brenthodge

You mean for the “street part” that doesn’t move?? The marketing pictures- while from KI along with the description of this clearly indicated it was at least INTENDED to be more similar to the KI moveable party. This must’ve been a late in the game cut where they just rolled the float units out and combined the parade expense with the stage show and cut the parade “street party” idea.

Ok. Two (and yes I knew about that one, but since a water station is right there didn’t bother to mention it since technically there is water right there

This is why I get so tired of certain people who moderate other groups calling me out on being “weird” or negative because I often bring up things I observe, but almost always offer what could be a possible solution or lower cost way to achieve what I’m seeing as a shortcoming. I don’t ask for the moon without suggesting a way to build the ladder to get there.

Most do. Chicken shack I no know doesn’t, but almost bc all others do.

True that. It will be very interesting to see how the next few years shape up with Herschend and their new growth. Hopefully the "Dolly DNA" mixed with their own core values will keep them on the path they have been on these past few years.

Another great view into what really sets some companies apart from others.

Nope. Crickets.

Something bigger to consider with this merger. Ohio businesses like ScenicSolutions that were contracted for things like Kings Island's 50th celebration items and Cedar Points 150th parade and stage, most likely won't be enlisted now as 1) They are no longer an Ohio-based company and 2) they will be doing less of these things like a major 50th anniversary event. https://scenicsolutions.com/pf/kings-island-golden-celebration/ https://scenicsolutions.com/pf/cedar-points-150th-anniversary-the-parade/

I feel they have been strategic with the landscaping this year. Yes, there’s a lot more (if there’s time, weeded) mulch only beds, but there are some very nice, very visible plantings, like the new (I think) troughs by brew house. I feel like they know they don’t have the budget to try to hit everything, so instead of a lot of weak plantings all over, they are focusing on a few “hero” plantings for the most bang.

Agree with all of this. I truly feel like the 50th was the capstone on what KI was. It went through some dark days as Paramount and early CedarFair, but that experience was so close to a time capsule, that it felt like the true closing of a good book -not even a chapter. I think everything that has and will come after is KI only in name. Sadly, I think we are at a “new beginning “ of something less than it was and will be again.

I feel so bad for this community, their loyal fans and all those that have made memories at Kings Dominion over the past 50 years. While I thought they’d probably get a lot of our recycled shows and entertainment, I’ve been blown away how minimal their offerings are for this milestone year. Makes you REALLY appreciate Mike Koontz and the entire local AND corporate team for the unbelievable effort that went into our 50th. 4 original shows, two with live bands, a MAJOR nightly closing show that literally redefined what nightime shows looked like at the park, a parade??! I told Koontz in all honesty that what they assembled was more respectful and celebratory of the park and its fans than ANYTHING Disney did for their 50th. Laser and bubble shows are “fine” for a normal park on a normal year, but for the “return of shows in the KD theatre” it’s… bubbles? Im struggling rescheduling the trip there that I had to cancel next week. I’m just not feeling as compelled as I was when I was so looking forward to going. (And I’ve been “written up” for being negative on their little FACEBOOK fan page. Guess it runs in the family.)

YES - Feel this each time I go to Dollywood. I used to think the paper cup options was silly.... till I had it. SO much easier especially solo trips.

thats in The Vortex spot - the moose out front shoulda told ya

I think the crappy grass is a big part of it. That area would've been PERFECT for a large, tent-like shade structure with synthetic grass under it. Then existing infrastructure from the Shooting Star could be expanded into 3-4 permanent "flex spaces" for food and bev for festivals. Back a small stage up to the showplace to possibly use the backstage infrastructure of that for festival entertainment. Then DING DING DING there's nothing wrong with the bell where it always was.

Maybe they can repurpose all the tomb raider theming so they don’t have to get rid of any of it. Would be a shame for it to wind up in the wrong hands!

Oh you. Poke poke poke!

This isn’t “your thread” it’s an open forum to discuss ideas and thoughts , but if you are so incensed about the parks- why wait till 2026? Just walk away now and make a real statement! (unless you are waiting on your cheesecake)

I see you have similar feelings on all the threads you comment on.

Nothing that you’ve said was tough to explain really is. I think we all get what you are saying with each of your posts. Thanks for moving forward and adding new ideas to the discussion though. You’ve got some good ideas!

Not necessarily. Some things yes, if they feel it will boost pass sales. Some things they may wait till off season to announce.

There’s been no confirmation it’s a madhouse. As to how themed it would be is irrelevant discussion right now.

I’m assuming that would be demoed with the rest of the parts of the building they weren’t reusing for the new attraction. They’d most likely demo and dispose of it to keep it from falling into the wrong people’s hands.

And actually adding compelling content to the ongoing narrative, not just beating the same personal dead horse over and over.

EXACTLY. Pointless to even do this. MAYBE use things like this to drive attention and attendance to the FOOD and wine festival. If you want to keep it “day of” cool. Kinda weird, but it’s a hook. They should’ve been marketing for the last few weeks “as part of our FOOD and wine festival, our delicious Chef’s Specials return on Saturday and Sunday evenings ( I’d suggest maybe just Friday as a way to drive attendance on a slower day) Follow us here to see what pops up. Special are so special, they won’t be announced until 4 for service beginning at 5 and only while it lasts” but hey… I’m no marketing genius!!! I remember a few years ago when these were announced days in advance, actually planning trips I hadn’t planned to the park just to get them - not accidentally stumble onto them. I honestly thing someone totally dropped the ball. Forgot to push anything out. Perez was setting up and anyone with a phone realized “oh sh!/, we never advertised this” took a quick picture and stuck it out there as “Try it Now!!” Sent it to Jim’s in box and hoped for the best.

Hey - I think you mentioned this before! Tell us you have NO idea how to run a muti-park chain with different products aimed at different target audiences with different spending, pr cap and market penetration goals - oh right... you already have OVER AND OVER