The Son of Beast Discussion Thread

[Diamondback FOF]

cedarpointer... you exaggerate things too much.

Agreed. No one knows anything yet.

Let's see, I know that...

1. They have sold all the SoB mechandise for nickels. Even The Crypt stuff is still normal price. In fact, Scooby and Nick stuff was more expensive than the final SoB firesale.

2. KI will not say anything about the future of the ride.

3. SoB has caused many problems for the park since 2000.

4. Many people have had bad experiences on the ride.

5. KI has said that they are not happy with the way that the ride operates.

6. The exit gate has been permanantly gated off.

7. The logo has actually been removed from the crate.

Yeah, let's not get the facts get in the way...

2. They said they will decide what to do during the offseason. They also said it is closed for the rest of the season

4. Many people have good experiences on the ride.

5. But that can be fixed.

6. It is not been permanently gated off. The bolts holding it up can easily be removed, thus removing the gate.

7. Maybe the figured they'd go ahead and remove it for Haunt this year.

[The Interpreter]

No decision was made about Geauga Lake until after the season concluded, either. Or so Cedar Fair has assured one and all.

Terpy, just sayin'

[Tomkatt7]

No decision was made about Geauga Lake until after the season concluded, either. Or so Cedar Fair has assured one and all.

Terpy, just sayin'

You sure are good at making everyone feel better

[CedarPointer]

2. They said they will decide what to do during the offseason. They also said it is closed for the rest of the season

4. Many people have good experiences on the ride.

5. But that can be fixed.

6. It is not been permanently gated off. The bolts holding it up can easily be removed, thus removing the gate.

7. Maybe the figured they'd go ahead and remove it for Haunt this year.

2. If they thought the ride would reopen, they would have said so. After all the bad press this summer, they'd do anything for a positive story...

4. Yes, but it causes problems for the park.

5. SoB has been "fixed" before, most recently in 2006. Throwing money at a problem will not fix it.

6. Yes, but if the bolt was removed, water could seep into the gate and eventually damage it. The front one is just wire tied...

7. And make a new rig to hold the CB sign up?

[The Interpreter]

No decision was made about Geauga Lake until after the season concluded, either. Or so Cedar Fair has assured one and all.

Terpy, just sayin'

You sure are good at making everyone feel better

I only state public facts on both sides of this divisive issue. I shall leave it for others to, uh, interpret them.

[Diamondback FOF]

2. They said they will decide what to do during the offseason. They also said it is closed for the rest of the season

4. Many people have good experiences on the ride.

5. But that can be fixed.

6. It is not been permanently gated off. The bolts holding it up can easily be removed, thus removing the gate.

7. Maybe the figured they'd go ahead and remove it for Haunt this year.

2. If they thought the ride would reopen, they would have said so. After all the bad press this summer, they'd do anything for a positive story...

4. Yes, but it causes problems for the park.

5. SoB has been "fixed" before, most recently in 2006. Throwing money at a problem will not fix it.

6. Yes, but if the bolt was removed, water could seep into the gate and eventually damage it. The front one is just wire tied...

7. And make a new rig to hold the CB sign up?

2. So a good story is them saying they are tearing down one of the largest coasters there, a record breaking coaster, and most importantly, a coaster many people love?

5. There are ways to fix SOB, they might just cost a lot of money.

6. What? There are holes in the original 'gates' for the line (the ones that run the length of the line). Also, the last time I was there, the front gate and the gate blocking the SOB exit were both bolted, so they can easily be removed.

7. Yes. They could even use what was already there, just add some support. Last year when the SOB sign was left up, wasn't the CB sign attached to something other than the SOB sign? It just was in front of the SOB logo.

And Terpy, thanks for the encouragement for the furture of SOB.

*I don't mean for this post to sound like I'm trying to start and argument with you, CedarPointer.

[Beast1979]

2. If they had something good to say about the ride, they most likely would have said so. If the fate of the ride was ultimately negative, do you think they'd say so in the middle of the season?

5. Uhm, Exactly. It costs a lot of money......

6. Does it matter? They gated up the entrance. Plain and simple. Any gate can be removed.

7. In previous years, they would just hang the Club Blood sign in front of the Son of Beast sign. Now, the Son of Beast sign has been removed all together. And the sign is usually not up until much later, and there usually isn't a gap between the Son of Beast sign being gone and the Club Blood sign being up.

[CedarPointer]

2. So a good story is them saying they are tearing down one of the largest coasters there, a record breaking coaster, and most importantly, a coaster many people love?

5. There are ways to fix SOB, they might just cost a lot of money.

6. What? There are holes in the original 'gates' for the line (the ones that run the length of the line). Also, the last time I was there, the front gate and the gate blocking the SOB exit were both bolted, so they can easily be removed.

7. Yes. They could even use what was already there, just add some support. Last year when the SOB sign was left up, wasn't the CB sign attached to something other than the SOB sign? It just was in front of the SOB logo.

And Terpy, thanks for the encouragement for the furture of SOB.

*I don't mean for this post to sound like I'm trying to start and argument with you, CedarPointer.

2. No, a good story is them saying that they will decide during the offseason, then silently tear it down... oh, wait.

5. Yes, and they've already spent a ton on the ride... and CF is in debt...

6. I just figured it might rust or something... I don't know.

7. I don't see why they didn't use it anyway... it's not like the SoB sign was visible. Whether it's leaving or not I don't understand why they did that.

Debating about SoB's future is fun! I don't know what KIC would be like without it, lol..

[Diamondback FOF]

It would be like 22 topics emptier.

^^I know that if CF was planning on keeping SOB they probably would've said so. I'm just trying to stay positive, because I never rode it and I would like to. Also, I'd just hate to see it go. I just thought I'd point out the gate means nothing. It is to keep people from going down that way when they shouldn't.

I don't know. If none of my posts made sense, I'm sorry. I was trying to think, but I guess I shouldn't when I have a really bad cold. I've just been kinda 'out of it' for the past few days.

[jrstacy98]

I am glad that I got to ride SoB this past April, like many I found the ride very rough, though I would like to try and ride it again. I have found Mean Streak to be better if I don't put my hands up, hold on, and lean way forward so my back doesn't touch the seat - though it still seems like I'm surviving the ride opposed to enjoying it.

Cedar Fair is a business, in the end they have to (or should) make business decisions for the whole good of the company. There are probably other things/issues which have not hit the light of day (pure speculation) that could be having an affect.

From what has happened and been announced, it seems apparent they will not re-open it as is, if they were going to they could have done that for this season. Beyond that who knows - well people on the inside probably do - anyone want to spill the beans? The selling of memorabilia seems pretty suspicious/confirming to me, but perhaps a somewhat redesigned coaster gets a new name? The could lower the height a little bit and call it "Fairly Large Coaster".

I've been hoping that CP will do a major redesign to Mean Streak, I'm still foolishly optimistic that it could happen for 2010 (I'm also optimistic they will paint Millennium Force for next year). Last year GCI people were spotted around Mean Streak. Many will say a coaster like Mean Streak or SoB can't be turned into a different coaster. Why not? You tear down some parts, you build up others, have someone like GCI or GG design a new coaster that will be popular (SoB seemed popular - MS never is), you can use parts of the existing structure that make sense.

Sure, I'm wishing/speculating, but for SoB, something has to be different for them to re-open it, or it would be open right now.

--J

[Browntggrr]

^^I know that if CF was planning on keeping SOB they probably would've said so. I'm just trying to stay positive, because I never rode it and I would like to.

You may feel different if you did ride it.

And remember, if the park did put more time, effort, (and most importantly) money into SoB again, that would take away from other things or new things at the park.

I've been hoping that CP will do a major redesign to Mean Streak, I'm still foolishly optimistic that it could happen for 2010 (I'm also optimistic they will paint Millennium Force for next year). Last year GCI people were spotted around Mean Streak. Many will say a coaster like Mean Streak or SoB can't be turned into a different coaster. Why not? You tear down some parts, you build up others, have someone like GCI or GG design a new coaster that will be popular (SoB seemed popular - MS never is), you can use parts of the existing structure that make sense.

When it comes down to MS, the biggest problem is the bottom of the first drop tearing itself apart. How can they re-engineer the one element of the ride that (putting it into a simple term) makes it "go"?

[The Beast Rider]

^

They did a fine job of "re-engineering". Take look at what is just past the chain. If that doesn't take out some of the "go" I don't know what would. Cedar Fair engineering doing what they do.

As far as SOB, if everyone hates it, why did it always have a line? Most times, the line was longer than for the father, at least on days I was there. Over last summer (2008), the line was consistantly 30-40 minutes. It was never that long that I remember this year, but when I was there, it was never a walk-on.

By the way, SOB was my favorite ride at KI, because it was not trimmed to death every ten feet. It had the mid-course set to trim brake mode, but at least the first and second drop were not trimmed.

[shark6495]

Well here are my thoughts, I have not posted on this topic in a while, but I think the line issue could be because SOB only runs two trains and correct me if I am wrong, Beast runs 3?. That aside I think someone mentioned it before, SOB was wild and it felt like you survived it, and many people loved surviving that ride. SOB was one ride I would ride once a season, to just say I rode it (thinking if it was its last year I didnt miss out on its last rides) from the beginning. Those of us who rode it with the loop understood that getting through the harsh vibrations would be paid off with the loop. Sadly though I think SOB days are numbered and here are my opinions based on nothing than public opinion and my opinions.

1. bad reputation - the ride has never had a good reputation since "the incident" (cracked support 26 people go to hospital)

2. Most park goers want to enjoy a ride - People enjoy being shaken up but not beaten and bruised

3. Park attendance has not slipped since it has been closed. (pure speculation but last season park attendance rose 3 percent and with more "staycations" people travel closer to home to save money)

4. The park would have spoken by now. - this part comes down to if you see the glass half empty or half full. If the park knew that the ride would be reopened they most likely would have said something or did something. The ride did pass certification if I am correct. On the other side the park may be considering options and all we can do is argue and guess with each other.

Overall I think this was a great ride that had its time at KI. I think this ride may be our generations (those in the 20-30 range) "Bat" a ride that was great but had some design flaws, yes I understand the difference in the flaws but I mean it as a ride which was a step before its time that ended with a lot of people still enjoying the ride. The only thing I wish I would have done was buy more SOB merchandise.

[CedarPointer]

As far as SOB, if everyone hates it, why did it always have a line? Most times, the line was longer than for the father, at least on days I was there. Over last summer (2008), the line was consistantly 30-40 minutes. It was never that long that I remember this year, but when I was there, it was never a walk-on.

When I rode it this season, it was walkon for the front seat.

[israel09]

Diamondback, I'm really happy for you and all and Im'a let you finish, But Son of Beast was one of the best rides of all time!!!

[shark6495]

israel if you mean the first few years of SOB, with the loop I agree with you, but if you speak of the recent years of SOB, then sadly I can not agree with you.

[israel09]

israel if you mean the first few years of SOB, with the loop I agree with you, but if you speak of the recent years of SOB, then sadly I can not agree with you.

lol. yes I speak of the looping years. The ride didn't hurt me one bit. Not more than any other wooden ride.

Maybe they set the height requirements a little too low. because when I was really young and short. It would be hard to keep my neck straight against the force of the laterals G's.

but hey it's a 200ft tall rollercoaster, not a ride on the antique cars. It's supposed to be rough, I would be disappointed if it was super smooth and didn't have any excitement.

Thats like buying a ferrari and saying. "no this is too fast".

[Coney Islander]

Thats like buying a ferrari and saying. "no this is too fast".

Haha nice metaphor!

And coasters can go too fast. Think about riding a plastic coaster, launching at 200 mph right into a helix!... Ohhh!, The Humanity!!

[shark6495]

well the ride wasnt too rough in the beginning years, but recently (last year) it seems to have gotten rougher with age, changing of the cars. The first years was great. Not too rough, looping and great. But recently its not too rough its over rough..... It be like buying a ferrari with a bent frame. A great car but just too much work at high speeds.....

[Diamondback FOF]

^^I know that if CF was planning on keeping SOB they probably would've said so. I'm just trying to stay positive, because I never rode it and I would like to.

You may feel different if you did ride it...

Well, I know that, but I still wanted to say I rode it. Also, my niece loves it and says it isn't too rough, and my sister rides it, but not if she is already in any kind of pain.

Well here are my thoughts, I have not posted on this topic in a while, but I think the line issue could be because SOB only runs two trains and correct me if I am wrong, Beast runs 3?...

1. bad reputation - the ride has never had a good reputation since "the incident" (cracked support 26 people go to hospital)...

The Beast does run three trains (under normal circumstances).

I thought it was 27 people?

[goofywdw]

As far as SOB, if everyone hates it, why did it always have a line? Most times, the line was longer than for the father, at least on days I was there. Over last summer (2008), the line was consistantly 30-40 minutes. It was never that long that I remember this year, but when I was there, it was never a walk-on.

When I rode it this season, it was walkon for the front seat.

Because when you went it wasn't crowded. The ride did close pretty early in the season when the park wasn't very crowded. The longest I waited this year for it was about a half hour. It was the day before is closed for the remainder of the year if I recall.

[Beast1979]

I've seen Son of Beast a walk on, and nearly 2 hour wait. And before someone says it, that has nothing at all to do with the popularity.

[shark6495]

^^I know that if CF was planning on keeping SOB they probably would've said so. I'm just trying to stay positive, because I never rode it and I would like to.

You may feel different if you did ride it...

Well, I know that, but I still wanted to say I rode it. Also, my niece loves it and says it isn't too rough, and my sister rides it, but not if she is already in any kind of pain.

Well here are my thoughts, I have not posted on this topic in a while, but I think the line issue could be because SOB only runs two trains and correct me if I am wrong, Beast runs 3?...

1. bad reputation - the ride has never had a good reputation since "the incident" (cracked support 26 people go to hospital)...

The Beast does run three trains (under normal circumstances).

I thought it was 27 people?

We both were wrong... as quoted from Cincy Enquirer "The latest closure is its second-longest. In 2006-07, the ride remained closed for nearly a year after 28 people were injured in an accident. The ride was reconfigured and its signature loop was removed."

Either way..... bad rep

[israel09]

Thats like buying a ferrari and saying. "no this is too fast".

Haha nice metaphor!

And coasters can go too fast. Think about riding a plastic coaster, launching at 200 mph right into a helix!... Ohhh!, The Humanity!!

lol, or what about Lego's?!

[kjkjkj]

Longest I waited this season was about 45-50 minutes, and it wasn't even for the front seat. Most other days I rode, it still had a good 35-40min line.

[israel09]

Thats like buying a ferrari and saying. "no this is too fast".

Haha nice metaphor!

And coasters can go too fast. Think about riding a plastic coaster, launching at 200 mph right into a helix!... Ohhh!, The Humanity!!

And now you see why there will never be commercial space travel. lol

if they think Son of Beast is intense....lol

(this was a joke)

[israel09]

Or better yet, itt's like buying a gun and shooting it and saying, "Ow that hurt my hand?!" well it's a gun, it's gonna hurt some. If you cant ake it get somthing smaller.

in other words. if it hurts, Don't ride Son of Beast, go get on something smaller.

lol.

this isn't meant to be rude to any one in the forums. im just saying in genral

[Beast1979]

Well if it's like shooting yourself in the hand and saying "Oww, it hurts!", then why should Kings Island be supplying the gun?

[CincyMan98]

Yeah Son of Beast isn't going to be popular at all next year. From all the incidents a lot of first-timers at Kings Island will probably be afraid to ride it!

[shark6495]

Well if it's like shooting yourself in the hand and saying "Oww, it hurts!", then why should Kings Island be supplying the gun?

Beast I wish you wouldnt have said that..... My young friend, I think we both are on the same side of the SOB discussion, but the gun metaphor is always a bad one sided argument. It is not KI (or anyone Else's) job to keep you from hurting yourself. They are not supplying the gun anymore than they are when they serve french fries or elephant ears in the park. People know deep fried foods can lead to heart issues, but its not the parks problem to monitor your intake. So sadly its not the parks job to keep you from injuring your self.....

Now back to not using Metaphors....... SOB is not a gun but is still hurting (or did hurt) people in the past. It has gained a negative reputation, along with rising costs to keep fixing the ride..... whatever happens to SOB will be to the benefit of the park's bottom line.....