MDMC01

Echoing everyone else, great read! Also, as for what's next, I'm thinking either the history of the current Bat (the coaster formally known as "Top Gun") or King Cobra.

It's nice to see that they'll have most of the park open for Winterfest, even if most of the rides aren't running. Also, interesting location for the sledding- wonder how that'll work? Also, I wonder if sledding cost extra (which they could easily do as Skyflier's booth is nearby)?

Welcome indeed! Thanks for providing us with the interview, @IndyGuy4KI!

I agree with both viewpoints. Winterfest is coming up (and I'm really looking forward to it!), but then again, 90% of the coasters/other Non-Planet Snoopy rides are down for the season, so I think it's somewhat appropriate to start looking towards the future.

The only things I could think of are A) They make an artificial sledding hill on the Invertigo midway (and have it run towards Chicken Shack) or b- have a slolam area where you sled down The Bat's exit and end in the tunnel (but then again, that might be dangerous!). Also, they could possibly open up some of the hillside under The Bat, but this may be a safety concern also. Time will tell, I guess... EDIT: Just tweeted at KI, so we may get a response!

I'm so excited for Winterfest! Looked at the site and saw that Action Zone will indeed be open and also, a sledding hill? Wonder where this will be located? Link: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/play/winterfest/attractions/action-ice-zone

If it's still around, visiting Dinos at CP is something I'd really like to do next time I'm up there as the location looks so cool.

That is amazing! Can we have them all year round? Though I don't mind walking, this is still an amazing development!

That is correct. I know this because during my ride for Closing Day, I saw that I got "Blaster Wannabe" as I actually shot something (something I haven't done in quite a while as I treat it like a regular dark ride) and netted myself 30 points.

Seems legit! Before boarding my last ride of the (regular) season on The Bat, an employee told someone that Drop Tower was closed (down for weather, I presume) and would reopen on April 13th or 14th, 2018.

I like the layout, but no more Bored to Death? Well, I suppose that could be moved... Also, the layout is very long. EDIT: What did you use to make the coaster layout?

My last walk through of Dinos (around 6 PM) was fun; walked and talked with @XGatorHead 8904, one of his Slaughterhouse crew mates and another KICer (not sure the name) and took some final pictures. I think I will miss the unique views of Firehawk, but other than that, I'm ok with Dinos being extinct. For me, it had its moment in the sun, but I'm totally ok with it being gone (and this is coming from a guy who doesn't handle change well). This picture pretty much sums it up: EDIT: However, that being said, I'm curious to see what goes here, especially since Dinos' extinction was so publicized.

So, I did end up ending my season on Bat (front seat) and it was a great dusk ride!

Good to know, @Gannersdaddy! Also, a DJ at KI (in general, not just during Haunt) would be amazing. I remember standing in Millennium Force's line once upon a time and hearing a DJ crank out some music while guests waited. Some time ago, that went away and I'm not sure why.

Parking lot looked crowded when I drove by; is it really busy? Also, are the roamers out and about tonight?

After going thru Wolf Pack last night, I actually saw a few of them getting ready to head out (I recognized the skull-faced guy as he's usually the greeter every time I've gone thru Backwoods). I really love that the roamers went to the mazes last night as it was nice to see some (other) familiar faces in Bored to Death, Slaughter House and Madame's. EDIT: It was rumored that Evil Santa was there (specifically, in Urgent Scare), but alas, I did not see him (and Undertaker told me he wasn't there). Still had a blast, though!

Ok, so after riding Diamondback last night, I think I'll have to end this season on The Bat (provided it's open tomorrow).

In the car line now. And that's a great way to think of the weather (as a trial run for Winterfest), @jtro223!

That is a great question- I'm guessing it will either be Bat or Diamondback (as I'm considering switching it up this year).

@Voicetek: I waited about 2 and 1/2 hours for Mystic that night (yes, I believe I got off either close to or after midnight), but I heard reports of longer waits. EDIT: Also, I think I got there around 7:30/8 PM that night (as I went to KI from work).

(for Haunt) Generally, Friday night's crowds aren't as bad as Saturday night's crowds. However, the most crowded day I've experienced was this year's Passholder Preview Night. Oh. My Gosh. That was the most crowded I had seen the park ever! I remember driving thru the parking lot thinking There can't be this many passholders! However, I did get to ride The Bat as well as score a new coaster credit (Mystic Timbers), so there's that. EDIT: Also, the above pictures are why I avoid Saturday Haunt nights. The only exceptions were when I was working Haunt (as a Sweep) and that one night a few weeks ago where I only went through Slaughter House once and left (but I had been there most of the day prior to Haunt starting).

I didn't think Club Blood had a Skeleton Key, but I was just checking as the phrase sounded like one won the shot glass from Skeleton Key or something.

Super-random question: Did Club Blood have a Skeleton Key room (and by extension, what year did Skeleton Key start)? I only ask as I bought a shot glass that says "I took a blood shot at Kings Island" and I was wondering what this was in reference to.

Overall, my favorite is Slaughter House- I know the house so well (and I'm sure a lot of them know me lol), and it's great to see Sam (aka @XGatorHead 8904) do his thing in Skeleton Key. Besides Slaughter House, I've been pleasantly surprised with Urgent Scare as it has certainly improved since last season. I feel like it's scarier this season as last season it was just . Another maze that his piqued my interest this year is Bored to Death, as I was impressed with the theming when I went thru two Fridays ago. On the lower end of things, I was disappointed by Backwoods as there weren't as many "critters" in there this year as last year. I really enjoyed that maze last year and still love the theming, however, it feels like a glorified walk through Tower Gardens at times. Also, Blackout is still the scariest thing ever, so there's that (combine a fear of the dark and and you get Blackout...). Thankfully, @Magenta Lizard accompanied me this year, so it wasn't as bad as last year's adventure through the dark. EDIT: All other mazes were somewhere in the middle, with a shoutout to Carnevil for being super trippy with those glasses!