PTR: Winter Blues Diamondback Tour

[Gordon Bombay]

On January 30, 2009 members of the KICentral.com Universe had the chance to take part in the first ever KICentral Winter Blues Party. The snow complicated our plans a little bit though and the inclement weather forced the Diamondback Tour to be cancelled. Despite the cancellation, the event still was a great time and we even got a special surprise.....all those who made the effort to attend the Winter Blues Party would be permitted to attend a make up tour on Feb. 21, 2009! So yesterday at 2 P.M. Don Helbig, Public Relations Area Manager of Kings Island was kind enough to welcome back members of the KICentral.com Universe for an exclusive Diamondback tour! KICentral.com presents:

Winter Blues Diamondback Tour - The Day in Photos

Trip Report and Photographs by Gordon Bombay and Avatar!

I arrived at the park and met Dane (webmaster/administratior of KICentral) in the parking lot at around 1:45. Dane gave me two jobs for the event:

1) Photograph the tour/KICentral members taking part in the tour.

and

2) Photograph him so he could have a new Facebook profile picture.

I set out with my goals in mind...document the enormous size of this new investment and KIC members getting an up close look, as well as; documenting Dane Thomas in all his glory!

Pulling off of I-71 North and onto Western Row Rd. in my 2000 Toyota Corolla with a dented right front fender, I noticed the massive size of Diamondback on the skyline. I pass by this regularly on my way to and from school, but even seeing it looming on the horizon does not do justice to what its like to see it up close:

At the event on Jan. 30 this was one of the few views we could get of Diamondback with our tour being cancelled. That would all change just a few feet ahead:

Rounding the corners into Nickelodeon Universe and then into Rivertown you are met with the above imposing view. Diamondback takes center stage in Rivertown.

Proceeding past Wings and over the small bridge you enter Rivertown's main midway and see the first drop.

Diamondback towers over Rivertown and the KICentral Universe.

The plaza in front of The Beast is not only getting remodeled with a new helix in front of it, but some new paving work as well it seems:

The Splashdown area is going to look very nice once completed. A stark contrast to what used to be here.

Diamondback's station.

Two of the three trains ready to go.

Taken on the path between the BL:SC and Diamondback which will reopen this season.

Avatar and Ohiocoasterman grab some photographs while on the tour.

The rain held off just long enough but began to pick up as Mr. Helbig ushered us beneath the Coney Mall skyline patio to take some questions before allowing us all to get one final view of Diamondback and a better look at the trains:

I had the opportunity on this tour to meet many members I had previously not met. Got to meet KI_Man and a few others. I apologize, I don't always remember who every person is with their username, so if I said hello to you please remind me who you are next time we meet and if I don't know you feel free to say hi! There was one gentleman who I spoke to about "anqtique photos," I realize I never properly introduced myself but I enjoyed the conversation and it was nice meeting you. Feel free to post your username as to who you are.

A special thanks goes out to Don Helbig of Kings Island...Don, we know you're a busy man and I can't tell you how much the KIC members appreciated being able to come out for the make up tour. Definitely a good time.

[Gordon Bombay]

Part 2 - Jungle Jim's, a buffet and Krazy City!

Prior to the this weekend a few of us had made plans to go out to dinner at the Great Wolf Lodge buffet after the tour had concluded. You don't have to be a guest at the GWL to eat there and the quality is renown. A few other who we met up with at the tour mentioned that they were interested in still hanging out so they decided to come along.

Just as a side note: If you ever see our group making plans after an event or something, feel free to come say hello and join us, everyone's invited.

The GWL Buffet didn't open up till 5 and it was barely 3 o clock, so we had to kill some time. I suggested Jungle Jims. We arranged rides for everyone and took off. For those who don't know, Jungle Jim's is home to the former Kings Island monorail as well as many other KI relics in addition to being an awesome store to shop at. It was a little crowded, but that was part of the fun.

Our group at Jungle Jim's:

(From left to right: CoastersRZ, Kawana (tall guy), Cory Butcher (short guy), Gordon Bombay (climbing on pole), Violakat03, Violoakat03's awesome husband aka Nick, clbheymer, Captain Nemo, Beast08, zosobeast, and Avatar.) I know I marked this as "Photo by Avatar," but I gotta say thanks to the great Jungle Jim's employee who came out and took the picture for us!

At Jungle Jim's I ran into iChase. Chase wasn't able to make it to the tour and by chance we ran into each other at the store. Chase, sorry I didn't get to say hello, when I saw you I was on the phone with my mom. I had locked my keys in my car back at Kings Island and my parents live just down the street from JJ's, so I was calling her to bring me a spare key.

After Jungle Jim's one group went on to the Great Wolf Lodge to grab some buffet action, while other opted for Taco Bell. Bill aka zosobeast was kind enough to drive all of us, next time I'll drive though:

zosobeast has a problem understanding that when I sit next to him and say "Hey, get in the right lane." that you DON'T get in a left hand turning lane that goest into a Toyota Dealership. This photograph kind of sums up our opinion of Bill's driving. (Just kidding Bill, we appreciate you driving).

We got to GWL and enjoyed the buffet:

I know it's kind of expensive at 20 bucks a person, but it's well worth it. The buffet is quality and these kids plates with cheeseake were pretty good too!

Beast08 as we leave GWL for Krazy City.

We decided to hit up Krazy City in the Tri-County Mall for some fun.

...It was busy, as this trash can shows.

The first ride we hit up was the go karts, which due to the crowds had a 45 minute wait:

-The press really came out for this race. (Kat, Cory and zosobeast)

-Avatar

-The group and some random folks.

Krazy City may be a small, indoor park in the mall, but it can be A LOT of fun:

-Avatar and Captain Nemo

-Kat and Cory

The park even features some mini golf which is quite trippy:

-Avatar and Beast08 enjoy golf.

-CoastersRZ enjoys some mini golf.

-As far as rides go...I was DONE after this one. I gotta stop doing spinning rides.

-Skyscraper, one of the better rides there, was closed.

After a day full of fun we decided for one last lap on the go karts:

-Check out that AWESOME hair!

-Krazy fast Go Karts at Krazy City

-Nemo and I racing and working as a team.

-This lady and her little girl kept blocking Cory, he was intent on passing them for a win.

Krazy City is a great place to fight the off season blues and can be quite fun. I had a great day and got to see some old friends and make new ones. Thanks for reading everyone!

[Ki Man]

Oh mah gawd, Ronny... those shots are incredible, dude. I can't compete!

Nice pics, you two!

[Beast08]

Great TR! Who was the American standing in front of the flag?

[TOPGUN1993]

Great PTR, but wheres the picture of Dane? Skyscraper was also closed when I went Christmas shopping back in December.(kinda odd)

[ZosoBeast]

I love the "PHOTO BY AVATAR" watermark.

As for my driving, I got you there, didnt I?

As for pics of Dane, you seen one pic, you seen them all!

[Avatar]

Oh man were do we start.

First; Ronny between your school schedule, helping with the tour spending time with your family long drive back to school and then doing this report I bow to your dedication and organization skills. You never disappoint when with your photography skills and in the first part of your report, I particularly liked the one with Diamondback stairs in front of a well focused Eiffel Tower in the background.

Now for part two of my thoughts of your trip report.

I guess I have a new watermark for my photos, thanks for that and I hope it does not get old for members when viewing my future pictures.

The Dash Cam photo of us had me rolling for a good five minutes, Miss Rae was asleep on the couch and I woke her up laughing so hard. Priceless!

Bill warned me that he thought we would get bored after about an hour and half but I was surprised there was not a dole moment the whole time. When amongst friends you can have a blast doing anything. Riding the drop ride with Nemo and listening to his antics on the endless ride brought me to tears by the end.

I am with you Bombay I hope more members join in the fun in the future, it was hard to figure out who was staying for Soar and to invite those rushing to their cars to escape the cold.

I would like to thank;

Don for taking the time to do another tour, Dane and Ryan for there work in keeping us informed and being there for us. The KIC moderators for all your hard work behind the scenes.

Special thanks to Cory for the help planing the after tour organization. Ronny for being the best Jungle Jim guide EVER! (we would have missed ¾ of the interesting things there with out you). Bill for his driving and being such a great guy.

Special special thanks to Ronny for the funniest trip report ever!

[Jasper]

Hillarious trip report Gordan! I love the picture of all you all in the car. Great Pictures! 5/5 TR!

[bzahlong]

Nice TR, Gordon. I was the "gentleman" you were talking with about the antique photos. It was great talking to you, I apologize for not properly introducing myself. I was a little preoccupied with Diamondback. Your photos turned out well, and it looks like you guys had a great time at Jungle Jim's and GWL. I'll see you guys at the summer event, unfortunately I'll miss Ride Warriors weekend due to vacation. I'll look for you this summer.

-Matt

[Tomkatt7]

These TR's are great, I can't wait to finally get to go one!!!!

I'm hoping to get to go to the Ride Warriors weekend. One question,

yes I know its been answered several times, in several threads. Maybe why it is confusing to me.

I do NOT get season passes. Will I be able to attend this event?

I hear everybody say that it costs 50 bucks even with the season passes, but I dont know if that means I can go and also just pay the 50, or if you must have a season pass to go.

[violakat03]

These TR's are great, I can't wait to finally get to go one!!!!

I'm hoping to get to go to the Ride Warriors weekend. One question,

yes I know its been answered several times, in several threads. Maybe why it is confusing to me.

I do NOT get season passes. Will I be able to attend this event?

I hear everybody say that it costs 50 bucks even with the season passes, but I dont know if that means I can go and also just pay the 50, or if you must have a season pass to go.

You must pay the admission price with a membership to one of the groups or if you are a guest of one of the members. However, the member themselves, if they have a gold or platinum pass, can get in to Ride Warriors for free. Guests of members and people with regular season passes or no season pass must pay the admission price, which I believe is actually closer to $40.

[touchdown62]

More great pics from the event. I'm still so disappointed my Jeep failed me, and just a half-hour away no less. I did visit my Jeep tonight when I dropped the keys to my rental car off at the rental place. It's still making a grinding noise in the rear end, so I left it there. I'm working on plans to get it back to East Central Indiana, but still sad I couldn't go on the tour with you all. I do look forward to seeing everyone during the season, especially during Ride Warriors Weekend and (hopefully, please please please) KICentral.com: The Event, Part Très!

[clbehymer]

Thanks for the invite after the tour... sorry I couldn't stay for the buffet and Krazy City. It looks like I missed a lot of fun. Maybe next time. It was nice meeting everybody.

I did wonder why we turned into the dealership, I thought that I was following the wrong car for a minute!

What was up with washing my windshield at the gas station while it was raining???

Anyway, I had fun at Jungle Jims and I now know where to get all of my adult oriented hot sauces! Thanks Cory!

Nice pics Ronny and Avatar. I always enjoy viewing your PTR.

Until next time,

Corey

[Avatar]

Clbehymer – We are always glad to have fellow members join us and fortunately for your key problem or we would have missed you at Jungle Jims. As for the windshield in the rain may I refer you to violakat03 PTR http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=16425

in particular Zosobeast reply complete with a picture of said event. http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?...st&p=273756

And to answer your question directly, maybe my reply will help you understand better http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?...st&p=273786

We are glad you came and were able to get to know you better and to find out how much of an amusement park enthusiast you are. Just in the short time we had I realize you really have a lot of stories to add from all the places you have gone. Maybe a trip report from you sometime in the future.

[RailRider]

Wait if I would have known there was also going to be a trip to Jungle Jims, Great Wolf Buffet, and Krazy City I would have rearranged my schedule this weekend to attend.

Seriously though, great TPR, awesome photos and I am ready for the park to open.

[standbyme]

It is amazing…you guys have actually made the Diamondback tour seem like no more than a warm-up to what was the main event! After seeing all of the fun you guys had AFTERWORDS I am sorry I didn’t make the trek after all. I am shocked that anything could top walking around in Kings Island in the dead of winter, but you guys certainly make it seem like the post-events were even better than the “main” event!

Ronny, needless to say, your photos are always as good as I have come to expect…and that is not to take anything away from you Jesse…your photos captured the fun side of the event perfectly.

Thanks again for the great report!

[Kawana]

Great photos Ronny. I really enjoyed hanging with everyone. Thanks for letting me spend time with you all. The photos as I said are fantastic. Thanks for the PTR.

[XGatorHead 8904]

Drats! If I'd have known you all were going to do all this, I would have stuck around. As I turned out of the VIP parking and down the employee drive, in my rearview mirror I saw the group of you standing out in front of the secruity post. It crossed my mind to turn back and see if anything was being planned, but I kept going. Next time I'll know better, it looks like you guys had fun.

[Cory Butcher]

Thanks for the invite after the tour... sorry I couldn't stay for the buffet and Krazy City. It looks like I missed a lot of fun. Maybe next time. It was nice meeting everybody.

I did wonder why we turned into the dealership, I thought that I was following the wrong car for a minute!

What was up with washing my windshield at the gas station while it was raining???

Anyway, I had fun at Jungle Jims and I now know where to get all of my adult oriented hot sauces! Thanks Cory!

Nice pics Ronny and Avatar. I always enjoy viewing your PTR.

Until next time,

Corey

You had a long drive, and we wanted to make sure that your windshield was clean! That, and well we are just cool like that! haha

Ah, the adult-oriented hot sauces. Quite a selection they have! Thanks for joining us to Jungle Jim's Corey, it was nice to meet you!

It is amazing…you guys have actually made the Diamondback tour seem like no more than a warm-up to what was the main event! After seeing all of the fun you guys had AFTERWORDS I am sorry I didn’t make the trek after all. I am shocked that anything could top walking around in Kings Island in the dead of winter, but you guys certainly make it seem like the post-events were even better than the “main” event!

When a couple of us began planning the idea of Dinner After Diamondback, that was the plan! I know that I was looking forward to getting people together for some fun after wards more than I was the actual tour. We will see Diamondback a million times. Some of us already could draw the layout and statistics of the layout without much error on a restaurant napkin! What we won't get to see a million times are the people that make this site great. As I have told many of you multiple times...I don't look forward to the activities, I look forward to the people at the activities. The activities are just the icing on the cake.

After Diamondback we had a phenomenal time. I would like to encourage anyone here to not hesitate to join our group if you see it forming after an event.

Thank you Ronny and Jesse for taking photos for this PTR, and thanks Kat for taking pictures for yours! Bill and Jesse, thanks for the advice that we should eat at Loose Moose Cottage! Bill thanks for driving us around in your van, that goes down as a major highlight of the evening! Kat and Nick Thanks for joining us as well! Ronny thanks for being our Jungle Jim's tour guide! Gabriel, Chris, and Robbie, thanks for helping make the night so much fun! Corey, thanks for joining us to Jungle Jim's, hopefully next time you will join us again for more of the festivities!

[Gordon Bombay]

Thanks for taking the time to read, view and comment everyone!

Oh mah gawd, Ronny... those shots are incredible, dude. I can't compete!

Nice pics, you two!

Yes you can, you take some wonderful photographs as well, so do many other members. It's so good to see so many PTR's and regular TR's popping up these days.

Thanks for the invite after the tour... sorry I couldn't stay for the buffet and Krazy City. It looks like I missed a lot of fun. Maybe next time. It was nice meeting everybody.

I did wonder why we turned into the dealership, I thought that I was following the wrong car for a minute!

What was up with washing my windshield at the gas station while it was raining???

Avatar said if we were "real gentlemen" we would do it. I know it doesn't make much sense when it was raining, but just be glad you got the full wash, we only did half of Bill's windshield!

Wait if I would have known there was also going to be a trip to Jungle Jims, Great Wolf Buffet, and Krazy City I would have rearranged my schedule this weekend to attend.

Seriously though, great TPR, awesome photos and I am ready for the park to open.

Thanks Railrider, yeah, if you come down for an event next time feel free to come along afterwards, everyones always invited.

Drats! If I'd have known you all were going to do all this, I would have stuck around. As I turned out of the VIP parking and down the employee drive, in my rearview mirror I saw the group of you standing out in front of the secruity post. It crossed my mind to turn back and see if anything was being planned, but I kept going. Next time I'll know better, it looks like you guys had fun.

Ah, Gator, I apologoize. I kept seeing you at the tour but forgot to say hi again. Next time if you'd like to come along feel free to come up and ask us what's going on, the more the merrier! Maybe you can join us at HolidayFest next year for some paddleboat races!

[gigacoaster2k]

Oh mah gawd, Ronny... those shots are incredible, dude. I can't compete!

Nice pics, you two!

I second that.

I hate doing the same PTR as everyone else, because it seems like everyone's creativity gets lost in the shuffle, save for the few that are known for having a camera surgically attached to their body.

[Ogrmac]

Very nice photos! I especially like the "photo by Avatar" mark! Also the dash pic was HILARIOUS!!

It looks like you guys had fun after the tour as well. I wish we would have thought to ask if anyone was doing anything, cause Robin and I would have definitely tagged along. Perhaps next time!

[XGatorHead 8904]

Ah, Gator, I apologoize. I kept seeing you at the tour but forgot to say hi again. Next time if you'd like to come along feel free to come up and ask us what's going on, the more the merrier! Maybe you can join us at HolidayFest next year for some paddleboat races!

Thank you for that, Ronny! I've had a very rough day at work today (heck, it's been a bad week), three people have yelled at me over the phone today because they weren't getting their way, and I've been in a crappy mood all day. But when I read that last sentence, I seriously LOL'd, to the point my co-workers looked at me funny. I seriously needed that laugh!

[iChase]

Great photos Ronny and Jesse! It was great to see all of you at Jungle Jim's. I still can't believe the odds. Very sorry I didn't get to do anything KIC-related that day. It looks like you all had fun.

[G-Force]

I was one of the people waiting under the HR tent while you guys were making driving plans for the rest of your trip. Sorry if I didn't talk, but I was conserving energy in order to prevent hypothermia .