Why is Kings Island Resort Hotel Allowed to Use KI Name?

[The Interpreter]

Why is the Kings Island Resort and Conference Center allowed to use that name?

THIS story has NOTHING to do with Kings Island, but look at the headline. It reflects badly on the park, as does the hotel itself these days, in my opinion.

http://www.wtrf.com/story.cfm?func=viewsto...p;storyid=28108

[CoastersRZ]

Now that is a VERY misleading headline! Had they tacked on 'resort' to the headline, then people would might have known that it was not actually Kings Island involved in the situation. But still, it does bring up a valid issue. Negative PR for the Kings Island Resort and Conference Center, as this article clearly indicates, can be mistrued as negative publicity for the park itself as well/

[The Interpreter]

Even if it had said "Kings Island Resort," most people, I think, would think of the theme park. Yes, originally, there was a connection between Kings Island and the then Kings Island Inn. Especially with Cedar Fair being in the hotel business, I would think it might behoove them to get back the naming rights from that place. I don't know that it would be possible, but I would think the right amount of shekels changing hands could make it so. After all, some day, Cedar Fair might want its own Kings Island Hotel, etc.

[CoastersRZ]

Well, I doubt that Cedar Fair has the money right now to persuade the Resort to drop the Kings Island from its name. And, I doubt Cedar Fair has enough money to build a hotel at Kings Island right now.

In an ideal world, I would venture to say that the property the Kings Island Resort sits on is very appealing to Cedar Fair to build a new hotel there, due to its close proximity to the park.

[KIfan73]

I think that this is proof that somebody that ran Kings Island fell asleep at the wheel at some point. I don't mean Cedar Fair, I mean probably in the 80's. Lots of not so good decisions that have culminated with a beautiful hotel/resort being built practically in Kings Island (GWL), without the park being able to directly make money from it.

[The Interpreter]

CBS had a 16 percent interest in that GWL, in return for furnishing the land. That interest was offered to Cedar Fair, who turned it down. And now CBS has sold that interest.

[KIfan73]

Amazing. To me, its almost like Kings Island letting Six Flags build a roller coaster in their parking lot, and letting Six Flags charge people to ride it.

[The Interpreter]

Would that be anything like RedZone's (which is controlled by the same Dan Snyder who runs Six Flags) Johnny Rockets being located at Cedar Point?

[KIfan73]

I would say yes, but on a smaller scale. (only went to CP once, 11 years ago...and got rained out...but thats another story)

[italianchef]

The headline is very misleading, possibly unethical. As an editor or journalist, I wouldn't have used it.

[The Interpreter]

I postulate the editor did not know that the Kings Island Resort is not connected with Kings Island...assuming it is would normally be a reasonable presumption, now wouldn't it?

[KIfan73]

I talk to lots of people that "casually" visit KI...I live about 70 miles from the park...I believe most people think that the "Kings Island Resort" is part of Kings Island...why wouldn't they? I wouldn't know this stuff if it weren't for this site...

[jzarley]

^ yeah, I'd agree. I would imagine most of the GP would assume that the hotel is owned by the park simply due to the name. (And, the fact that it actually used to be owned by the park...)

As far as the Johnny Rocket's at CP goes...to be fair, CF was a few years into their Rocket's franchise agreement before Red Zone bought up controlling interest. And, having more than a passing familiarity with UFOCs in the hospitality business, I'm willing to bet that having your competitor buy controlling interest in the brand doesn't cut it as an out for CF out of the agreement term . Although, I'm not so sure they'd want to anyway...I just returned from CP and Rocket's seemed to be pretty consistenly busy. (Speaking of which...thanks for the front seat of Maverick tip, Interpreter...that's a great ride!)

[The Interpreter]

Yep...it's my favorite steel coaster, by far; but ONLY in that seat!

Totally displaced Superman: Ride of Steel up in Massachusetts, which, by the way is down and has been for several days now. . .

Johnny Rockets is one of my favorite places to eat at Cedar Point, that along with Chuck Wagon Pizza...and Breakers is owned by Cedar Fair (as is the TGIFridays there...).

[The Interpreter]

And the confusion continues:

http://www.wtov9.com/news/13987061/detail.html

The accused worked at the Kings Island Resort and Conference Center, yet the article says in part:

Police said 24-year-old David Tirado sent pornographic videos of himself to an... undercover police officer who was posing as a 15-year-old online. If he posts bond, he might be able to go back to his job at an amusement park.

Police said Tirado poses a threat to children." This guy didn't need to travel to see anybody. All of our kids go to Kings Island once or twice a year, and this guy worked in a resort hotel there,” said Bethesda Police Chief Tim Zdanski. His bond was set at $10,000 for charges in Belmont County, but that could go higher because Tirado is wanted in two other Ohio counties. He’s being held in the Warren County jail.John Paul, NEWS9

So, according to the article, the Kings Island Resort IS the amusement park.