MDMC01

I'll be there later on tonight after work. There's actually a group of people meeting up tonight, so feel free to join in: KIC members typically meet at the rightmost turnstile (there should be a trashcan there) before open.

I don't know that there's a beginner's maze per se (like the toned down version of Hexed at Cedar Point*), but I guess the least intense maze that I can think of would be Bored to Death. Previously, I would have said Carnevil, but . Also, don't go thru Blackout, it's the worst (seriously!). Honestly, I think it's about exposure to the environment. I used to work for the park, and the first night I worked Haunt (as a Sweep), I was terrified. Now, I love going to Haunt and enjoy seeing my Scareactor friends (especially Sam and a certain Rivertown Roamer) and making new ones, even if I do get a little startled/scared in the process! And if you're up to it, try Slaughterhouse. It may be a bit intense and gorey at points, but I love hanging out with my favorite family of butchers! *Note: I have never been to Halloweekends, I'm just giving that example based on what I've heard*

Thanks for sharing the Firehawk news montage SonofBaconator! Fun Fact: I believe that video seen is actually animation for Stealth, a very similar coaster that is now Nighthawk at Carowinds. I actually went to the announcement back in the day and I remember questioning if it was going to have barrel rolls or corkscrews (as the video showed corkscrews while I heard it would have barrel rolls).

Thanks for getting my attention, @SonofBaconator ! In reference to gforce's comment about The Bat queue, I'm not sure what could realistically be put back there as The Bat has such a unique layout. The only thing I could see is an attraction to the left of The Bat's station, near that maintenance road that the ride swoops around. the line could either start at The Bat's current exit or the path (current Bat's queue) that crosses high above the maintence road and ends with that FunTV/ old overflow queue was. Another option could be that a "lower level" could be build for attractions under The Bat, though that may destroy the beauty/serenity of the area. A third option I just thought of would be to severely shrink SOB's old queue (now Wolf Pack's overflow queue) and put a flat in that space. Specifically, I was thinking something like Crows' Nest at Holiday World (and how it complements Thunderbird), but any compact flat (such as an Enterprise or something to that degree) could be put there. However, I think the area would be ok to be left as is and any expansion should be as unobtrusive as possible. EDIT: Also, @gforce1994, I think the area behind Mondo would be a fantastic place to expand Soak City. I don't know how the terrain is out there, but that would be amazing to have a few slides out there and then have that area connect with the Lazy River area (or even by Zoom Flume, fka Rushing River).

Looks like the guy on the back of the shirt has his hair caught in the Effial Tower lol

@SonofBaconator: I agree with your ideas about Firehawk; great ride, but the line placement's kinda just... there (and very bare). It doesn't help that it's out in the middle of nowhere, but at least FOF has awesome theming indoors. The next newest (oldest?) Cedar Fair installation, Diamondback, works because it's close to the midway and nestles under the track before leading to the station. Although The Bat is sorta out in the middle of nowhere as well (I even had a dream one time that exaggerated the length of The Bat's queue!), the line snakes out of Action Zone and once you go under the bridge, it opens up into this beautiful forest, after which you bear left and go down and then up some stairs into the station. Maybe it's due to nostalgia and I love The Bat so much, but its out of the way location just works for me. Basically, for me, Bat's queue > Firehawk's queue as the latter is bunched up and secluded while the former is sprawling and set in a more pleasing natural environment.

That would be great; one orange and grey shirt, please!

Yes please; I know I would! I also love the idea of color options, I feel like I'd get White, Grey, Forest Green or Orange.

There is a thread discussing this very topic here: EDIT: Not sure why it linked to my post specifically, but nevertheless, the link to the existing thread is above.

I really hope this acquisition doesn't spell the end for the KI location of Tom + Chee. I mean, Chic-Fil-A and Chicken Shack co-exist; why can't Skyline and (Gold Star owned) Tom + Chee? Tom + Chee always does a fantastic job making my Grilled Cheese just the way I like it (Classic, lightly toasted) and keeps it real unlike some places (*cough* Bob Evans *cough*). It would be a huge loss for me to see them go, but there's still LaRosas, Chicken Shack, Subway and Smokehouse...

As everyone else has said, great interview; glad the instrumental music will be making a return next year! Also, that's unfortunate that they won't leave the Dino (less) trail open next year, and it's also interesting that he said that they'll focus in other areas of the park first before tackling the Dinos area. Thirdly, I like the Haunt Opening Ceremony and how they did something different to release the monsters for Haunt (as it was mentioned in the interview that some preferred the Wall of Monsters). Finally, I'm glad International Restaurant will be open to the public for Winterfest (also, may have to try that Monkey Bread)!

Good to know that the roamers were invading the other mazes during the rain storm (and also, that Slaughter House was rolling on all cylinders!). For the few times there was inclement weather during Haunt, I saw some roaming Festhaus (but this may have been a few years ago). Also, while driving home from work (during the end of said rain storm, mind you...), I passed KI and thought about the fate of the roamers (as well as those in Backwoods) during this weather.

Well, it would be ok without it... Besides, one could choose not to wear the goggles and experience the ride in all it's non-VR/AR awesomeness! But yeah, that would be breaking that rule lol

Ok. Sometimes it's hard to tell which room represents which game...

That would be cool, but we shall see... -MDMC, who knows nothing, but is speculating like everyone else...

@timfsu2k: Probably because they want to discourage people from going out to their cars, having certain beverages, and then coming back in? Someone else could maybe better answer this question better (@malem or @IndyGuy4KI?). Also, I have a question: I went thru Bored to Death twice last night as I was impressed by the maze's detail/theming with all the games. However, I was wondering: what game is in the third room (before Battleship?)? I know it has a troll thing and looks to have ladders, but Chutes and Ladders is right around the corner, so it can't be that). Finally, I had a great time last night, saw Hot Blooded for the first time (so much talent!) and was brave and did Blackout first thing (thank you again @Magenta Lizard for coming with me!). Also got to hang out with Sam and his crazy family (they even had me do the Hokey Pokey! ) as well as having Madame's mostly all to myself, which threw an interesting element of being alone and trying to escape into the mix!. Urgent Scare and Field of Screams were also good, and I highly recommend staying with the group- the folks in the corn maze do not like you exploring their corn field- trust me! Finally, I did all the mazes in one night, which was cool.

Bored to Death was like a minute-ish. Killmart was about a 5 minute wait, though the line looked long. Currently in line for FOF and the attendant said it woukd be 15 minute wait. Saucer has no switchbacks.

Now waiting for Hot Blooded, but Backwoods was like 10 minutes, Urgent Scare had pretty much no wait (walked on in). WindSeeker was a cycle wait. Longest line thus far was Field of Screams, but that's because I got there before it opened (7:30ish).

To follow up on TombRaiderFTW's post (and upon looking at my own earlier post), AR (Augmented Reality) on roller coasters would be a very interesting concept, especially on The Bat or Adventure Express. However, I still may have reservations about trying it as I'm slow/resistant to change.

Regarding that picture, yes, we know that "Premature Christmas Decorating" is an issue, but to put in the time and effort to go out and actually protest against early Christmas decorations? I think that's a little extreme...

I remember Swan Lake. I also remember this small stage in Rivertown- did Diamondback replace said stage (I also believe this was where Cut-Throat Cove was for FearFest?)?

And interestingly enough, both SFWOA/Geagua Lake and Kentucky Kingdom closed down since then, and only one has fully re-opened. Full Disclosure: I love the idea of SFWOA, but I just find it interesting that both of former Six Flags parks that were used to try to compete with KI during the 90's and early 2000's closed in the mid-2000's.

First, let me welcome you to KIC; we are an awesome community of people who love theme parks, especially Kings Island. Next, in answer to your questions: 1. As much as I love Kings Island, when I went to Hersheypark 2 years ago, that was so much fun. It had it all: a theme park with some awesome coasters, a waterpark, and even a mini-zoo. So yeah, Hershey wins in my book. 2. Favorite wood: Lightning Racer at Hersheypark- that was probably one of the single most fun coasters I've ever been on. Pro Tip: IMO, Lightning (on the right of the station) is better. Also, ride in the back! Favorite Steel: Maverick at Cedar Point. That coaster is just insane, what with the airtime and abrupt transitions. The 2 inversions just feel like filler. 3. No, I was too young. However, I know there were a few attractions that took it's place, like the Eurobungy, Eurobubbles and the Dinosaurs Alive party plaza area. 4. Yes, I have. It was much better with the loop. And was it better than The Beast? Not really sure, however, The Beast's helix finale (especially the outdoor portion) gives me good flashbacks to my times riding Son of Beast as it had this huge helix on the far end called the Rose Bowl. Speaking of the Rosebowl, that was probably the roughest part. Also, Mean Streak was worse than SOB on its roughest days. 5. Wood: Mean Streak (see question #6). 6. Don't know if I have a top 5, but Skyrush at Hershey and Wild Mouse at Dorney were pretty bad (come at me bro lol). In all seriousness, Skyrush looks great, but it's not worth the hype as the restraints really crush your legs and thighs. And Wild Mouse at Hershey was just a disaster- rough and painful transitions everywhere! As for wood, I'd easily say Mean Streak, especially this one time where it jackhammered (was really rough) really bad on the way up from the first drop and I was lucky to be alive. The Racer (at Kings Island) has also gotten rougher over the years, but that's nothing compared to Mean Streak. It was lumberingly slow on its best days and super rough on its worst. 7. Wild Mouse at Hershey, see above. EDIT: Thank you @malem for reminding me about the painfulness of Iron Wolf. Yeah, that might be a better answer for #7. That was probably the most headbanger coaster I've been on (but to be fair, I think I was closer to the back); thank goodness it was (sorta) put out of its misery.

I have heard that Adrian Young (from the band No Doubt) is part of Street Drum Corps - has he ever played at Kings Island (via Blood Drums, that is)? Also, the Blood Drums crew is super awesome- they remembered me from last year's show(s)! Also, I am curious on how the girl mastered working with spinning fire (like, what was the process from spinning batons to working up to spinning fire)? TL:DR- Has Adrian Young ever played with Blood Drums as KI and what was the fire twirler's process to working up to spinning fire?

lol. I was just wondering as it seemed darker a few times when I went thru. However, these times occurred when the house first opened for the night (for example, this darkness occurred the first time I went thru on Opening Night (which was within 15 minutes of open) and when I was part of the first group to go thru this past Saturday), so maybe they hadn't adjusted the lighting quite yet. When I went thru for the second time on Opening Night, it was back to the regular (brighter) lower light level that I'm used to.