KIghostguy

You can read it here:

Interesting, thank you for that. I’ve always been curious about where that story originated. It's a great story and one I've always wanted to be true, but after my own interviews, it doesn't seem likely that it was ever a serious plan.

Paramount Parks Design and Entertainment was based out of Charlotte, at least under and prior to Anthony Esparza. It's possible they relocated out to California after he left in 2003, but I haven't talked with anyone from that division at that time. I am curious if you can say any more about the Vekoma Flyer story source. Dave Focke emphatically told me that that was never a plan for Kings Island, as did Tim Fisher, Jane Cooper, and Anthony Esparza.

I will! I'm almost done with the writing process, and the final manuscript will be sent to the publisher in less than a month.

Details are still being worked on with the publisher. I’ll keep you posted once I hear more definite things.

By very, very initial, then yes. But initial discussions for a GCI wooden coaster began in 2015. Initial discussions for a B&M invert began in 2012, etc. There is a difference between the five year plan and "actual" planning for a project.

I just received a copy of what will be the forward to Kings Island: A Ride Through Time. This is going to be one very special book.

American Financial Corporation was very hands-off when it came to Kings Island. They pretty much let management at the park "do their thing." Everyone I've talked to who was in management at Kings Island at the time had very good things to say about working under AFC and Lindner's ownership.

5 year plans are very vague and allow a lot of flexibility. Actual planning for major coasters, etc. does not typically begin at Kings Island until 2 years before its intended opening season.

Carl Lindner purchased Taft, which had a 1/3 stake in KECO. Lindner wanted to buy/be a corporate partner in Kings Entertainment Company. Lindner and Nelson Schwab got into quite an argument, one that was settled by selling Kings Island to Lindner with the stipulation KECO would retain a management contract on the park.

Carl Lindner never owned KECO, as the video claims. He owned Kings Island and retained Kings Entertainment Company on a management contract for just that park.

Yes, it is a two-year process, at least for Kings Island. Planning for Diamondback began in 2007, Banshee in 2012, Mystic Timbers in 2015, Orion in 2018. It’s been that way for a while. True development on The Beast didn’t begin until 1977. Sometimes it does take longer (Son of Beast was green lit in 1997), sometimes the process is shorter (planning for Firehawk began October 2006).

This is absolutely true. The date was confirmed to me by Mike Koontz during my second interview with him 10/13/2019. Planning at Kings Island typically begins two years before the attraction opens.

The decision to remove Firehawk was made mid-summer 2018. Planning for Orion began in June of 2018 and the Firehawk site was selected not long after.

Obliterating the station is sad, but I wouldn’t really say there is a systematic removal of the park’s history going on. Have we forgotten last season already?

They really should have had Gary Wachs come in to talk about it instead of Chad Showalter.

Thank you, I stand corrected! One year off.

Adventure Express is a remnant too. It was part of Wild Animal Habitat/Adventure Village. It wasn’t considered an Oktoberfest ride until 2000.

I'm not sure where that would fit. Adventure Village has been gone since 1998.

But I thought we were not allowed to question certain Almighty Users on here?!

I am the second poster here. Just to clarify, I was not the one who asked how to know whether someone is well-respected. Another user wrote that assuming that I was unaware who that user was. I knew the user was well-respected on here, but over the course of my own research I've found a fair number of claims he's made are false. That's why I asked who his source was in the first place.

It's very odd to me that Kings Dominion is on the course that it is with Richard Zimmerman at the helm of Cedar Fair. Zimmerman was general manager at Kings Dominion for a period of time, so you would think there would be lots of big investments in the park. Instead, Kings Dominion is entering 2020 without a ride and without one of its signature coasters...but plus a kiddie splash pad. The park is being treated right now like its Dorney Park--I mean, even the splash pads are similar.

Yes, they are adding a food stand and it will be themed to fit with the area. I don't know about seating. Orion and Area 72 will be quite heavily themed. One of Mike Koontz's visions for Kings Island is to bring back theming and charm.

Here is an interesting article with info that will probably be new for most users on here: https://www.journal-news.com/news/local/kings-island-preparing-for-2020-what-expect-from-the-park-this-year/uYPRyXiE7xh8ixzWdEQ3bM/

I think he meant no MCBR. The blueprints showing the trim have been available since May. But as you said, hopefully it’s not too bad/rarely used!