Joshua

"The air is eerily clear" makes me think of The Vortex. Assuming "big" doesn't refers to its place in park history, the Vortex has been a major staple at the park for decades. If removed, it would be an end of era. It also makes me think of WindSeeker, but that doesn't fit the "big" clue. At least, to me it doesn't. Firehawk, however, isn't something I ride as often. It's never been something I would wait for if I can walk right onto rides like The Beast, Diamondback, Banshee, and Mystic Timbers. If gone, I wouldn't miss it as much as Vortex. As far as The Beast theory goes, nah, I don't think it's going anywhere. I doubt the Son of Beast headstone is any indication of the ride that's leaving the park, except that this ride will be joining it in death.

Universal's are top notch because they are able to use their IP, as well as obtain licenses to films/shows such as Poltergeist, Halloween 4, and Stranger Things. Universal is also a theme par and by all means a film studio first, the one that produced some of the most iconic monster movies of all time. So naturally, their theming should be incredible. Disney's too. I will say that I have been genuinely unimpressed by KI's mazes the few times I've experienced them. It seems I mostly get the characters during an awkward transition, where they are moving to a different part of the maze or not prepared yet for the next wave. But the overall atmosphere in the park, the smoke, the ambience, the music is amazing. Plus, I'm really just there for the rides. Last time I went to Land of Illusion, it was still called The Haunted Trail. I enjoyed it back then, but since it's been branded a "Scream Park," the prices have gone up, from what I understand. Since I am already paying for my pass, like $8 a month, Haunt is a considerably cheaper option.

Have you seen Last Man Standing? Tim Allen scoffs at everyone.

It's cool to see that footage, not just for the Skyride. That's the first I've ever seen of that flat ride in the background, photo or video.

I actually like Congo Falls where it is. I know it doesn't seem like it fits the theme*, but it's nice to have a water ride to cool off with on that side of the park. *The area is called Action Zone, as in the action/adventure genre. I'd argue a jungle-themed ride fits that theme with ease.

The world's longest, fastest, entirely upside down rollercoaster and a gift shop that sells memorabilia from the 2010s.

I never purchased a Skeleton Key. The experience sounds interesting, but not interesting enough to warrant spending the extra money. I find it a little odd that there was never a prize for such a complicated game on The Viewing. They could have offered a "Skip to the Front" pass for a random ride or at the very least, a voucher for the Jelly of the Month club.

The train attraction sounded really interesting to me. Unfortunately, I never got to experience it. I like Land of Illusion, but Halloween Haunt draws me in for two reason: I already have a Gold Pass with Kings Island, so it's convenient, and Kings Island has thrill rides, which I can intermix with mazes.

My experience has been that the people who complain about others being lazy the most are often the ones who do the least amount of work with the worst kind of attitudes.

I vaguely recall someone once saying the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack* would play in The Beast's line queue and everybody would start dancing. Can you dig it? *Or at least, "Staying Alive"

Mystic Timbers would be perfect for Stine. Does he still come to the park?

Stine hosted a Q&A on his Twitter the other day. I asked him if he ever thought about writing another Beast book. Unfortunately, he didn't answer it. It was worth a shot as I was interested in him saying something about the park and those books.

1. There aren't too many books about Kings Island's history. Would the park ever consider allowing someone like Images of America to publish a book, similar to their one about LaSourdsville Lake? 2. Has the park considered adding more random encounters in Mystic Timber's shed, such as aliens from Flight of Fear and The Beast's claws?

To be fair, the Jaws sequels have a cult following as well. Even though the last two films are terrible, I'd watch them over Sharknado. Now would I rather watch Sharknado than ride SOB again? I'm not sure.

This. There are rides in which I'd love to see make comebacks, Son of Beast isn't one of them. I much prefer the ride that's there now.

For me, The Beast is like the original Jaws. It's an unforgettable, wild adventure you want to relive and relive. Son of Beast was like Jaws 2, an okay experience that lived on the memories of the original, offered some thrills that satisfied a number of fans, but unfortunately was more of a shaky trip than a thrilling adventure. It could have been better. A lot better.

Goes without saying, but saying it anyways: no one is interested in poorly shot, handheld footage of you on a rollercoaster. People will just scroll past that. Put down your phone and enjoy the ride.* *The same goes for when you're in the movie theater. The world isn't your living room, so get over yourself.

A return of Der Spinnen Keggers would go a long way.

You are absolutely right. Tower Gardens is an even better spot than Coney Mall. I'd also like to see a flat or two return to the Oktoberfest area.

I can't picture a Ferris Wheel anywhere else in the park but Coney Mall. It'd be odd for either a FW or a Skyseeker to be in Rivertown. But a dark ride in The Crypt building...

While it technically makes more sense to re-work/adjust the theming at Boo Blasters to Phantom Theater 2.0 or another haunted dark ride, my dream is for it to go in The Crypt building if it were ever to happen.

Even as an adult, I loved that thing. It was very convenient for hot days. Most of my nostalgia is geared toward the Hanna-Barbera days. But as a kid, I did enjoy when they initially placed Nickelodeon in the park

I would love for KI to get a Ferris Wheel.

Good point. It wouldn't jive with the theming. Personally, I very rarely do the mazes, so I would prefer the building either converted into something permanent, like a restaurant or vender, or demolished altogether. Mazes, to me, are flexible fixtures. They can be moved around, re-designed, or switched out altogether based on the park's needs. I imagine not tearing down these buildings is more about cost effectiveness, especially when it comes to The Crypt. It's also possible they have other plans for the building. What if they plan on tweaking up Coney Mall a bit along with their new ride and just haven't announced it yet? I'm just thinking out loud here.

Keelboat Canal and Phantom Theater for me.