KIBeast

We may be going this weekend. Not real sure. If not, it will be after the Daytona trip.

Hmmm, think they're on to something? It has only lasted five years at that park. Not sure why they would think that the coaster is just being moved to another spot at Elitch Gardens. That wouldn't make much sense.

rcfreak, that looks like an insane ride. Wouldn't mind getting one of those!

No, the banking of KIBeast where everyone deposits and no one withdraws!

1) Der Spinnin' Keggers 2) Bayern Curve 3) HB Characters 4) Clown Band 5) Loop on SOB 6)The Bat (but with banking)

And to think, next year I'll finally have my day! I know Gary Boothe personally. He is very talented and entertaining. Makes great balloon items, often times with candy inside. He is also a magician and ventriloquist.

Not necessarily any names stated here. However, the creative minds behind ride names like Dominator and anythinghawk surely could come up with something clever.

I can somewhat agree on the amusement venue attributing to higher prices. However, the quality of other amusement venues seem much higher than what CF produces, so it's not really a valid arguement.

Obviously, what Kinzel (and Shapiro) thought about attendance going up due to people vacationing closer to home is not happening. Otherwise, why would they need discounts?

Well, in a word...no. I don't see a separate charge for BB until there is somewhere to stay on KI property. And no, GWL doesn't count. I mean something owned and operated by KI. Something within walking distance(which would leave out the KI INN).

Nice vid! Didn't seem all that shaky. Jasper, I rode Dominator several times over two seasons at Geagua Lake. I rode in the front seat and never really got the chopping effect. It seemed to me to be just like a regualr sit down with the exception of the floor gone. Dominator has some excellent speed and I really liked the interlocking corkscrews.

Over at coasterbuzz, Dave Althoff may have an explanation about the cable problems. As many of you may know, Dave knows his stuff. Here's what he had to say about the situation. This stems from a conversation he had with a former controls guy for Paramount, for an aerial tramway manufacturer, and for Arrow Dynamics. He was also very familiar with Intamin.

Yeah, I figured it wasn't really a lawnmower engine, but it sure sounds like it. And moves about as fast.

Let me start by saying that all of the brakes on any KI coaster were pre-Cedar Fair and perhaps some pre-Paramount. Also, Cedar Point hasn't added any new brakes on their coasters recently that I know of either. They have been there for quite some time. How any of that could be related to the SOB accident is way beyond me. Let me also say that some of the brakes are necessary. Talking Mid Course Brake Runs (MCBR's), they help break the coaster up into sections so that no trains collide with each other.

I say change the names. I don't care for them. It has nothing to do at all with Paramount's influence. Simple, eh?

^ I would agree with that sentiment. How anyone got hit by a train operating with a lawnmower engine is beyond me.

Operating undependably has nothing to do with safety, so I'm guessing you were making a stab at sarcasm.

I was going to say, when was this ride not safe? Just goes to show you that it appears that the people questioning the g forces on the ride were not aware that it had been in operation at a Six Flags park for a few years with no fatalities.

I think CP cannot be done in a day. There are so many coasters and rides, it takes at least two days. Early entry would definitely be a plus. However, I would not suggest queueing up for Maverick first thing as it still has some technical difficulties and from what I understand, if often opens later than the rest of the rides. I would go for Raptor, Millennium Force, or Top Thrill Dragster. Some lines that generally are not very long include Wicked Twister {may I suggest the very back seat} (never have seen a wait time longer than 30 minutes), maXair (about 1-2 cycles max), Cedar Creek Mine Ride (about 15-20 minutes). Don't miss the Geminii coaster. It races and you are close enough to the other train to slap hands with the other riders. It has some great air time and an awesome helix finale. Of course, there's also the legendary Magnum XL 200. Great air time and the bunny hops on the return give wicked ejector air time. Maverick is also extremely fun with the 95 degree first drop that makes you feel like it's going to toss you out of your seat, some great air time, and an awesome second launch through the tunnel. I thoroughly enjoyed Skyhawk. It looks and feels like a giant, air-powered swing set. If you like drop rides, Power Tower is pretty awesome in its' own right. Also, towards the front gate is Demon Drop. It's not as large as Power Tower, but has a gut wrenching drop. Corkscrew is fairly good...however, the corkscrew over the midway can't be beat. It's a nice place to take pics as well. As far as I know, Wild Cat is still down, which is a shame as I find it to be a very fun small coaster. If you like stand-up coasters, Mantis is pretty good. A great layout. However, be advised that I have heard many people complain of the comfort (or lack thereof) of the nether region (groin area). The Blue Streak is a classic out and back wood coaster that is filled with airtime. Very fun. The Mean Streak is a rather large wooden coaster towards the back of the park. I have read many complaints about its' roughness, however, I find it to be no rougher than The Beast. Its' wooden structure is certainly a sight to see. Well, I hope all that info. is of some use to you. Have a great time and please feel free to post a Trip Report afterward to let us know how you enjoyed Cedar Point.

I wouldn't mind seeing some sort of meeting calendar added to KIC. That would allow people to see who is going on what day and it could include a KIC day if that materializes.

I do not find the Son of Beast enjoyable in any way. I have ridden it 5 times in my entire life and I have made a vow to never ride it again. The last time I rode it i rode it in the second to front seat, and a came off holding my ribs, and another person said to his father: Now hows that for GP opinion. And don't give me this: "Well if you ride it in this seat it should be o.k" stuff. Any ride where you must ride in a certain seat is not a decent ride, because most of the GP doesn't know this and will get nailed. To address the question which has been bolded for my response... You and whomever else you heard is still only a small sampling of the GP's opinion. Show me a lot more and we could start to get somewhere. Not saying you are wrong, just saying that a few guests do not make up the majority of the GP's opinion.

Freakin' sweet! When you mentioned aerial shots in that other thread, I figured at least a week, not a couple of hours. Good job, Gabriel!

Was it the former site of the underground railroad?

Very cool, Nemo! I always look forward to your aerial photos. Of course, don't want to forget the times that Coach Bombay was involved.

I don't know when KI was in the coaster race exactly, but it was during the Paramount years. I think the part of the race that they were in was the -est business as in tallest or fastest or onlyiest( ) and not coaster count. I remember Sieffert stating that they were not going to be in the coaster race any more and instead, would focus more on "family friendly" attractions. Hence the reason that Italian Job was built and not something more thrilling. I have to concede, after hearing your story about Waldameer, your arguement seems a bit stronger now. It's not that I didn't believe you, I just wanted to hear strong arguements to make your case and I think you did just that. It's what I like about a good debate.