BeeastFarmer

Chef Nate has brought some innovative ideas to KIFS. In my limited interaction with him, he seems like a really nice guy. Maybe it's just great news for me and other Chef Nate fans?

Chef Nate is still at KI! That indeed is great news! https://twitter.com/KICHEFNATE

While I agree with most of your post, I would think that the Executive Chef role is more of a visionary, niche position. He has to design the non-standard food items. I would, however, disagree about some of the front line staff. I have seen lazy, angry, dirty and clueless front line staff. I have also see plenty of front line staff trying to do their best. I guess management is trying to keep warm bodies by being the friend, rather than the boss. And I really do not understand how Cedar Fair can roll up numbers for all the parks just days after closing with some awesome technology, but the technology to run cash registers can cause so many issues with food service workers. But, I do give credit where credit is due, Winterfest was done great with food service, and some things were put in place last year that have sped some things up.

I doubt the Executive Chef will have anything to do with front line food service staff. That mess is way down the line from him. I am optimistic that some of the efficiency efforts we saw last year will continue to produce fruit. Here's to hope for the embattled food service department. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

New executive chef. But what about Chef Nate? Tweeted as recently as Saturday 3/24/18. Like the look of the new building.

I'd rather have a flat there to divert the line from current and future coasters.

Looking at the photo above...how sweet would a sit down restaurant with patio dining out back with views of The Racer? Move the Haunt props and open up the space. That would give indoor dining further down the area formerly known as Coney Mall, which one is needed. But then again, I'd be happy to have the Coney Mall sign back! Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

But you made the claim. If you are going to make a claim, you should be able to substantiate it. The latest annual report is available online (link to follow) and I see nothing about spending over budgeted amounts on lodging. http://ir.cedarfair.com/newsroom/press-releases/news-release-details/2018/Cedar-Fair-Reports-Full-Year-And-Fourth-Quarter-2017-Results/default.aspx

Please cite the source of your truth. I don't claim to know anything about how Cedar Fair or each park handles their budgets. That is for the inner circles to know. As an investor in FUN, I am concerned with the return on my investment. As a fan of KI, I want to have a good experience when I visit. I think you bit off a little more than you can chew with this comment.

The funnel cake building was rebuilt and given a major upgrade. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Yet they did just that in the case of Mystic Timbers! If KI were to get a GiGa, it would probably come with at least a 30million dollar price tag. Relocation of utility buildings would be a minor fraction of that cost. It might even be done in an "off year" so as to budget it as infrastructure improvements.

Just throwing this out there...Jeff Gramke said at Coasterstock: Traditional wood coasters should be classified as steel because the wheels sit on a steel course. Not his exact quote, but the gist of it.

I hope the architecture of the building is befitting of a classic amusement park, that the area formerly known as Coney Mall is based off of. But then again, I'd be happy to get the Coney Mall sign back.

The Super 8 is terrible, but it can be loud. And the last time I stayed there, I asked for a room not facing the freeway. Big mistake! Hookers and drug dealers on the backside! I usually stay about ten minutes from the park at The Shaker Inn.

Linden trees have a medium growth rate, which is good for longevity. They grow about a foot per year. Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk

I'd have to go with International Street. Even though it is not so international anymore, I love to sit, watch the fountains, drink a beverage and listen to the instrumental music. I'd love to see some of the "Old Kings Island" brought back to IS, but I have to say...between the music last year and Winterfest, IS seems to have bounced back to life. I will say that when I visited Kings Dominion in 2016, I was transported back in time. So beautiful and nostalgic. The ET looks so much better with all the bushes removed. And the linden trees they planted last year will fill in nicely. I think the future looks bright for Kings Island. I think they are going to balance so nods to nostalgia with new attractions.

I call it the Junkyard Coaster because it looks like a coaster plopped in the middle of a junkyard. The coaster itself is really fun. But its placement ruined one of the most scenic areas of the park. They could do so much for the area by landscaping and perhaps a clean up/retheme to BLSC that it could be the new "shady Grove" of KI. Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk

Pony Express is a FUN ride. The seats/restraints are a little awkward. But I think with a little creativity, the Junkyard Coaster could become a signature attraction rather than an eyesore. If Les Taxis were returned in front of the coaster with some outstanding landscaping, both International Street and Rivertown could be incorporated, with future attractions in the area by the drink stand that is rarely open. The possibilities are endless, but cash isn't. I do think the park management is making some good long term decisions. Hopefully this area is on the radar.

Seeing there have been so many complaints of food wait time, maybe there is some magical solution to be announced, along with new dining options to lure back all the passholders who have left because of the horrible food service. (Said tongue in cheek, I doubt many of the complainers actually didn't renew their passes.) Webcams: I'd love to see more. Especially on IS during WF.

Doesn't Canada's Wonderland have Backlot Stunt Coaster/Junkyard Coaster?

Actually, the thing is LROTNOB. (Last Ride Of The Night On Beast.)

I'm excited to see the 1972 logo still being used. I bought two long sleeve t-shirts at WinterFest with the "old" logo. I do wish they would restore the original fountain sequence. As a very young child, I remember watching the fountains. They would go from a small trickle off the pedestals, then the sidelines would start to form, then the pedestal tops until the water "grew." The sound was outrageous. And then they would abruptly stop and it seemed so quiet. WinterFest, in my opinion, brought back some of the magic to International Street. It was so beautiful. I hope they use the lighting package during the normal season too. --jtro223, who just completed his 1000th post on KIC and who thanks all the nice people in these parts. It's an honor sharing the park with you.

If we have to keep BLSC/junkyard coaster, I really wish they would retheme it and remove all the props and warehouse district theming. Soften the landscape up, take out the riprap, restore it to a beautiful area like it used to be. Maybe call it Shady Grove. (here's looking at you, Kings Dominion!)

Wow. That is unbelievable. Did you file charges? Technically, the guest has committed battery. (Assault, too, if they threatened you.)

I think that's a fairly contentious relationship, IIRC. Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk