various slide experiences. With some classic slides and the actually lazy river it's a solid waterpark. One thing that my family adores about HW Splashin' Safari is the fact that it actually has a lazy river, that you could relax in. That's something that is an huge draw for guests, not to mention the park atmosphere. Free drinks mixed with friendly people who have fun doing their jobs with some incredible coasters makes Splashin' Safari a premier source for water slides in our area. If you aren't impressed with the wall, I don't know what KK's waterpark could impress you with because that slide is awesome.

^Did anyone get the impression from the skeletons in front of the big skull were positioned like something out of Tomb Raider....The Ride! (In Siebert's voice, you know you do it too!) I'm surprised to see all of the Haunt stuff getting put up quicker than usual, should give us a nice glimpse of what is to come this year!

This is the same park that makes announcements at midnight during the middle of the week, in fall. We're not talking about the brightest PR people here. I understand that but even still, to publish after sales for 2017 passes is a BAD move. In response to some of Terp's comments, some of my own pet peeves. What is there to DO at the fair? Nothing that makes me get "giddy" for it, because it is the same old thing time after time. Not to mention the convention hall being dated, as it is, and needs serious renovation in some of the terribly tiny exhibition halls. It's a serious issue for the park and the state board to get a hold of. In my opinion, I would in all honesty raze the convention hall (producing more space for the park), or move the park. There is no room to grow, and if there is, height is limited to a T. Move the park to Lexington or some place in between Cincy, Louisville, and Lexington, as it seems to have a small foot print to begin with. Sure, I've been told this and that about the future of this park, but serious changes with serious tactical moves needs to happen and quick for the future of both the fair and the park.