KIghostguy

Thanks for posting! I shared about it yesterday; the original thread was moved into a different sub-forum, so that’s probably why you missed it.

The publisher is doing one last proof of the book before locking it down, so that’s why there’s no final page number yet. And yes, there are photos in the book! The emphasis is on the interviews, but there’s some really nice (and rare) photos throughout!

Thank you! Hope you enjoy it. Glad you love the cover--it was done by Paul Bonifield, Cedar Fair's Graphic and Scenic Designer. Thank you! I can't wait for you to read it.

Now available for pre-order! https://www.rivershorecreative.com/kingsisland And check out the official press release, too. https://www.rivershorecreative.com/blog/2021/3/5/new-book-chronicles-the-history-of-kings-island

We’re finalizing the last couple details right now. Expect a formal announcement very soon! The book will be very narratively-driven. There are photos, concept art, and maps, but the focus is on the personal stories of the 41 executives I interviewed from throughout the park’s history.

Worth noting on this site that Craig Ross, Herschend's new COO of the Growth and Opportunity Group, was Kings Island's general manager from 2002 to 2006.

The building is, fundamentally, ugly as sin. Nothing can really be done to change that fact on a regional park budget. Tear it down and put something better in that space. An S&S Screamin’ Swing would be perfect there.

Richard Fussner passed away on Monday at the age of 91. He was Kings Island's first Director of Loss Prevention, from 1972 to 1988. If you've ever had a safe day at Kings Island, you have Mr. Fussner to thank. Mr. Fussner wrote almost all the safety and first-aid policies and procedures at Kings Island during the time he was there. Writing and setting all these types of procedures was unheard of in the amusement industry in 1972. Many of these standards and procedures were adapted by amusement parks nationwide, and some are still in use at the park today. Mr. Fussner also invented the Fun & Safety Guide, which was adapted by IAAPA for international use in 1987. After he left Kings Island, he started a consulting business and worked with amusement parks all over the world helping with safety industry-wide. He loved to talk about his time at Kings Island, and in my opinion, he was one of the most underrated people in Kings Island's history. He leaves behind an incredible legacy not only at Kings Island, but in the entire amusement park industry.

Not yet. Still a little too early. Right now, we're finalizing the actual contents and layout of the book. Within the Orion section, there's a part walking through the different storyline concepts for Orion and Area 72, and how it developed into what we ended up with.

Super interesting stories @BB1, thanks for sharing! Definitely food for thought.

Yes, there are sections delving pretty deep into the development of the waterpark through the years. The story behind why it was built in the first place is one of the most interesting in the whole book, in my opinion! I can’t wait for you to read it! I’m curious about your paranormal experiences? I know you’ve mentioned it before on here, but I don’t think you’ve ever gone into detail.

2 years, 2 publishers, and 43 interviews later, I sent the final manuscript into the publisher today! One step closer to its release this spring. There’s a lot of amazing things going on right now with Kings Island: A Ride Through Time, so stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!

For Orion, I went into the Mason Municipal Building and asked for them, and they gave me free copies. That was right after they were filed in May 2019, though, so that process might have changed. I would recommend calling the Municipal Building and asking: (513)229-8500 .

Kings Island: A Ride Through Time will be out in the spring, and there will be a section diving into the reasons/timing behind Vortex's removal.

Super amazing. Rick Bastrup (President of R&R Designs) told me that the model was “lost somewhere along the road,” so it’s nice to see that it has survived somewhere after all these years! A real shame that it’s being sold and will never be seen by the public instead of donated to a museum, though.

I went back and forth over whether or not to do a section on COVID, and ultimately I decided not to. It's still an ongoing situation, so I feel that writing a section about it and its impact would be premature. Additionally, I want to end the book on a positive note. Right now, the narrative ends with Orion's opening, and that's what I want the book to end on, not on COVID. There will be a portion within the Orion section talking about how coronavirus impacted the construction and opening of Orion, but there will not be a dedicated COVID section in the book.

Yes, next spring just works better. I think it's better to use this time to add more to it, rather than try to rush it out before the end of the season or Christmas. Plus, I don't think people are in the mood to buy a Kings Island book right now with everything going on. At least by the spring, the presidential election will be over!

We don’t have anything finalized since I just signed the contract, but we certainly want this sold in bookstores, the park, etc. I know that the book will be sold in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions.

I can’t wait for everyone to read Kings Island: A Ride Through Time in spring 2021, when it will be published by Rivershore Creative! The book is moving full-steam ahead once again now that I have a contract signed with the new publisher. I promise that the wait will be worth it, as I’ve been spending this time filling the book with more content, more interviews, and more incredible stories.

This problem is on both Safari (mobile) and Chrome (computer).

Ever since the most recent update, there has been an issue with the Topics area on both my phone and computer. Before the update, each unread topic would have a bold title, and clicking on it would take you directly to the first unread post. Ever since the update, none of the titles are bolded and clicking on it leads to the first post on the first page.

Bring back the waterfall in Tower Gardens!

I did the tasting card today and it was fantastic. Generally good portions for "tastings" and I thought that $30 for six items is a fine deal. All the items I tried were really good, but my favorite would have to be the French Quarter Poutine. Delicious and very rich with flavor!

People do realize that Banshee is an Irish spirit, right? Not German?

Congratulations @DeltaFlyer, I can’t wait to see what you bring to the YouTube channel!