BB1

I'm planning on flying out there in November, Ontario while is considerably closer, has higher prices overall in terms of fares. I'm planning on going to LAX and Lyft'ing over to Knotts and my other parks that I'm doing. For the most part IIRC the main attractions should be open for your enjoyment. I would recommend calling the park if worse came to worst to evaluate the ride closures, as long as Ghostrider, Hangtime and Silver or the Timbermountain Log Ride are open you're really not missing much.

My thoughts are that they will either A. Keep Oktoberfest as literally just the Viking Fury and Festhaus B. Incorporate Oktoberfest into I Street and maybe focus more into bringing an "International" flavor to that part of the park. While I am excited to see some TLC to Adventure Express and for us to get a solid flat ride package the theme feels way too concentrated on an Arrow, which has a shelf life that isn't too far out. I would have loved to see a true expansion of Oktoberfest but for the sake of keeping a classic and finally fixing the theming issues surrounding that part of the park I'm pretty impressed.

One would guess that the merchandising team at KI is well aware of the typo; but considering the fact these are made in bulk and I would presume that they have all been printed/fabricated well in advance to each week's distribution. I would guess that the pin vs the mini blurb about the ride is due to copyright by CBS-Paramount, to say that something was called "Top Gun" in a text in the back would probably be different than having the name be prominently displayed on the merchandise, which is the value of the purchase, thus leading to some issues down the line.

Welcome to my 2022 trip report thread! I should start by mentioning that this has been a long time coming and there will be several posts throughout the week and throughout the end of the year cataloging my trips and excursions in 2022. Please feel free to comment and leave your takes in this thread as participation makes this a lot more fun than me just blabbing for a few paragraphs about my trips this year . Part 1: Before Darkness Falls (A USO/IOA Review) If you have been in the Haunt circles, you probably have heard of the legend that is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando. Arguably the best Haunt event and it still kicks everything else out of the water. I flew down late on Friday evening and got to Dockside Inn and Suites for my stay. I should mention, if you want an affordable and decently accommodating hotel, Dockside is my go to. Easy access via bussing to IOA and USO, Starbucks, a very nice but quaint bar, two wonderful pools (one with my favorite poolside bar) and to top it all off the rooms are incredible. I have yet to have a bad experience at the hotel (I have stayed there 4 times now) and I have always raved about the experience. Got checked in, put my luggage in the room and I headed back to City Walk to pick up some Voodoo Donuts for a late night snack and for breakfast the following morning. City Walk was insanely packed, and the line for Voodoo was 20 minutes out the door just to get to order. If you don't know Voodoo Donuts, they are a craft donut chain from Portland OR, I got the Voodoo doll, a doll shaped berry filled donut with a pretzel spike, a few glazed old fashioned donuts, and a raspberry romeo, which is effectively a raspberry filled donut. Once again, these are some of my favorite doughnuts and they were well worth the wait. Finally got back to my hotel, got some pizza from the quick service (which again was amazing considering it's a hotel pizza). The following morning I took advantage of the Premier Pass ERT and got a few rides in on Velocicoaster. Back seat on every run, was "loose" and it still reigns as my #1 steel coaster. After ERT was done I was able to round out IOA in about an hour 30 before walking to USO to ride some coasters. Note the train was down this weekend unfortunately. When I arrived at USO I made a very quick run to Mummy as it just reopened to the public. The queue definitely felt like it got some love and TLC, however the ride itself didn't really feel better in any respects to the original. In fact, the new CGI made the mummy look more like a wooden façade than a decaying corpse. The new beetle animatic was amazing but otherwise I can't really say it felt better in any respects. I rounded out the major attractions in a few hours as it was now getting pretty busy in the park. I wound up at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade for lunch and once again got the Shepherds Pie with a side salad and a Dragonscale Beer. The meal was amazing as always, the beer was actually pretty good, I would describe it as a lighter lager. As the day prolonged I spent some time going around Jurassic Park riding River Adventure and checking out some of the shops I never really spent time to look at before heading back to Dockside for the afternoon. As mentioned before, Dockside has a really nice pool with a very nice bar. I was able to snag a skittles mixed drink (the name honestly alludes me), and it was actually pretty good and reasonably priced. The pool has a lot of decent places to relax and enjoy the water, however like other hotels on property, it also has underwater speakers that was a VERY nice plus. Eventually we were told to vacate due to impending storms coming in but that gave me enough time to change out and to get out for HHN. Part 2 will be coming tomorrow evening so stay tuned! What's your take on Velocicoaster?

Please not again we just got off the Orion decoding train I can't go back to tinfoil hat mspaint land again for at least a few years. In all seriousness I can easily chalk up the GG and GCI bits to retracking on the woodies that we have currently. I don't see the Titan track coming to Mystic anytime soon but I could see some work being done on the bottom of the first drop or possibly in the return run. (IIRC I think I felt some shuffling in that curve coming back) For the other companies, to see CF maybe extend construction times or to maybe add a "surprise" attraction doesn't seem that off for me. Considering that we didn't get anything for 2022, and that we have a very recently vacated plot of land; perhaps it's time that we get an Oktoberfest upgrade and maybe a new version of our Keggers for 23? Possibly using the Zamperla Demolition Derby product to recreate the famed attraction and finally make a true German inspired Oktoberfest section. That being said, as for the other companies of course I could see the B&M piece being CF's continued maintenance of the coaster collection at the park, but could we see the beginnings of the slow build up to a new coaster in the next few years? For as much as I would hate to say it to see a Dive would be visually impressive, but to have a Wing would be perfect for what the park lacks, which is a solid collection of modern supporting coasters. The old Vortex plot is perfect for both kinds of coasters like I have discussed before ad-nauseum, and I wouldn't be surprised if CF, to cut costs and to allocate funds more conservatively, starts to break up construction into phases.

As someone who prides himself on going to a plethora of haunts/haunted attractions across the US I take these callouts pretty seriously. (Currently at 10 events/attractions for this year alone) I get it the first night can be somewhat rough but when practically every haunt besides Slaughterhouse at KI felt like it wasn't as scare inducing it was extremely depressing. (That being said a lot of the Slaughterhouse crew returned this year from what I could tell.) Cedar Point only proved that you could do without the major scare zones and still have an amazing haunt experience. Of which at this point I would not be disappointed to see KI do away with a scarezone like Coney Maul to recreate Carnevil or make it Fearground Freakshow. The park could easily create a tombstone territory area in the Rivertown section, reimagine backwoods bayou for the walkway once again next to I street, remove pumpkin "what have they done to my Knotts baby" eater and focus more on the houses. Which I should mention here in no way shape or form am I trying to put anyone who is working the event down, I know a lot of blood sweat and tears goes into the event and that the park needs to focus on what it needs overall. With that being said I wouldn't be upset to see the show aspect of the event be whittled down to the drum corps return, and maybe a show in the festhaus. Forget everything else, maybe even theme out some of the 'area' zones to the coasters around it? I E zombie lumberjacks near Mystic, Banshees near Banshee/tomb stones in the midway.

Anyone who says that is seriously on some heavy stuff. HHN this year blew it out of the water, heck even Halloweekends at CP just this last weekend had a holistically better event overall. The scares were actually there (unlike this year at KI), the theming is amazing, the overall experience is just so much better than what we get at KI.

Already a lot of people leaving the park to put their bags back in their cars. Have already seen at least 15 people walking back to their cars in the last 10 minutes.

Honestly I thought it was a fever dream. The concept of a shed slide being at The Beach puzzled me but I guess it was an actual attraction. I never actually knew the real history behind the slide as I only went once during it's original run and twice after they reopened. (Media day was interesting to say the least, they handed out tickets to come back during the season and I honestly enjoyed it. I should have that folder somewhere in my office) As for the trespassing comment, if you're not allowed to be there don't touch it. "Urban exploring" sounds cool, but in reality can lead to some serious charges and the last thing I would want to see is another "Local enthusiast arrested for trespassing on The Beach property". Don't be stupid, don't do something you will regret in the future.

For over a decade I thought my ride on Snake River Rapids was just a dream I had, now I finally have confirmation that this actually existed and I did not dream it. Honestly a shame to see the waterpark go, but it's not surprising considering the proximity to Kings Island. Hopefully some of the slides will be sold off (I would be a serious contender for some slide parts and some Beach signage), and we can finally see the area get renovated to something new soon.

Did I just casually make the best area for the park that just so happens to work with the Carowinds expansion concept. Heck you could even add in an Air Race at the basketball game and effectively annex a new part of the park to make a cohesive end to Coney Mall's Lunken annex.

I just want a green intamin that just so happens to be an aqua trax named YoungStud to be installed somewhere back there. (I kid I kid) Honestly LOVE the idea of bringing a "Losantiville" experience to RiverTown; however I would much rather see that area stay with Coney Mall. There is a lot the park could do, but something I think that would really take off would be something themed after aviation or Lunken Airport. Being a HUGE part of Cincinnati's growth in the 1900's, I think that any coaster concept could work as the original Coney was extremely close to the airport. It could finally anchor down WindSeeker to a part of Coney that never really fit and give us possibly our first launched Wing coaster.

If you asked me 10 years ago what my 10 year plan was I would have said scrap yard. Today? Probably looking at a waterslide complex in the not so distant future, maybe a smaller launch coaster back where the arena is currently. Otherwise I don't see the big plans other people do, as it stands the park has a small height variance; and it has yet to see any new land leases from the fair grounds. With that being said, under Herschend I would not be surprised if they started to poke and prod at maybe buying up property around the park to expand or negotiate the terms of the land agreement. With a big name behind a small park expansion, I don't think it's too far off to explore those options in the next 10 years.

It just looks cool for a great portion of the populous. I have been to several waterparks in the past year alone with some saucers being mixed in and it truly changes the aesthetic of the whole park. Also have you even ridden one yet? It s a lot of FUN and feels like you're bobsledding, definitely not a waste in my book.

Seriously hoping for this, I was upset to see that we didn't get a coin for the anniversary like Cedar Point did; and for a package that I really only want 2 of the 4 items to spend such a price is a big ask.

So that's a part of the PROSlide FlyingSAUCER water coasters, the design is to create a fast paced turn that gives a similar thrill to a bowl slide. It is 100% an element choice by the park, and honestly I've enjoyed every one that I have been on YTD. It is more akin to having inversions or having airtime on certain coasters, water coasters have differing elements to deliver to. Note though that WhiteWater West currently does not have a product like the FlyingSAUCER. https://www.proslide.com/rides/categories/flying-saucers/

Which at that point I would seriously argue the validity of the whole voting scheme. Is this based off of ride quality? ride quantity? overall guest experience? food options? or is this based off of coaster events, the catering (or lack thereof) to enthusiasts wills and whims? While yes, there are always going to be individuals you may disagree with or may not like due to their statements, to use that as a point of conjecture of whether or not if a park is great honestly doesn't sit well with me. Just because I had one guy at X park be a jerk about his position (I've seen more power tripping this year than I have in 5 years for reference), doesn't mean I am going to discount the whole park. As, typically, on the same day I can have a great interaction with another associate who cares about the guests. Does that justify someone being a jerk? No, in fact I know nothing about the supposed CP spokes incident and I have no frame of reference to say the individual was in the wrong or right. What I can say is that I know plenty of individuals who work at various parks, including Cedar Point, who bust their butts to give the guests the best day experience; so to say that a park isn't good based off of one person who happens to be in a position that is more prominent rather than the collective makes me somewhat disappointed.

Cedar Fair has a really good working relationship with WhiteWater West currently. WhiteWater West is known for their body slide/tube slide complexes and CF has had great success with the combo deal and from what I understand the new go to is kiddie complexes for the waterparks that desperately need new kids areas. As a trend based off of the past few years, CF buys in bulk and spreads it out to the rest of the chain. KI is definitely due and unfortunately I believe our beloved pirate ship or the old Koala Splash (I forget the name it is now unfortunately as I haven't ridden the slide since back then) will be replaced with a set. I could definitely see us getting a water coaster eventually, but I expect an airtime machine similar to Wildebeest rather than something like a SAUCER for the sake of placement in the back of the park.

Golden Tickets are always an oddball deal for me. Some make sense, while others just flat out puzzle me to no end. There are favorites and there is favoritism within the voting base of the dubbed "experts" of the polling data of whom just make me laugh and gawk all at the same time. (Beast at #5, Hagrids being infront of Millennium Force, Flying "Didn't open in time" Turns getting the #1 coaster award when probably less than half of the people voting actually rode it. [I even heard some jest that it 'deserved' the award]). Personally I don't put a lot of weight into the awards as honestly it will not sway my opinions. Is it a boon for parks to get new awards to help attendance? Of course it is however the voting base makes me question a lot about their experience. With that being said, I can resolutely say that Kings Island really pulled out the stops this year and kicked some serious competition into the industry with our food options for the event. Which to be quite honest, really made me reconsider where did I get the best meal at in 2022 in terms of the park. I can also say with or without some golden award I will still see Kings Island as a truly world class themepark and waterpark (that deserves a new water coaster eventually).

You know what, if I could give you a gold star award I would gladly give you one. Unfortunately I don't have that kind of money currently but please accept this quickly acquired jpg of a gold star as a token of my appreciation and honest respect to a fellow foodie. I 100% agree, there are plenty of options that we could get. I would LOVE to see it come one day but until then we just have to wait and salivate.

This is more or less a "reasonable wish list with some extra spice" Finally finishing off the repaving of the parking lot, we got midway, now we just need to finish it off. Would absolutely love to see some new food options come in 23. I know Chef Major has done alot of work on our food options at the park, (He's honestly my favorite "big name" in the park, I'm sorry Don we still love you) but I would love to see some touch ups at some of the locations to see if there are new options that could come to the park. I E steak option like at Farmhouse in CP at Coney BBQ, maybe some form of rotating wings menu at the Chicken Shack, etc. I would love to see some new paint on a few attractions, most notably Diamondback. Rounding everything off I wanted to highlight one key thing I think Kings Island really needs: Restroom TLC. If not even every restroom in the park, at least some modifications and upgrades to make them more modern. With that being said, I don't need all of this, or really any of this to be happy. I'm honestly impressed with all of the work KI has done over the past year and wouldn't blame them for taking a year off of park modifications at this point.

If you have yet to do Land of Illusion, do Land of Illusion. Definitely hit up the haunted trail, however I would say coming back is always hit or miss for return visits. Dent School House really kicks it into gear. Amazing theming, an amazing team, it's well worth your ticket and some. (Friendly reminder they are open on Thursday nights too) Brimstone has been hit or miss from what I have heard however I am planning on coming this season as it has been on my hit list for a few years now. I will also add if you want something that is unique, check out Sandyland Acres. Their hayride, while not really scare heavy, is really just fun and somewhat comical. The haunted barn actually wasn't that bad and was pretty nice a few years ago.

I have several friends who have worked at KI's Haunt, everyone comments how it's a whole team effort. To actually set up and put down takes a lot of time and effort to get it rolling; the park isn't on the WDW budget, it's a regional park budget. I can be very critical on the park at times only because I love it and I seriously just want the best for the park to grow. I had the opportunity to work it several times when I was employed at KI, never took it and I still regret it. (Can't do it now because I finally landed a career but would have loved to in the past)

Actually somewhat surprised that we don’t have a lot of theming up yet. A few stages but no major sets from what I’ve seen.