BeeastFarmer

want me to pick one up for you? I'm in the Lexington area. If you're willing to do that, that might work. I could send you payment through PayPal or even mail a check. However, let me think about it a little more first. I'll send you a PM in a few days if I decide to go that route. I'm willing to do it, and call me stupid, but trust you for the repayment. We could meet up and ride TR and LR! No pressure, but I think the 59.95 deal ends something this coming up week. I heard it on the radio today, but didn't pay much attention since I already had mine.

want me to pick one up for you? I'm in the Lexington area.

In Lexington area Kroger stores, the season passes are still only $59.95. I don't know if they sell discounted daily passes or not. If you live in the Indianapolis or Nashville "areas", you can get 2 days for $30.00 plus parking.

I did a quick Google search for USA Today Kentucky Kingdom review and the search returned articles from The Louisville Courier-Journal that did not appear to be press releases, but rather a news story about how the first year went, what expectations are for the second year, and the new attractions for 2015. I'll dig a little deeper this weekend, unless you have a hyperlink available. As for USA Today, I haven't read a copy since college and that was a loooooong time ago!

But the question is this: Did USA Today independently come up with that ranking, or did it come from a sponsored story written for the newspaper by Ed Hart himself? There have been several of the latter, including two in the Indianapolis Star, which is owned by the same company. At this point, I would not put it past Mr. Hart to claim superlatives in advertising based on his own vanity puffery piece.I have not seen USA Today's article, but the important thing to determine would be if were an independent ranking, or a press release issued by the park. Press releases by companies usually are just public relations tools. That would explain the advertisement in Nashville and Indy. I don't think they were "news" stories but paid advertisements. Whereas the claims about USA Today is being used by the park as an adversisement.The Indy and Nashville ads were exactly that, even linking directly to the2/$29.99 promo hosted directly by the respective papers. I believe at least one of the "articles" explicitly started this. Ok, so what is the problem with this? It is a paid advertisement and businesses do this all the time. The problem is that stating they have a highly regarded water park according to USA Today when in fact USA Today actually never wrote it. It is deceiving advertising and has been a disputed tactic in more than just this instance. USA Today has been criticized for allowing entities to do this kind of advertising for a while now. Kentucky Kingdom's claim that the paper named their water park one of the best is not accurate at all. My reference was directed at the Indiana and Tennessee newspapers, not the USA Today piece.

What a great discussion! I think if it was done right, a dark ride in Rivertown would be great...I don't think you have to "reveal" The Beast, but stick with the claws.

I sure hope they will! Nothing seems to be happening with it at this point, so I hope an announcement will be made this summer. But I don't see an intriguing teaser campaign like KI did with Banshee or HW did with Thunderbird. I have never ridden this ride, so I have no nostalgic connection, so I can *dream* of a RMC conversion into something awesome. The closest RMC coaster is 6 hours away from me, (unless you count the rehab they did on Thunder Run, which is totally impressive to me!) so having one an hour or so away would be great. I am not sure about the incentive amounts they get, but the contract requires them to invest a minimum of around $2.5 million each year into the park for the next 70 years? That's not a lot of money, I would assume this would barely cover preventative maintenance.

As a citizen of the Commonwealth, I get that. But, season passes in Louisville area Kroger stores were $59.95, now $79.95 and in Lexington area Kroger stores, they are still $59.95. Great value for the money. I think the way the tax incentive is set up, a certain number of out of state visitors must visit an attraction, this incentive is not unique to KK, it is available to any tourist attraction that wants to apply. So it makes logical sense to target low hanging fruit like Indy and Nashville with very good admission rates. I can see why they would not target Cincy since KI is such a formidable competitor. Not that this explaination makes it easier to swallow for citizens of The Commonwealth; but KK clearly had low priced season tickets for much of the off season, and continues to have this option now. I doubt this will be much of an election issue because KK is following the rules for the tax incentive. As far as the fate of the park, it will be interesting. I don't think a conservative or liberal government would want to see the park closed as the sales and income tax the park generates is fairly significant I'm sure-which of course is a voluntary tax. They want that revenue generated and an open park will do that, a closed park will not. If a park were afraid to target an area where another park is already dominant, there would arguably have been no "coaster wars", let alone the parks that co-exist along with the Mouse in Orlando. The ads in the Star feature pictures of different flat rides "new" for 2015-balooon ride, sky screamer, etc. No mention of T3. An article in the USA Today yesterday mentioned that this quarter generates the vast majority of a regional park chain's revenue (no surprise there). If Hart cant generate the $ he needs right now, the chances of him doing so after Labor Day are slim, esp if KK doesn't have a Halloween/fall season like KI/HW/CP do. I agree. But you generally have to crawl before you walk. If KK matures into a true regional park, it may have more resources in the future, then it can compete against KI and HW. But you start small to get big. Sell tickets as a loss leader and the make 80% markup on thousands upon thousands of $1.00 soft drink sales. And the same with other merchandise in the park. I would imagine the reason the out of state stipulation is in place is to encourage hotel stays, which rake in so much money in taxes and fees for the governments. So, hit the low hanging fruit of Nashville and Indy area, sell cheap season tickets and expand on your core base. Then go after more difficult markets like Cincy. They are already competing with KI in the Lexington/Louisville and Indy markets. As far as T3, yes they should have underpromised and overdelivered. With other lessons they have to learn, hopefully things will change in the future. They really need a new PR person though. The brand is so undefined.

But the question is this: Did USA Today independently come up with that ranking, or did it come from a sponsored story written for the newspaper by Ed Hart himself? There have been several of the latter, including two in the Indianapolis Star, which is owned by the same company. At this point, I would not put it past Mr. Hart to claim superlatives in advertising based on his own vanity puffery piece. I have not seen USA Today's article, but the important thing to determine would be if were an independent ranking, or a press release issued by the park. Press releases by companies usually are just public relations tools. That would explain the advertisement in Nashville and Indy. I don't think they were "news" stories but paid advertisements. Whereas the claims about USA Today is being used by the park as an adversisement. The Indy and Nashville ads were exactly that, even linking directly to the 2/$29.99 promo hosted directly by the respective papers. I believe at least one of the "articles" explicitly started this. Ok, so what is the problem with this? It is a paid advertisement and businesses do this all the time.

But the question is this: Did USA Today independently come up with that ranking, or did it come from a sponsored story written for the newspaper by Ed Hart himself? There have been several of the latter, including two in the Indianapolis Star, which is owned by the same company. At this point, I would not put it past Mr. Hart to claim superlatives in advertising based on his own vanity puffery piece. I have not seen USA Today's article, but the important thing to determine would be if were an independent ranking, or a press release issued by the park. Press releases by companies usually are just public relations tools. That would explain the advertisement in Nashville and Indy. I don't think they were "news" stories but paid advertisements. Whereas the claims about USA Today is being used by the park as an adversisement.

As a citizen of the Commonwealth, I get that. But, season passes in Louisville area Kroger stores were $59.95, now $79.95 and in Lexington area Kroger stores, they are still $59.95. Great value for the money. I think the way the tax incentive is set up, a certain number of out of state visitors must visit an attraction, this incentive is not unique to KK, it is available to any tourist attraction that wants to apply. So it makes logical sense to target low hanging fruit like Indy and Nashville with very good admission rates. I can see why they would not target Cincy since KI is such a formidable competitor. Not that this explaination makes it easier to swallow for citizens of The Commonwealth; but KK clearly had low priced season tickets for much of the off season, and continues to have this option now. I doubt this will be much of an election issue because KK is following the rules for the tax incentive. As far as the fate of the park, it will be interesting. I don't think a conservative or liberal government would want to see the park closed as the sales and income tax the park generates is fairly significant I'm sure-which of course is a voluntary tax. They want that revenue generated and an open park will do that, a closed park will not.

In an ideal world, yes. But remember, this is the Commonwealth and the Dept of Ag is being run by a person who ran for the Republican spot in the primary for governor. Also, regulators, regardless of party affiliation, are often more concerned with protecting the status quo than that of businesses. (I am speaking in a generality here, not specific to this instance because in all reality, I only can see KK's side of the story via Facebook.)

My interpretation was that the inspector was to show up the Friday before, not the day before. I agree with your second paragraph, but if you take that approach, folks will assume the worse of the park. Doomed if you do, doomed if you don't.

KK indeed does need better PR. However, it seems if in this situation, they are doomed if they do and doomed if they don't. To make such a bold statement in a public forum; I would imagine it's true. However, it may alienate them in the future, as the Dept. Of Ag is on the polar opposite end of the political spectrum. Regulatory officials rarely are concerned about the timelines of business (in my experience) but more about bureaucracy. But had I been on the Facebook page, I probably would have thought long and hard before posting that.

I'm not even sure what to think of this. Also, is anybody else seeing a Kentucky Kingdom ad on KIC, and this very topic? Irony at it's finest... "Indy's new play place?" Ha. This is a copy/paste from the KK Facebook page: "The Raging River Rapids Ride is ready to go. However, we can only open the ride after the Kentucky Department of Agriculture conducts its routine intitial inspection. The State’s ride inspector was scheduled to visit last Friday but never showed up. We have notified the individuals in charge at the Department of Agriculture but have not heard back from them. Once they arrive and complete their inspection, the Raging River Rapids ride can open. We regret the delay but it is out of our control."

Great one, The Interpreter!

I went for a second visit to KK yesterday, after attending Holiwood nights. T3-I know I won't ride this coaster, so the delay really doesn't concern me. I did, however, see a train in the station. Raging Rapids was closed, and the KK FB page stated that the state inspector had failed to make the required inspection. Park was crowded, which again, is a good thing for the taxpayers. Problems I saw: Ride ops were less than professional. Using slang on the speakers, letting frustrations show (Wizard of Oz 5-D). Ineffcient use of time in the stations. Food service-run out of ice, then cups? How does THAT happen? Burger meals under heat lamps. Great things: Thunder Run, Lightning Run. Two great coasters. Various flats I rode and did not ride-great operations and great scale for this park. Landscaping, cleanliness, and security-I mentioned these in a previous post. I am new to the "enthusiast world." My park experience is limited-KI, HW and KK are it with me, with the majority of the visits to KI. I won't decrease my visits to KI because of my pass to KK, rather it gives me an option closer to home. I have talked to many enthusiasts over the weekend, many who had experienced KK this year. They are impressed with it, and I think they know parks. I am not a fanboy, I just like having a smaller option much closer to home. KI has had some missteps this year too--food service and breakfast with Superheros. I agree with underpromise and overdeliver. I hope KK will learn this. I am also grateful for a member of this forum who gave me advice to visit KK this year instead of waiting for Twisted Twins next year. As someone who loves coasters, I am glad I am able to experience the two great coasters and put my personal feelings about management missteps in the background.

I know most of you are not from Kentucky. As a Kentuckian and a taxpayer, I want this park to make it because we need a smaller park and it fits that niche perfectly. If the park thrives, the loans will be paid off and the taxpayers will recoup the investment. It is not the perfect set-up but it works. Also, when I visited on Sunday, I personally did not see Band-Aid type solutions, I was pleasantly surprised. I actually hope that the management does not try to compete with Kings Island; Kentucky Kingdom is not in the same league and never will be unless it is moved off the fairgrounds property and has a huge influx of capital. Based off one visit, I give it a thumbs up. But of course, this is in comparison to the Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom experience I had in 2009. I vowed I would not go back. It was nothing like the former park. Kings Island will always be my "home park" but for a short drive, Kentucky Kingdom is fun, especially with Thunder Run being such a great coaster. If they actually make over Twisted Twins (never rode the original, was closed under Six Flags), that would be a great thing. Not The Beast or Diamondback, but for a coaster enthusiast, having more coasters is usually not a bad thing. Edited for spelling errors and to expound on the original post.

I made my trek to KK yesterday. It was a very short one, a friend wanted to go and let's just say there were many delays, like the loss of the Kroger voucher. My impressions: 1. Very nice grounds. My former career was in the landscape industry, so I pay close attention. There were a few areas that need attention, lke bedding areas with prickly lettuce and nutsedge weeds. However, the labeling of plant specimens was really a nice bonus. And the landscaping--can't believe it looks so great after the park was left to decay for several years. 2. Very nice staff. As mentioned, my friend left her Kroger voucher at home, about 2.5 hours away. Her daughter took a picture and sent it, and the staff were able to scan it with no problems. And they had no hassles with that. 3. Thunder Run. Oh.My.Gosh. Smoothest wooden coaster I have ever experienced. 4. Lines moved well, even though only one train were on the coasters. 5. "Security" present everywhere, unlike the gangland of SFKK 6. Good food prices, but only had soft drinks because of arrival time 7. Rides seemed well maintained, in spit of weekly checks 8. Some attention to detail with paint, landscaping andsignage could enhance the experience. In fairness, KI could do the same with paint on The Racer, Eiffel Tower, etc. 9. The carousel needs a deep scrubbing. Looks like the years of closure did a number with mildew. But it ran well. 10. The park has a confusing layout; but maybe that is because I'm not familiar with it.new 11. The new flats look fun and are an appropriate scale for the park. 12. Why load a Ferris Wheel with only 4 tubs? 13. They close the lines before the park closes, so I was not able to ride Lightning Run. This is unfortnate, especially since they close early in the day. It was a crowded day, but everything was managed well it seemed. As a taxpayer, I hope for crowded days so that the park will operate and pay the loans and not have to end in disaster, as Terp has explained the collateral issue. Also, with people in the park and spending money, it creates sales tax and income tax from employees. So hopefully the cycle continues and revenues will support further debt repayment and investment into the park.

I think Super8 has shuttles.

I don't know all the behind the scenes tax incentives, but I don't see much wrong about using existing tax laws to recoup capital investments, over a period of time. Of course, I am taking the article that was presented at face value; and I paraphrase: KK spends $15M this year, and will get some or all of that investment back over a course of time, if certain criteria are met. Does FUN take advantage of these opportunties if they are available in the states they are located in? On a different note: I actually like the Lexington, KY market run of Kroger/KK TV spot about the $59.95 season pass. It's a decent commercial. Kings Island's "Banshee's Back" spot, however is not impressive. The narrator is monotone, the artwork is blase' and it just does not "hype" the park.

I smelled an illegal drug that is smoked in a que line for Kenton's Cove Keelboat Canal. I was in 6th grade. My parents told me to hush up and not ask questions in a que line. I guess they were fearing high teenagers. This past Sunday in The Beast que, I witnessed a five year old use the most horrible racist and sexist language while his mother just laughed.

I really enjoyed my stay at The Shaker Inn. As expected, the staff were extremely nice. Both nights, I came back to the room very late after being at KI for ERT, and it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. This is in contrast to the freeway noise and people noise of the Super8 in Mason. The room was quirkly--there was about one foot between the bed and the entertainment center, there was no desk, and the bathroom was very tight. As I mentioned earlier, the only single room they had available was smoking permitted. So, the room smelled of smoke. I am sure the smell permeated my clothes, but was replaced in short order in the park with "park smells." The place was very clean, well maintained, and had a nice charm to it. It is about 10-15 minutes from KI, but that is not problematic for me. All in all, a great place for me and I will try stay there for my next trip.

I am so looking forward to my first enthusiast event! Hopefully I'll get to meet more new people and get to know others better. Everyone was so nice on Opening Day!

I just try to plan my visits to KI when lines should be short. However, if a friend can only go on busy days, I would not be opposed to doing legal line jumping. I have done it once, and it was fun. Now, if they would just fix the food lines....haha