BB1

The only way to improve queue line wait times is by increasing capacity. Which could therefore could cease preffered seating, which would not make me a happy camper. However, the lines really have been improved. FUN TV has been implemented to give guests a fun experience while waiting in the line. Yeah sure, it could get annoying but it is something. In queue lines like Beast and Vortex there isn't much that could be done, nor do I believe that there should be anything placed. A queue line is a queue line, it's a way to talk with friends, or in my case catch up on Netflix shows or binge watch some tele.

For the past few years COASTERSTOCK has become a "must do" for Kings Island enthusiasts. Hosting some great ERT sessions, some excellent tours, and food that could be hit or miss, it will be returning in 2017. However, 2017 at Kings Island will be special as we will now have a new wooden coaster added to the line up, Mystic Timbers. With the buzz surrounding COASTERSTOCK now with the announcement of the planning for 2017, what are some of your predictions for 2017? Anything that you would like to see fixed?

Oops, I thought you meant rash guard trousers. Then whatever the employees state is their policy on the slides, that's just it. Trust me, having a tube with a lot of individuals who seem to have not showered in a while gets very awkward very fast. Our Splash River really could use a natural overhaul, rocks do not look great next to water in my opinion and I believe the original look actually is superior to rocks with weeds inbetween.

Rash guards have been permitted under proper swim attire from what I understand. Zoom Flume as it stands has a policy that differentiates with guards. Some force groups to be together, others ask if they would want to ride with someone else. Because to be frank it gets awkward to be with complete strangers in a intimate tube. Splash River, same points that I made a few years back. Crocodile Run, the original lazy river prior to the renovation, was a lazy river with shade where the new entrance is. It was lazy and had barely any water being splashed on you. Half of the props have either been dialed back or turned off. I agree 100% about how it isn't a fun attraction.

Every year about this time I usually start to get the winter waterpark bug to get back to Soak City.....and I have. Vivid memories of being lazy in the Splash River, to dropping in on Tropical Plunge, this year was a great year to be at the waterpark. So, this week's topic we will be taking a look at Soak City in 2016, some of our favorite experiences in the waterpark, some of the things we liked, some of the things we feel like need to be changed in the future, and overall what is your 2016 review for Soak City?

Interesting review of this year's Halloween Haunt, coupled with some great photos!

Give me my Antique Cars back, and I'll be happy.

For The Beast, the train station has Freestyles, which are rarely open. Vortex has a Freestyle in the restaurant, but you would have to wait in the line. So ultimately yes I agree that we need more self serve stations around the park, preferably Freestyles.

What I found interesting this year was the fact that I had mixed reviews on the food offerings and food service this year. Some places would be expedient, while others not so much. I will say that the addition of a modern funnel cake shop was something that was a success in bringing a new feel to a classic icon of amusement parks. Not to mention the season long Souvenir cups that were a bit pricy, but effectively saved me hundreds of dollars. Therefore, what is your 2016 food review for Kings Island?

I usually don't keep track, but considering that I usually went to the waterpark every weekend and that sometimes I revisited Kings Island in the same day, I am sure I am higher than where I placed myself (61-70). However I have been to Kings Island so much that I virtually get the days mixed together, especially when and after working there.

Or needs calibrated/adjusted. That is the first thing I do with a blaster, try and see if I need to shoot a little above/below or to the side of the target for a hit. Being used all day every day they are bound to be off a little. Well I did, I have tried throughout the whole ride. I believe only once or twice did the blaster actually hit, but it was a few and far between.

Then I must have the luckiest unlucky spree on Boo Blasters. Every time I rode it this year the blasters did not work. In fact, that's a main reason why I steer clear of the attraction, is due to the faulty equipment. Now, I have to mention that I have only ridden it maybe 4 times this year, and that's it, so if in the four times I went, I had faulty blasters. I have reason to believe however that Boo Blasters might be on the way out in 2018 if we don't get a Mass Effect/Plants Vs Zombies attraction. Which would explain why you don't see one of the few indoor attractions which resides in an area more than likely to be used in WinterFest on the attraction line up, but of course probably is subject to change.

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.