Miythandria

If I wasn't an hour away, that would be so perfect, Ohioparksrock.

I'm from the North.

I am, guys.

Thanks for your input, everyone. I'm an older person (note that I've had a pass since 1986) who still loves KI. To me, that was my number one problem with having a full-time day job. Plus, my home is 1 hour from the park. A bit west of Dayton. AND I still need to finish my accounting degree. I'm thinking that I will utilize those April/May chilly weekends a great deal. Sadly, my accounting books are too thick to carry with me and study while in line. I am hoping that, during the summer, I can get one evening and one weekend day per week.

For the first time in over 20 years, I now have a full-time position. Day shift, 8am-5pm. For all of you who work a full schedule, do you have any advice on scheduling my visits?

I, too, love the roaming entertainment. I would like to see more. Any new restaurant additions?

I really like Firehawk. *For me, I find it better to ride early in the day. This ride takes a good bit of time to load/unload so the line can take forever if you wait too late. *The harness isn't uncomfortable at first, but, if I tense up during the ride, I find that my shins will get bruised. Over time, I've learned to just relax and not brace myself. It's much better that way. *I do like it when they lay the ride back. For those first couple of minutes, the head is just a bit lower than the body, and it feels good on the spine. * *I don't believe the ride feels scary, but one's first time on a new coaster always seems a little daunting, doesn't it? *The jolt when the ride stops will take you by surprise the first couple of times you ride it *I would recommend the ride. But then, I recommend that everyone try every ride at least once.

And I'm sincerely hoping for a hot summer so that I can be comfortable at Soak City.

Magenta Lizard, this year I was able to purchase a 2016 cup (in advance) that will allow me to have free drinks all season long...not just on the first day. I believe it was $24.99. They do not add it to your gold pass. They gave me a receipt, told me to keep it all winter, and bring it back on my first visit. I was told that I would then get a cup which would have a bar code for unlimited refills.

I'm looking forward to using my Gold Pass, my food pass, AND my drink pass. I'm set!

My childhood at Kings Island began with opening season. Although I love the BIG coasters, I do miss some of the rides they had back then. I think the one I miss the most was the Bayern Curve. I enjoyed the Sky Ride, the Tumble Bug, and the Zodiac (huge ferris wheel). I can remember The Bat being where The Vortex is located. That building one walks through was called The Bat House.

Agreed. They've done a splendid job this year.

I'm going to give Kings Island a Shout Out for allowing our military personnel into the park for free this weekend. I am not military, but I certainly support those who are.

I wouldn't mind a "retro" ride being reintroduced. Something along the lines of a sky ride, Bayern Curve, or even Tumble Bug. Although I love the big coasters, one can still have fun on something much simpler.

I want to give a Shout Out to Alex. He is a worker on Diamondback. Great young man! Very courteous and lost of smiles.

I left and 3 and they weren't bad at all. On the other hand, when I left, Diamondback had been stuck on the first hill for nearly 1/2 hour. The people on it were sweltering, and most guys were taking off their shirts in order to cover their faces. Anyone know if they're off the ride yet?

Interpreter, how far away do you live from KI?

CandyMan, yes, I do know that, but one cannot take alcoholic beverages into the lines. That tends to be a bit of a deterrent.

Today, I'll be visiting KI for the 10th time this year. Anyone with a higher total so far?

I, personally, am hoping for a contained event. When Kings Island permitted people to carry their drinks all over the park, it seemed there were often "incidents" with those who would not limit their drinking. I feel like Kings Island is now a more family-friendly place. And, hey, maybe it's just the fact that I can well remember the day of the Flight Commander death..... I, too, contacted the park with my question. Guest services didn't have a clue and told me to call back tomorrow.

Is this going to be a contained event, or will people be permitted to carry alcohol all over the park?

Several people have mentioned "knowing your child" and that is the key. I have six children, and I can say that each one has had to be approached in a different way.

Thanks for all of the input, everyone. It is a difficult line to draw. Each child is different and has his own way of dealing with things. I've never taken a crying child on a ride, but I have told each of my children (6 total) that "one needs to try a ride at least once." Then again, I pretty much know my children. The only time I've regretted this decision was on the Haunted Train Ride (not sure of its official name) at KI. I thought it was a train ride ONLY. I convinced my grandson (10) and youngest daughter (13) to ride. These two kids loved going to Halloween Haunt, but just don't want to visit the actual "haunted attractions." All of the adults agreed to put them in the middle of the train bench. Well, we didn't know they would make us get off and walk. My daughter, who is not much of a cryer, cried all of the way home...and we live an hour away.

While at KI last week, I saw something happen that I'd never seen before. A gentleman was getting onto The Beast with his granddaughter. She appeared to be 6-7 years of age. She was crying quite a bit and did not wish to ride. Her grandfather kept telling her that she would like the ride. After she was buckled in, she was still crying (not screaming, just crying). The worker asked her if she wanted to ride. She stopped crying and hesitated for a moment. Her grandfather said, "Yes, she wants to ride." The worker told the grandfather that the child herself had to say that she wanted to ride. The girl sniffed a little and said, "Yes." After the ride, the girl was laughing, hugging, and actually thanking her grandfather. I go to Kings Island a lot during the summer and have had a pass since 1986, but I have never heard an employee specifically state that the crying child had to verbally agree to the ride. Is this a new rule? Or have I just not seen it before? Either way, I'm glad it wasn't in force when I started putting my kids on the big rides. They were always terrified getting on and thrilled getting off.

To me, it is the most terrifying ride in the park. It depends on what is scary to your child. Although the ride is very calm, you are very high for "an eternity." With roller coasters, you are up/down...up/down...constantly moving quickly. With Drop Tower, there is the short wait at the top and then a wonderful free-fall. Just think about what scares your little one the most. Make your decision based upon her.