wherespiritsroam Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 An interesting read, with much of the same information discussed on these boards. http://www.examiner.com/x-20457-Dayton-Fam...ngs-Island-trip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Buy a Bottle of Water Purchase a bottled water along the main drag when you arrive. Refill it all day at the many water fountains located at each restroom. This will help cut down on the kid’s soda intake, and nothing’s worse than being thirsty in line while staring down those $3.75 soda machines. Has this person EVER been to KI? They obviously don't know about the free water. And why isn't "eat at Wendys or Taco Bell!" an option for food? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XGatorHead 8904 Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I have to take issue with this: If you can’t find these, check Craig’s List for people giving away coupons or cheap tickets. Ebay also usually has someone trying to sell coupons for a few bucks each. Be very careful if you decide to do this. Some coupons available may be expired. Some people even sell tickets on EBay, but there's no guarantee that those tickets are actually valid and have not been previously used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standbyme Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Some people even sell tickets on EBay, but there's no guarantee that those tickets are actually valid and have not been previously used. That's when you look at their feedback. I have purchased both tickets and even Season Passes on ebay without every getting burned. (Knock on wood.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wherespiritsroam Posted September 3, 2009 Author Share Posted September 3, 2009 Good point about the invalid tickets. I got discounted ones on Ebay, but there were also some unscrupulous sellers on there, as well. The free water thing is a big miss - they obviously weren't aware of this, and it can be a huge money saver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RollerNut Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 Reads more like an "Save money while spending money" advertisement for Kings Island than a saving money. I would suggest skipping the games, not eating at the park, skipping out on buying anything from the stores, and we can't forget the free water suggestion that has already been made. Not sure how the food is at KI, but Carowinds was gross in 2006 and Freestyle's was in 2009. Amusement park food is normally known for being nasty, NORMALLY! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted September 3, 2009 Share Posted September 3, 2009 I wouldn't say that KI's food is gross, but it is HIGHLY overpriced and low quality. I can honestly say that's the only time I've ever seen chili and cheese in my water... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback96 Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 I can honestly say that's the only time I've ever seen chili and cheese in my water... Huh? That doesn't make sense. Since when are hot dogs made of water? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 Huh? That doesn't make sense. Since when are hot dogs made of water? I asked for a cup of water at Skyline. I noticed that it had a bit of a reddish tinge in it. On closer inspection, I discovered little bits of meat and cheese in it also. I was, well, shocked... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarketingExpress Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 "Bring Glowsticks At night the carts come out of hiding with all sorts of flashing, blinking and glowing toys priced from $5.00 to $20.00. You’ve probably got a whirly-flashy thing at home that you could bring along which will pacify a sudden desire for nighttime bling. Stash flashing toys in a locker while you play during the day, or simply pick up some cheap glow sticks at the dollar store and keep them close at hand." I think this could have been left out of the article. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongLiveTheSmurfRide Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 "Bring Glowsticks At night the carts come out of hiding with all sorts of flashing, blinking and glowing toys priced from $5.00 to $20.00. You’ve probably got a whirly-flashy thing at home that you could bring along which will pacify a sudden desire for nighttime bling. Stash flashing toys in a locker while you play during the day, or simply pick up some cheap glow sticks at the dollar store and keep them close at hand." I think this could have been left out of the article. I actually thought that was one of the better ideas. Especially if you go with kids; you'd think that the Great Pumpkin had just appeared when they wheel out those carts with the light up toys and glow necklaces. The dollar store sells all that stuff, so you can get a couple things, then when they carts come out just give the kids your own cheap stuff and you'll avoid all the nagging to buy something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashOverRided Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 Reads more like an "Save money while spending money" advertisement for Kings Island than a saving money. I would suggest skipping the games, not eating at the park, skipping out on buying anything from the stores, and we can't forget the free water suggestion that has already been made. Not sure how the food is at KI, but Carowinds was gross in 2006 and Freestyle's was in 2009. Amusement park food is normally known for being nasty, NORMALLY! I loves the pizza!! yum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrashOverRided Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 Huh? That doesn't make sense. Since when are hot dogs made of water? I asked for a cup of water at Skyline. I noticed that it had a bit of a reddish tinge in it. On closer inspection, I discovered little bits of meat and cheese in it also. I was, well, shocked... concider yourself lucky....you got a little free food....LMAO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted September 4, 2009 Share Posted September 4, 2009 "Bring Glowsticks At night the carts come out of hiding with all sorts of flashing, blinking and glowing toys priced from $5.00 to $20.00. You’ve probably got a whirly-flashy thing at home that you could bring along which will pacify a sudden desire for nighttime bling. Stash flashing toys in a locker while you play during the day, or simply pick up some cheap glow sticks at the dollar store and keep them close at hand." I think this could have been left out of the article. Note how they mention getting a locker... why not say "keep it in the car"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HandsUp Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Bring your own water Tailgate in the lot-I've found this is a nice rest anyway Fill those DB souvenir cups with whatever adult beverage you feel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alluna Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Hello, There is a good rule of thumb on the internet: "Remember the human". Sorry if some of you didn't like the article, but I was simply sharing some of my personal tips for saving at Kings Island for first time visitors. If you're a veteran who knows all the tricks for pinching pennies in Mason, then this article was not tailored for you. Cedar Pointer, Has this person EVER been to KI? They obviously don't know about the free water. And why isn't "eat at Wendys or Taco Bell!" an option for food? I have been going to Kings Island since I was a kid. I mention keeping items in a locker because this is a good option for people with stinky parking spaces. Also, There is free water in cups, yeah, but carrying a bottle around is a lot easier when you're juggling three kids, a stroller or whatever. Cups have a wonderful way of spilling, and usually all over me. I don't mention Wendy's or Taco Bell as meal options because most people aren't going to leave the park for dinner after paying full price to get in there. Season pass holders might be a little more likely to go this route. Please try to be more polite, and keep in mind that there is a person behind what you're reading. MarketingExpress, bringing our own glowsticks for the kids has saved me at least $15.00 each time those carts roll out. And that's buying the cheap stuff. Sorry this tip didn't help you out. I love the dialogue here about saving cash at Kings Island. If you guys have any more ideas to include in the article, I'd love to hear them! Thanks for reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 The glow stick idea was great. I never would think of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 Has this person EVER been to KI? They obviously don't know about the free water. And why isn't "eat at Wendys or Taco Bell!" an option for food? ...I don't mention Wendy's or Taco Bell as meal options because most people aren't going to leave the park for dinner after paying full price to get in there. Why would ANYONE pay full price to get in when discounted tickets are available on line or from local retailers? And, from what I have seen this season, in particular, many people are willing to leave the park for lunch or dinner. Doing so can save nearly as much as the cost of admission, and, in some cases, more. Have any more ideas to include in the article, I'd love to hear them! ... So you can argue with the people who suggest them? Sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erosarrow05 Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 What have you seen this season about people leaving for food? I suspect its probably trip reports on internet message boards about all these 'amusement park addicts' that love the company so much they will buy a season pass and then do everything in their power to not shell out a single additional dollar the rest of the season. Now, if you were conducting some type of exit survey, that might be another story, but for some reason I doubt you are. Furthermore The Interpreter, from your experience how easy is it to load up three children, a stroller, all of there personal items, fork over your relatively close parking space to leave the park, wait in a drive thru, return back through the parking tolls, try to find a parking space, unload the three kids again (with said belongings) and hoof it back to the front gate? Sounds worth saving a few dollars to me... (or not) Alluna, thank you so much for posting your thoughts, but please don't ever apologize for posting something that a visitor to this site may stumble across, read and never offer their thanks for. What a warm welcoming vibe to another new kic member... to coin a phrase, *sigh* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 I also see many, many families going to the parking lot and eating from their coolers. I see picnics from the backs of trunks, I see many cars leaving the park, and I hear conference calls where it is cited that in park per capita spending is not up, but in fact down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 I eat at the Taco Bell off of Kings Island Dr. almost every time I go. Almost every single person at that restaurant has a KI handstamp. Same with McDonald's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 ^^ from your experience how easy is it to load up three children, a stroller, all of there personal items, fork over your relatively close parking space to leave the park, wait in a drive thru, return back through the parking tolls, try to find a parking space, unload the three kids again (with said belongings) and hoof it back to the front gate? Sounds worth saving a few dollars to me... (or not) Uhh. It wouldn't be a few dollars you'd save. If you go to (let's say) Buger King or McDonald's, a family of five (two parents, three children) can eat for about $15 to $17 (three kids meals, two cheeseburgers, a large fries, two drinks). Or for about $18 if the adults get quarter pounders or Big Macs. If that same family of five would eat at KI, they could easily spend $30 (since the children don't eat too much), or up to $45 or more. If the family has children that are in the 9 to 15 years old range, then the price at Micky D's would be about the same, but the in park meal price could easily be $40 or more. So, it could easily be worth it to leave to eat. I don't see it worth it to stay in the park to eat... But we end up eating in the park rather than leaving to eat. It's funny how it works out when you're hungry and want to eat, and then hurry up to start riding again So, I guess it does end up being worth it. But, of course, it is like our little 'treat'. And my mom loves their burgers. Those darn burgers. I've come to like the chicken at Potato Works. That darn chicken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CedarPointer Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 The Backyard BBQ really is a good deal (I was floored by the quality of the food, especially the chicken!). Other than that, well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gigacoaster2k Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 I bring my own beverages into the park, but I still buy some food and some souvenirs there. You people who haven't spent a cent at the park all season may be saving some money, but you are also helping spell the end for Cedar Fair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 If Cedar Fair sees its end, that will have started with its ill timed decision to overpay for Paramount Parks, and to go deeply in debt to finance that acquisition. No guest needs to feel compelled to buy greatly overpriced items of low quality to ensure the parks' continued existence. If Cedar Fair does end, and some day it will, as all things eventually do, the parks will almost certainly go on, under different ownership. Look at Kings Island, and all the various owners it has had. It exists today, and likely will 50 years from now, with or without Cedar Fair, and regardless of whether or not someone decides to pay or not pay nearly $4 for a soft drink in the park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 well i have to say that in all my time visiting KI (I am 23) I have never left the park to drive to a skyline/mcd/etc. I have however had great picnics with the family in the parking lot. You can save even more money by doing this. (Diamondback pointed out its up to 40-50 in the park, and abotu 20 at McD so I will try to beat that for a family of 5). Loaf of bread = 1.25, 1 pound of turkey 4.99, chesse = 3.00. Case of Coke 2.99 total of a little less than 13 dollars. Of course condiments and extras will cost a bit more but a pound bag of hussmans are about 2.99 so you will still spend about 17 and eat healthier than fast food, even healthier if you exchange pop for water........... I wish their was more shade in the parking lot though....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback FOF Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Maybe there is a lack of trees in order to discourage people from eating in the parking lot... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Maybe there is a lack of trees in order to discourage people from eating in the parking lot... Well that just means I need to start bringing my pop tent.... the thing with four legs and instant shade... who needs trees..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 And if many start doing that, next they will have a "No Tents" rule and security will patrol the parking lot demanding that people remove their tents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StalkerChick Posted September 17, 2009 Share Posted September 17, 2009 Have any more ideas to include in the article, I'd love to hear them! ... So you can argue with the people who suggest them? Sigh. oh snap! Terpy... i <3 you. just thought i'd let you know I also see many, many families going to the parking lot and eating from their coolers. I see picnics from the backs of trunks, I see many cars leaving the park, and I hear conference calls where it is cited that in park per capita spending is not up, but in fact down. LOL parkin lot picnics rule!! a jar of peanut butter is even cheaper than turkey haha And if many start doing that, next they will have a "No Tents" rule and security will patrol the parking lot demanding that people remove their tents. Dude, i've gotten busted sittin on a blanket in the employee lot before >.< so now i go put it in the grass on the other side of the fence so they have to work to get me bwhahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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