harmony29

It's funny cause Cedar Point was until last year my home park, I just haven't been there since 2005 due to a serious auto accident injury. I have the best memories of growing up and my dad taking me there, in fact I remember him riding Corkscrew for the first time the year it opened and I just stood there in awe of it, now I giggle as it looks so small in comparison to Millennium Force and Top Thrill Dragster. I don't ever remember running into really rude people there, always just a clean and fun environment but like you said there are bad apples everywhere, I have just been lucky enough on this site not to encounter that. I'm a pretty sensitive person so I do take things quite to heart and I know I really shouldn't, but I have to say I like this board a heck of a lot better than others I have looked at.

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I had to get this off my chest. I've been a coaster/amusement park fan since I was in my teens, but I rarely ever posted on forums until this year, always read them and lurked but that was the extent of it. This year with being so close to Kings Island I have gotten more active and wanting to ask questions, etc. Everyone on here has always been super nice and respectful and it's so refreshing. This past week I posted a few questions/comments on another theme park site (I won't say which one) and I swear every single item I commented on or asked a question, I felt like I was being attacked and being spoken to really rudely and all just because I asked what the dog kennels were like or my feelings on platinum passes. I thought these were supposed to be fun boards and I was really surprised. Now it has me wondering when I go to this other park at the end of the month, are the crowds going to be not as nice either or is this just an isolated thing where some people thing their head is bigger than it really is?

Hopefully they will have one soon, we will be at KI July 25 and 26 and Cedar Point July 27 and 28, would be a cool way to celebrate our honeymoon by winning a tweetup!

Oh how I wish they would bring back the trams, then I would have no problem ever with parking further away.

I am very interested to ride Raptor again, as when I was younger that was my favorite coaster at Cedar Point. I have now rode Banshee and I loved it, the first time was a little intense but I still thought it rocked. Cedar Point was my park growing up so it's the one I'm most comfortable with and still my favorite, but I haven't been there since 2005 so I know a lot has changed. Last week being at Kings Island I was in heaven, I loved how clean the park was, the, the friendliness of most of the staff and the different ride options. We are planning our next trip July 26-27th and then heading to Cedar Point, so it will be real interesting to compare the parks now and especially compare Banshee and Raptor. Although I do think Millennium Force will always be my favorite coaster, I do compare it to Diamondback, but MF seems to me to be a lot bigger in size.

Bodda, I really like your post, it makes a lot of sense. I have one thing to say...to the poster that said what is a few hundred more feet? It is A LOT when you are suffering with an injury, it makes a HUGE difference so please try to keep in mind not everyone is in the best physical shape and does have limitations. This is why I was frustrated with the signage at KI, I ended up walking much more than I needed to and I'm still aching and sore and our trip was last week. Yes, I could have gotten a wheelchair. but i'm pretty ashamed to have to use one when I'm the age I am, let's face it people do look and judge, I went through it constantly when I did have a handicap permit, I got the most evil stares from people I think because of my age even though I walk with a limp.

Being a new Platinum pass holder, I absolutely cannot complain about the benefits I get. I love the option of going to other parks, that was the main reason we went with Platinum as I knew we would be going to Cedar Point. I wish we lived a little closer to check out some other parks but maybe next year. I understand that KI needs to make money thus having the preferred parking, but for people like me on a budget I just cannot do it. I had a hard time seeing people parking there as I do have a hard time walking with my hip injury. I used to have a handicap permit but it got in the washer by accident, now that I'm in Kentucky I can't replace it so I'm just waiting until I go to the specialist to see if I can get a new one.

Sorry, not sure why I didn't get that! Yeah I really did think The Bat was rough, Jeremy said the same thing but since he didn't have much experience he may not know any better. I did hear a few others saying the same thing though. It truly could be that I'm just more sensitive due to my car accident and the injury that resulted from it. Next time I'm at KI I will go on The Bat again and give it another try.

I'm so sorry, I'm going to change it right now, see old eyes like mine it's easier! lol

Thanks for the replies! I had no idea about the Fanta Orange, but I can tell you that the Bier Garten did have carbonation so I had no clue not everywhere had it. I just had diet Coke the rest of the times I was thirsty, it's just an odd taste without carbonation. We did have a really great time and I guess I am getting old since some of the rides affected me where it doesn't you guys but I like to relay my experiences for others cause there could be someone else out there that has the same issues. Having this hip injury has really put a damper on my roller coaster riding unfortunately. BB1, not sure which ride you are talking about front seat on TB. As for the font, are we not allowed to change it? I apologize it's just my favorite font.

Had a really great time for our first trip together as a couple. Jeremy had never been to an amusement park and I was so excited to see his reactions, I was not disappointed. We got a later start than we wanted as I was waiting for my check to hit my account, normally it hits early morning but it didn't until after 6am of course! We had to stop at Walmart for a few items and we left Frankfort KY around 7:15am. We had a pretty smooth ride until about 5 miles before KI where there was some pretty heavy traffic. We made it to the parking lot around 9:45am and had to go get our platinum passes processed. Thank you to those who suggested having your confirmation number ready, it made the process so smooth and we got into the park right about 10am. Because I have a hip problem, there are times I cannot walk a lot so we decided to get a locker even though it was $13, just was easier for me not having to go to the car multiple times. We also purchased the all season dining, which I was really on the fence about, but after having been at the park, I'm so glad we did. As everyone else had said, the food prices are pretty high. For us getting the dining pass was perfect as we plan on taking multiple trips before the end of the season. The one thing I may do next year if they offer it is just get on dining pass, we had enough food to share between the two of us and Jeremy is a big guy. Our first stop was to Banshee, I was prepared to see a really long line, but to my surprise it was maybe a 10 minute wait. I loved the themeing in the line and especially the SOB eternal flame. This was Jeremy's very first roller coaster ever, I don't think he ever realized exactly how big these rides were, but he was really pumped to get on them. We waited for front row and I'm very glad we did, as almost everyone else has said, this is an awesome coaster, We did give in and buy a photo since it was our first trip together and his first on a coaster, it came out to $15 and some change with our pass discount. Our plan was then to hit The Bat, Flight of Fear and Firehawk, but we didn't stick to that plan. Flight of Fear was still closed, so that was out. We did hit The Bat with about a 5 minute wait. We again waited for the front row, I was a little disappointed in this ride, I had rode this when it was Top Gun but that was so long ago I really didn't remember it. I figured it would be my favorite as I really like Iron Dragon at Cedar Point, but I found it to be rough and my head got knocked around a lot, it wasn't something I wanted to do again. With all the excitement of getting to the park, we forgot to put sunblock on so we headed back to our locker. On our way back to Firehawk we decided to hit Drop Tower. The line was a little longer and it took about 20 minutes to get to the front. Of course right before we got on I started not feeling well, I think it was the sun and heat, I'm not really used to it, I was in a really bad car accident 5 years ago and it has taken a lot out of me, so I really felt it quickly. This was when I knew we would not be able to get on ride after ride without a break as I had done in the past. I did decide to get on Drop Tower and was pretty nervous cause of how I was feeling. I loved the view going up and am grateful for the suggestion of getting a cord for my glasses, that saved me on this trip! The wait at the top seemed like forever to drop but wow when it did, it took my breath away! I have gone on Power Tower at Cedar Point and Dr. Doom's Fearfall at Islands of Adventure but those were tame compared to this. Jeremy was ready for a drink so instead of heading towards the back we went to Festhaus. It was pretty empty and we saw no one at the beer counters. We asked at LaRosa's and they acted like they didn't know what we were talking about, I was not very impressed, as they finally said they didn't have anyone to open it, so I decided to get my souvenir cup filled. I showed the receipt and it was like I was bothering the guy, I told him three times I wanted diet Coke and he kept saying huh. This was one of the very few times the customer service was lacking in the park. So we decided to get something to eat and after hearing about Hank's and how good it was supposed to be I decided to get my first meal there but the door was locked. I know someone mentioned that the stands outside of International Plaza don't open until an hour after the park is open but this was 11:30a, getting around lunchtime so I would have thought everything would be open by then. They did open at around noon and I got my taco salad and chips and salsa, the BEST food in the park that's on the dining plan and it was huge. Jeremy finally did get a beer behind Hank's at the Bier Garten and we enjoyed just sitting there relaxing and people watching for a while. Next we were off to ride Firehawk and the line didn't look all that bad, the sign said a 1/2 hour wait. I should have known when I saw only one train running that it was going to be longer than that, it seemed like we never moved but were pretty much stuck in the line, we waited about an hour and 20 minutes. I really wish I would have remembered how much I hated this coaster when it was at Geauga Lake, would have saved myself a lot of waiting. We were not given the option for front row, so we ended up in the second car, not that I think it really mattered. I felt like I was thrown around everywhere and it really was hard on my body, Jeremy didn't like it either so we never went back to it. We walked around a little more but I was pretty shaken from Firehawk so we didn't do another ride for a while. I needed to cool down as my face had turned bright red after that ride, so we walked around the arcade in the coney mall area. Jeremy wanted to ride the monster, so I let him do that alone. I was thirsty so we got a cherry icee and headed towards Planet Snoopy. I wanted to do Boo Blasters, as I remember as a kid when they had the scooby do ride, It was not a long wait, maybe 10 minutes. I liked that it was cool in there and we could sit for a little while, I beat the pants off Jeremy and said we need to do this again! By this time I was finally feeling a little better so we headed towards Diamondback. The wait was posted as 45 minutes and I could have kicked myself that we didn't hit it earlier in the day. Jeremy suggested we spin the wheel to see if we could get front of the line passes, on my first spin I got it! The second spin we got a coupon for the boutique at Planet Snoopy. We had a lot of luck while at the park, I won at the age game, she guessed 31 and I'm 44, Jeremy won also, they guessed 31 and he's 37, so the luck continued at the wheel. We got right on Diamondback, wanted front row but we ended up with the two seats that are on the sides in the front between middle seats that are closer together, but it was an awesome ride. This coaster is right up there with Millennium Force in my opinion. We headed back to Boo Blasters for another go round and I again beat Jeremy! I was getting pretty tired by this time and we started to make our way towards the front to get dinner. We again tried the guessing age game and won myself a raccoon tail, just what I needed! We stopped at LaRosa's in the International Plaza to get our second meal of the day, this is where we had our other encounter with a not very nice employee. I wanted the Italian sandwich and it was like I was bothering them to ask for it as there were none out in the case. I also wanted a refill on my soda cup and again it was like I was bothering them. Jeremy ordered the pizza and breadsticks and we went and sat by the fountains to have our dinner which was really nice. I took one sip of my soda and about gagged, I didn't know what was wrong but it definitely wasn't right so Jeremy took it back to see if we could get something else. When he came back he said that there was no carbonation in the orange, well that's really stupid when the other stands in the park have it for the Fanta orange, made no sense to me. Once we were done with dinner we decided to hop on the train and take a ride. It was really nice as it wasn't crowded and it was just starting to get dusk, we didn't get off until it came back to Rivertown, it was nice just to relax. We were still pretty warm so we hopped over to Red's bar for a drink and to cool off in the A/C for a while. I loved this place, the food smelled amazing and I wish I would have tried something but I was still stuffed from my sandwich. We made out well here though as there was a special on draft beer so we saved a little money. After that we headed over to WindSeeker, I was really apprehensive about this ride as I just can't seem to do anything that spins, it was not even a 5 minute wait and we were on. I loved the view from the top but the spinning did get to me a little, but not too bad. We then headed over to Backlot Stunt Coaster, I really loved the theme of this ride, probably because I loved the movie The Italian Job. I figured this would be a cute little coaster to ride, I was really surprised when it took off, it was much more than I expected. I was disappointed to not see the special effects but was prepared for it after having read others reviews. We then headed over to ride the train, I loved seeing the old fort on the ride, I was even more thrilled to know that there is an old house inside there that is supposedly haunted and that Ghost Hunters have been there, now I need to see that episode, I'm really into the paranormal and used to be a tour guide for haunted ghost tours, so this was right up my alley! By this time it was starting to get dark and we wanted to get our last meal not to waste it (for lunch we only used one of the meals as it was so big, so that's why we still had one more to use). We walked over to Hank's and was surprised that at 9:15pm it was already closed as was the Bier Garten. It looked like all of the food stands were already closed which I guess I had just assumed if the park is open, they would be open too. So we decided to call it a day as we were both really tired and sore. We stayed at the Red Roof Inn in Blue Ash for $59.95 for a superior king room, I have to say for this being a budget motel I was pleasantly surprised. The room was quite clean and newly remodeled. The only negative I would say was that the bed was really hard, but I can't complain for the price. We got up early on Thursday as I wanted to make sure we got to the park before it opened so we could take advantage of having the season passes. We had a quick breakfast across the street from the Red Roof at Bob Evans, I was in heaven as I have not been there since I left Michigan in January 2013. We arrived to the park about 8:15am, which I soon found out was way too early lol. There were two cars already waiting so I just shut the car off and waited. The one plus to getting there that early is that we got a close parking spot which was nice later in the day. By the time they opened the gates at 9:30am the lines were pretty long to get in. This was the first day of the Spirit Music Festival and I figured the crowds would be heavier but I didn't really know what to expect. I have to say the one complaint I have with KI is that they need some more signs cause at times it can get confusing if you've not been to the park much. With my hip injury I really try to walk the shortest routes and save myself a little. We had walked a good distance once getting in when we got to a rope and they said we had to go the other way, why couldn't they have directed us at the front gate? So we finally made it back to Banshee and it was a walk on. We decided to just ride in the middle this time to see if there was a difference, I really didn't see much except that I like being in front better, seeing where I'm going. We both really wanted to get on Diamondback again so we headed over that way, although I knew we couldn't get all the way back there as it was not 10am yet. We waited with about maybe 40 others for the park to open. We got on within 5 minutes of the park opening and this time we had front row, I'm so glad we did, I loved it and sitting right next to Jeremy. After our ride I wanted to take a few pics in Planet Snoopy as I just think it's such a cute area, so we did that and then figured we were there we might as well ride Flying Ace Aerial Chase, Jeremy barely made the cut off for height that was posted but they never checked when we got up there. I figured this would be a cool little ride, NEVER again, it was so rough and just bounced my head around, neither of us liked it. We headed over to Surf's Up as we tried to ride it Wednesday but it was closed. I was pretty anxious to ride it as I saw the one that opened at Cedar Point, Pipe Scream. OMG I could not get off this ride fast enough, it seemed to last forever, I liked the up and down motion but the spinning really got me. It was at this point I knew I probably would not be able to ride Delerium since I got such a sick feeling on this one. We again did Boo Blasters and finally Jeremy beat me! It was extremely hot and seemed more humid than Wednesday and it was really tough walking around. I tried to stay in the shade as much as possible as I'm pretty sensitive to the sun. We were a little hungry so we headed to Hank's, they again weren't open yet but it was only a matter of minutes. We again just shared a taco salad with the chips and salsa and sat at the Bier Garten patio. I love people watching so we did sit there for a while. We didn't have a plan on what to do next so we headed towards the back and got some pictures of Vortex, Jeremy wanted to try it but I told him it was a pretty rough coaster and he would have to do that one alone, he opted not to do it. We wanted to see Soak City so we took the train over there and walked around for a while. The heat of the day was getting pretty bad and the crowds were really heavy when we came back from Soak City. We both agreed next time we would bring swimsuits so we could enjoy Soak City. I was bummed as Johnsonville had tweeted that the big grill was going to be there Thursday - Saturday and I really wanted to see it, my dad was a meat cutter for 45 years so he got me really into meat! We could not find it and asked around but everyone said it would only be there Friday and Saturday, oh well that's ok. We headed back to the park and wow the crowds were getting really heavy. We tried to get another ride on Diamondback but it was packed so we headed towards The Beast. I had never ridden this coaster and was a little intimidated as I knew it was long and pretty rough and with not being able to see much of the ride I had no idea what to expect. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised, we opted for a row more middle to the back of the train hoping that would help with the roughness I really liked this coaster, it was not nearly as rough as I had expected, the only part that got me was when it slowed down on the second big hill, once it came down and went into the left turn it whipped me pretty good and I felt my back crack, but still nothing like I thought it would be. I snapped a couple pics from the loading station and was waiting for the next train to take a pic of it on the tracks. It was just ready to take off when they made everyone get out and back on the loading platform, someone had gotten sick on our train in the front car, oops! We walked around Rivertown a bit and headed towards Coney Mall to check out Racer, but we never did get on it, the line was awful. We instead went to the Eiffel Tower and spent about 20 minutes up there enjoying the view and taking pictures, we got the best picture of us ever up there! We then headed towards Extreme Sky Flyer and I let Jeremy take a stab at it. I honestly don't know how he did it, I would be terrified but I got it on video which was pretty cool. Since we were right at Banshee we decided to ride again. I was prepared for a long wait but it was maybe a 15 minute wait, not bad at all! We again did the front row, I think that's the only row for me on this ride! I wanted to do Diamondback again so we again headed that way. The wait was posted as 45 minutes, so we decided to try our luck again on the wheel, first spin and I won front of the line. Took my second spin and I got it again! I wanted to do Banshee again but I was getting pretty tired and sore and didn't think I could make it back there again. There was a group of four teens standing there and I asked them would they like my other front of the line pass, it was the best thing I did, they were so appreciative and couldn't say thank you enough, it was so sweet. We got right on and had the front row again, another awesome ride. We decided after this that it was time for us to head home, as we were both tired and had puppies waiting at home for us. We stopped at LaRosa's and got pizza and a sandwich to take home and left the park about 8:30pm. For being my first trip to Kings Island in 20 years, this was an awesome trip! I really enjoyed seeing Jeremy experience everything for the first time and I loved riding the coasters with him. I felt the park was really clean and a huge difference since when Paramount owned it. For the most part all the employees were very kind and helpful except for the couple isolated incidents. There was one that really stood out though, Leah, at the Bier Garten was so nice and friendly, going above and beyond, she even remembered us from Wednesday. I had hoped to check out Cirque Imagine but we never got there. The only show we saw was part of The Boys Are Back. I give people a lot of credit for being able to get up there and perform in a packed house with lots of noise, but this show was just not very good. They were lip synching and it was really obvious, I even heard other people complaining about it. We had been there when it had started pouring rain on Wednesday, which everyone else had the same idea. I am really glad we had changed our dates, just seeing the crowds Thursday compared to Wednesday, it was huge. I know we didn't ride nearly the rides that a lot of people do but for us we had a great time. We know we are going back after our wedding so we have time to experience the ones we didn't get to on this trip. I have to say I am really glad I live close to KI now and can go more than once a year!

Sorry I disagree slightly, I don't get to Lexington much but compared to Michigan, it's a huge difference and very Southern. I live in Frankfort, the capital, and it's such a nice small town feel, everyone is so friendly and seems quite Southern to me. I thought when I was in Texas that would be the most Southern, no way, that's a state all it's own and I just never saw the fascination with it. But no matter what you run into nice and not so nice people everywhere.

I've not really rode any of the rides at KI yet, it's been a good 20 years since I've been there. My last trip was Cedar Point and that was in 2005, I've done Top Thrill Dragster, Milenium Force, Wicked Twister (which scares me the most of any ride) and Power Tower. I was at Geauga Lake when Firehawk was X Flight and I liked that one pretty well. I tend to stay away from high spinning rides but other than that I will go on almost any thing. We have changed our dates and are going Wed and Thurs because of the Spirit Music Festival.

Interesting the point brought up about stuffiness in the Midwest. I lived my entire life in Michigan until last year when I moved to Texas and now I'm in Kentucky. I was in culture shock when I left MI and found people saying hello on the streets and generally being friendly, it's just not something that happens where I'm from. I love my home state but I have to say I love the people here in Kentucky so much more, I don't ever feel like I'm alone and am not afraid to ask someone a question if needed. As for the high fives, I'm not really sure how I feel about it as I am a very shy person but I also love to have a good time, I am pretty claustrophobic so that is usually where I have problems. I see nothing wrong with people/teens being excited about being at the park as long as they aren't trying to start trouble.

I am so glad I know about the glass straps now, I really thought I would have to ride blind on every ride! Jessica, I will let you know my experience on Delirium, we have moved up our dates and are leaving Wed and will be there in the afternoon and all day Thursday, I absolutely cannot wait. What's everyone's suggestions for Thursday once we hit Banshee before the park opens? In looking at the map I'm thinking heading back to Diamondback and then The Beast, not sure though and want to make the most of our time there.

Yes I do know it's the music festival but we are also getting platinum passes as we plan on going back a few times and also to Cedar Point for our honeymoon. He is not in the least scared and wants to go on all the coasters, he just has never had the chance to so this should be quite exciting,

Thanks for the tip on a strap for my glasses, I never knew there was such a thing I will have to find where I can get one of those!

So I've been talking for weeks to my fiance about how much of a roller coaster nut I am and we decided to do an impromptu trip to Kings Island this Thursday and Friday. We were watching some videos on youtube and he tells me he's never been on a roller coaster or to a theme park and he's 37, I think my jaw hit the floor. I have been going since a very early age and I just can't even comprehend never having been on a coaster, he says to me "oh I've been on the scrambler", I chuckled and said well that's a far cry from a roller coaster! Now I cannot even wait to go this week, anyone else planning on being there, it's just the two of us and we are always up for meeting new friends.

Thanks so much you guys, now I feel better about riding it. My only downfall now is that I won't be able to enjoy the view as I wear glasses and am blind without them, unfortunately my contacts won't get here in time for this first trip.

I'm not sure if it is because it spins or how high, like I said I love coasters, my park was always Cedar Point so I love Top Thrill Dragster and Millenium Force. Like I said, it's been quite a while since I've been to a park and have not really been on any of the coasters at KI. I'm not at all worried about Banshee, The Beast, Diamondback, etc. it's just this one ride and i'm thinking if I don't try it I may be really missing out on something that I would like, I know once there my fiance will talk me into going on it just wanted some other opinions. I have been on Power Tower at CP and the drop ride at Islands of Adventure so I'm assuming if I can do those I can do this one.

I did see that, it's ok though, we will be going back on the fourth of July and the day after our wedding, besides any other trips we decide to do, we both just really need to get out of here for a while.

Ok I know a lot of people will probably laugh at me, but I honestly don't know what to expect. I was at Cedar Point the year Max Air opened but was too chicken to go on it. I'm a huge coaster fanatic but for some reason I'm having a lot of hesitation about going on this one. I want to try it as my fiance wants to go too, which normally if I wasn't in to a ride I'd have no problem just waiting, but I have very mixed feelings on this one. Any comments?

My fiance and I have decided to do a last minute trip next Thurs, leaving after a dr appt in the afternoon, so we expect to get to the park around 5-6p and then stay all day Friday, We are looking for very cheap since the wedding is next month and I found a Red Roof Inn for $60, I know these can be hit and miss, has anyone stayed at the one in Blue Ash? I'm so excited to be going, it's been a long time since I've been to a park and know nothing about how the platinum passes work, so going in the middle of the afternoon I was thinking would make the processing easier. Is there a listing anywhere of which rides are open early for pass holders?

I apologize, I meant Fast Lane, since we are going to three parks for our honeymoon it's pretty tough to buy them for all the parks. What I'm trying to base it on is which day of the week we are going....Dollywood will be Tues/Wed, KI on Sat and Cedar Point Mon/Tue, so for sure I think KI is a must and probably Cedar Point as I haven't been there since before they announced Maverick.

What an adorable little guy Korbin is. I so wish sometimes I had a child to experience the parks with, it's definitely a different point of view from their eyes.