MDMC01

I agree with the tips so far (did not think about doing Invertigo as first ride vs. tackling the coasters in Area 72 at rope drop- good point about ERT being a factor), but I would add that if there are one of those "front-of-the-line-pass" wheels open, spend $10 (for two spins) and try to get a good ride (I would consider a "good ride" on that to be Invertigo, Backlot or Monster). I spun the wheel twice last visit and ended up getting Invertigo and Winners Choice (planned on doing Beast at night, but didn't get around to it). In addition to ride lines, take some time to relax- catch a show (the 70's show and Phantom Theater: Encore are good choices; also in the evening there is a DJ at the Bandstand along with the Club KI show), play a game or two (there are two Arcades that have recently been refurbished), and remember to stay hydrated (if it's a hot day) and have fun! And on the relaxation note, there is a great spot in Rivertown behind Brewhouse (near Mystic Timbers); the Adirondack chairs are great! EDIT: I third riding Adventure Express at night; it's worth it!!!

Didn’t see the lightning outside, but the amount of lightning bolt icons on the weather map (on the news station I was watching) was insane!

The park's closed early three times this season? Didn't know that! I can hear the fireworks from where I live, and I figured they were doing them early due to all the storms that have been happening (I'm guessing there's not a ton of people in the park right now, though...).

Old soundtracks/ride spiels would be really cool, but I think the area is a nice tribute to the park as-is.

Mike Koontz is cool; I saw him shortly after walking in yesterday Also, good to know about the progress of the 50th street party floats; anyone (on here...) know when that starts?

Full disclosure before reading my review: I am one of those people who never rode Phantom Theater when it was at the park (I was too scared as a kid), so that may influence my opinion of the show. Saw it for the first time today and it was... random and unique. I definitely wasn't expecting multiple musical numbers, but somehow it worked! Though I'd heard about the beforehand (on here), I appreciated how involved that scene was and it was really cool Also, However, I thought there would be more of a magic show element because somewhere along the line I heard the show would have illusions as well as one of the show's characters literally being a magician. Speaking of characters, the usher is my favorite (though Maestro is cool too) as I'm somewhat of a sucker for puppets. I just want to give him a high five or something lol

I did not see any sign by The Bat (other than the usual “this attraction is closed” sign blocking off the entrance) when I passed by earlier. EDIT: According to the app, the ride appears to be back up.

BUMP! Finally watched all the speeches from the big birthday bash; good stuff! Thanks again for recording Brad (@IndyGuy4KI)! Also, are there any pictures of that cake? They kept saying it was huge, but I never got to see it...

Of the two stand up coasters I've ridden, I found Iron Wolf (smaller B&M stand up) to be more painful than Mantis (larger B&M stand up) due to the headbanging.

Cool article. I would be curious to know what the red (cherry) ice cream tasted like. I once tried the blue ice cream as an employee (I had never had it before then) and IIRC, it had an interesting flavor. I do like the park's ice cream in general, but I almost never get it as I'm not much of a sweets guy,

I agree! On my last trip, I was amazed how much airtime I got on the drop (in the back) - especially with those buzz bars!

Does anyone (on here ) know if the Gold Pass 50th Anniversary VIP Tour giveaway winner has been announced? I asked a few times yesterday and no one seemed to know. Just to catch everyone up to speed, every passholder visit to the park (as in, every scan of the pass- once per day) through mid 15th got you a chance to win thru PassPerks. For example, since I made 4 visits before May 15th, I would be entered 4 times into the drawing.I am wondering as I have not heard anything about this since I got the e-mails about it. TIA.

Cool! Wonder what is on the menu? -MDMC, a picky eater...

I was there from 1-8:30ish and it was somewhat crowded, but lines weren't terrible. According to a wait time site I check and the official KI app, it appears the popular rides (with higher wait times) were Flight of Fear and Beast. I was able to get 16 rides in today (17 if you count Orion twice), plus a show.

I have a few pics of the stones: I do like how some of the stones foreshadow the next year’s addition

Agreed. Also, Adventure Express is fun at night as well.

Did not know that about Blue Racer staying closed or WindSeeker/SRR; good to know @disco2000 and thanks for the info!

The fireworks usually start around 10 o clock. IIRC, lines typically close around 10, but rides may still be running during the fireworks (exceptions being Beast, Orion and I think Blue Racer) as those in line before 10 can ride. For the three exceptions I mentioned, their lines close around 10 (sometimes earlier for Beast), but those in line can still ride after the fireworks end.

This is the first thing I did when I got to the park today and I really enjoyed it. The engravings turned out nice and it was cool to go through Kings Island's history, one stone at a time (and also the billboards). And the Eiffel Towers representing the coasters were really cool; I think my favorite was the Adventure Express one.

I had the golden ice cream tonight - it was good, but messy (as I ate it during the fireworks, most of the time without a spoon). Don't think I'll be getting it again as I don't eat ice cream that often.

Does IR have a baklcony? It looks like those pics were taken on one (or that may be the big picture window of the restaruarnt...). As for the fireworks show, it was pretty cool. I liked all the pyrotechnics, especially the fire during the Haunt section (one of my favorite times of the year!). Also, the drones were cool- this is the first time I've actually seen a production use drones, and it was really neat how Overall, pretty cool. And also, was that salute to America (I think that's what it was; the audio wasn't the best where I stood) part of the show, or was that just added for Memorial Day?

I think I heard it last night! I kinda thought it was either thunder (as there was some iffy weather earlier in the night) or possibly fireworks.

I love it! It's got Firehawk, Vortex, Son of Beast and King Cobra in the same picture!

Even though I am not a fan of Diamondback, I think it would be cool to ride it without the splashdown. That being said, if the splashdown effect were to be removed/permanently shut off, that would be a bit disappointing as that was one of the highlights of the ride that made it unique.

I still would like so see the Adventure Village area resurrected. We have the beautiful trees, now we just need slight rethemes. Delirium would likely stay the same, but could be painted tan or green. Invertigo could become Hurricane and be painted more turquoise. I'd like Drop Zone to stay the same; I think everything else could fit as is (or Banshee and Bat could have their own *spooky* sub-section?) EDIT: Just like back in the day, Adventure Village would encompass what is now Action Zone and parts of Oktoberfest (specifically the former Slingshot path and Adventure Express; the Coke freestyle stand could be slightly rethemed to match the area).