http://visitkingsisland.com/visit/visit_calendar.cfm

Looks like despite the economy, they really haven't scaled back many days or hours.

Yeah like everyday starting May 22th through August 29 is open 10am to 10pm.

I see a couple significant things with the 2009 calendar. For one, the park will be open on the two Saturdays in April until 10pm!! Typically they were only open until 9pm or even 8pm on Saturdays in April. And further more, if you check the August calendar, the park will be open EVERY day in August. Yes, every single day in August the park will be open. In fact, daily operation will not end until Labor day, September 7th. That last week of weekday operation the park is open from 12pm to 7pm. Of course, that is subject to change.

And Skywriter, you might want to check that fact. August 17-20 and 24th through 27th the park is open 10am to 8pm, not 10am to 10pm.

Plus they're open Friday's in April, which they haven't done in a long time.

Yep. I know that they did that back in 2000 when Son of Beast opened. Not sure if they have done that since then!

It is said that Six Flags will be open more days and hours next year than in years past, as well. Perhaps the companies have FINALLY figured out they can't recover fixed costs when the park isn't open!

Yep. I always hated that daily operations ended mid-Augest. And it sucked. But not no more

Now if only they would bring back the 11pm close on Saturdays in the peak season, especially days like the 4th of July.

It is said that Six Flags will be open more days and hours next year than in years past, as well. Perhaps the companies have FINALLY figured out they can't recover fixed costs when the park isn't open!

Sometimes I think a lot of people in the industry forget that if they open at 10am and don't get busy until 11, then if they just cut the hour and open at 11 they'll just be dead until noon.

Now if only they would bring back the 11pm close on Saturdays in the peak season, especially days like the 4th of July.

I really like that idea. But would be even better if they stayed open till Midnight. That would be amazing.

Meanwhile, while the guests are milling outside the gate, they COULD be spending money in the park in gift shops, at Starbucks, etc. Why they don't do what they used to do, and open the inside of the park, but not the rides, for a bit before opening...I have no idea. Dumb. Just dumb. CBS started this silly practice in the former Paramount Parks...and Cedar Fair has continued it.

Yeah. Open International Street up through the Starbucks area so that guests can use that and the Cinnabon location, which could translate into higher guest spending. Its not like they would need that much more staffing of security to man the additional ropes, and how difficult would it really be to schedule employees in those locations a half hour earlier?

It is said that Six Flags will be open more days and hours next year than in years past, as well. Perhaps the companies have FINALLY figured out they can't recover fixed costs when the park isn't open!

Six Flags... More Days, More Fun!!!

Yeah. Open International Street up through the Starbucks area so that guests can use that and the Cinnabon location, which could translate into higher guest spending. Its not like they would need that much more staffing of security to man the additional ropes, and how difficult would it really be to schedule employees in those locations a half hour earlier?

Not to mention the early access to Diamondback for Gold Pass holders. I'm sure that figures into the equation somehow.

One would certainly hope that Cedar Fair's Kings Island is clever enough to realize that early ride entrants can will buy stuff if vendors are open...but based on what has happened under their tutelage in past early ride openings, I'd not bet a t-shirt that anything but Diamondback will be open. Should be, but I bet no merchandising/food/gift locations are open during early entries...

I couldn't help but notice that the 17th of April is labeled as "Gold Pass VIP Preview Day", with no mention of Diamondback. Does that mean other rides will be open?

Also, there are SOOO many more days open this year!!! Happy!

I imagine other rides will be open that day....it's during early entries that the park is missing out on per cap spending opportunities...and the lack of early entry to gift shops and places where money can be spent also doesn't contribute to stronger per caps. HINT TO MR. KINZEL: People cannot spend their nickels if the places that take them aren't open and available to accept nickels...while people are standing about waiting for the main attractions--the rides and shows...give them the opportunity to gladly give you their nickels!

^^But is it confirmed that, indeed, nothing else will be open for Early Entry?

Having stood by the Cinnabon many a times before rope drop I can confirm I heard many comments about people wanting the (still closed) Starbucks.

Nevertheless, the extended operating hours are fantastic, and should definitely provide some slow days opportunities that will allow my parents to go!

Great Calendar this year!!

We shall see if we get early entry time:

And yes Cedar Fair and Kings Island should move the ropes back!!!so people can buy stuff!!!on Main street :

One would certainly hope that Cedar Fair's Kings Island is clever enough to realize that early ride entrants can will buy stuff if vendors are open...but based on what has happened under their tutelage in past early ride openings, I'd not bet a t-shirt that anything but Diamondback will be open. Should be, but I bet no merchandising/food/gift locations are open during early entries...

Yeah last time I went early in the morning like there was not shops open and it was a Saturday in May though but it was also music in the parks.

Does anyone know what time the park will open on the gold pass preview day? I have prom the next day, so I can't miss school grr.....

i thought that i heard that Diamondback would be open on the 17th so gold pass holders could get the first chance to ride it...could be wrong but i will recheck to see if im right or not or if it changed

^Yep that's already confirmed. I bet the park will have it open at 5 pm since that is the same time in which Behometh opened for preview day.

Along with Probably several other rides, I see almost all of the crowds at D-Back though so it might be a good chance to hit the others that may be open.

Yeah I was thinking about going there to ride DB once and hit The Beast multiple times

Along with Probably several other rides, I see almost all of the crowds at D-Back though so it might be a good chance to hit the others that may be open.

This has also been confirmed in a podcast interviewing Don Helbig. I think we can see Beast open for sure.

If I had a Gold Pass and lived close to Mason I know what I'd do. Since at least 50% of the visitors will be in line for Diamondback; I'd hit all of the other rides as many times as I can, because there should be practically no lines. Then with an hour left before closing, jump into line for Diamondback for one night ride.

Gold Pass Preview Day would actually be a great day for G-Force to try to beat his classmates Racer record!

How exactly will the early entry work? I guess my question is if you show up with a half hour left, will you still be able to gain access to Diamondback?

Yeah I was thinking about going there to ride DB once and hit The Beast multiple times

I'll be the one taking tons of pictures and riding The Beast over and over and over and over and over and over and over and, well, you get what I'm saying.