DJSkyFoxx

I always thought with Indy being the "racing capital of the world" they could really phone that in and build an amazing IndyCar themed park. I feel that could be really successful, especially during race season.

If they did that I would absolutely make sure to make it the most awkward situation ever. Straight eye contact, chewing slowly but aggressively, a few growls maybe. Assert dominance.

And to be fair, the GP usually doesn't even know the make/model of the rides they ride nor do they often care. They just want to have fun. Those of us with this hobby/special interest care about specs, make/model, etc because it is just that. A hobby/special interest.

I realize there are other Vortex's out there from the former Taft/Paramount properties, but our Vortex was iconic in its own right to where I think the fan base out here would appreciate a 2.0 of the beloved coaster. Sure, if a new and better name were chosen I wouldn't be hurt over it. I just think that if they were to reuse the name it wouldn't be frowned upon especially if the ride lived up to/exceeded it's former.

They used to...

Or just keep it simple and open a new looper and just reuse The Vortex name. Its a household name and it leans into the park's affinity for nostalgia. The park has now had two Bat coasters, while the current one was not originally named that upon its opening, it still bears the name of a historic landmark coaster. And we are literally getting an updated Phantom Theater which bears the same name + some extra verbiage. I think older fans would appreciate the nod and the new generation would have their own Vortex to grow up with.

The chain/park does have an opportunity to do something amazing though. While I realize we've gotten smaller additions the last few years, if 2027 were our year for a major installation, that would mark the 40th anniversary for Vortex if it were still standing. That would make for an incredibly awesome way to honor a classic while also giving us the much anticipated big coaster. One can dream.

And here we are 6 years later and this horse has been more than beaten to death...

I only attended WF twice this season, however, both times I really enjoyed it. I felt like it was more flushed out throughout the park this year. Of course, there is always room for improvement and growth as is with any event, but my overall takeaway is that the park did a wonderful job this year and I am grateful that we have this event in a time when other parks have lost their WF or never had one to begin with. I hope that we can continue to enjoy WF in the years to come and see more improvements and experiences added along the way. Also I want to add that the two holiday meals that my partner and I had were really good and we enjoyed the offerings.

I will say, regardless, it truly is amazing how many of our coasters have stood the test of time when others have been long gone. I may not be a big fan of FoF in how it currently rides, but if they were to do any serious upgrades or refurbishments to it I would be happy and pleased to see them invest in what is sort of a cornerstone ride within the park. And regardless of how negatively most folks feel about Invertigo, I know I am one of a few who still love the ride-especially since I know the best seats for me personally are the outermost seats that don't face anyone. I'm glad it's still here and that they are investing in keeping it around for however much longer. Thankful they have put money into keeping Monster around. Not sure what other things they are going to repair/upgrade but of course The Beast is getting more love. We really are lucky that despite all the cuts, our park still gets a lot of love and TLC when others have made cuts. It's a sad state of affairs to have to use this sort of language as I wish all parks invested and cared for their rides as well as KI does, but alas. I might also mention I really hope the next ride to get some serious love is Banshee. She really needs a fresh coat of paint.

I wouldn't be mad if they did an overhaul. From a nostalgic perspective, I am fond of it in aesthetics and past memories only. But today in 2025 going into 2026, I tend to skip it all together unless I'm with someone who really is set on riding it or there is absolutely no line and I'm bored. In its current state I find it to be rough and boring. If they updated from LIM to LSM that would be a pretty significant upgrade ( and I imagine would be more efficient overall ) and seriously new trains would be a blessing. It's not the actual seats themselves that bother me so much as the rigid unforgiving axels the trains have. This thing tracks like absolute trash compared to newer coasters that have trains with far more articulation that give for a smoother and more natural feeling ride. But the newer style seating/restraints wouldn't be a bad thing either for this coaster along with articulation within the train itself. Some extra boost, comfortable trains and some refurb on the track would liven this thing up a lot and would absolutely make this coaster a must ride for me instead of the "eh, I'll pass" ride it is for me today.

Sometimes when I look at a photo of Monster like the one above, I appreciate how complex the ride is, especially considering the time from which it came. I realize its complexity is also kind of its downfall in some areas, but really its such a fascinating hunk of machinery for how old it is. I will be glad to hear all the little motors whirring in sync again next season!

Not to mention how incredibly selfish it is to expect staff to drive and work in the horrible conditions that occurred over the weekend! People tend to forget that entertainment is a privilege and not a necessity. Its one thing being a first responder/hospital staff or any other kind of care giver/response team, but entertainment is not necessary when the weather is crap. People are so self centered. I'm glad the park was closed all weekend because firstly and foremostly, staff didn't need to worry about commuting and showing up during a LEVEL 2 snow emergency, let alone guests. And people in this city already suck at driving when the pavement is 100% dry let alone when there is snow or ice on the ground. Please just stay home and make your own fun . Watch some POVs and make some holiday cookies/food and make your own entertainment. Stay the heck off the roads and be mindful of your privilege! Rant over.

Love to see this. Also would love to see the lights return to the "head" of the Monster. Otherwise I've always said it looks like a giant trash can without them

I concur strongly with your first sentence. It's challenging to feel patriotic and celebratory in the climate and state of affairs happening here. I wish I felt differently as I'm sure a lot of folks do. You wanna have pride in your country, but alas. I wish I could feel excited about this historical merch but I don't. And besides, just wait until near the end of the season next year and this stuff will probably still be a-plenty and will be on a clearance rack.

Meanwhile Netflix is out here like "we can't afford to let you share your account with your mom but we can absolutely afford a proposal to acquire Warner Bros"

There are many things I am looking forward to trying such as the Crème Brûlée funnel cake. However, I do have to laugh at the park stating they have "famous cinnamon pull-apart bread". Since when has KI ever been known for this treat? That's a Herschend thing.

Agreed. As much I enjoy going to Winterfest every year, who's to say what this year will be like? Sorta reminds me of tipping before receiving your food/drink orders.

Thanks for everyone's input. Its something I am considering so I appreciate the feedback!

Has anyone actually paid the ticket price for the International Restaurant NYE dinner celebration? If so, was it worth it?

At this exact moment I have not bought the season long FL for my pass yet ( and am not sure quite yet if I am going to as I have a few other things I may need to focus on...but I have a few more months to see what happens before I decide ) But as someone who has had all season Fast Lane, I have bought it and may consider buying it again for a couple of reasons. For one, it makes my park trips less stressful. No matter what the crowds are, I know I will get to ride what I want and not be stuck in line. I hate waiting in long lines which leads to point 2) I genuinely cannot handle the long lines anymore. People are far too unpredictable and kids are so poorly behaved that it just causes far too much discomfort for me to want to stand and wait more than 10 minutes for a coaster I've ridden countless times. It comes down to comfort and safety for me and the ones I go with. Going to the parks is something I enjoy doing to relieve stress, not obtain more.

Part of me is glad that Delirium was never movie themed as it was one less ride to have to try to adjust to calling another name/watch be de-themed. I do, however, miss the old color scheme it had. It was brighter and just popped more. Delirium was a brand new ride when I made my first return visit to the park as a young teen since my small childhood, so it will always be special in the sense that it stands as a landmark of when my park/coaster/ride obsession really took off.

My lady and I got to the park before 2PM yesterday and we were disappointed that we didn't get a chance to hit all the B&Ms once more before they were done for the season. But alas, they were down. Much of the park was honestly very dismal yesterday. However, I did get a first ever experience with getting a bit of a snowy ride on Delirium for the first time ever. That was something. That was the only ride going in Action Zone. Most of the flats were running and Racer/MT/FoF were of course going as they would during WF. We noticed a lot of the eateries were breaking down for the season and really just as a whole, the park felt like it might close earlier than 7 due to the weather getting marginally worse and the overall crowds being non-existent. I will say the $2 sale inside the gift shop by the entrance by the lockers was a nice surprise. We got a few mugs, cups and a magnet. Granted they were Orion overstock, still can't beat $2!

I have no shame in saying SC is truly my #1 coaster right now. It's just pure fun from start to finish. This ride does everything so well and it doesn't have to be the biggest/baddest in the world to do it right. And TT2 is just such a great rush and really is fantastic, but SC feels like a more complete experience with the extra details and the on-board audio and that's what really gives it the winning edge (as you also mentioned) along with the fact that this thing is just so incredibly smooth. I've been crossing all my fingers that KI will put a new Vekoma in Vortex's plot for so long. The idea that it could be a big possibility has me even more excited after experiencing this beautiful coaster. And thanks @IndyGuy4KI ! I'm glad you enjoyed them as well. Looking forward to taking some more laps on these next year!

I've watched a few closing day videos on YT and it was sad to see. That was someone's home park and its always sad when people lose their happy place. Also I'm sure you all saw that ridiculous video of the guest gaining access to Batwing's cat walk I really hope that was worth it to him to get arrested for.