MaestroJr

Don't get me wrong it's still a popular ride, but I think in terms of its heyday, the lines aren't as long because it doesn't have the same charm or effects it had and is now just an "OK" coaster. I still enjoy it but it's fairly jerky and not that thrilling of a coaster with some decent effects. But it's line just depends on the visit I guess.

Wouldn't it be cool to have a Haunted and Christmas themed Mystic Timbers shed, just an idea.

Adventure Express could defiantly benefit from some TLC to get more popularity it's way again. Back when it had a "theme" it was very entertaining but now serves mostly as a child's first "bigger" coaster, though I always will ride the hell out of it for nostalgias sake alone!

I know, I know, I ask this every year, but are any old ride props being used for haunt this year? Just curious!

Great photos guys, hope all who went had fun! Look forward to going myself soon!

It's also funny how the mouse is the only actual animatronic from Phantom still in use and it still is operating kinda. From what I can recall from last year, it pops up as it has and growls kind of at you. It's funny how it's such a small part of the original Phantom story but it still is in use.

It would be interesting for a Peanuts and Phantom Theater double dark ride at Kings Island but probably will be more of a triotech. A practical dark ride with real props and animatronics would surprise me and I wouldn't expect anything until Cedar Fair gives the axe to Boo Blasters at all four parks that have one. MaestroJr

Thread bump, since Boo Blasters seems to be staying for this year do you think it's probable that until Cedar Fair replaces Boo Blasters at the other parks, Canada's Wonderland, Kings Dominion, and Carowinds, it will remain at Kings Island or do you think KI will branch out and do away with Boo early and do our own ride given the history of our dark rides being more important and generally a staple of the park unlike other CF parks? Sorry for the long question!

The Racer needs a repaint before any new trains but The Beast could benefit with the new trains in my opinion or just different seating and lap bar modifications. MaestroJr

You can see Timberwolf from certain areas in ActionZone, mainly over by Invertigo and close to The Bat area.

While I do like The Beast current trains, they aren't very comfy and they really don't need to be but the seat belts I'd say need to be redone. My leg always sticks out a bit so that it jams into the side of my seat. I love The Beast however and I think modifying anything but the trains and re-tracking would be a sin against roller coaster history. I personally would love new trains for The Beast though as it could enhance the riding experience. MaestroJr

There still is many footers under the old Son of Beast station/modern wolf pack maze. Along with the station track as well.

Looks to be an incredible fun and airtime filled coaster. Might have to get to KD next year for a ride.

I was reading on behindthethrills.com about the new Twisted Timbers ride at Kings Dominion and it mentioned that, "The coaster will also take a queue from Mystic Timbers and reveal what happened on that fateful day in 1950". Do you think both Timbers will have a connection or just maybe this is a coincidence. Attached article, http://www.behindthethrills.com/2017/08/kings-dominion-hurls-into-2018-with-twisted-timbers/

This is going to be a awesome ride that already looks crazy! I look forward to a Cedar Point trip in 2018!

It will be interesting to hear what else will be open for Winterfest, maybe a few more coasters, who knows? Very exciting news, thanks for the video IndyGuy!

How about The Beast's Beast.

What do you think of Rogarou?

Especially on the grown man in a certain place!

I never had the courage to ride Son of Beast as it's stories around the lunch table scared me and I was never that into coasters as a kid. In fact as a kid I had only a few coaster credits but my favorite was Adventure Express. I loved to watch Son of Beast from the Adventure Express lift hill, especially at night and it's massive structure and watching it run its course down the hill and up the loop is a personal favorite memory of my Paramounts Kings Island childhood. I continued to admire its massive wooden structure and went to Kings Island in 2012 while it's downfall and destruction was happening and it was quite a sight. I made a visit to the park in October 2012 to see Sonny's massive lift hill one final time and it was a very depressing visit for sure! Sonny's lift hill finally came down for good less then 1 month later. I got some great pictures on that trip of the rides structure and I even bought one of the Son of Beast structure bolts that came off the ride that went up for sale as soon as they came on the KI website. I received that as a Christmas present and it rest on my nightstand as a permanent reminder of a childhood memory. I hoped for an RMC treatment for Sonny, and I hated Banshee during its initial year for taking out a great childhood memory. But after riding and riding, I learned that Banshee is a better ride and I have it as my second favorite roller coaster next to The Beast. Regardless of its legacy, Son of Beast is a childhood memory I'll never forget and I'll always miss seeing it's lift hill from the interstate while pulling into the park. MaestroJr

There is a brand new smokehouse restaurant this year in Soak City which you might like to try. It has recieved quite positive reviews from fellow KICentral members and other KI visitors alike. It's quite tasty.

They no longer using the characters at all for Haunt, not even in burlap as they are in quite unpresentable condition. However in The Beast queue there is a barrel from Phantom and in both Slaughterhouse and Cavern of Terror (old Crypt building) several Phantom Theater props are used. I've taken a few photos of them the past few years during Haunt but besides that, the rest are either destroyed or in storage. I'm hoping for a Phantom Theater 2 in old Crypt building as well as I've ridden Haunted Mansion at WDW as well as Phantom Theater as a kid and hope to see a return and are both excellent, spooky dark rides. MaestroJr

Now that's an achievement in itself! I would say my highest score came during the rides Scooby days, although no idea what it may have been. My brother got 2200 this year during a stop that occurred during the ride so Id say that's the highest I've seen in a while at least. MaestroJr

Sounds good but be sure to pace yourself cause that 4 hour drive home I imagine seems forever being sleepy!

I'd say try and get there early as possible. Also if you have a ride that you want to be on more then others, I'd recommend getting on it early as you can before the people come in waves at about 1 or 2. Depending on how long y'all stay, people typically leave around 5 or 6 so you may want to wait and get a night ride in on some rides that have long lines during the day especially Mystic Timbers which should have a fairly long line to say the least. Have a great trip!