MDMC01

These pins are looking nice! So far, I'm interested in the Timberwolf and Racer (sign) pins. I cannot wait until they roll around to the 90's/2000's pins*! And was the "Where winter comes alive" slogan on the Winterfest the original tagline? If so, that's a nice touch! *Also, I wonder how that'll work as the park was owned by Paramount for a large part of the time period

Perhaps they'll be turning it forwards again... I would love to see that since I've never ridden either Mr. Freeze. -MDMC, a nostalgic kinda guy...

After the first show, I looked for a Larry plush in the shops on International Street. The closest thing I was referred to were those themed squishmellows (which, while I thought they were cleverly KI-themed, I did not buy). I would totally buy that Larry FunkoPop and I don't even collect those! EDIT: Sorry, that was a Maestro FunkoPop... In any case, I would love a Larry plush!

@TombRaiderFTW, that was a great point made... the Scareactors really do make a maze come to life! That being said, in my experience (my last visit to Haunt was 2018; 2019 I became one of those scarecrows you mentioned...), Slaughterhouse is the most intense. Even though I felt pretty comfortable in there as I know Sam and other members of the family, I've gone through some nights where if I didn't have that connection to familiar faces, I would be freaking out every step of the way. Those guys (and gals) are good at what they do. And as for CHAOS, I find the scariest part to be the mirror maze part. IIRC, it was the combination of the loud noises and the constant screaming that was the worst. Scares aside, I think Chaos's theming is super cool! In fact, that is probably my most anticipated maze this year - I love all the sci-fi and technology theming! Finally, the Killmart staff does have good hiding spots at times. Watch out for that camping equipment...

That would have been a good idea to keep Phantom around, at least during Tricks or Treats as I think it would have been perfect. Speaking of which, I think it would be a great idea to have Larry walk around during the day as a roaming character.

I remember the Tower Gardens waterfall (or at least the mountain - I don't remember it being on much...)! I used to see it all the time coming into work (at It's Fried/Midway Treats and Eats) when I first started working at the park as a teen. Back then, I envisioned KI adding a water coaster (as in, a roller coaster -like Premier's Liquid Coaster, not a water slide); the station would be towards the top of Tower Gardens and it would meander a ways through some drops before reaching the lift. The lift would go up the back side of the mountain/waterfall and then plunge down and make a turn so that you go into the mountain (where the break is between the two mountain waterfalls) and then hit the breaks. While it would have been cool, I think it would have killed the look and atmosphere of the area. EDIT: Also, I don't remember the Coney waterfall, that seems random but cool. Does anyone (on here ) have pictures of the Adventure Village waterfall and the Rivertown waterfall (near Swan Lake)? I know there was once a fountain in King Cobra's helix as I've seen pictures, but I don't remember seeing where the waterfall was. TIA

Good catch lol International Showplace will be a good venue as well. Though I definitely agree, a Haunt how in KIT would be amazing!

The new scare zone and shows sound great! It's cool to see that they are doing a Haunt show in KIT as it's been a while! Also, Haunt should be interesting this year as this will be the first time in 3 years that I've attended (I was in Field of Screams in 2019, there was no Haunt in 2020 and I didn't go in '21 because COVID). Looking forward to Chaos and the Alien X area.

They sold these at the concerts; I got a green one with all the concert schedule (the other option was having one side be the individual group performing that night, which in my case, it was Skillet). And in response to the post wondering if "this year is it for TW", if so, it's had a good run. I remember going to Spiritsong as a kid, teenager and young adult. The two concerts I saw this year (Berlin + one Flock of Seagulls song and Skillet/Jordan St. Cyr) were a lot of fun! If it lasts, it lasts. If not, it doesn't. It would sting a bit because it's part of the park's history and has held some big-name talent in the past, but I would understand why they would tear it down.

See, I'm at the other end of the spectrum... I only saw it 4 times, and I wish I would have seen it a few more times. But, to each their own. My feelings on Phantom throughout this season reminds me of my typical Cirque cycle, but on a smaller scale (because I saw less showings)... some seasons I come out of the first show not "getting it", and the more I see it, the more I start to appreciate it. On my first PT:E showing, I didn't know what to think. But over time, I got attached as it was a very unique show and also Larry endeared himself to me.

That's really cool that the sarcophagus in Madame's was from Phantom Theater. Where was the cannon in the maze?

I will second the Firehawk remanants. While waiting in line for Flight of Fear (didn't ride as the line was crawling...), I happened to see the old staircase that would lead to the other half of Firehawk's station. Feel free to use this picture as part of the remnants section of KIC's photo gallery; you have my permission!

Glad to hear it's supposedly coming back! I very much enjoyed the show. Though Larry was my favorite character, I thought all of the cast did a phenomenal job and can't wait to return to the Theatre next year. For reference, my last shows were Saturday's 4 and 5 PM shows - the line for those stretched towards the front gate (near wheelchair rental)... it's true when Maestro said that people "[adore] the Phantom Theater".

Good trip report; I haven't been there since 2008! That Goliath picture looks familiar but different as Iron Wolf used to be back there. I also enjoyed Viper, Batman and Raging Bull when I went. Have you ridden Whizzer? I liked this one as well.

Yes, yes they do. I passed them up while in the park on Saturday as the line was too long and the prices were too high. And good to see you back, @jcgoble3! I also remember the noodle

Had a great day in the park today! Rode Congo Falls for the first time since 2018 and it was great (I was inspired by that post about that movie exhibit in one of the old KI theaters; now I really want to see that Congo movie!), rode Bat and Adventure Express twice each along with Dodgem, WindSeeker, Delirium and a rare Night Ride on Viking Fury. I also saw my last two showings of Phantom Theater: Encore (I will not be there tomorrow - to those who are going, enjoy! It had a great run this year!) and I finally got to meet Larry! Larry has become my favorite character of the show, with his witty one liners and friendly demeanor. As I was starting to leave the 4:00 show, I noticed a few of the characters come out and I raced over to that side of the stage (as they've never done Meet and Greets when I've been there). After waiting in line, I told him "You're the best!" and he said something like "at least I'm not second best" or something silly like that. Also talked to the Maestro, but meeting Larry was one of the highlights of my day! Also met up with a friend for a few hours and it was great to catch up. Speaking of friends, I also ran into a few people I know (like always), including @BoddaH1994. Finally, as I mentioned in that thread, the fireworks show was amazing tonight!

Saw tonight's show sitting down in the viewing area (near the front entrance) and finally got to see (and hear) everything as intended. People are right when they are saying it's a Disney caliber show. That is a lot of cool stuff packed into 15 minutes! I found the projections on the buildings interesting and felt the heat from the flames. Also love the Also, for some reason, I had never heard that "Our KI" song before in the show (just the narration), but it went along great with the show. I love how there is so much to look at, but it all comes together into one complete package. I also like the laser that creates a colored "background" above the fountains; that's really cool.

Well that's certainly different and unique!

So, does the 50th fireworks show end Labor Day weekend or sooner? I thought I saw somewhere that this weekend may be the last weekend for it, but I wasn’t sure. EDIT: That “somewhere” was KI’s website.

As I commented on the Cedar Fair 2023 additions thread, I am excited about this unique coaster! I wonder how this will compare to the Whizzer at Great America (a Schwarzkopf similar to the one they are referencing with the ride's name and layout). I also wonder if the "throwback name/design with a modern design trend" will mean Kings Island could someday get a King Cobra Surf Coaster? Wishful thinking, but it's possible. And upon watching the POV... That spiral lift with drive tires is going to be cool! Also, I am loving all the high-speed turns! Good on WoF for doing their homework with the layout; who knew that kind of layout from back then could translate into a great (looking) coaster today!

Saw the WOF and Cedar Point announcement videos and I am excited about both. Zambezi Zinger looks cool and unique - a spiral lift on a modern coaster! I also love that Cedar Point is getting a spinning coaster! More and more it seems like KI and Cedar Point’s coaster lineups compliment each other nicely! I also wonder about the relocated rides… could it be for a relocated Dragster midway, or prep for something bigger? Finally, there was no mention of MaxAir being part of the new Boardwalk area. Wonder if that will be getting the axe or moved elsewhere in the park. Also, that giant flat for Canada’s Wonderland looks insane!

I don't necessarily look at Dollywood evolving into more of a coaster park (specifically, a family coaster park) as a good or bad thing, it's just not the direction I could have pictured the park going in back then.

Looks interesting, but I did expect to see more theming. This addition means that Dollywood would have 10 roller coasters, including 3 launch coasters! When thinking about how Dollywood used to be primarily thought of as a "show" park, I never could have imagined the place having this many roller coasters! My first visit was around 2004 for Thunderhead, and there were only 2 major coasters back then - now there are about 6!

Though I think there are a ton of great food options at the park (and that's saying something as I'm a picky eater), a Panera Bread would be cool, maybe a sit-down location on International Street or Action Zone (if rethemed to Adventure Village, that is). However, Tom +Chee and French Corner kinda do they same thing (Grilled Cheese and Baguette are my usual order there). If you would have asked me a year ago, I would have said I want Wendy's to come to the park. However, I'm not a big fan of theirs anymore.