BlondyRidesOn

When the International Street renovation was announced and presented, I was most excited for the stenciling and emphasis on the International Street buildings being themed again. At one point I was extremely against a major change to the Royal Fountain, but I was more open to it when it meant that it would be *International* Street again. I actually welcomed the reimagined and more animated fountain with the LEDs. However, as time passes, I do miss old aspects of the original fountain and its grandeur. The pedestals added a unique character compared to the fountains at Kings Dominion and Canada's Wonderland as those two fountains had a more natural looking appearance coming straight from the pools from their initial introductions. That said, it was apparent that they were difficult to maintain as the rust streaks had to be repainted each year and marred their regal appearance in a way. For that, the water curtain that replaced them actually looks a little nicer. What I do think is missing is the grandiose appearance that came with the thicker cascade jets that ran along the sides coupled with the morning glory jets; 13 of each on both sides. The small vertical jets and finger nozzles add height and make the show dynamic possible, but they do look pretty dinky in comparison to what had been there for years. I don't know if it would be possible to have the nighttime and even daytime display setting with the old jets that were there though, but I miss that aspect the most.

I think it was a missed opportunity when planning Kings Mills Antique Autos to not place it in the Saltwater Circus lawn area and revive the Les Taxis name matching with International Street. Although it did bring a fresh feeling to the back of Coney Mall when it opened in 2019. The Tower Topics episode about Marathon/ Sunshine Turnpike and Don's comments about how the Turnpike and Antique cars both provided unique experiences from one another opens up the possibility of reviving the Turnpike. Maybe call it Der Autobahn to tie in the International Street theme.

In my free time, I had dreamed up a revamped International Street food line up, removing the corporate franchise foods and embracing more unique food items. I like the idea of adding new pavilions on International Street for an enhancement of the food offerings at the park. I am of the opinion that the new pavilions should be closer in proximity to the original Bruce Bushman designed buildings. Two countries that I have in mind for architectural representation on International Street is England/ Great Britain and China. The English building would be tucked next to Wishbone Grill at the Swiss building, utilizing and old English style facade which matches the Alpine lodge design of Wishbone and Starbucks while standing out on its own. This location would sell fish and chips as well as comfort foods like chicken tenders and fries for those with more limited options. With its location being in close proximity to Grain & Grill, families looking for healthy options can eat together without having to travel far for food items that some of the youngest members of the family can enjoy. By moving the chicken tenders out to a new location, G&G can focus on its original purpose to be more in line with its original Kings Dominion counterpart; being a healthy worldly international kitchen. The Chinese building would be located near the base of the Eiffel Tower next to the French building. Currently the site of a floral bed and a backstage entrance gate leading to the Park Services "cage" in the Boo Blasters building, the backstage entrance would be reworked and the area relandscaped to make way for the Chinese pagoda style building. This would be home to Mandarin Cuisine, a throwback name to the Chinese restaurant briefly located in the Swiss building where G&G currently resides in 2003. Authentic Chinese food would be sold here. However, knowing how popular Panda Express is at the park, an alternative idea would be to put Panda in this new pagoda structure and open a much needed second Skyline Chili location in the Festhaus. Below I have the basic rendering if what it would look like: Interestingly, on the topic of International Street's worldly theming, I'm surprised the pastry items at Sweet Spot aren't talked about in that regard as some of the items produced by the park's pastry team have very international inspirations; the banana biscoff pudding shared on KICentral's socials originates from Belgium and the trifles originate from Britain. Though minor, that would be a fantastic story telling opportunity; sweet treats from around the world.

As sad as it is to nonchalantly talk about cannibalizing a park, I second on Kings Island getting the NebulaZ! We need more flat rides. It can be put in Rivertown and themed to Peter's Cartridge Company or something along the lines of an early small industrial town. Coney Mall could benefit from it too, incorporating it into a Coney refurbishment. I can also see it in Area 72.

Granted they probably would not want to do this, but they could split the former Action Zone in half and eliminate the center seating area, annexing Delirium, Banshee and The Bat (If it sticks around) into Oktoberfest or even Adventure Port. Then the West side of Action Zone can be reimagined into a new themed area. I didn't add any new coasters, just drew the seperating lines between the areas to showcase the possibility of a split. Now granted, as I mentioned, it would mean the total removal of the shaded seating area, so there will need to be a way to remedy that loss. Perhaps more tables with umbrellas like on International Street. It is a bit tricky especially considering how well established Banshee is as a Kings Island coaster and not wanting to retheme it.

I know Kings Island is technically in Greater Cincinnati, but Dayton is not too far away. Dayton is the birthplace of aviation. Up at Carillon Park in Dayton, there's an exhibition about the Wright brothers; they even have the Wright Flyer on display. Why not an aviation themed area (I know Aeronautica Landing at Carowinds is kinda that)? They could tap further into Southwest Ohio's history and heritage with that kind of attraction.

On the topic of Monster, we all remember in Shake Rattle & Roll's case, that ride was completely removed in 2014 and returned in 2015 completely refurbished. Monster has not loaded all six tentacles in years due to weight distribution issues. It's also worth noting too that it still is unchanged from when it debuted at Coney Island in 1968 and is the last of the Coney flats that has not received a facelift with new paint and LED lighting. Shake Rattle & Roll (2015), Scrambler (2016), Dodgem (2017), and even The Racer for Winterfest in 2018 got multicolored LED uplights; Zephyr received some red and white LED bulbs and a new canvas tarp on top. Now a new player has entered into the Cedar Fair/ New Six Flags ring; Premier Rides. They're about to open AlpenFury at Canada's Wonderland in 2025 and will be legacy Cedar Fair's first collaboration with them. Why is this important? Premier Rides not only manufactures solid rides of their own, but they have proven to be top notch in ride restorations. For the 2024 season, Premier was contracted to fabricate new Arrow track for Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. For Kennywood's 2022 season, Premier refurbished and restored the Kangaroo, a last of its kind Norman Bartlett Flying Coaster flat ride. Is it possible that Premier Rides may be contracted to breathe new life into Monster, extending the life of this Old Coney classic? Time will tell. With that said though, with recent trends at new Six Flags, complete removal is not off the table and would not be surprising either.

I guess it's safe to say The Vortex replacement will not use the Shooting Star name? All joking aside, I'm very excited to see nods to old Coney throughout the park.

I remember the floral clock being inoperable much of last year. It's a shame as it's one of the most charming aspects of the park. I'd love to see more emphasis on landscaping in the coming years, like having each area feature their own unique plants and shrubbery. I feel like currently each area has the same plants when it would thematically go a long way if it differed between each area.

The arcade was repainted in 2020.

Maybe the 2026 family thrill attraction is going into the Salt Water Circus lawn? This could be a new themed area surrounding the Grand Carousel. Perhaps that's why it wasn't placed there?

Will this require the relocation or removal of the Living Liberty Bell? That has been in that location since Day 1 (I believe it was introduced for the 1976 Bicentennial). Another big concern is that it may block the views of the Grand Carousel from that midway.

My guess is that it's just the roof that will be changing colors. This is based on the image posted by the park where there seem to be no signs of painting near the supports and the cherubs. Based on this photo of Kings Dominion's Grand Carousel shelter, grabbed from Midwest Info Guide, the finished product may look something like this: Interestingly while Kings Island, Kings Dominion and Canada's Wonderland use the same design for their carousel structures, Kings Island's was the only one of the three with a seam roof. KD and CW have a solid smooth surface.

ICYMI, the 1926 Grand Carousel, relocated from Cincinnati's Coney Island for Kings Island's 1972 inaugural season, is getting reroofed. The new metal standing seams for the roof will be an aged copper/ patina color. Here is a Facebook post from the contractor doing the work: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1555h46yz4/

I remember the preshow where SpongeBob was in line and was reminiscing about his friends and his adventures in Bikini Bottom. It's too bad you can't find it on YouTube.