MDMC01

Agreed. At one point in the day, almost all of Action Zone was down (and Area 72 was closed due to Orion and FoF being down; only Meteor Canteen was open). Despite this, I still had a great time.

I'll be there for sure! I am even planning to dress up for the special day!

It may be the same logo, but I really like the 3D effect (maybe from the new paint?) - it really pops!

I'm not sure what it will be, but I was thinking the other day about what coaster types Cedar Point doesn't have. I came up with the following: B&M Flyer GCI Single-Rail RMC Tilt Coaster (yes, Vekoma is making these again, and it would be awesome to have one (relatively) close by- the first in the US is going to be in Texas; the other new one is going to Poland) And I just thought that they also don't have a Wild Mouse (or a spinning coaster), but these options may be too low capacity. Or it could be that Aquatrax that people have been speculating about for a while EDIT: Forgot about the Surf Coaster (not sure what that will even be yet) or an S&S Axis being possibilities. Speculation aside, I'm thinking the first four options could be the most likely (however, Tilt Coaster could be ruled out due to the proximity of Valravn).

I think they were there last year. I even took a picture of one! Fun Fact: Did you know all the rides listed on this directional sign are located in what was the old Adventure Village area (which was basically what is now Action Zone + Adventure Express)?

I have a feeling that COVID may have played a part in the wayfinder boards being shut off. Were they working last season? I don't remember.

I like that the logo at the front gate looks "sparkly" and sequined! I am looking forward to seeing it in person.

Cool @Oldschool75! I think I met you in the park last year near Orion. Indeed, there will be lots more celebration to come! Can't wait to start my 2022 KI season next Saturday

I wasn't a fan of the Red, White and Blue paint on Racer from the first few pictures I saw, but I really like the look of it from the Eiffel Tower. Also, Flying Ace's paint job looks great!

That would be really cool!

Not sure if this is the correct thread to put this (as there is not a "Kings Island 2022 thread" to my knowledge), but I just saw a segment on Channel 12 (news station in the Greater Cincinnati area) talking about some of the history of Kings Island with some past pictures and video from back in the day. They talked about Racer, The Beast, Vortex, and King Cobra, as well as mentioning Orion and Diamondback. I looked at the photo/video credits in the corner and I recognized Brian Lamm, Coasterbob62 and PsycloneSteve. The latter two have great retro footage of Kings Island and other theme parks form back in the day.

Wow @Shaggy, that's a lot of people! I can definitely see why it created a bottleneck situation for those exiting The Bat (Top Gun at the time). Reminds me of (pre-Covid) Haunt where you have the start of Wolf Pack, Blackout and The Bat's line all starting in the same place (as The Bat's entrance path was taken up by Blackout's line). Also, I never thought of line jumping being an issue, but you are exactly right. And I do remember that line being slow moving... EDIT: And I'm guessing that yellow flag is part of Top Gun's theming? Also, this situation (long lines and not very operational) reminds me of the time I went to Kings Dominion back in 2001 and Hypersonic XLC's line was 4 hours and it kept breaking down (I never got to ride as I was way too scared back then - guessed I'd already pushed my limits with Volcano earlier in the day (which I enjoyed!))

My advice is this: pick which rides you wish to ride beforehand and make sure to get those done (if possible). And if last year is any indication, Opening Day will be busy. If you have no preference on ride choice or order, head to Flight of Fear and Orion first and then work your way either further back (toward Beast) or towards the front of the park. And remember to have fun! Also, question for my knowledge... is it generally crowded the second (operating) Saturday in April? That is my planned "Opening Day" as I will not be attending this weekend.

Good catch! I wonder if it means anything or it could be the boxes taking up too much space and covering where the name would be (like you said above).

Was it... I also saw EDIT: Also, are those things near the entrance/exit metal detectors or...?

That would be cool! I would love to see either a Jump2 (the one at Canada's Wonderland may be the only one) and/or a Top Scan (Shockwave at Canada's Wonderland) in Area 72. And I know they don't make these anymore, but I would love to see a SkySwat in Action Zone!

I voted for a walkthrough attraction. I've been back there as an employee and I think that the untouched, overgrown wilderness is fascinating. If there were someway to get people back there (like a monorail or a walking path), that would be really cool. Fun Fact: When in line for Wolf Pack, if you look towards Banshee, you can see some of that land straight ahead (it also provides a cool view of The Bat if you look around). If you do want to see the wilderness, make sure you get in line before the sun sets so you can see that land in all its glory.

BUMP/EDIT: I found said coaster that had a similar color scheme to Mantis: https://rcdb.com/1393.htm#p=20848

So, looking on Google Maps, if they wanted to re-use the old Son of Beast station, there could be a sharp left drop and then right turn under Banshee's turn the one (before the final inversion) and then that coaster could either go alongside Banshee's back half or away from the park (north, towards GWL). OR there could always be a steep lift to go over Banshee, but I feel like that would ruin the look of Banshee. OR, another idea would be to have the coaster go in the opposite direction and make a right hand turn out of the station and have the track go above The Bat's furthest turn. The coaster could somehow weave around/through Banshee for the return trip. Also, Fun Fact: Did you know Vortex is still there and Orion is in pieces (as in, under construction?)

If indeed a faster chain lift were to come to Diamondback, I think it could improve the ride experience. I would definitely be excited for that! -MDMC, not a huge fan of Diamondback

A Phantom Theater show?!?!? That's gonna be cool! I'm am actually really excited. Though I was alive when the ride operated, I was way to scared to try it out (my first ride experience in that building was Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle). Also, Club KI? I'm in! EDIT: The parade sounds cool too; wonder what kind of floats will be used (please be an Adventure Village/Action Zone themed float...)

Looks cool! When was the wheel originally installed/how long did it last?

Looks like they fixed the caption for the Dick Van Dyke picture; it now says "Dick Van Dyke in a 1978 commercial for the park". Interesting photos, though. It's weird how bare Coney Mall seems with fewer trees and Racer being the major thing in that particular photo.

Ok, so I originally thought this thread was about being at the park on KI's birthday (which is on April 29th!)... I will be there for that. However, if are talking about actual Opening Day (April 16th), then it's less likely that I'll be at the park. Looking forward to riding some coasters (Invertigo, Banshee, Flight of Fear and Orion are on my short list, but I'm looking forward to a lot of other rides too!) and seeing some fellow KICers this season.

Count me in! EDIT: See below...