Avatar Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 KICentral Event - Report Saturday August 16, 2008 Report Introduction; I have never attended any type of amusement/theme park official event, but have read many reports of those events so I had an expectation of how I thought the 2008 KICentral Event would go. While participating in the days activities I thought I would do a report that I would need to change in fear that with so many members going I would not want to give a similar report. I noticed many non-participant members wanted details of the Event and so I think I will focus this report on how I interpreted it. I will put up random photos to break the monotony of reading a text only report. I arrived on time and checked in at the designated table, I told the event staff that I never received my tickets and the Kings Island staff confirmed I was on the list and expedited the necessary tickets that I would need for the day. I was given a nice VIP lanyard to identify me as a participant and a nice Event guide of scheduled times and locations. I feel the schedule above will give you an idea of how jammed pack the day was so I am not going to do an itemized rundown of those events. So it is at this point you’ll notice this report is written in how I viewed this day’s activities as a single event or as part of a bigger picture. I noticed three Kings Island staff members named Don, Evan and Kate where escorting us to the various activities and through out the day I as well as others where approached by each of these staff members, to answer questions or to offer some insightful information about Kings Island. The early morning activities of the Club Blood and Invertigo was nice as it gave us participants some time to go through some activities while meeting old and new members and was easy going in participation. From there we had a bit of free time (50 minutes) but during this time we would haft t ride The Grand Carousel to partake in the Son of Beast Tour. During that time I meet even more members and we made jokes and laughed at ourselves as we did not usually do this at our age without young ones with us. The Son of Beast Tour was breath taking and Ronny kept offering interesting facts of this structure to those who wanted know. We had some more free time and most stuck together and got to know each other more and then participated in a Dodgem ride so we could attend another tour. I then was able to talk to Don right after and he offered in our conversation that they thought the Dodgem and The Grand Carousel would be a great way to get the KICentral members to be able to have an interactive activity we could do more together verses some who paired and stayed together. This seemed to work in getting us to speak out and in my opinion it got us to be more comfortable as a larger group which would be important to get us to feel more comfortable in asking questions later as a group. So the Diamond Back/ Beast Tour was getting started and most members including myself where really excited to see the construction site from another angle and after walking the construction site I have a whole new respect of the enormity of the area and the rides themselves. During this time lots more information and facts where being feed to us either by one on one contact or by a hand held bull horn as a group. After words was the Totally 80’s show and Q & A, I think this went over very well and gave us a better understanding of the performers experiences. I think many of us where worried what if no one asked questions but that did not happen and I think the earlier activities prepared us for this setting. Dinner at the Picnic Grove was next and again the Kings Island staff stayed with us and sat with us to talk to us, I noticed at this point that the Kings Island staff would introduce us to various park staff and heads of departments. I though this was great because I have seen these employees in the parks and now seeing how large the whole operation of Kings Island is and what it take to keep things running smooth After dinner and taking some time to chat with some members I have not chatted with yet it was time to have a nice Q & A session with Tony Carovillano and Jeff Garamke. These gentlemen have long standing park experiences and discussed the industry as a whole as well as Kings Island from a variety of angles. I really felt these gentlemen where glad we where there and left me with a better understanding of their roles and how a variety of factors help influence the direction of Kings Island. After the Q & A Don gave us the latest information of upcoming events and a possible opportunity to par take in the near future. I walked with Don over to Festhaus and I told him how I really learned a lot today and I think I enjoyed that the most out of everything we did. He said that was what they where hoping to do for us and to not only show the KICentral group a great time on rides but open up to us in informing us because are so willing to learn and to share our knowledge/experiences with others on KICentral. I think at this point I finally understood why Kings Island was so willing to be so open and to offer such and eventful day to the KICentral community. It is in my opinion Kings Island respects this community and understands that Kings Island enthusiast come to KICentral to communicate and to learn and by being so open; we would as a community be more informative especially when newcomers/guests inquire about the park and that builds more positive interest as a whole. I am very glad I participated in the KICentral event as I really enjoyed the scheduled activities it was fun, interesting, entertaining and informative. As I drove home from the KICentral Event I also felt like we as the KICentral community where treated as Kings Island special guest and where invited to put their service to the test. From here I just want to tell all the fellow members of KICentral that I was so looking forward to meeting you all and those who we rarely see but are there everyday. I enjoyed our conversations and I only regret that we did not have enough time to visit longer but I guess that’s what IM is for. I want to thank all the staff at Kings Island from the top to bottom for making our day great, especially Don, Evan and Kate. Finally I did want to thank the KICentral staff for the hard work they but into the event just for the love of the park and this community; I stand on my feet and applauded you all loudly. Thank-you, BRAVO! I leave this with a short video of Ryan at the Girls Night Out show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timw725 Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Great reporrt avatar. It was really nice to meet you aswell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share Posted August 18, 2008 Thanks it was nice to meet you as well, I was so torn on which style of report to do; insight of the group and some funny things that happened or to expose that more fun informative type day it was. I tried to tie the two together but I thought it was best to explain the whole day to the non participants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast Man Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Hi Jess.It was nice to meet you.I really had a blast.It was the most amazing day at KI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share Posted August 18, 2008 Yes it was one of the best days at the park I have had also and meeting so many fellow members as you was great. I hope you got some rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 I'm so glad that you got to come to KIC Day this year! We try to make KIC Day a day in which people get to see and do things that they've never done before... or even thought of doing before, which is why we have an event that is surrounded in all aspects of the park (rides, food, entertainment, etc). Anyone can whip together a couple of ERTs, but actually trying to create a unique experience was a much bigger challenge. I'm glad you had a good time!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogrmac Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Avatar, I enjoyed talking with you during the Diamondback construction tour. It was really nice to meet some members face to face. This is the greatest group of people around. I hope to post my trip report soon, but like you, I don't want to have the same report as everyone else, so I am going to have to think about it for a while. I am glad you enjoyed yourself, I know I sure did! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIVortex Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Nice to finally meet you Jess. My Mom really appreciate you coming over and talking to her at the picnic grove. She thought you where very nice. She was really happy how highly I have always talked about her to you. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share Posted August 18, 2008 First off I cannot believe you did not introduce yourself earlier in the day we have had so many conversations on and off this board you where one the ones I really wanted to make sure I meet. Your mother was a joy to meet and I am glad you brought her to share the event with her. The biggest regret I had on that day was really not being able to spend more time with members and to get to know them better, which is imposable to do with that many there other than a brief introduction and conversation. In our case I feel I know you more but just needed more time to catch up on life’s changes, so expect some PM soon. Please tell your mother I said hi and I enjoyed our conversation. Orgamic – yes it was nice meeting you as I have seen many of your post in the past and I am now glad I can put a face with you SN. You know I didn’t want a similar trip report as others, so I tried it from a different angle and that caused me to leave out some other fun thoughts I had about the day and in some ways wished now I just included those events, I should have just went with my emotions of the day. I guess what I am saying is to not think to hard about it just do one and that day was interesting enough and seeing how others viewed their day is nice. I look forward to you future trip report. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ki Man Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Good seeing you at age and weight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RailRider Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Nice trip report, sorry I missed it. But I spent the weekend moving our hot tub from our old house in Springboro to our new one and then I stained our deck. So I was a little busy and Im a little burnt today. Lets say I just enjoyed some Bombay before bed last night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iChase Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Great trip report Jess. It was nice to finally meet you and several others around here. I certainly had a good day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standbyme Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Nice TR...everytime someone puts up a TR of this day I have to go back and "adjust" mine so it doesn't seem to similar! I like the photo of Bill & Gabriel on the "bumper" cars. Once again it was very nice meeting you at the event. I was shocked when I found out this was your first park "event"...it was a good one to have as your first! See ya, J.D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kawana Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Thanks for the TR. I wish I could've been there, but maybe I'll get another chance. I'm glad you and everyone else had a good time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indianapolisman Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Great report Jessie. It was really a treat meeting you and look forward to mabye planning a day where our families can all interact. Now I'm gonna read it again, good job as always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share Posted August 18, 2008 Indyman it was nice to meet you and your wife and I missed the new stadium tour too. I hear it was very crowded so I think a paid private tour will be more fun down the road. Ki Man – I sure wished we had more time to chat with you, as I wanted to talk with you more, maybe one day down the road. RailRider – you so missed it I was hoping at some point you would have changed your mind and joined us. I mean I had pool to take down and a jumper but you know what, I going to do it next weekend because the last on was for me. I am glad you did get things done though, so now next weekend are you going to dig a waterfall pond to look at while in the whirlpool (I hope)? Standbyme – in truth I have done several activities with many on here (meet-ups, commercial shoot, hockey games and so forth but just never an official park event. On of my goals was to meet more members and I think I did well there and glad I did. As I leaned this community is full of great people who have some things in common. Just so you all know it is impossible to stand by stanbyme. Meeting was a pleasure thanks for our conversation I hope it continues. Kawana I was hoping you would have come too as I have always enjoyed your demeanor here. I know well have that opportunity some day. P.S. did you get my reply from your PM a couple weeks back? I just want to make sure you got it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Butcher Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 Jesse, Great trip report! I was so glad that I finally got to meet you! Thanks for riding FOF in the early morning with me and just talking about stuff! That was great! If you are ever going to the park, hit me up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avatar Posted August 19, 2008 Author Share Posted August 19, 2008 Cory I am glad we had that early conversation and I will look you up next time I am at the park. It would be cool to have someone to ride the thrill rides with. I hope all is well and we really need to make that trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Butcher Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 Yes, we do! It was a great day, I was just so happy to meet everyone. It was great to see how much our large group interacted with each other too, that was surreal! We really need to get that Disney Trip together if possible. I think some of us KIC'ers should go and have a good time at the House of the Mouse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ki Man Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 Well, maybe so! Just give me a heads up before ya head to the park! I'm working weekends! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast Man Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 Yes it was one of the best days at the park I have had also and meeting so many fellow members as you was great. I hope you got some rest. Oh boy did I get my rest lol.I slept until about 11 am.My body felt numb by the time I got home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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