Opening Day 2009, or Home Sweet Park

[dare-to-fly]

I'm being faithful to my commitment to writing trip reports for each trip I take. That brings me up to two.

Here is the copy, and you can find picture favorites from the day at http://www.negative-g.com/forum/viewtopic....f=11&t=3041 if you wish to see a few pictures.

Most of the names have been shortened just to firsts out of courtesy for some and lack of knowledge on my part for others. The user names have been provided for those who post on forums that I also post on. (this one and negative-g. ) Sorry, I didn't want to write it twice, and then again for my copy.

And thus ends my 700th post on KICentral!

Happy reading!

Flyer

Kings Island Opening Day 2009, or…Home Sweet Park.

Arrival:

My brother and I had been planning on attending opening day since closing day (or before), so we were very excited that it was finally here. We were informed via several sources that the parking lot would open at 6am, the auction winners would ride Diamondback between 8 and 9, and the gold/platinum passholders would be escorted to Diamondback at 8:45. We decided that the best time to arrive would be shortly after 8:00 based on that information and the amount of time that we wanted to sleep.

We finally arrived at Kings Island at around 8:20 to find a line at the parking lot. Knowing that it would be busy, we just planned on this being the first line of the day to wait in. Despite the parking employee being given the short end of the stick by having to take care of two lines instead of just one, we were in the park in no time and headed straight for my normal parking place…to remain a mystery.

Once at the gate, we breezed through the metal detectors and the gate with no problem, grabbed a new park map, and visited the facilities. It still amuses me that the restrooms at the gate are the smallest restrooms in the park. We then tried to figure out where we were supposed to go. Down International Street to the first path to the right we went. We quickly realized that we were waiting in a zoo of people.

Enter…to Diamondback:

At time to enter the park, we waited for the line to slowly move past the gates toward Diamondback, which probably took at least 10 minutes past 9 anyway. As we were passing the gate, the person who was supposed to be checking passes to make sure only gold passholders were allowed in was simply holding the gate and looking the other direction. She never even made eye contact with me, let alone my pass. They need to have a more thorough method of checking this, and if ERT turns into gold/platinum passholder line-up ever morning, I for one, want The Beast walk-back back.

Upon moving around the corner, I spotted Don Helbig and waved hi. It’s always great to see Don even when I can’t talk to him. We were then directed down the other path past Chick-Fil-A past the International Showplace where the line finally ended. I heard from others and saw some with my own eyes that during the ERT, the line for Diamondback stretched down through the old Cornstalkers pathway around past The Beast and all the way under Diamondback’s lift hill. From the other side of International Showplace, it took around 30-45 minutes to get to the official Diamondback queue. From there, the queue takes between 45-60 minutes to get through. The crew and Diamondback both were doing their jobs fabulously, and the line subsided in no time, and was a little over an hour the rest of the day.

Diamondback:

They had an extra set of queue rails set up to help with the crowds they would experience on opening day. For whatever reason, at the end of the temporary queue, there was an employee that would periodically stop the crowd and let the line taper off a little inside the first section of queues. What a complete waste of time and money that was. Later on in the day, a familiar employee who shall remain nameless, stopped the crowd, went over and talked to others, and had the first two queues in the main queue house empty before he let us in. Lots of eye rolls should go here, but this should be a temporary occurrence…I hope, so I’ll just relax.

Speaking of things that I hope leave, I’ll bring up what happens later. Upon entering the station, there is a seat assigner directing people where to sit. As long as the lines for the front and back aren’t too long, they seem to be okay with taking requests, but why have a seat assigner at all? That’s just another employee they have to pay, when people can find their own rows just fine. I’m guessing that they probably have one to be able to have a single rider line, and my feelings are mixed on that too. I really don’t like it when singles are treated differently than those who are there with others. (This is largely because more times than not, the singles are treated as if they aren’t as important as others.) It’s okay to have a singles line to help capacity for those who don’t care where they sit, but if the singles want to wait in the main line for their choice of seats, it should be fine. Bottom line – We do NOT like the seat assigner!

Once on Diamondback, we were in row 6, almost where we were directed (we might have moved back one—oops, darn), we found the trains to be very comfortable and the restraints pleasurable. While clicking (sort of) up Diamondback’s quiet lift, it was fun too look down on the park, and most of all, The Beast, which looks so small compared to Diamondback. The first drop and the following two hills are fabulous. The turnaround is nicely banked for a fun ride, and then comes the trim. Do I have to say it? Afterward is the mid-course where not only is there a magnetic jerk (hey- that’s almost a good pun) present, but then they insist on using the brakes too. Which is what I’ve said all along – Kings Island can’t have a brake and not use it. It just goes against their nature. The ride back and splashdown are still fun, but considering what comes before…not living up to full potential. I also found the helix in front of The Beast to be fun to look toward the ground. The splashdown is a blast, and really can’t be described, but is my second favorite element of the ride (the first two hills after the first drop are my favorite.) More Diamondback moments come later in the day.

The Beast:

After Diamondback, we headed toward The Beast, who was calling to me all morning. He wanted to know how I dared ride Diamondback first. Well, don’t worry, Beast, you’ll still be my first and last of the day. I just wanted to ride Diamondback first for the glory, because it’s a new ride, and out of curiosity.

After waiting in line with the middle and station queues all full, I was officially tired of waiting in line, but tolerated it for the rest of the day. Finally, we were on The Beast for the opening Beast ride of the season. The trims on the drop – normal. The trims on the second hill had been lightened by one section for opening – okay, that’s a start, but it will be back. The shuffle on the curve going into the brake shed is still the same as it was, which as much as we wanted it to be fixed, was almost refreshing. The brake shed seems to be at about the same level as the Haunt rides – tolerable. All in all, The Beast was running very well, but I still have issues with trimming the crap out of rides...as you know.

Anyway, up the second lift, I was anticipating what the newly re-tracked helix might be like. Upon counting the sections of trims, I noticed it was still at 3 sections, so I was as pleased as I could be while looking at trims. It was at least a familiar number. (I just hope they don’t add to it – like the 5 from mid summer last year – ugh!) Going around the corner and down, I’m evaluating and everything felt pretty much like normal…until the bottom. Then I realized that the helix was actually a lot smoother and was handling much better than last season. Okay, now after the mid-point I realized that it was much smoother and that it seemed to be running better than I’ve ever felt it. Wow! Now I’m officially impressed. If they would leave it alone, I’d be happy with that exact helix pattern all season. And actually, I’d be happy with that particular trim strength all season if they’d just leave it be. Leave it alone, maintenance, leave it alone!!!

Locker rental:

After The Beast, we were both getting very hot in our jackets…a very pleasurable occurrence for opening day. Since the Crypt lockers were taken out, we used the lockers by Firehawk instead. After finding one that worked and that didn’t have trash in it, we paid the 75 cents and felt much better in the warm sun!

Blue Racer:

Seeing that we were almost ready to meet up at The Beast at 1:00, there was time (maybe) for a Racer ride. Since Blue Racer’s trains were removed from the track early the previous year for off-season maintenance, we were hoping that Blue Racer was re-tracked in the off-season to match Red from the previous year’s re-track job. The bottoms of two hills were re-tracked, and some of the supports appear to have new wood, but that’s it! There’s still the cute shuffle of the train over the top of the second hill, which is okay with me, and it’s still just as much fun as ever, in spite of the ever present trim brake that is completely unnecessary. So why am I bringing up the fact that it wasn’t re-tracked if I’m not upset? Because it’s not fair!!! Why should Red get all the attention the first year, and Blue still has the same track, no new paint, and no trim removal?

Meeting at The Beast at 1…or about 1…okay…a little after 1:

Okay, so I was late, but do you expect a coaster enthusiast to pass up a coaster ride? Surely not! Andy (ahoffman50 on negative-g) was the first person I saw, who proceeded to tap his (empty) wrist at me and then his cell phone to inform me that I was late. OOPS! Brian (waterboy on negative-g) decided to give everyone formal introductions, and I hate to say, I’m not sure I remember everyone, but I will eventually.

Stunt Crew Grill:

After deciding that Mike (illinois on negative-g) was going to join us for a few rides, we headed for the front gate so that he could take some stuff to his car, and then arranged to meet at Stunt Crew Grill. Oh, goodie…a bacon cheddarburger with my name on it! Oh, another line…and with one register open. I got my bacon cheddarburger from the mess that they had inside the warmer. Nothing in its right place and waffle fries all over the place, but it was during “lunch rush.” Which brings me back to – why is there only one register open? After the line moved, I grabbed my Coke from the coaster and noticed that the guy behind the counter looked like he was scowling at me. Did I do something wrong? I nodded, and he nodded, but continued scowling. What a crab apple!

When we were most of the way through the line, they actually opened a second register with a trainee. No problem – opening day. She and the manager both did a fantastic job with ringing up the order in a timely fashion and getting everything correct. Kudos to them for that!

We sat down at our table to enjoy the delicious bacon cheddarburger and waffle fries. Did I mention Mike was just as fast at going out to his car and back as we were at getting though the line? He checked two lines and came back to relax with us, and claimed to enjoy sitting to enjoy a break. Sure, Mike! You were ready to ride, and we knew it…but we were hungry!

Flight Deck:

We made our way toward Son of Beast, but when finding that it was down, walked through the line for Flight Deck. It was approximately a 20 minute wait, and was running just as well as last season. All new wheels were present, contrary to last year, and were running over the still unpainted and rusty track with no problem!

Son of Beast:

After our Flight Deck ride, Son of Beast was open and we hopped in line. We waited for 40 minutes or so. We were two trains away from riding, and down it went again. Maintenance had to be called and it took roughly an hour and a half of checking, tinkering, and fixing before the ride was once again operational. It was amusing to watch, but annoying to wait. They could have at least blown the brakes at the mid-course for having to wait that long…but of course not.

I have to admit, I was a little surprised by the long wait. Son of Beast ran very reliably all season last year and for the length of time it was running the year before. Sometimes things just happen. During the ride, nothing seems to have changed, and the ride runs pretty much the same as it has the past two years including the slow-to-a-crawl mid-course that should be removed.

Back to Diamondback:

After our Son of Beast wait time, we were in the mood for another Diamondback ride. We waited for a little over an hour and we were riding in the back seat. Well, Mike and Adam were, but I was one row up. What does that mean? I was dry and they were wet! That’s right! Their arms that were on the outside were splashed and Mike’s shoe was also splashed. He he! How long do you suppose before they increase the trimming at the mid-course and tinker with the direction of the scoops, or take them off altogether and put in fountains and a magnetic trim brake in its place?

Vortex:

After Mike got back in line for Diamondback, we got in line for Vortex. After a quick line up and over the track and down the stairs, there was a delay. It didn’t last long, so no problem! Once in 7:1, we noticed that Vortex was running really well with its new track paint and new wheels. It seemed much faster than normal up until the still annoying mid-course to a crawl brake. Regardless, great ride, and I hope a sign of how Vortex will run all season long.

To Flight of Fear:

We decided to check on the line for Flight of Fear. Then we decided to bail on FOF in favor of a few extra rides on other things.

Red Racer:

No changes, still fun, still needs to have the brake removed, no new paint, not even a little paint or gum scraping on the walls of the brake run.

Adventure Express:

Can it be? A walk on??? On opening day???? Yes, it was!!! Despite opening day, we achieved a walk-on for Adventure Express. Or, should I say “The Adventure Express” since that seems to be what the employee thought it was called. Why that bugs me, I don’t know, but it’s almost as annoying as when people call The Racer, “The Racers.” I just want to clobber them over the head with the entrance sign!

Another steel coaster that’s running very well, and a very interesting occurrence with brakes can be experienced while on the track, just as it could at Halloween Haunt last year. I’m hoping that it stays that way. There still has been nothing new in terms of replacing the theming that no longer works, but the ride itself is always a pleasure!

Line check for SOB:

Checking the line was a flop, but I had a very interesting conversation with Josh while checking it. I also ran into Adam (pkiboy on KI Central).

Diamondback Night Ride:

The line was about an hour, so we waited for a night ride on Diamondback and talked with David (ACE) and Brian (ACE) throughout the line. The night rides on Diamondback were fun. If only there weren’t lights at the mid-course and the stairs to the mid-course weren’t lit up like a Christmas tree, the night ride on Diamondback would be much better. Regardless, it’s just as much fun at night as any other coaster, but it fails to be an excellent night ride because of the aforementioned lights. It was a blast, and I do believe it takes the cake as my #1 in steel. It was a hard decision to make, but I think it takes it! It was also nice to see some familiar faces from Beast’s previous seasons at Diamondback.

Beast Night Ride:

We were off of Diamondback and off to retrieve things from the locker. We got to Beast just in time to hear the “closing for fireworks” spiel and waited for the call from management. As luck would have it, we were in the last train of the night. It was nice to talk to another familiar face from seasons past, Steve (tycoonrebel7811 on KICentral). We chatted during the loading for the last few trains. Once on the ride, the night rides haven’t changed. There was only one notable difference to this particular night ride. For some reason, the lights were on in the tunnel of the helix. That, I’ll assume, will be just temporary – and it SO better be.

Final Conversations and Goodbyes:

The end of the day brought a conversation with Jeremy (jbaruffa on negative-g), who I’d been looking for throughout the day, and his friend, Frank. More plans for more coaster fun on more days for even more coaster fun, and it just keeps going! I’m going to love this season, I can feel it in my bones.

Thanks to everyone that I talked with throughout the day that made going back to my home park that much more fun! Now I’m ready for a walk-on day!

[Avatar]

dare-to-fly nice long detailed report I enjoyed the read but must admit trying to read all these reports while trying to type one out myself is daunting. I agree with about the night ride on Diamondback (although I have had just one) was nice but I think The Beast night ride is still the night ride of choice for me and we rode both those back to back Saturday night.

[dare-to-fly]

Just reading all of the reports was daunting for me, and I must admit that I picked and chose what to read. Since you commented on mine, I'll make sure to read yours when it was finished. Also, sorry that I didn't run into you at some point, and I don't know how we missed each other. Everyone else is saying they ran into you all over the place. Oh, well! I'm sure I'll see you this season at some point!

I know the report was long, but I am a fan of details. That's why I put headings on each section. That way if someone is only interested in one aspect, they can read bits and pieces. Regardless, if one person reads it and enjoys it, it was worth it to me to write it.