Avatar Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Since Kings Island opened In 1972 I have had the great fortune to been able to come most every year and with the last 5 years realizing my love for amusement/theme parks has grown to be approaching hobby level. I have always loved the coasters but have grown to appreciate the entertainment and atmosphere equally as I do for the coasters, since realizing this my amusement/theme park experiences have been greater experiences. During the last three years my new found hobby has become a more interactive experience to include forum memberships, meet-ups, enthusiast friendships and increased park trips, this I feel has put me into the amusement/theme park fanboy status. Let’s fast forward to summer of 2008, location; Kings Island amusement park. The park is going through some realignment from the Cedar Fair purchase of the park and has put a lot of effort to bring the park back to its glorious energetic atmosphere, by employee’s attitudes, cleanliness, landscaping, shows and by providing top notch world class entertainment. This is huge for long time park patrons who know this much entertainment in one year is very rare and lets some of us fanboys enjoying the ride more as we are not in control or know what is coming just around the next turn, it’s like riding a thrill coaster for the first time. Over Memorial Day weekend Kings Island hosted Robbie Knievel with other fun and rare activities, I attended this event and for days and weeks later find myself thinking about that fun filled day and could not wait till the 4th of July to see what the park had in store for us. When it was announced that Rick Wallenda and Bonnie B would be part of the July 4th festivities I wanted to share this experience with my daughter as I knew this would be something she had not seen before. As July 4th approached the weather forecasters kept predicting rain and thunderstorms for most the day, we decided that we would arrive late that day as we could only come one day out of the weekend partly because of work and a two hour drive. As the day went on the weather forecasters increased the rain likely hood to go later in the day, I kept thinking there is no way Rick will attempt to walk a cable in the rain or even with the chance of thunderstorms. So we thought they would delay activities to the next day as they did with the air show and because we could only go one day we decided it was best to wait till the 5th to go. Well Rick Wallenda is a true dare devil and walked in the rain with an hour break between walks, my heart sank but I thought at least well get a full day in and to be able to see a great air show. We arrived at Kings Island and entered the water park first, I asked security what time the air show will be today, he did not know, so to Boomerang Bay guest relations both same question and answer. So being a fanboy I needed to know what was going on so went to the Main gate guests relations, same question but the young lady did not know but after asking two other guests relations employees one offered that a daily activity sheet should tell us what we wanted we where informed it would be at 2 PM. I noticed as I entered back into the park, the park had the feel of just another average Saturday. We kept busy until 2 PM then waited and waited and waited but no air show so we went back to Boomerang Bay and at 3 Pm here comes the air show, it was good but from a distance it had less excitement to it plus nobody around us seemed to care. We went on about our day and had a great time. Fanboy Advice; When we went on the 5th instead of the 4th it felt like we got to the party late and the main event had taken place and the rest of the festivities where just formalities. I had a sour pit in my stomach much of the day on both the 4th and the 5th as I had this feeling like I was suppose to be somewhere and all the other fanboys were there, so that where I was suppose to be too. As I seen the picture and videos roll in I knew I made a mistake, I should have been there and I had no one to blame but myself. At this point I now know my love for Kings Island is one that I should always make room on my calendar when such events are scheduled because you can’t turn back time. As great of a memory of the Knievel jump day was this weekend has left me feeling empty inside. So here it is, if you feel you’re a fanboy/girl most important don’t miss those historic days at Kings Island and don’t be late, also go to the meet-ups the friendships you’ll make makes going to the park more pleasurable. I hope another historic fanboy day at Kings Island comes this year as I need to get this past weekend behind me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 You're talking as if Kings Island has already served desert in what will be a multi-course meal. You'll have more opportunities for historic moments at Kings Island. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fan of beast Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/HT.../DSC_0302-1.jpg http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/HT...IV/DSC_0304.jpg http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/HT...IV/DSC_0305.jpg http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/HT.../DSC_0308-1.jpg http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/HT...IV/DSC_0310.jpg here you go, avatar. i caught some of the airshow. we were trying out my new camera. what better place than the island. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 I remember the day that Knievel was announced I was driving down 71 listening to WLW on my way home from school and all I could remember thinking was: "Holy Crap!" Seeing a Knievel jump was something I had been wanting to see since I watched Robbie do the building to building jump on cable t.v. That memorial day was crowded and hot but it was one of the best days I ever spent at the park both as a guest and as a photographer. I think that day KI really felt like a unique amusement park identity again rather than a good park in a second rate movie chain. I liked Paramount, but they wanted a Theme Park on an Amusement Park budget and while they did good things for the park, I prefer this unique identity that is Kings Island. Unfortunatley I did not get to attend or photograph the Wallenda walk or airshows, but when these were announced it made me very happy to see more things like this were coming to Kings Island, now I can't wait to see what else they have in store... I think the park is on the right track, it looks better than in the past, the landscapings great, the atmosphere is there, and many awesome things have come. (airshows, knievel, wallenda), but at the same time I think Cedar Fair does need to improve on many aspects (that Beast fireworks policy for instance, what a great way to tick off a lot of people at the end of a great day), however the park seems to be on the right track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake Attack! Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 So if we were to predict another big event coming to Kings Island when and what would it be? I think/hope the Brady Bunch will come back on Labor Day Weekend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazypkikid2005 Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 I think The Beast firework policy is a great idea, Gordon. Amps people up with anticipation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Maple The Tree King Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 I think The Beast firework policy is a great idea, Gordon. Amps people up with anticipation. Or anger. I was waiting in line for The Beast last night on the 5th of July. I thought a riot was going to start! Bless those kids and the security guard working, because they had to put up with some angry people. They made announcements frequently about the ride closing down early for the fireworks yet you could hardly hear the speakers and there were no signs out front. Now, since last season I have gotten used to this policy but it is very inconveinient for the average guest waiting in line who is oblivious to it. Normally they have the ride going again quickly, last night we waited nearly an additional 45 minutes from when they stopped at 9:45 to when they resumed at around 10:30. During the period in between, the employees went around trying to talk to guests and calm them down but folks in line kept chanting profane chants, shaking hand rails, and insulting the security guard when he yelled for folks to "calm down." It even got so bad as to guests began throwing trash and bottles across the station. I got fed up with the crowd and left. I hope they find a better solution soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted July 7, 2008 Author Share Posted July 7, 2008 You're talking as if Kings Island has already served desert in what will be a multi-course meal. You'll have more opportunities for historic moments at Kings Island. Thanks Ryan, your comments make me feel better already and if KI does indeed have more planned it will equally be as great as the past two so far. here you go, avatar. i caught some of the airshow. Thanks for the sky jumper photos fan of beast – I notice the big new Kings Island sky jumper flag, I wonder if they be more regular now. I think Cedar Fair does need to improve on many aspects (that Beast fireworks policy for instance, what a great way to tick off a lot of people at the end of a great day), however the park seems to be on the right track. Is it always like that, I know last night was exceptionally long but are they really like that every night? So if we were to predict another big event coming to Kings Island when and what would it be? I think/hope the Brady Bunch will come back on Labor Day Weekend! I would not have guessed Knievel or Wallenda so like I said I just sit back and be surprised. BTW I agree Brady Bunch would be a nice touch. I think The Beast firework policy is a great idea, Gordon. Amps people up with anticipation. Or anger. I was waiting in line for The Beast last night on the 5th of July. I thought a riot was going to start! Bless those kids and the security guard working, because they had to put up with some angry people. I can not believe we where in The Beast station at the same time, it would have been nice to meet you. You are right about the crowd there they where very unruly; in fact such behavior could scare the pee out of young girls waiting in linr that long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standbyme Posted July 7, 2008 Share Posted July 7, 2008 Avatar...as always a nice trip report. I'm sorry that you missed the 4th...it was a good time...but if it makes you feel any better it was not quite as good as I had hoped...it seemed a bit disorganized at some points. ...we went back to Boomerang Bay and at 3 Pm here comes the air show, it was good but from a distance it had less excitement to it plus nobody around us seemed to care. I was also at BB when the air show happened...like you said it was pretty much nothing over there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted July 8, 2008 Author Share Posted July 8, 2008 Thanks standbyme – I figured with the delays it would seem a bit disorganized but still I would have like to seen the high wire act. As far as seeing it from BB it was ok but like I said no one else cared because it was distant, the best air show of the day for us was Miss Rae at the Launch Pad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RailRider Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Hey Nice Trip Report, dont worry plenty more fanboy days left. I for one like the Fireworks policy, because its a liability KI cannot take, the proximity of the launch area to The Beast is close and you dont want to be out in the woods speeding along as debri is falling from the sky. Hot ember in your eye, now that would ruin your day. I think they need more signage regarding the policy and possibly shut the line down early so they can cycle the riders through before the show and nobody is left in que waiting to cause a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flightoffear1996 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Why not just move the fireworks site? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RailRider Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Well if you move the site somewhere that is far enough away from all rides then will you be able to see or hear the fireworks in the park? As of right now they are pretty far away from the majority of the crowd watching on international street, I really dont see where else to move them, but would love to hear your idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browntggrr Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Why not just move the fireworks site? Because people don't have the patience to wait during the fireworks show? That seems a bit drastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RailRider Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Why not just move the fireworks site? Because people don't have the patience to wait during the fireworks show? That seems a bit drastic. Exactly like I said, easiest solution is to shut down The Beast line prior to the Fireworks. When the line would shut down is dependent on size, 30 minutes and hour, beforehand. Not move the entire site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 For many, many years, Kings Island shut off The Beast line before closing time, such that all riders would have ridden by closing time. It was not a popular move, except with the employees! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RailRider Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 True but when situations arise and you have a line full of people waiting 45 minutes and not moving that is not a good situation. That is asking for something to happen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted July 9, 2008 Author Share Posted July 9, 2008 Yes it can as stated on earlier on Saturday the 5th the crew tried to explain what was happening but some rebel rousers were trying to incite the crowd and many thought it was funny and joined in. The Beast crew eventually called in security to detour the unruly guests. In the picture below you can see an employee going up to the crowd to try to explain the situation; also you can see the ride operator and the ride sup keeping an eye on the crowd. The supervisor keep putting headphones on and trying to tell everyone what was going on, but the same trouble makers would start to yell as the rest of us would ask “what did he say?” Although I think if they moved the launch site elsewhere, it would not make for nice viewing from International Street for the fireworks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RailRider Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 ^ Very true and being the fanboy I am I want to view my fireworks at KI from International Street with the Tower in the foreground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browntggrr Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 Even though some people don't know how to read signs.... Perhaps the park could post some signs in the queue area and at the queue entrance explaining that Beast will shut down for the fireworks show. I am also surprised that security was not already present at Beast for the night rides. Normally there has been at least one officer present at night at Beast as well as many other CF parks with a good amount of guests waiting in line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BavarianBeatle Posted July 9, 2008 Share Posted July 9, 2008 I agree with Brown on this. Security should be there. Diffusing a situation of that nature is a job that is more appropriate for security rather than ride operators. But this year, I've seen far too many idiots in the park get away with far too much while security does far too little. I feel for sorry for the kids who were working at The Beast that night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kwindshawne Posted July 10, 2008 Share Posted July 10, 2008 Nevermind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted July 10, 2008 Author Share Posted July 10, 2008 Kwindshawne – while we do appreciate your opinions and insight, I think we would rather you keep your opinions and unique insight to a very low roar or a more positive posts while you are on vacation (in God’s country). There is plenty of time to say what you really think when you come home. Hope all is well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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