BoddaH1994 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 There’s entertainment everywhere at Kings Island in 2008 and this Saturday, June 21st, Kings Island will give you a flashback to a time when Michael Jackson topped the charts, leg warmers were all the rage, and mullets were still socially acceptable in the brand new show Flashback: Totally 80s! Join the cast as they celebrate the 1980s in one of the most exciting and acrobatic shows that Kings Island has produced in years! People young and young-at-heart will enjoy some of the most timeless songs to hit the air waves in that decade. Flashback! Totally 80s! will debut in the International Showplace Theatre this Saturday, June 21st! Speaking of the 1980s, it was at some time in the early part of that decade that the decision was made to close the 50ft observation deck on Kings Island’s Eiffel Tower. For over 20 years, that deck as well as the stairs leading up the base of the tower have sat vacant. Many have seen the 50ft observation deck as the elevator has flown past it, but few can actually say they’ve actually stood on it. In the spirit of nostalgia, KICentral is excited to give you a rare glimpse of the 50ft observation deck as it stands today! Click here to see a preview of Flashback: Totally 80s! and photos of the Eiffel Tower’s defunct 50ft observation deck! Just a few weeks ago on May 24th, nostalgia was in the air at Kings Island as Robbie Knievel attempted to surpass his father’s legendary 1975 jump in the parking lot. This Independence Day, the nostalgia returns! In 1974, thousands in attendance at Kings Island watched in awe as the late great wire walker Karl Wallenda successfully completed an 1,800-skywalk right before their very eyes, setting a new world record. On July 4th, Karl’s grandson, Rick Wallenda, will attempt to break this record with two death-defying feats! First, Wallenda will make a 900ft walk beginning at the Eiffel Tower and passing over the Royal Fountains (which will be shooting 10,000 gallons of water at him) and ending up at the flag pole outside of the front gate. This feat will be done at a nerve-wrecking 112ft above the ground on a thin 5/8” cable. This event begins at 2pm. Next, Wallenda will attempt an amazing 2,000ft walk 75ft above the ground on another 5/8” cable above Coney Mall, in the same location that his grandfather made his legendary 1974 skywalk! This will happen later in the day at 7pm. Rick Wallenda will be performing both stunts with nothing between him and the ground—no harness, no safety net, as it is the only way that he will perform his stunts. Is that not enough? The 4th of July will also feature special appearances by the Clown Band, the Hanna Barbera characters, an amazing air show with sky jumpers, and topped off with the largest fireworks display in the 36 year history of the park! All events are included FREE with park admission. Discount tickets are available by visiting Kings Island’s official web site, VisitKingsIsland.com! You can also enter to win a VIP viewing area for the fireworks from Kings Island and Cincinnati.com by clicking here. The Cincinnati Reds were on hand at Kings Island on June 16th, and they certainly worked up the crowd with cheerleaders, the Reds Pump Up Crew, visits by Gapper and Mr. Red, and a question and answer session with some of your favorite Cincinnati Reds! Photos from the event can be seen by clicking here. Cincinnati Reds Day at Kings Island may still be history, but the partnership between the Cincinnati Reds and Kings Island continues with a very special ticket package. The Double Play Package offers the unique ability to visit both Kings Island and the Great American Ballpark all in the same summer while saving quite a bit of cash. The specially discounted Double Play Package can be purchased by visiting Kings Island’s official web site VisitKingsIsland.com! Visit Kings Island Sunday, June 29, and see the stars of The Young and Restless during the Joyce Becker Soap Opera Festival. Enjoy two Question & Answer sessions with actors Christian LeBlanc, Greg Rikaart, Daniel Goddard and actress Emily O'Brien. The event is FREE with park admission! Planning a visit to Kings Island? Be sure to add an All You Can Eat picnic mean to your ticket for the best meal deal in the park! Buy your meal ticket in advance online at www.visitkingsisland.com and you’ll enjoy a picnic-style meal complete with Southern fried chicken, hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, potato salad, unlimited soft drinks and ice cream treats. Kids under age 3 are free. Refreshments and food are served from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. This great money-saving deal is available daily in the Picnic Grove but hurry, space is limited! Kings Island has partnered with the Great Wolf Lodge and the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau to give away 30 prizes in 30 days! Between June 16 and July 15th, 2008, a special prize package will be awarded that includes a family four pack of two-day tickets to Kings Island, a three day two night stay at the Great Wolf Lodge and a gas card. To win one of these 30 amazing prizes visit www.ohioslargestplayground.com/win. Do you want the latest information sent directly to your cell phone? Sign up for KICentral's official mobile club and receive text alerts with the latest news and information about Kings Island! Signing up is fast and free! Click here for more information about KICentral's official mobile club! The summer is still young and it's not too late to get a Kings Island season pass! Purchasing a season pass gets you a whole summer of rides, shows, attractions and FREE admission to Boomerang Bay Waterpark Resort. Do you want the real deal? Kings Island now offers the new Cedar Fair Platinum Pass which includes FREE admission and FREE parking to all Cedar Fair properties such as Kings Island, Cedar Point, Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom, Knott's Berry Farm and more! Click here for more information and to order your 2008 season pass! Is a season pass not right for you? Avoid the long lines and pay only a fraction of the regular gate admission by purchasing your single day admission tickets on the park's official web site, VisitKingsIsland.com. Remember these deals are ONLY available through the web site, so purchase online and print at home for the best value and fastest way to experience Kings Island! Are you an avid Kings Island fan or do you casually visit once a year? It doesn't matter! KICentral.com is the site for you. Why not register on the forums of KICentral and tell us about your thoughts and experiences involving Kings Island! Registration is fast, FREE, and easy. Don't forget to keep checking KICentral.com for the latest news, rumors and information about Kings Island amusement park! Regards, Ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 And, to add to the nostalgia element I`ll toss in these fun facts. In 1953, the Wallenda family performed at Cincinnati`s Coney Island, also without a safety net. They also performed at the park for the 1966 season, when two members of the troupe actually rode bikes on the high wires! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 And they also performed at Americana Amusement Park.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted June 20, 2008 Author Share Posted June 20, 2008 ...and one of them performed at the Cincinnati Gardens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIfan73 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I heard them practicing for the Totally 80's show on Tuesday. Sounded pretty good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BavarianBeatle Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Nice post, but I'm one of the few you can actually say I've stood on the 50 foot deck.....Were you insinuating that most of us who did so are no longer "of this earth"...? But seriously, I'm looking forward to the 4th at the park this year. Let's hope that Wallenda does not unintentionally become one of the sky divers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Thats alot more 80ish than I ever thought of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BavarianBeatle Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I'm halfway to "80ish...." But now that I have read your post I understand the 80s music in the queue lines. It's a tie in to the show. Hmm, took me awhile to figure that out.... LOL!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted June 20, 2008 Author Share Posted June 20, 2008 If you remember the 80s (and I'm sorry, a lot of us don't -- I remember little things) then you'll really appreciate the show. If you don't remember the 80s, you'll still enjoy the show. It's a win-win. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KI-ORIG-EMP Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I have also been up to the 50 foot level of the Eiffel Tower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesv7 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I have also been to the 50 ft level and I miss it. That level was great for taking pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Yeah after the 50 foot platform description in the article, it made me feel like the old guy in one of Monty Python’s movies being carried out to the death cart saying “I’m not dead yet” and the care giver saying “well you will be soon”. But still I need to raise my hand and say I ventured where not many left can remember too. The saying “you don’t know what your missing” applies here. Because if more guest got exposed to the scenic view from that height there would be a much larger out cry to open it back up. Nice pictures, and for the love of Pete. Please tell me you got more pictures waiting to be uploaded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted June 20, 2008 Author Share Posted June 20, 2008 Yeah after the 50 foot platform description in the article, it made me feel like the old guy in one of Monty Python’s movies being carried out to the death cart saying “I’m not dead yet” and the care giver saying “well you will be soon”. But still I need to raise my hand and say I ventured where not many left can remember too. The saying “you don’t know what your missing” applies here. Because if more guest got exposed to the scenic view from that height there would be a much larger out cry to open it back up. Nice pictures, and for the love of Pete. Please tell me you got more pictures waiting to be uploaded. Unfortunately no. I actually went up there for a side project for the park and just shot a few to share with the KIC community. I was up there for literally 2 minutes or less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cassie_KY Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 When did the 50 foot close? I was on it when I was little and that would have been early to mid 80's? I remember it being pretty cool. Had never been to a place that big before and thought this must be someplace special. Wait a sec, it still is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webboysmd Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 I was at the park on Thursday (the 19th). "Totally 80s" was holding a full dress rehearsal and a lot of people were gathered around watching the show. We just caught the tail end of the show, but it was pretty good! I'd like to see the whole thing if I go back again. SMD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 The saying “you don’t know what your missing” applies here. Because if more guest got exposed to the scenic view from that height there would be a much larger out cry to open it back up. Maybe with CF owning the park, there may be an effort to open it back up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kwindshawne Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 They need to do it-so it needs a little cleaning, big deal. That shouldn't take long-and besides, I am one of the weirdos who enjoyed going up the steps, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Tell me if my memory is correct-I seem to remember the top levels being open without the bars at the top. Is that true? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kwindshawne Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Nice post, but I'm one of the few you can actually say I've stood on the 50 foot deck.....Were you insinuating that most of us who did so are no longer "of this earth"...? But seriously, I'm looking forward to the 4th at the park this year. Let's hope that Wallenda does not unintentionally become one of the sky divers. We all hope that doesn't happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 The saying "you don't know what your missing" applies here. Because if more guest got exposed to the scenic view from that height there would be a much larger out cry to open it back up. Maybe with CF owning the park, there may be an effort to open it back up. They need to do it-so it needs a little cleaning, big deal. That shouldn't take long-and besides, I am one of the weirdos who enjoyed going up the steps, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Tell me if my memory is correct-I seem to remember the top levels being open without the bars at the top. Is that true? A lot of stuff got dropped from that level onto the heads of passersby, who were often not amused and, sadly, not seldom injured. These days, the Americans with Disabilities Act would also have a major impact on how and whether that area could ever again be reopened. And yes, additional railings were added atop the original ones on the two upper observation decks....just as additional guards have been added to Ferris Wheel chairs, lapbars have been lengthened, etc. Modern day safety standards are far more strict than they were in days of old. In fact, some didn't exist at all back then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 They need to do it-so it needs a little cleaning, big deal. That shouldn't take long-and besides, I am one of the weirdos who enjoyed going up the steps, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Tell me if my memory is correct-I seem to remember the top levels being open without the bars at the top. Is that true? Yeah, I would often take a snack up to the 50foot level and have dinner or lunch up there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted June 20, 2008 Author Share Posted June 20, 2008 Kings Island asked me to remind everyone that they have no plans of reopening the 50ft observation deck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coasterkidman Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 Bummer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XGatorHead 8904 Posted June 20, 2008 Share Posted June 20, 2008 A few visits ago when we were exiting the elevator at the bottom, a man asked the ride op why they never opened the lower (50 ft) level. He told the ride op he had been coming to the park since it opened and it was never open to the public. The ride op confirmed to him that that level was never opened to the public but didn't know why. At that point I just had to speak up and tell the both of them that it was open at one time but was closed for good in the early 80's. Either that guy's memory was failing him or he thought the park first opened in 1986! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coasterkidman Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 Guest say the wierdest things, I would say they're stupid but I know half the people just make it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 A few visits ago when we were exiting the elevator at the bottom, a man asked the ride op why they never opened the lower (50 ft) level. He told the ride op he had been coming to the park since it opened and it was never open to the public. The ride op confirmed to him that that level was never opened to the public but didn't know why. At that point I just had to speak up and tell the both of them that it was open at one time but was closed for good in the early 80's. Either that guy's memory was failing him or he thought the park first opened in 1986! Why was the ride op confirming incorrect information? Did he work at the DipnDots too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplehaze Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 80's! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robintodd Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Any idea of the show times for 80's? I didn't see anything on KI's website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Christopher Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Our 80's show runs Tuesday through Sunday at: 2:30, 4:00, 5:30, and 7:00 (Off on Mondays) Hot Island Rhythms runs Tuesday through Sunday at: 8:00 and 9:00. The Monday schedule for Hot Island Rhythms is 5:30, 7:00, and 8:00. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hauntguy Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 You know, all that room on the 50ft. platform would make a very cool location for a haunt! ... Well, one can dream can't I? -Hauntguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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