KIBeast

It does look like another winner. I've never been on a B&M hyper.

Funny you should say that. I sent Lance an e-mail telling him that it looks like he gets his "inside" information from the KIC boards to which he replied that he didn't have enough time to read message boards. Of course, that doesn't mean one of his "inside" sources doesn't.

Cool. I think I will. I can't wait until they open again. I haven't been on Big Dipper in over 10 years. Same goes for all of their rides. I've been putting it off for way too long. They do seem to be really nice folks. The lady I spoke to about the bumper cars was just genuinely nice. I'll do a photo TR if I can get this to happen.

I agree, between Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Geauga Lake, CP has the worst bathrooms. I mention those three as the only parks I've visited other than Camden. Haven't been there in years, so I wouldn't want to comment on that. Although, from looking through the fence, Camden is looking pretty spiffy these days. Need to get over there and take some pics. Wonder how hard it would be to get in there during the off-season to take pics? Of course, I mean with permission. Would loved to have taken some winter pics with snow everywhere.

I kinda made a connection to drinking the Kool-Aid (obviously served by Kinzel) to Jim Jones and the Flavor-Aid. Off topic...Do you know why there are no Jim Jones jokes?...the punch lines are too long!

The Kool-Aid? Is that a reference to Jim Jones?

I've been there a few times and have not had a bad experience yet, other than waiting for Maverick to open for about an hour and a half in the morning. Gturner 94, why don't you tell us with a little more detail about what you liked or disliked about Cedar Point? The food, the atmosphere, the service and how well you liked or disliked the 17 coasters there.

I think all of the rides are still there.

That's awesome that Coney Island is getting 3 new rides. And here I thought most of the tumblebug type rides have disappeared. I know that Kennywood has one, but not sure if there are more.

The misters would be at the top of my list. After that, more shaded queue lines. A paint job for Flight Deck.

And I have seen at least three different answers myself. I would call KD and see if someone can confirm whether or not you get VIP benefits at other CF parks.

Not correct. Not even close. OK, then who was injured on The Racer? Never heard that one.

You are correct, but I hear there's nothing to brag about CP's dorms. I've been told that they are in horrible condition. But, that is the reason they get more international employees I'm sure.

Yeah, Groundhog day was really funny! Spring can't get here fast enough for me. Need that rollercoaster fix soon! Gordon, of course you know the groundhog is right. If you think about it, it's common sense. Six weeks after February 2nd is only two weeks into March, which is usually the time that winter ends anyway.

In this weather no. Also keep in mind that right now flying is very expensive. If you think $40 to fill up your car tank is a lot, just think about what the bill would look like for an airplane. Right now I am sorry to say the only means of viewing KI from the air is by my old photos and satellite maps. I work at an airport, so I know exactly how expensive it is to fly. For 36.7 gallons of 100 Low Lead fuel, it costs $175.54. For Jet Fuel, it is $4.72/gallon with taxes included.

Sounds like either there was some fierce competition for the Paramount Parks or CF just bid so high that no one else could have possibly outbid them. Which in turn, seems to be way too much.

One thing that I forgot that I am looking forward to. I'm probably crazy, but I'm looking forward to the smell of chain grease.

With those low rankings, it appears that it is about time KI added some new steel to the skyline.

Any idea whom else was bidding in the auction?

You would think that they have heard of negotiating a price. Seems like they just paid exactly what Paramount said they would sell for. You always try to talk down the price. At least a little. That would be like paying sticker price for a car.

As been said before by whom? I would like to see a link to back that claim up. I remember recently reading an article where Cedar Fair way underestimated how much Kings Island relies on season pass sales.

I understand your concern. However, you're comparing two years of ownership by CF compared to years of operation by Paramount.

But, every year, we're not this close to a recession. Or, as most experts have been saying, we ARE in a recession, whether or not the government actually acknowledges this. From what I understand, KI relies heavily on locals.. Cedar Fair took a while to figure that one out, I guess because Cedar Point does not rely on the locals and season pass sales. They are more dependant on those who are interested in the package deals that keep them there for a few days.

A related story. Oil Rally May Be Economy's Undoing

I don't see any relation of cigarettes to amusement parks. I think you'll be surprised in the end when people simply won't be able to afford to go, not only due to higher gas prices, but considerably less discretionary income to spend. Not to mention cigarettes involve physical and mental addiction whereas amusement parks are not an addiction. And I can pretty much guarantee that people will NOT be spending those tax rebate checks.