Favorite Memories Of 2008

[Jasper]

Another season has come and gone at Kings Island. The 2008 season was full of its ups and downs as well as surprises and shocks and a new coaster on the way. I think its time to reflect on this past season and give some of our best memories.

One of my favorite memories was going to KI on opening day and then going on the first of every month. I also went with a group that wasnt my family and met one of my most favorite friends thats a girl. Share yours.

[BoddaH1994]

Knievel Day was hands down the best day I'd ever spent at the park. I also remember about having a heard attack when Wallenda was immediately over me on the 4th. Or doing a phone interview with Joyce Becker from Joyce Becker's Soap Opera Festival and she told me about one of the actors saying, "He's so adorable! You'd love him, he speaks Australian!"

Overall I can say that this was certainly one of the most fun seasons I've ever had there.

[Jasper]

This was by far my best season spent at KI ever when ever i think of summer i automatically think of KI.

[FOFreak]

Hearing the Flight of Fear launch for the first time of the season!

[Ashers]

Every visit to Kings Island this season has been extremely special to me. I live in Columbus and the rest of my family lives in Indiana so KI has been a halfway point between us where we can meet and enjoy each other's company. This was the first season that my dad and oldest brother didn't get passes so I really got to spend some quality time with just my mom and brother Kyle. Our first few visits to KI seemed to be cursed by bad weather, but we never let that stop us from having a good time! I don't know if it's just the whole 'bring back the nostalgia' theme that CF has incorporated or the fact that I joined this forum(which has been very insightful!) but I've felt different walking around KI this year. I've noticed more of the scenery and I just feel "home" when I'm at the park. Walking down International Street past the fountains, hearing the music floating through the air, and seeing so many happy faces all around. I love when you walk past LaRosas in Rivertown and smell the pizza mixed with the hot pavement and the grease from the roller coasters. And of course we can't forget the taste of blue ice cream on a hot summer day!

One of my best memories from this year is the excitement of finding out about Diamondback. The excitement on this board was contagious. I loved hearing everyone's guesses and speculations, and envisioning Diamondback every time I walk through that section of the park. It was my first experience of being 'along for the ride' as a new coaster/ride emerges at the park! I am so excited to see the progression of this thing and I'm sure we will all make some wonderful memories in the 2009 season when we ride it!

Another memory that comes to mind was on Mother's Day this year. It was my mom,Kyle, & I at the park. We decided that day that we would ride Xtreme Skyflyer because it was only $5. My mom had ridden it before but my brother and I hadn't. I can't believe I've been to KI all of these years and never ridden it! That is probably one of the biggest adrenaline rushes I've ever had in my life. And we got the souvenir dvd so I'll always remember it! I remember that day we kept hearing the Michael Jackson song play through Action Zone "Can't Stop til you Get Enough"! That song will forever remind me of that day. It also decided to pour down rain that day as well. We all took off our shoes and we were dancing out in the middle of Coney Mall in the rain. Most everyone else was huddled in buildings and we must have looked pretty crazy out there in the rain. White Water Canyon was the only thing open during the downpour and we rode it like 4 times in a row, that was so much fun.

I also rode a couple of things this season that I hadn't ridden in years. I rode the Monster for the first time since about 5 years ago....and it "barely" made me sick I rode Invertigo as well this year...I had only ridden it about 2 times since it opened! Last time I rode it I almost passed out so I was wary of riding it again, but I tried it this year and it was awesome. I also gave Vortex another shot this year too. I usually ride it every summer just a couple of times because I always got banged around pretty bad on it, but my brother told me to ride in the back and now it's a must ride every time we go! Riding The Racer with both sides running forward has produced some great memories as well! And for the first time ever this year I put my hands up on Drop Tower-what a rush!

And we can't forget Halloween Haunt. I had the most amazing time there this year! I got more scares that night than every other "regular" haunted house I've ever been to combined! I can't wait to go back again!

I've had the best time this summer at KI, and it really makes me sad to think that I'm going to have to go all winter without it, but before we know it 2009 will be rolling around and then we have Diamondback to look forward to! It truly is an amazing place where anybody and everybody can go and have fun. Where else can you go and scream at the top of your lungs without people looking at you funny? I just love the fact that there are so many different people there that come from different backgrounds,races,religions,etc but we can all come together and have a great time in such a wonderful atmosphere. It's nice to have a place like that in this day and age. But I think the memories that stand out clearest for me have been when I get to go to KI after a really hard week at work, or when I was in such a foul mood that I thought that nothing could cheer me up, but as soon as I got to KI and got on my first coaster(usually The Beast) I always remember just throwing my hands up and looking up at the clear blue sky and breathing a sigh of relief that none of that crap mattered at the moment. Even if you are having a horrible day, or things seem really bad it seems like one trip to a happy place like that can make you forget about everything at least for a day. Who can be mad when they are speeding along laughing & screaming for joy on a roller coaster with their hands up on a beautiful sunny day?

And I am extremely happy that I joined this forum this year. Even if I don't post that much I love just lurking around and reading posts from people who adore KI as much as I do! I think it will really help me to get through the off season! Can't wait to read everyone else's best memories.

~Ash

[Guest rcfreak339]

Finally having a smooth ride on Vortex!

Well really it has to be the labor day weekend events and the employie reunion.

[FOFreak]

I also seem to see things differently around the park, I think it is from looking for things to talk about in the forums.

[Justin_M17]

Hmm...It's hard to believe that the 2008 operating season is nearing it's end! But this year was pretty good for me, both with events at KI and elsewhere. My only regret is that I didn't have a camera to capture some of these!

Opening Day 2008 was my first time ever at Kings Island. And, my first time on a roller coaster since I was roughly eight years old riding Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World in Florida. I can't even put into words the things that were running through my mind as I stepped through the front gate onto International Street after waiting in line to process my Gold Pass.

My first ride at KI was Adventure Express. Before riding anything we had walked through the park taking a look at some of the major attractions and I remember thinking to myself that there was no way I'd ever find myself on Vortex, Firehawk, or Flight of Fear, and the friend I was there with had the same mindset so we decided to go for the small rides. As we were taking our seats in the rear car of Adventure Express my friend made a point of announcing to everybody that this was my first trip to Kings Island, it felt kinda cool when the ride ops and the few people who were in line started clapping

After that first ride on Adventure Express I felt as though I was able to tackle anything. Well, ALMOST anything. My friend took me to see Drop Tower. I felt confident as I started towards the line, But standing under the "Scream Zone" sign and looking up at the tower, my courage left me at the speed of light.

I didn't ride Drop Tower that day. Nor did I ride Invertigo, Delirium, Son of Beast, or Vortex. But I did get over my fears and ride everything else (With the exception of a few rides in Nick Universe that I'm too tall to ride, but don't think I didn't try!)

And now, all the aforementioned rides that I was petrified of during my first trip have become must-rides for ANY trip to KI.

I have one or two more trips to KI on my agenda for this year, and next year will be my last year in Ohio as I'm shipping off to Navy Basic Training on August 4th, but I plan on enjoying plenty more trips to KI in the few summer months I have left in Ohio

[corn4ahead]

hands down the announcement of DB.

[gigacoaster2k]

My last trip there, when I pretty much walked right up to the gate on Drop Tower to see the ride only half full, and the only other living organism in the queue was a cricket.

Also when I went with one of my closest friends from work. Though the park was packed, we got severely sunburnt and our ride count was low, we had a great time. We rarely get to catch up at work, so spending the entire day together was really nice.

[Jasper]

Another fond memory was going up the day afyter school let out for the summer and riding X-Treme Skyflyer for the first time. I have since rode it twice and loved every minute of it. Then my first experience on Slingshot was amazing because i told my self that i would never get on it and then when i rode it the first time i loved it and had to get the video of it and i still watch it to this day. I love both XSF and SS they are both must rides for me now if they are 10 bucks and under. My next trip is in November on the first and from what i have heard the crowds are going to be massive so i dont think ill get to ride either of them unless i go to that first.

[Ki Man]

The announcement of Diamondback, some rides on Slingshot...and something I haven't talked about in a while..

Marathoning Drop Tower. I just flippity dippity jimminy skippity (mod edit: watch language) love that thing.

Oh! Oh! Oh! I almost forgot..

Riding Son of Beast July 4th (My bday) and climbing the lift as the fireworks went off in the front seat...only to crest the first hill to see like, 8 other shows in the distance going off...it was just, breath taking. Oh...did I mention the ride was trimless/the MCBR was turned off? Great stuff. Won't forget it.

[Jasper]

You bring my memory back as well, marathoning my favorite ride in the park Drop Tower. That day we marathoned it my baby had no line and was providing so much thrill it was amazing. I remember trying to find the best way to ride it. We tried looking up as it dropped and we tried looking down as it dropped and i cant remember which one was the best but whichever it was it gave us the greatest thrill ever. Thank you Drop Tower!!

[Phantom Theater]

My favorite memory was when me and my friend Jacalyn were on Flight Deck,and she thought the guy was gone and she farted really loud when when he checked her restraint,she had such a red face! And then,we went when the Cicadas were out,and we got to the brake run,a cicada landed on Jackie's shirt and she was screaming like she was dieing!She didn't know her she could get it off at the angle it was on her,and the ride op. had to come over and asked if she was OK,and she said "NO,theirs a cicada on my shirt!",and he asked her to stop,but she didn't.she got out of the train and ran away fast!It was the best year I've had at KI.

[italianchef]

My best day at Kings Island happened around May. I took my son to Nickelodeon Universe he rode EVERY single ride in the area plus SDATHC. I was very, very proud of my 4-year old son. Of course I rode all rides with him that allowed adults.

Happy Weekend,

Italian Chef

[flightoffear1996]

I got nailed in the eye with a cicada while on the rosters. I had kind of a crappy coaster year. Just got to KI about 20 times or so and Cedar Point about 4 times.

[TOPGUN1993]

- Trying to fly a kite down Coney Mall and Eiffel Tower.

- The Golf cart trek back to the Diamond Back construction site. (DB Announcement)

- Audrey our amazing media host for the day.

- Riding White Water Canyon opening day in the cold... with Donald.

- Watching a kid do a cannon ball into the Royal Fountains.

- Riding Beast Solo multi. times in the morning

- Chris & Cory at Beast

- Getting stuck on Firehawk in the "Laydown" position for 30 min then the following week 20 min, and again for 15 min the same day.

- Unlimited Fanta's

- Racer ERT (Rows 1-1 & 1-2) 13 laps

[Outdoor Man]

My daughter climbing aboard her first coaster ride!

[BavarianBeatle]

Well, it would be all of them. But my memories go far beyond 2008. King's Island has been a special place for me since I was a child. I've always said that, being born in the fall of 1968 and three years old when the park opened, that the park and I "grew up together." I still remember (as I've said before) saving Top Value stamps with my sister in order to trade them for KI tickets when we were children. The trips to the park in those days were very special and were made even more so because we felt that we had somehow earned them by collecting, counting and saving those stamps.

Then there were the season passes in high school, the weekly visits to the park (when Vortex was new) and the fun I had with my friends from high school.... I remember that we had a manager at the restaurant where I worked who said that she would let people off of work for the prom, but not KI. On the day of prom night, we, of course, told her we were going to the prom and all got the day off.... Do I need to tell you where we were from 10 to 10 that day????? When we all showed up for work with sunburns the next day, that manager was more than a little suspicious, to say the least... Especially when one idiot (I say that lovingly; there's always one in every group... ), showed up for work in his brand new "Kings Island 1987" t-shirt, before changing into his uniform......

I missed a few years in the 1990s. I had moved to the Cleveland area and was busy getting married and starting a family and a career.... I don't know if I have posted this on here before, but my wife died from childbirth complications when our second son was born in 2000 (she collapsed during labor and our son almost died as well), prompting my return to this area to be near my extended family. When my kids were little, I would take them to KI once or twice a year and let them ride the little rides while I looked longingly at the coasters and larger rides.

But last year, they reached 48 inches and I bought them our first season passes for David's birthday in May. He is fearless and had to drag his older brither onto the coasters, but now neither of them have any fear of any coaster. We were on the sixth train of SoB when it reopened and once they did that, I lost all of my instinctual fear of them riding coasters.

Now to 2008.... For me Kings Island is everything it was to me as a child and MORE!!! I love the weeknights in the summer with the boys. There's no tv ,or homework, or video games, or any other distractions. I get to talk to them, teach them things about life and people, and just have fun. I took them to Cedar Point and Holiday World as well and they loved every minute of it (except our first CP trip because it was too hot and crowded, but they got over that this past Sunday). And, there have been many times when, after a hard day at work, I pick them up at daycare and say, "Get in the car, we're going to Kings Island". By the end of the first drop on The Beast, the stress of the day is gone. Needless to say, they never object!! It has become a very special time for the three of us, just as it has always been special to me. On the way to the park, I still get that feeling that I had when I first saw the Eiffel Tower when I was three years old.... And I think the boys do too. So, every time I leave the park, I say a little prayer and thank God for the opportunity to be there and the wonderful gifts I have been given.

So when I'm asked what my favorite memory of 2008 is, it isn't Knievel, which we had to miss , Wallenda in the rain, which was great!, the Brady's (the boys didn't "get it" LOL), or any other specific event. As always, the best thing about this season is what it added to my relationship with my kids and to my lifetime of memories.

--Michael

P.S.: My mother (who was always scared of the rides) found out we were going to KI tomorrow and asked, "Don't the kids get sick of it?" My response was "Well.... I'm 40 years old and I'm not sick of it yet....."

[Ogrmac]

My favorite memory of 2008 was taking my 8 year old niece on her first coaster ride ever... The Beast.

When we walked into the queue, I steered her to the very back of the train because I wasn't sure if she would get sick or not. I figured that if she did, she and I would be the only ones needing hosed off, LOL. We had about a 2 train wait and as we were standing there she looked over at a train climbing the lift, looked back at me wide-eyed and said "Aunt Makayla, that's really tall." I smiled at her and said "That's kinda the point, isn't it?" (For the record, she didn't look convinced. ) When the ride was over, she climbed out and said "That was AWESOME!! I wanna do it again, but not right now."

One look at the giant smile plastered across her face made the entire trip worthwile. She had been bitten by the coaster bug. I can't wait until Christmas when she opens her 2009 season pass.

[Kawana]

Where to begin? There have been so many great memories for me personally this year at KI, and I'm very glad that I decided to purchase a pass this year, and am chomping at the bit to do so for next year.

My mini marathons on Flight Deck and Invertigo on a cold April night.

Scoring a ticket to SpiritSong and getting to see Skillet.

My union's member appreciation day, getting to visit KI with two people who hadn't been there before.

My 21 rides on The Beast.

Diamondback's announcement. I took off work to go, and I had a very good time even if I did get a major sunburn. Got to meet most of the mods, and we had a "rolling" good time on the Crypt. Meeting some of the other posters was very nice as well.

Maneuvering through the cicada cemetery that was Boomerang Bay.

The disappointment I felt in scheduling my CP trip on the same day as the second coming.(I planned the CP trip months before the second coming announcement and I just had a feeling that it would come up on that day)

Attempting to break a world record with the Rockettes, and the ensuing pain from said attempt.

A cold rainy night in which my girlfriend and I rode the train in the dark and got to ride FoF with the lights on.

Talking to Don Helbig about Diamondback before it was announced, I really appreciate him taking the time to talk with me. All the bad that Paramount had done in my eyes was washed away and KI was once again "my place."

Meeting all kinds of different people in lines, and having great conversations with them.

Seeing my girlfriend transform from a person who I had to persuade to go to KI to a person who had to talk me into going a couple of times.

Running into various people from my past that I hadn't seen in years.

Talking at length with an employee from the Netherlands who was the nicest guy you could ever want to meet.

These are just some of the many, many good times I've had at KI this year. I went as much as I could, and I don't really care what people think about what I did this summer. KI is a place to forget about the stress of life for a little while and escape and be where you feel welcome. Where else can you scream like a complete maniac and no one will even look twice? I know that may sound strange, but I feel that when I'm at KI, I'm where I'm supposed to be, even if nobody knows me. We're all there for the same reason, because we love being there.

Thanks to Kings Island, Cedar Fair, KICentral.com for making this season what it has been for me.

[XGatorHead 8904]

Well, I just need to echo some other peoples' sentiments as well. My favorite KI moments of 2008:

1. My daughter's first ever coaster ride. She's hooked now!

2. Spending time with my wife and daughter during our many rides on Monster, Scrambler, SD&THC and all the other rides we're able to ride together (and watching her on the ones that we can't ride with her).

3. I had to single this one out by itself... watching my daughter screaming and smiling on Swiper's Sweepers as it whips around the corners (and even in the straight-aways!).

4. All of our time spent in Boomerang Bay.

5. Finally getting to work a haunted attraction, which I've wanted to do since FearFest's first year.

6. Taking August 6th off from work for a solo day at the park and the Diamondback announcement.

7. Robby Knievel, Rick Wallenda, and my wife and daughter onstage with the Bradys!

8. The casts of County Line, Girls Night Out and Ghouls Gone Wild taking the time to talk to my daughter and making her day even more special.

9. Reading all the comments on here (and writing more than my fair share of them as well!).

10. Watching DB track go up, and feeling the anticipation building as it does.

And regarding BavarianBeatle's P.S.: When my wife talks to her mom and tells her that we went or are going to KI, my mother-in-law says: "You guys go there too much! You need to spend more time at home!" But the way I see it is, life is for living... do what you love while you can, because there will come a day when you're not able to (and you'll be forced to stay at home...or worse!).

[Thrill_Biscuit]

Robbie Knievel's jump, the giant flag skydiver, the HB Characters doing the 'Hustle' with the 'tourists' and 1970's uniforms were all my favorite memories of '08.

[jessie8]

Every visit to Kings Island this season has been extremely special to me. I live in Columbus and the rest of my family lives in Indiana so KI has been a halfway point between us where we can meet and enjoy each other's company. This was the first season that my dad and oldest brother didn't get passes so I really got to spend some quality time with just my mom and brother Kyle. Our first few visits to KI seemed to be cursed by bad weather, but we never let that stop us from having a good time! I don't know if it's just the whole 'bring back the nostalgia' theme that CF has incorporated or the fact that I joined this forum(which has been very insightful!) but I've felt different walking around KI this year. I've noticed more of the scenery and I just feel "home" when I'm at the park. Walking down International Street past the fountains, hearing the music floating through the air, and seeing so many happy faces all around. I love when you walk past LaRosas in Rivertown and smell the pizza mixed with the hot pavement and the grease from the roller coasters. And of course we can't forget the taste of blue ice cream on a hot summer day!

One of my best memories from this year is the excitement of finding out about Diamondback. The excitement on this board was contagious. I loved hearing everyone's guesses and speculations, and envisioning Diamondback every time I walk through that section of the park. It was my first experience of being 'along for the ride' as a new coaster/ride emerges at the park! I am so excited to see the progression of this thing and I'm sure we will all make some wonderful memories in the 2009 season when we ride it!

Another memory that comes to mind was on Mother's Day this year. It was my mom,Kyle, & I at the park. We decided that day that we would ride Xtreme Skyflyer because it was only $5. My mom had ridden it before but my brother and I hadn't. I can't believe I've been to KI all of these years and never ridden it! That is probably one of the biggest adrenaline rushes I've ever had in my life. And we got the souvenir dvd so I'll always remember it! I remember that day we kept hearing the Michael Jackson song play through Action Zone "Can't Stop til you Get Enough"! That song will forever remind me of that day. It also decided to pour down rain that day as well. We all took off our shoes and we were dancing out in the middle of Coney Mall in the rain. Most everyone else was huddled in buildings and we must have looked pretty crazy out there in the rain. White Water Canyon was the only thing open during the downpour and we rode it like 4 times in a row, that was so much fun.

I also rode a couple of things this season that I hadn't ridden in years. I rode the Monster for the first time since about 5 years ago....and it "barely" made me sick I rode Invertigo as well this year...I had only ridden it about 2 times since it opened! Last time I rode it I almost passed out so I was wary of riding it again, but I tried it this year and it was awesome. I also gave Vortex another shot this year too. I usually ride it every summer just a couple of times because I always got banged around pretty bad on it, but my brother told me to ride in the back and now it's a must ride every time we go! Riding The Racer with both sides running forward has produced some great memories as well! And for the first time ever this year I put my hands up on Drop Tower-what a rush!

And we can't forget Halloween Haunt. I had the most amazing time there this year! I got more scares that night than every other "regular" haunted house I've ever been to combined! I can't wait to go back again!

I've had the best time this summer at KI, and it really makes me sad to think that I'm going to have to go all winter without it, but before we know it 2009 will be rolling around and then we have Diamondback to look forward to! It truly is an amazing place where anybody and everybody can go and have fun. Where else can you go and scream at the top of your lungs without people looking at you funny? I just love the fact that there are so many different people there that come from different backgrounds,races,religions,etc but we can all come together and have a great time in such a wonderful atmosphere. It's nice to have a place like that in this day and age. But I think the memories that stand out clearest for me have been when I get to go to KI after a really hard week at work, or when I was in such a foul mood that I thought that nothing could cheer me up, but as soon as I got to KI and got on my first coaster(usually The Beast) I always remember just throwing my hands up and looking up at the clear blue sky and breathing a sigh of relief that none of that crap mattered at the moment. Even if you are having a horrible day, or things seem really bad it seems like one trip to a happy place like that can make you forget about everything at least for a day. Who can be mad when they are speeding along laughing & screaming for joy on a roller coaster with their hands up on a beautiful sunny day?

And I am extremely happy that I joined this forum this year. Even if I don't post that much I love just lurking around and reading posts from people who adore KI as much as I do! I think it will really help me to get through the off season! Can't wait to read everyone else's best memories.

~Ash

WOW u have a way w/ words

ever think about being a poet:P

mine would be the Robbie Jump

lots of fun times this year:)

[Stewart32]

Thus far, the boy has been brave enough to ride every attraction where not restricted because of height, with exception for The Vortex. He was able to ride this coaster during the 07 season but just didn't have the ka ho nays to do so. I had predicted that his oppinion would change (by 180 degrees) if only he rode it once. Well... he did this summer. Of course, y'all know its crazy inversions!

I was watching him carefully while climbing the principal hill... kinda sheepish. He was practicaly in tears at the apex of loop 1, but by the same point in loop 2 he was all smiles and laughing as fear had turned to fun (well with a little fear anyway). Then truely, The Vortex had him in its grip. Now one of his faves, and mine too.

[Beast1979]

My Favorite 2008 memories

Beech Bend:

-Seeing 10 coaster enthusiasts riding Dragon Coaster

-4 Enthusiasts (Including Me) shifting their weight on Wild Mouse to get the most lateral g's

-Loving Kentucky Rumbler so much I avoided the exit where my mom was to ride it again (And getting a stern lecture afterwards)

Cedar Point:

-The first time I layed eyes on the skyline

-My feeling of fear, yes FEAR, on Disaster Transport. I had no idea where I was going and I knew it was just a half pipe.

-Walking through Frontier Town with Milley roaring overhead

-Standing in Top Thrill Dragster's night que with the trains whizzing by and the music blaring. BABY I'M READY TO GO!

Kings Island:

-The amazing feeling of pure adrenaline on the Crypt on my first ride.

-My first Beast Night ride. Wow, just, wow. Amazing.

-The famous "Carosuel Rides" during KICentral day.

-Hearing Jeff Gramke Talk

-The feeling of pure flight on Xtreme Skyfyer

What a Year, and It ain't over yet!

[IBEW_Sparky]

My favorite memory from 08 is by FAR my first night ride on Beast. I rode it once at 7:50 and it was still just light enough to see clearly, so I got back in line just as they opened all the rows in the upper queue. I got on train 3, last car, next to last row at 8:22pm, October 4th, and as I looked up the first lift and the upper half was engulfed in fog I just thought to myself, "Oh Hell Yeah!". Cool, damp air, total darkness, and fog made it an absolutely unforgettable ride that will have no equal. As i got off, i thought briefly about another ride, but after seeing the rode-ops getting ready to open all rows in the LOWER queue, and enough people standing in line outside the entrance to fill those rows, I said "fuhgetaboutit" and made my way through the wall of artificial fog to FoF to complete the night and our season.

[coaster_junky]

my favorite memory of 2008 was getting to watch Diamondback take shape.

[Braves0511]

I think some of the best memories don't have anything to do with the rides or the park itself, the real memories come from the companionship and friendship fostered in the park. Watching someone close to you enjoying themselves in your presence is the best feeling. Especially if they are "coaster virgins," to see their eyes light up and to know all is well, and to leave the pressure of the outside world for a day.

[TH13TEEN]

Mine would have to be going to KI last Saterday with my Girl Friend and all my friends, what a blast!!!