DonHelbig

Had Kings Island and the other Paramount Parks not been purchased by Cedar Fair, there are rides in operation today that likely would have been retired. Addition by subtraction is what we would have seen more of, similar to what we saw when they took out Flying Eagles and Les Taxis to make way for The Italian Job: Stunt Track.

For 33% of the day, The Racer is only one-track operation with the name not matching the experience that's being delivered. On paper it's an easy budget cut not thinking it impacts the guest experience, but it does. Many of the rides I've taken on The Racer this year during those hours there's been grumbling by guests about only one side running and disappointment over not being able to race against their friends or family members. And things like this factor in when it comes time to renew passes or visit again next year. Before looking at what might go in The Vortex spot, let's see The Racer running at full capacity, longer show runs, all of the soft drink stands open, the park operating hours back to what they used to be. When those things are happening, then it's time to look at adding a major new coaster.

Here's a piece I wrote for Theme Parks By Don comparing Snoopy's Soap Box Racers and Good Gravy! It won't win a Pulitzer but I think it captures the spirit of the thing. https://themeparksbydon.com/comparing-snoopys-soap-box-racers-and-good-gravy/

I mentioned on the Tower Topics episode that dropped on Friday (June 7) that I wish the show was in the Showplace, where country shows with a live band used to be in the 1970's and 1980's in the evening hours. It would really elevate the show if it were in that venue versus the Festhaus. Great show, wrong venue.

And?

By teasing it in this fashion on social media, the event has to be good.

I was able to get my first taste of the new Good Gravy! coaster at Holiday World. Very detailed. Very well done! https://themeparksbydon.com/my-first-taste-of-good-gravy-at-holiday-world/

Evan Millward was one of the marketing interns at Kings Island in 2008, helping the park execute successful events like Robbie Knievel's motorcycle jump.

I wouldn't put much stock in this survey. Brands do these types of surveys all the time.

Nice video! Looking forward to Camp Snoopy opening.

The Cincinnati Cyclones have been around in one league or another since 1990. I'm a huge hockey fan. I worked for the Cyclones from 1990-1996. I know they exist but because they don't garner much media attention, they're not top of mind for me and others. It's the same situation for the people that live in Sandusky. They know Cedar Point exists, but they need to be reminded of the amusement park. People know Burger King, McDonald's, Wendy's exist in their neighborhood, yet these restaurants spend a lot of money advertising on TV. They know they have to maintain top of mind awareness.

Video made me feel like I was there since my invite got lost in the (e) mail.

Nice video. Fun fact: Good Gravy! has a top speed of 37 mph while Snoopy's Soap Box Racer has a top speed of 36 mph.

The story going into the season is this is the last year for guests to enjoy Kings Island as they know it. If the merger goes through, there will be changes in 2025. If the merger doesn't go through, there will be changes in 2025. It will not be business as usual, because it can't.

The park says Camp Snoopy will open late spring. What does that mean for rides that were integrated into Camp Snoopy, including Franklin's Flyers, Woodstock's Air Rail, and Charlie Brown's Rushing River Log Ride? If they're open with the park on April 20, then only part of Camp Snoopy opens late spring as other parts would be open.

KI since 1972 has always had industry-leading operations. If you think it's really good now, you should have seen it in the 1970's and 1980's. It was a priority back then to fill every train to capacity, pairing up single riders.

"I had nothing to do with it. I was on a cruise with my family when that went down." -- Tales of the Sea

Looks like it warrants a discussion about it on Tower Topics.

I am getting a Gold Season Pass with all of the add-ons. What I have yet to decide is which Cedar Fair Park will get the transaction and be referred to as my "Home" Park.

Tickets were still available just shy of two weeks after being on sale, so as a card-carrying member of ACE, I decided I’m not sitting this one out and got a ticket.

Soar to new heights with Ride for a Cause at Dorney Park! https://themeparksbydon.com/ride-for-a-cause-a-night-of-thrills-and-touchdowns-at-dorney-park/

The Tower Topics podcast, with three episodes a week dropping, would be an opportunity for the park to get word out about these specials in front of an audience that has interest in Kings Island. Picture this: The executive chef or someone else from the culinary team is on the podcast, sharing with excitement what they’re cooking up, and the audience is engaged and wants to visit the park and spend their money to try these items during the limited time they’re available. But it’s just a picture.

That’s a miss.

It was done during my years there. Sometimes it was my decision. Other times it may have been requested by one of the divisions at the park, or the ride manufacturer. I wanted people to see rides testing. It generates interest, excitement and anticipation. That was not a reason I turned off a webcam. Others had different thoughts on that.

It's not a state thing. It's a decision a park would make.