7/25/07

[PKIVortex]

Well I went to KI yet again today for my 10 visit of the year. Wow this summer is really flying by and it seems that the summer crowds may be just beginning.

The park was much busier this morning then I thought it would be, but this is first time in month's that I've arrived at the park at 10am. As we were walking up to the gate the national anthem started to play, this was the first I have heard it.

My friend who I went with had to buy a ticket but I gave her a coupon for $29.95 so she saved 15 dollars. We finally arrived in the park around 10:30ish.

Our first ride of the day was Delirium only had to wait one cycle.

Then we headed over to Son of Beast today only the blue train was running but I'm glad we got in line when we did. We got in line the line was about down the second ramp, but after we got in line the line was all the way to bottom of the ramp and going around the corner. Because of the one train operation it took almost 1 hour to get on the ride. We rode in 5-1 I felt the ride was little rougher this time, especially in the rose bowl, could it be the blue train? I noticed the red train on the transfer track had several of the lap bars removed from the back car? I wonder what that was about?

We next went to Top Gun, rode in 6-1 It actually had a line today, line started at the bottom of the steps into the station, but once again got longer after we gone in line. I was really surprised at the number of people in the park this early in the morning, not sure if that is the norm or not. I was guessing because of the overcast skies that people waited a bit to head to the water park.

Next up was Face/Off only waited about 25 to 30 minutes. We had a really fun ride on Face/Off nothing new or unusual to report here.

Now it was time to get on Congo Falls, of course this ride was a walk-on, Again the evil sprayers got us at the end of the ride, but that is part of the fun. After the ride we watched several boats get soaked that was fun.

My friend didn't want to ride Drop Zone, but that's okay, I'll ride it some other day. So we decided to move on to Adventure Express. No line here, walked right on to 5-1, I enjoyed my ride today as they were no problems in the station, It was also nice to see the guy in the final lift tunnel lit up. It's been a while since I've seen him.

Then headed over to Racer, rode Backwards first and then Forwards. Why is it every-time I get on the train we never race, but when I'm not on the train they do? Racing is part of the fun. I still don't know how I feel about The Racer Crew but after our ride on Backwards we sat in the brakes for what seemed like 5 minutes.

We then headed over to Firehawk, the line was the longest I have ever saw it. All of the ques were filled when you turn the corner and the line was starting to build in the other Que's still only waited about an hour though. I like how the crew is handling the line now, it seems to be moving a lot faster. I also noticed some new things going up in the line, they have foundations poured and they are a green piece of metal sticking up. My guess they are about to install fans into the line, or misters. Way to go KI, I know they have been some problems with people passing out in that line. My Firehawk ride was awesome as always. I think Firehawk is definitely my second favorite coaster in the park now for sure.

Flight of Fear was next, 2 ques filled outside, but none open on the inside, about a 35 minute wait. However today, no pre-show was playing, but the "Attention All Base ......." announcements were playing in the line before you go into the building. They had an area in front of the photo booth roped off today, as they are doing more work to it. They must be trying to get these operational soon. Flight of Fear was a fun ride as always and we rode in 1-1.

After Flight of Fear it was almost 4 so I needed something to eat. Went to Happy Days, spent 12.12. Food was average that burger wasn't as good as the last one I had at Happy Days, but the fries made up for it.

After eating we went and did SB-3D, just for the heck of it, it was a complete walk on.

Now it was time for my favorite Vortex. I told my friend we have to ride in 7-1, so we did, she loved it back there, and she was screaming going down the first drop, and I was too just for the heck of it. However Vortex crew still needs to get there act together stacking almost every train. Seriously what is the point of running 3 trains if you can't even run them correctly.

Went to get in line for IJ:ST got all the way up to the gate and the ride broke. We decided to stick it out because my friend never rode it. They were having a problem with the loading gates not opening for some odd reason. Finally got in about 25 minutes later, total wait was about 45 minutes. My friend loved the inside part of the ride.

Now off to White Water Canyon, no line got pretty wet, spent a dollar after the ride soaking other riders. I rode WWC more this year then I have in the past, it really is a fun ride though.

Since we were already wet we decided to do River Adventure line was pretty short only waited about 15 minutes. I got the most wet as I was in the front of the boat, but it was fun.

Over to TR:TR my friend never rode it, they still aren't using the pre-show most of the sound is working again however, the voice overs are still playing but they are inaudible. I told my Friend that the ride used to be much better then this. But oh well. I told her about all of the effects that use to be there.

Now to The Beast, rode in 1-1 walked completely into the station and waited about 10 minutes for the front seat. Had so much fun went around and rode in 6-2. We actually rode in the same train we just got off of, as it was the same people who were boarding when we rode before, pretty cool. LOL.

Back to Vortex for one last ride rode in 7-1 again, yes I Love that seat. By this time it was about 7:30 and we decided to call it a day.

Something I have noticed and others have said it too, why are not making people take all of there loose articles with them on some of the coasters. Son of Beast wasn't letting anyone leave anything, Vortex wasn't letting anyone leave anything, Racer as well. I don't remember what Adventure Express or IJ was doing. However on The Beast they were gladly letting people leave there stuff in the station. I told my friend if they aren't letting you leave stuff anymore, why do they still have the metal storage things at SOB and Vortex. Doesn't make any since to me, especially on SOB since they were only running one train anyway. I hope someone doesn't get hit in the face with something.

Also Landscaping forgot to change the flower date today as it still said July 24th whoops. All in all even though the morning crowed kinda caught me off guard I still had a great day at The Island. I'll be back on Sunday July 29th and then of Course August 4th. Thanks for reading.

[Keysersoze]

Just one little thing that gets me a little steamed. What's up with all the "Handicap" riders who can't stand in line with the rest of us but have no problem getting out of that wheelchair so they can steal my spot! Mental handicap don't cut it with me. They slowed up the line for me at Vortex and The Beast.

[The Interpreter]

Just because someone can move from their wheelchair to a seat in a coaster train does not mean they can stand for even thirty seconds, much less an hour or so.

There are many disabilities, many of which cannot be seen by others.

As you get older, and as you see, or heaven forbid, EXPERIENCE, more disabilities, you will understand more. That is not to say that there aren't some demented or uncaring souls out there who pretend to be disabled who are not. Unfortunately, there are. Those people deserve, in my opinion, to actually suffer the disability they pretend to have. And perhaps a little criminal prosecution as well.

[Browntggrr]

^^ You have got to be kidding me!

There are some cold- hearted, insensitive people out there, but you take the cake.

First of all, they are not "stealing" your spot. The ride operators make a determination of how long the ride is, and tell them to come back at a certain time. Or they have friends wait in line, and then get on the ride when thier friends are gettin gon as well.

Also, just because they can get up from a wheelchair and walk to the ride does not mean that they can wait in line like the rest of us. There are many conditions where people cannot be on their feet for an extended amount of time.

I'm sure if you asked ANY person that relies on a wheelchair if they would rather get on at a ride exit due to their condition, or wait in line like everyone else, they would choose the latter.

And if they are "stealing" your spot on the ride, does one extra cycle really mean THAT much?

[The Interpreter]

I see the wise Browntggrr and I replied at the same time. And I agree with every word he said, too!

[Keysersoze]

Your getting me all wrong, if there truley handicap I can see it, like 2 weeks ago at KI I saw a young boy I would say about 5 or 6 that had 2 fake legs, and was walking on them. I would galdly give him my spot, but like the overweight dude at The Vortex jumped out of his wheelchair quicker then I can get out of The Vortex.

[The Interpreter]

Your getting me all wrong, if there truley handicap I can see it, like 2 weeks ago at KI I saw a young boy I would say about 5 or 6 that had 2 fake legs, and was walking on them. I would galdly give him my spot, but like the overweight dude at The Vortex jumped out of his wheelchair quicker then I can get out of The Vortex.

No, we are not getting you all wrong. MANY disabilities CANNOT be seen. You can SEE with the naked eye some of the many arthritic and joint conditions that make walking EXTREMELY painful? If you can, you surely should be making big money in the diagnostic medicine field!

Because someone can move out of a chair ONCE quickly does not mean they can stand even a single minute.

Sheesh.

And I take back what I said about as you get older, you will understand. I see from your profile that you are in your thirties. I hope you never get to experience first hand the pain that MANY go through that no one else can see just by looking at them.

[Keysersoze]

Well this hits at home with me, I have some people in my family that takes the whole handicap thing to a new level. Many abuse it. Now I will just say I'm not into being rip into on this forum like this. So I'm just going to shut up. All I said was how it get's to me a little I never said anything like death to all handicap's. Get a grip.

[The Interpreter]

Well, first of all most disabled people do not like being referred to as "handicaps." They are more than just their disability.

And second, if you thought a bit today, that's a good thing. We all come here to share information, to learn (and heaven knows I have learned a lot here), and to even get a laugh or two.

Have a good day. And be thankful for the abilities you have. At any time, something could happen and it could be you or me in that wheelchair, blind, arthritic, etc. Most of us, if we live very long, ARE going to end up with one or more disabilities.

And if the only joy in a painful day, week or month is a short ride in a rolley coaster, and by then it is me, I hope to be able to do that, and certainly do not begrudge others that opportunity, even if it means now I have to wait just a bit longer for that ride today.

[Browntggrr]

I would galdly give him my spot, but like the overweight dude at The Vortex jumped out of his wheelchair quicker then I can get out of The Vortex.

So how do you know that the "overweight dude" does not have a thyroid issue?

Haven't you ever been really excited and moved faster than usual?

And how can we be taking you wrong when you make the comment that "Mental handicap don't cut it with me". There are various forms & levels of mental illness, autism for one, where a wheelchair may not be required, but it is advised to be used. Especially in large crowds.

There are no other ways of taking your cold insensitive comments.

You also may like to read some comments here:

http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?...ndicap+policies

[Browntggrr]

Now I will just say I'm not into being rip into on this forum like this. So I'm just going to shut up.

If you consider being ripped because you are proven wrong, then please take your own advice.

[standbyme]

I almost hate to weigh in here...but I am curious if I am the only one who has noticed that it appears that renting an electric/battery scooter is becoming some sort of status symbol? Three times over the last year I have seen 3 examples of what appears to be totally healthy people just using these scooters to either impress people or because they do not WANT to walk around the park. I have seen what appears to be a whole family all have the scooters. The instances that I have seen are what appears to be a mom/dad in their 40's and a teenage son and about 10 year old daughter. EVERYONE looked great health-wise. The teenage boy was totally muscular and was even hauling around 3 basketballs he had won. . Another time that seemed real obvious was a group of about 5 very healthy people in their late teens/early twenties with 2 of the scooters...as I was just sitting watching people throughout the day I noticed that it wouldn't be the same person on the scooters all the time, they would change off. The third time I noticed something was what appeared to be a boyfriend/girlfriend combo. I noticed that they were kinda chasing each other with the scooters in circles and laughing really hard, when she finally caught him, the boy jumped out of his scooter and ran off aways. (Then came back.) Once again, they were both late teens/early twenties...and the guy looked like he could play any sport in the book.

What REALLY upsets me about this is the fact that someone who genuinely needs one of these scooters may not be able to rent one because of people like these.I do not know if any of these people were trying to claim that they were handicapped in order to ride the rides without waiting in line...I really wouldn't even want to know because I would be even more upset.

My questions are: #1 Does anyone know if the park even attempts to make sure that someone really needs a scooter, or is it just first-come-first-served? And #2, am I the only one that is seeing this?

P.S. PLEASE don't try and tell me that in everyone of the three examples I have listed that they ALL happened to have a mental handicap that also prevented ALL of them from being able to walk. I have a better chance of winning the lottery than that being true.

[Browntggrr]

Unfortunately, there are people that will abuse the system. I'm not sure how to prevent something like this without treading on thin ice when it comes down to individual rights. It is a really touchy subject.

But you are right, if some loser wants to fake an injury/ disability so they can get a scooter, and then a person who actually needs one can't, that is dispicable. I am not sure if the park could request some type of doctor's excuse without violating rights.

[PKIVortex]

And all of this relates to my trip report how?

[DeLorean Rider]

And all of this relates to my trip report how?

I know and I apologise but I must say this.

There is no longer a single policy at Kings Island that allows any guest to simply hop on a ride as they choose.

The disability policy is this: If you have a disibility you may get a disability guide. What that allows is this: if a line is under a half an hour you may enter a ride through the exit. The reason for this is that it often takes people with a disibility longer to manauver and so forth through the park causing a loss if time. This 30 min grace period is to somewhat suppliment that. My brother,whom I lost to cancer when he was 15, and I used to visit the park frequently together and it did indeed take him much longer to do most things, things even as simple as using the restroom. Believe me this grace period helps a lot.

Now If a line is 30min or longer, the operator at the exit will calculate the length of the line, say 1hour for instance, if the time is currently 3:30, the operator will mark 4:30 in the guide, initial, and stamp the book. From that moment on, that guest is figurativly waiting in line, though not physically, the guest is still waiting. The guest in this time may NOT get another time for another ride as they are currently waiting in line already and nobody can be in two places at once. The guest MAY however sit down in the shade, get something to eat, etc. waiting for their time to come. Once their time comes they will go back up to the ride's exit, the operator will take their book, mark off their time, and will have seats saved for them on the next available ride.

As stated before there are MANY disablilties that cannot be seen visually. Working at the park 6 years you come to realize this very quickly. You could never know that someone is diabetic without them telling you, even still they could be unable to wait in a line such as, Oh I dont know say; Firehawk, with its wonderful lack of covering from the hot sun.

Perhaps you should be glad that you do not need to use a disability guide. Maybe someday heaven forbid, you'll be glad they have the disability program because you may need to use it. Either way from personal experience I can tell you that I never enjoyed having to use a disability guide with my brother. It is inconvienient to have to go to the exit of a ride like The Beast, then come back down and find something to do for an hour an a half then go back up the exit. It certainly better than trying to brave the heat with him for 1.5 hrs but believe me, if we were able to stand in line, we would have prefered it.

Sorry about the off topicness. Great trip report!