DJSkyFoxx

Me too. It's definitely different to see. I'll report back some time after the experience!

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/masonsymphonyorchestra/2000992 Saw this come across their story feed on IG. Thought this seemed pretty unique. Bought two tickets for my lady and I as we were both pretty sick this past weekend and didn't get to do anything for Valentine's Day. So this will make up for it. Pretty cool!

Right. And that has been my personal vote of choice since Vortex's removal would be a Vekoma new-gen looper of some variety

I often wonder what a retracked Vortex would be like. Fresh track, fresh paint and in a dream world, new trains ( preferably the new Vekoma trains used on their current sit-down loopers ). And just think-with the awesome light packages those new Vekoma trains have that could have really made a statement for Vortex while it went up the lift hill and slithered through it's twisted steel structure. That alone would have really brought on some excitement for riders and bystanders alike, especially at night! I really believe that would have revived the classic coaster for long-time fans who quit riding or rode maybe once a year and it would have made new fans for up and coming thrill-seekers. Vortex was really such a good solid middle ground coaster. Thrilling enough for the adrenaline junkies but with a height requirement that met new thrill seekers at a more modest standard so more people could get in on the action.

Funny how that sort of behavior leads to being kicked out and followed up with a trespassing violation in retail big box stores, but then this sort of behavior seems to get a pass while at an amusement park I really can't understand why grown adult humans resort to this sort of tantrum/bully behavior thinking it makes them appear better or know better than the literal employee running the ride...like chill out. It really ain't that deep. Not to mention, just upon visual inspection of the ride cars you can tell there is absolutely no way 6-7 people could fit in there both comfortably and safely but hey.

I hope to see more of these kinds of posts going forward. I agree that it is refreshing to see because it gives the feeling of the park being "human" instead of corporate. Not trying to get cozy with the idea of course, but if we see more of these kinds of posts it'll be such a breath of fresh air. Hoping they will also make a post for Invertigo too.

Every year it feels like they are restructuring the pass system and causing more confusion for pass holders of all kinds. I initially thought that as someone who purchased their pass during the MVP sale that my pass was going to be upgrade to Prestige, but then I re-read the article and confirmed that here. Although I wonder how many system glitches there could potentially be where those who bought their pass during the MVP sale get upgraded anyhow? And for those who bought Prestige passes already, I feel bad because there is nothing being upgraded or amended for them. I truly miss how simple it used to be to buy a pass and there weren't so many nuances along the way. Just when I feel like I have an understanding of how it works, they change it up again. And now I wonder how they will go about selling the pass add-ons. As in, will there be one set of add-ons for Silver passes? One set of add-ons for Gold passes ( regional only add-ons or APP level add-ons ) and then Prestige level add-ons? It's just. A lot. I realize they want so badly to seem like they are simplifying stuff, but instead they seem to be creating more confusion, questions and frustrations.

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.