Opinions and Suggestions?

[MSUBB1]

Greetings! My family and I are looking forward to spending this coming Tuesday at KI, and we were looking for some suggestions from the experts with regard to planning our day. My wife and I haven't been to KI in about 20 - 25 years, and our kids (6 & 8) have only been to Universal in Orlando. They are big water park fans, so we are trying to figure out the best way to do both in the same day. Our initial plan is to get to the main park when it opens and try to hit a few of the bigger rides in the first hour and then go over to BB when it opens at 11:00 and stay there until around 2:00. The hard part for planning is that my oldest just reached the magical height of 55 inches but he has never been on the "big" rides - says he is ready, but who knows once he sees them up close. Because of this, not sure which direction to head in that first hour!

Regarding BB, a couple of questions for those that do both in the same day - do most just wear swim suits / coverups throughout the day to both parks? Do you usually bring a pair of good walking shoes for the park and another for BB, using a locker for storage? (sandles seems like the obvious choice for BB, but not for a whole day of walking) Are there plenty of chairs at BB? Other suggestions for BB are welcome!

Also, my research on these boards tells me that I will be paying a high expense for everything purchased at the park. While not pleased with that, at least we know what to expect and since this will be our only visit to an amusement park this year - will be ok for one day. So, if money were not an issue - where would you recommend for food? (looking for best quality)

Any other tips regarding KI in general are appreciated. From what I've read, Tuesdays are usually good as far as crowd levels go and the forecast currently says mostly sunny and 80 - so we have that going for us!

[Guest kwindshawne]

Greetings! My family and I are looking forward to spending this coming Tuesday at KI, and we were looking for some suggestions from the experts with regard to planning our day. My wife and I haven't been to KI in about 20 - 25 years, and our kids (6 & 8) have only been to Universal in Orlando. They are big water park fans, so we are trying to figure out the best way to do both in the same day. Our initial plan is to get to the main park when it opens and try to hit a few of the bigger rides in the first hour and then go over to BB when it opens at 11:00 and stay there until around 2:00. The hard part for planning is that my oldest just reached the magical height of 55 inches but he has never been on the "big" rides - says he is ready, but who knows once he sees them up close. Because of this, not sure which direction to head in that first hour!

Regarding BB, a couple of questions for those that do both in the same day - do most just wear swim suits / coverups throughout the day to both parks? Do you usually bring a pair of good walking shoes for the park and another for BB, using a locker for storage? (sandles seems like the obvious choice for BB, but not for a whole day of walking) Are there plenty of chairs at BB? Other suggestions for BB are welcome!

Also, my research on these boards tells me that I will be paying a high expense for everything purchased at the park. While not pleased with that, at least we know what to expect and since this will be our only visit to an amusement park this year - will be ok for one day. So, if money were not an issue - where would you recommend for food? (looking for best quality)

Any other tips regarding KI in general are appreciated. From what I've read, Tuesdays are usually good as far as crowd levels go and the forecast currently says mostly sunny and 80 - so we have that going for us!

I am in no means an expert, but I can tell ya what I do. You can wear the swim suits in the main park, however I would suggest having shorts on over them, and for guys, you will need to have shirts on in the main park. I can't vouch for wings for food this year, but have heard it is good. (In rivertown). Buffet style. My suggestion for your oldest is maybe to start out with racer-that is a good thing for a beginner-and then work up to the bigger rides. I wear regular sport sandals throughout the day. They are easily removed at the water park, and great for during the day.

The park has changed quite a bit in the last 25 years so don't be shocked. (There are metal detectors at the main gate now). Have a great time!!

[welchce]

I am in no means an expert, but I can tell ya what I do. You can wear the swim suits in the main park

From the park map:

Attire & Behavior - Shirts, shorts/pants & shoes must be worn at all times. Proper swimming attire for Boomerang Bay is defined as one - or two - piece swim suits without abrasive buttons, rivets, zippers or snaps...

I have always interpreted that to mean that you can't wear just a swim suit in the main park, but just like the smoking rules, it's normally not enforced (I see girls in bikini tops on a fairly regular basis). I do want to point out for men that you should either a.) buy swim suits that don't have little metal rivets or buttons (since a good amount do) or remove them from your suit before you get to BB. The workers at BB do enforce that rule and many guys are turned away from using the water slides since they have them on their suits.

I would agree that you should start with The Racer (preferably the Red side since they just re-tracked it) since that's more of a middle-sized ride as well as Top Gun Flight Deck.

As for foot wear, I always wear my athletic shoes every where so I don't have to deal with another pair. Normally I would stop by the car before and after BB to get/put back my swim suit and towel and to eat. A good amount of people do wear their swim suits under a regular shirt and shorts so you can do that as well. I would suggest that if you plan on riding the water rides in the park (like Wild Thornberry's, White Water Canyon, or Congo Falls) that you keep your suit on while you ride those.

That's all I have for now. Except that I hope you have a great time :-)

[Guest kwindshawne]

I am in no means an expert, but I can tell ya what I do. You can wear the swim suits in the main park

From the park map:

Attire & Behavior - Shirts, shorts/pants & shoes must be worn at all times. Proper swimming attire for Boomerang Bay is defined as one - or two - piece swim suits without abrasive buttons, rivets, zippers or snaps...

I have always interpreted that to mean that you can't wear just a swim suit in the main park, but just like the smoking rules, it's normally not enforced (I see girls in bikini tops on a fairly regular basis). I do want to point out for men that you should either a.) buy swim suits that don't have little metal rivets or buttons (since a good amount do) or remove them from your suit before you get to BB. The workers at BB do enforce that rule and many guys are turned away from using the water slides since they have them on their suits.

I would agree that you should start with The Racer (preferably the Red side since they just re-tracked it) since that's more of a middle-sized ride as well as Top Gun Flight Deck.

As for foot wear, I always wear my athletic shoes every where so I don't have to deal with another pair. Normally I would stop by the car before and after BB to get/put back my swim suit and towel and to eat. A good amount of people do wear their swim suits under a regular shirt and shorts so you can do that as well. I would suggest that if you plan on riding the water rides in the park (like Wild Thornberry's, White Water Canyon, or Congo Falls) that you keep your suit on while you ride those.

That's all I have for now. Except that I hope you have a great time :-)

Yes, you do need to have shorts and shirts covering swim suits in the main park. That is what I meant, and cuts down on the bags that need to be carried into the park.

I agree with the red side on racer-its the best its ever been right now.

[welchce]

Yes, you do need to have shorts and shirts covering swim suits in the main park. That is what I meant, and cuts down on the bags that need to be carried into the park.

I had a feeling that's what you meant but I just wanted to say that I have seen people breaking this rule.

I know at Holiday World they have a person stationed at the path connecting their water park and main park making sure everyone is dressed properly and won't let them return to the main park if they are not.

[KIfan73]

As far as eating goes, a fun place is the Festhaus. With the (good) live shows in there, its fun to watch while you eat.

[LongliveKingsCobra]

For the ride portion of the answers, I suggest, that you and your son head over to Racer, Flight Deck, Delirium, Then go to Racer again, then ask if he wants to go hit, Vortex and Beast and BLSC, (AFTER THOSE) He might be able to tackle FOF and FH, one is a launching coaster, and one is a flying which could be intimidating. Whilst you and your son do that have your wife and daughter head over to NU, and have fun there. I suggest that you meet and hit Avatar, and Wild Thornberrys, then you can decide what to do from there.

But the most biggest thing to follow when you are here:

YOU MUST HAVE A GOOD TIME!

[MSUBB1]

Thanks for all of the quick replys! It sounds like Racer is the recommended first coaster, and Wings and Festhaus are good possibilities for food - any idea on prices for Wings? Would love to wear athletic shoes everywhere, but when we rode Ripsaw Falls ride at Universal everyone ended up soaked with shoes that never really dryed out the rest of the day. Might have to go with the sandles...........

Boys and I have the long swim shorts, so I would assume that they would be fine for the regular park assuming we were dry. (wife was already planning on shorts and t-shirt). Will use a locker or trip to the car for towels, I guess. Is the 48" restriction accurate for the water slides? (youngest is 46 - 47")

No worries about having a good time, we always do no matter where we travel. Besides, my wife and I loved KI when we were kids so I'm sure it will be the same Tuesday (as long as there isn't 2-3 hour waits for everything)!!

[MrPostman]

"I do want to point out for men that you should either a.) buy swim suits that don't have little metal rivets or buttons (since a good amount do) or remove them from your suit before you get to BB. The workers at BB do enforce that rule and many guys are turned away from using the water slides since they have them on their suits."

Please don't overlook this, I saw it enforced dozens of times during my last visit, people waiting in line only to be told at the top that their rivets (on back of shorts) excluded them from riding and they had to make their way down the stairs, squeezing past every single person on the way down. FYI: My trunks have rivets on the front/side pockets; also it was 83 degrees when I last visited BB and the water in the water slides was FREEZING. In fact if it wasn't a pool of water it was nearly intolerable especially early in the day. I would suggest maybe spend more time at the dry park and evaluate the temp as the day goes on.

Festhaus is good option as their is lots to choose from there as well, I've heard the spectrum of reviews for Wings, few of them glowing, and for $60 for a family of 4 I want to know what I'm getting. Also the idea of being stuffed at an amusement park is not my idea of fun.

Firehawk/FoF/Crypt usually have the longest queue times, being Tuesday though should cut down on that as well.

Flight Deck/ Racer are nearly always walk ons and provide very good bang for your buck.

The "avatar" suggestion is a good one as well, I rode this for the first time a couple weeks ago and it was a nice surprise, quite an intense little ride to be in the middle of NU.

Man, all this talk has got me in the mood for a visit!!

Have a Blast!!

[iChase]

Thanks for all of the quick replys! It sounds like Racer is the recommended first coaster, and Wings and Festhaus are good possibilities for food - any idea on prices for Wings? Would love to wear athletic shoes everywhere, but when we rode Ripsaw Falls ride at Universal everyone ended up soaked with shoes that never really dryed out the rest of the day. Might have to go with the sandles...........

Boys and I have the long swim shorts, so I would assume that they would be fine for the regular park assuming we were dry. (wife was already planning on shorts and t-shirt). Will use a locker or trip to the car for towels, I guess. Is the 48" restriction accurate for the water slides? (youngest is 46 - 47")

No worries about having a good time, we always do no matter where we travel. Besides, my wife and I loved KI when we were kids so I'm sure it will be the same Tuesday (as long as there isn't 2-3 hour waits for everything)!!

I think for Wings it's a flat $15. Someone correct me if I'm wrong though.

Keep in mind those swim shorts have that annoying net in them, without saying too much, you guys might be unhappy campers by the end of the day.

Have a great time! And welcome to KIC!

[The Interpreter]

I do NOT recommend eating in Fest Haus, in fact I strongly advise you not. The food is subpar, and if there is a show going on, you will have a great deal of trouble finding seating. The food is far better and atmosphere more conducive to dining (though outside) at Outer Hanks. They have great grilled chicken sandwiches, a fine selection of fish and wonderful french fries. The prices are reasonable, for Kings Island, that is. The place that has panini and Skyline Chili are both also fine in Coney Mall. And if you like Chik-Fil-A, that's an option over by Nick U...it's Chik-Fil-A, though overpriced and a limited assortment.

[Guest TombraiderTy]

^Outer Hank's is a GREAT restaurant, and the fries, as you said, are spectacular.

[MSUBB1]

"Keep in mind those swim shorts have that annoying net in them, without saying too much, you guys might be unhappy campers by the end of the day."

i-chase: LOL - point taken!!

Haven't ever been to a Chick-fil-a, so I guess that I won't know what I'm missing if we don't go there. Outer Hanks sounds interesting, thanks for the suggestions. It's always good to hear from those that have "been there, done that", and now we have a few places to check out. Hadn't considered the water slide water temperature, perhaps we will push things back a little later in the afternoon..............

[padfoot714]

"Keep in mind those swim shorts have that annoying net in them, without saying too much, you guys might be unhappy campers by the end of the day."

i-chase: LOL - point taken!!

Haven't ever been to a Chick-fil-a, so I guess that I won't know what I'm missing if we don't go there. Outer Hanks sounds interesting, thanks for the suggestions. It's always good to hear from those that have "been there, done that", and now we have a few places to check out. Hadn't considered the water slide water temperature, perhaps we will push things back a little later in the afternoon..............

I would reconsider pushing back the waterpark if I were you. It usually gets crowded and stays that way until closing between 12pm and 1pm. Going right when it opens is a great way to ride everything and avoid the long lines. I also highly recommend Jackaroo landing for both kids. You could probably end up spending all your waterpark time there.

For food, I would actually recommend some of the chain restaurants located in the park (Subway, Skyline, La Rosa's). I generally find them to be higher quality. Outer Hanks is probably the only non-chain place I would go.

One ride that I haven't seen mentioned yet as a good starter coaster for the older kid is Adventure Express. Depending on how he reacts to seeing the rides this might be a good one to try because he won't be able to see any of it. I used this one to trick my little brother into liking roller coasters during his first summer of being the magic height.

[welchce]

One ride that I haven't seen mentioned yet as a good starter coaster for the older kid is Adventure Express. Depending on how he reacts to seeing the rides this might be a good one to try because he won't be able to see any of it. I used this one to trick my little brother into liking roller coasters during his first summer of being the magic height.

Yeah, I was about to mention that one. You should use The Racer as the first "bigger" coaster test for your son but should ride Adventure Express before that just to get ready. It's smaller and only goes about 35mph but has some sharp turns so you do get whipped around some (marked by the fact that it's rated a 5). It used to be my favorite ride when I was younger.

[BavarianBeatle]

I would suggest Backlot Stunt Coaster for the first ride. It's small, short, and not terribly intense. And the line tends to get quite long at times. Then head over to Coney Mall for The Racer and Adventure Express. For eating, I would suggest Wings. It is $15.99 for adults and $7.99 for children under 10. They have a wide selection including desserts and a salad bar. Also, you won't get stuck buying something at another venue that your kids won't eat. Trust me, if you bought a salad, a meal, a drink and a dessert separately at other locations, the price at Wings is very competetive!! And the Larosa's in Rivertown is still there......

Also, don't forget to hit the flat rides, such as Drop Tower. Delerium and Sling Shot (if you don't mind the upcharge which varies during the day). My kids like the Action Theater too, for some reason. As for the water park, the water Saturday was downright COLD!!!! I would do the locker thing when it came to changing clothes, but that's just because I don't like walking around in wet clothes.

And one one last thing, don't ride Son of Beast in the hottest part of the day. Wait until the sun starts to go down and is not shining directly onto the track.

[The Interpreter]

...Yeah, I was about to mention that one. You should use The Racer as the first "bigger" coaster test for your son but should ride Adventure Express before that just to get ready. It's smaller and only goes about 35mph but has some sharp turns so you do get whipped around some (marked by the fact that it's rated a 5). It used to be my favorite ride when I was younger.

Yep. Speed is deceptive! The park has always claimed Racer does more than 60! Roller Coaster Data Base agrees:

http://www.rcdb.com/id69.htm

Although Racer has been substantially modified over the years, I sincerely doubt its top speed has been affected.

Adventure Express is the one that only does 35!!!

[velvetpimp]

Why no love for Larosa's for food, that is a staple anytime we go to the park. As for the waterpark, I recommend a good pair of flip flops to wear around, then you can slide them onto your hand to go down the slides(that way to you dont have to walk barefoot anywhere in the waterpark). Enjoy your trip.

[MSUBB1]

Thanks to everyone for all of the ideas and suggestions!

We are just about ready to head south - looking forward to a great day at the park tomorrow. National Weather Service says mostly sunny and 81 - works for me, and the kids are pumped!!

[Kawana]

...Yeah, I was about to mention that one. You should use The Racer as the first "bigger" coaster test for your son but should ride Adventure Express before that just to get ready. It's smaller and only goes about 35mph but has some sharp turns so you do get whipped around some (marked by the fact that it's rated a 5). It used to be my favorite ride when I was younger.

Yep. Speed is deceptive! The park has always claimed Racer does more than 60! Roller Coaster Data Base agrees:

http://www.rcdb.com/id69.htm

Although Racer has been substantially modified over the years, I sincerely doubt its top speed has been affected.

Adventure Express is the one that only does 35!!!

That's hard to believe but since it's on the internet, it must be true!!!

Seriously though, it does feel like you're going faster.

[misselaineeuss]

And one one last thing, don't ride Son of Beast in the hottest part of the day. Wait until the sun starts to go down and is not shining directly onto the track.

Why is this, Beatle?

[The Interpreter]

I have always noted that Son of Beast is much smoother in cooler weather, and I'd imagine that is somewhat true after the sun has gone down on a hot day, as well.

[Kawana]

I have always noted that Son of Beast is much smoother in cooler weather, and I'd imagine that is somewhat true after the sun has gone down on a hot day, as well.

I rode with Uncle Henry earlier this season and it was after the sun had gone down. The ride was quite rough. Henry says "I forgot that woodies get rougher after the sun goes down and it cools off a bit." I was under the impression that wooden roller coasters were smoother in the heat due to the grease being heated up. Am I wrong?

[Cory Butcher]

There is a soft spot somewhere in the middle that is best.

Too cold, and the track becomes a jackhammer fest as the wood contracts! Somewhere in the middle is ideal.