BeeastFarmer

I disagree. A lighting package that commanding would be terrible for the plot where Vortex was. This coaster will need subtle lighting so as not to ruin the mysteries that are lurking in the woods of Rivertown. If we ever get a replacement for Invertigo and Timberwolf, a Gerstlauer with a commanding lighting package would be perfect in this area. But, these things are subjective and this is my opinion.

I don't spend much time in Planet Snoopy, but on my walks thru there, I found it concerning that songs with adult themes (like Lizzo's DNA test) have been kiddified. It makes me glad I don't have a young child anymore that would be exposed to it while riding children's rides.

I really enjoy the Rivertown covers. The International Street covers of pop music, though...not a fan. But it is much better than the actual pop music that played on IS. I loved KD's polka, french/spanish/italian mix intertwined with classical and movie songs. (I have submitted a message to KI about the music).

The wooshing sounds in the AE tunnels, and the groaning creaking sounds that play on the AE lift hill. Not the Arrow sounds of the coaster, but the recorded creakiing/groaning sounds.

^ I'm sure someone has tried it! (sorry, I couldn't resist!)

They need more of a staff presence in the more popular lines or video monitoring. In other words, put some teeth with the warning about line jumpers. Back on subject: With the exception of what @MoreFogPlease said, I don't think FL or FL+ encourages line jumping explicitly, but maybe implicitly.

I stand corrected, I did not read that portion of your post until you pointed it out. I did not pay that close attention when I was at the park yesterday (I like to enjoy the here and now). You have been or did. But until things develop further (or not), I do think that it could be remnants of destruction or construction of Orion. I think that is prime real estate for future development, but they have bigger fish to fry currently: Action Zone, Snoopy, Soak City and a big plot of land where Vortex once stood. Plus, a 50th anniversary celebration for next year. Not to mention having to deal with the after effects of a pandemic locally and chain wide. It would make more sense to let the new Area 72 mature before adding to it. But I am not an amusement park designer or planner. And I am a little confused about the last picture--are you saying this was a construction picture? There is a train on the track with people in it, and it is not a clear picture. If those spots that look like core drills are remnants that were covered, it would make sense that they appear now. If they were covered with a few inches to a foot of soil, it can wash away and whatever seed mixture was sown usually dies off quickly with thin soil and sunlight. Regardless, I do hope your theory ends up being correct and we do eventually have an expanded Area 72.

Your post mentioned nothing about grading, excavation, or Firehawk. To quote: "Just an observation from riding Orion multiple times this year. It appears there may have been some core samplings done on the other side of Orion's fence. What I see are small round spots in the grass that appear to be filled in with gravel. These spots aappear to be fresh. The photos don't really show as clearly as the view from Orion, but you can't take pictures from rides. LOL" My post said they have have left part of Firehawk (footings, ancillary concrete etc) in the ground after they excavated the land that was needed for Orion. This may have been done out of the immediate construction area to save costs--I believe it was a $32 million coaster. I am postulating as is everyone, including you (unless you have insider information, which by KIC TOS you must reveal). So I have no idea if this was the case in the land grading after they excavated. I saw it numerous times in my previous career.

It could also be remnants of Firehawk. With Orion costing 32 million dollars, they may have not excavated everything from it and just did some soil covering.

It is on the meal plan, so I'm not sure. I think the menu board had a price listed at 13.99 or 14.99.

I was second in line ;). It was my first Chef's Plate. It did live up to the hype and the smell was so nice as we waited. The beef had a great taste, but I am more of a fan of well done meats. The potato/asparagus/carrot/onion medley was very good too. Overall, a great experience!

The unique sounds of the phones in the roller coaster stations.

The footprints were on the blacktop portion when I went on Season Pass Preview weekend. When I went back two weeks ago, they had sealed the entire road/path that surrounds the Junkyard Coaster. Probably just a rotational maintenance item, and it would have been impossible to not seal over top of them. I think it's fine if it stays this way until the next milestone anniversary, but I hope they leave them on the pavers. If they decide to remove them from the pavers, they won't have to replace them as a previous poster suggested. A pressure washer most likely could remove it; worst case they could simply turn the pavers over and regrout with sand. It would be cool if they could repaint with logo colors the next time they do the pawprints.

When I saw the thread's title, I thought it was referring to either me or @disco2000

I agree to the nth degree. Wonderful human being and elevated food in the park. Without him, we would be 5 years behind our current food garden.

^not everyone has Apple Pay. They would need to work with other providers as well.

Ok...you...got me on that...one!

Is it the same Winterfest cinnamon bread? I saw it on the marquee, but wanted to try the fruit desert instead.

^Sounds like a dreadful place where elected people are overbearing.

Paramount/Viacom also installed a Premier Junkyard coaster at C-Land. Maybe when CF took over, they were mad that Premier sold outdoor FOF clones, specifically at SFA, which is close to KD.

I'd love a 1300-2200 operating day at KI. I think the vast majority of people who "vow to never come back" will be back. And the ones who don't will make an entirely more pleasant experience for the rest who do. I am also of the mind that a steep rise in price of a gold/platinum pass, meal plan and drink plan is in order. You may see a decreased volume of passes sold, but an increase in loyalty from a better experience.

I wonder if there is a connection to the Fess Parker estate?

There are some other threads with this subject, you might be directed there. But here is my two cents: Of the above coasters you mentioned, Adventure Express and The Bat are generally fluffy friendly. Racer should be too, except for the front row. It does not have extra leg room needed to cross your legs. Mystic Timbers only needs one click and it's easiest to get that in the middle of the train to the front. Woodstock Express may be difficult to sit together but should be manageable if you sit in different rows. Backlot Stunt Coaster is fairly easy as well. If you want to ride the other coasters that she does not meet the height requirements on: Banshee has plus sized rows, I think 4 and 5. Diamondback and Orion have test seats and generally fluff friendly. The Beast is the same as The Racer--avoid the front row. If you do not fit in a ride, realize that most people are not going to be critical. The ones that are, I would consider jerks. You have the courage to try, which is what matters. I have had to walk off of Drop Tower twice...it is not welcoming of tall people! There are only a couple of seats that will fit me in, and it is so uncomfortable. But there was no shame, I waited for my party and we had an enjoyable rest of the day. Congratulations of your weight loss journey so far. I hope you have a great time this weekend!

@beastfan11 Without knowing the specific parks you are mentioning, I can only mention what I have experienced and read about on social media: Kentucky Kingdom is operating on a normal calendar, but they have had typically short operating days. Several dry park rides are undergoing renovation (likely delayed by the transition), but food stands and waterpark rides are closed or rotated because of short staffing. Indiana Beach is short staffed and is recruiting teachers as seasonal workers (KI could do this, and may have started to recruit senior workers as I saw more seniors working on my visit last week). Six Flags parks have seemed to keep the calendar intact, but people complain more than ever because of lines, closed food locations and rides. A friend in Orlando says he will not renew either his Disney or Universal pass because of the miserable conditions related to short staffing. BGW has and may still have very limited capacity, with many people posting about never coming back (they will).

I doubt that labor was budgeted for what the current outlay is. All I know is that labor issues are not local to amusement parks--it is everywhere, larger metro areas and small towns. How do you solve that without spending all your income...while still having to pay other obligations?