MaestroJr

No that's the thing is that pretty much since 2013 when the model planes were removed from Flight Deck, nothing has changed or been updated. Even the "runway" concrete platform when you come back from The Bat to the station still says "41" (I think it's that number) as in reference to an aircraft carrier. I don't think the Halloween stuff is there anymore but the M&M machine still is and I have no idea if they are fresh! When Top Gun was new, the ride was like being in the movie with its massive theming. Although I doubt that The Bat will get any new theming, it's still a fun coaster for me but it is not as great as it once was. MaestroJr

You mean this? Image courtesy of CoasterNation.com

Well said jcgoble3, you also have to remember that when Top Gun was installed in 1993, the lines length was do to heavy theming pre-ride and also do to it being "FighterTownUSA" or something like that and made it feel like a unique area of the park being the only coaster back in the area. It was like that and very secluded until Son of Beast was built in 2000.

Yeah it's defiantly a great coaster to ride for an easier, less intense ride and great for families. It's also pretty smooth. But your right, the queue line is way too long. The Bat is something I hope sticks around at Kings Island.

Oh I just meant that whenever I ride its line is usually not very long and I just thought that maybe people forget its back there. I guess usually after Banshee people ride The Bat and that's usually when I ride it. I just thought that maybe it's short line was an indicator. I would hate to see it go as its one of few still around and is a great ride with great history. MaestroJr

Unless of an accident I see The Racer staying around and not leaving anytime soon. Also considering it's historical place in roller coasters. I love it and hope for a new paint job but it's fun regardless. I could see The Bat leaving soon as even though it's a lot of fun for me, it's popularity is decreasing every year.

The Smurf Ride was the next in line of Kings Island dark rides and was converted from Enchanted Voyage a year after its removal. It was the same as Enchanted Voyage, but with a Smurf theme. It operated until 1991 when the building was gutted, ride entrance moved and whole new ominmovers installed for the 1992 addition of Phantom Theater. Hope this helps,

Except Thunder Run and Racer, too rough!

I'm just happy to be one of the first riders and witness what's in the shed and also the back is my favorite seat on wooden coasters!

Defiantly! Imagine the line though.

With Winterfest coming later this year, something I have thought about is attractions. A couple things have been confirmed, but in the history of Winterfest, all dark rides have been open including Smurf's Enchanted Voyage, Phantom Theater, Scooby's Haunted Castle. With that being said, do you think Boo Blasters will be operating for Winterfest, and do you think some Christmas themes will be thrown in? I think it could work good for Boo Blasters, as well as providing some more entertainment for guests visiting the park this winter.

1. Defiantly in 2012 when I got to marathon Flight Deck and Adventure Express to get as close as I could to see Son of Beast's final stand and dismantling. 2. I used to like the Flinstones Bumper Cars and Pixie and Dixie swing ride as a kid. 3. Yes, it would have to be Run-D.M.C/Aerosmith's "Walk this way" in The Beast's queue line. 4. I like The Racer the way it is but it would be cool to redo one train to go backwards again. 5. When your reduced to watching POV videos on youtube and looking at pictures to get your fix! 6. Most defiantly a dark ride like aspect or something along those lines, thats my guess anyway.

I think that when Phantom was removed it was so the park could get rid of the massive expenses of Phantom. They went the cheap way with Scooby in 2003 and has been deteriorating ever since. I loved Scooby as a kid as I did Phantom and I do think that when Phantom was changed, it was a much more disappointing change then Boo Blasters from Scooby. Scooby and Boo are almost identical and never will reach the level of Phantom Theater. MaestroJr

For those who may not have seen it yet, The Vortex sign has been refurbished and polished off for the rides 30th anniversary. I think it looks very nice but what is your opinion on it? Picture courtesy of Kings Island's Instagram page.

Mystic Timbers has bits and pieces that remind me of Thunder Run at Kentucky Kingdom, anybody else see this?

Absolutely fantastic and nostalgic photos shaggy, thanks for posting all these!

Should be fun riding late on Mystic Timbers!

I love to ride alone and dont really pay attention anyway while on coasters, they are way too much fun! I have gone many times alone and had as much fun as with people. The only ride that I hate riding alone is Banshee or Invertigo because being that there are more than 2 seats on Banshee and that you face off (lol face off) on Invertigo, it can get kind of awkward. But riding any ride is lots of fun regardless of company or not and like mentioned before, you might get a new friend out of it, I have made several friends while in line as you can both talk about Kings Island or the local area, anything of interest at the park really. Ive always had fun alone as you can choose your day and odds are you'll meet some folks along the way! MaestroJr

I agree too that both rides will probably only retire if the land is needed and unless a problem happens during the ride multiple times, I dont see either going anywhere. They were built much better than our short lived Son of Beast or something like that.

Yep really nice pictures

I think Mystic Timbers will kinda be like a much more intense Adventure Express. I really am looking forward to riding.

Best things are The Beast, Banshee, and all great coasters! Fountains and Eiffel Tower Park atmosphere and skyline Racer and older rides nostalgia Short waits usually Good Food Memories Bad things are: Long Bat queue to walk for a 10 minute wait Fun TV's in Boo Blasters Boo Blasters guns and props not working every year Opening photographers and annoying game people Ridiculous wait for Firehawk and Flight of Fear All three visits I made had The Beast and Vortex closed for most of the day, always a bummer! And thats about it.

Things that Paramount got right -Good job with the theming -Great kids area -Installing Top Gun, FACE/OFF, Drop Zone, and at the time Son of Beast -For me personally great memories Things they did wrong -Removing most Hanna-Barbera themes -Removing Phantom Theater despite it being still very popular among guest (including me) in 2002. -Poor job of constructing and managing Son of Beast -Made the park kind of a gimmick -Always doing what the other parks where doing in the Paramount chain Overall though it was a good time at the park under Paramount.

I was there when Son of Beast was brand new and there when it was being torn down. I had a special relationship with it from being to scared to ride it but also disappointing that I didnt. I always got as close as I cared to get to Son of Beast on Top Gun and Adventure Express as a kid. It to me was very fun to look at from below and growing up with it right there in front of me as a kid but it also scaring the hell out of me with its screaming riders and rumors. I remember it climbing its lift hill while I climbed on Adventure Express and looking up at Son of Beast and thinking no, never will I ride that wooden monster! I never did but I will cherish my memories with it and I even in 2012 made a special visit to pay visit to the Son one last time during Haunt. It actually was very sad as I grew up with it and remember when it was brand new and now in a flash a part of my Kings Island childhood was gone. I do have one of its structural bolts that got released shortly after its removal in 2012 and I also have stood on the track that remains two years ago during Haunt. Banshee is a great replacement, but I always will remember and cherish my childhood with Son of Beast! MaestroJr