The lines for the rides....

[Cortney]

For as long as I can remember I went to Kings Island YEARLY and I remember when I was 8, we were over by Vortex and Beast (I think it was the year Vortex opened, 1989????) and I remember standing between the bear claws that started Beast's line that came out from the station and Vortex's line wrapping around the fence.

I can't remember anytime since before I could ride those coasters, that the lines were like that. The only LONG lines I have run into now are for Firehawk/Nighthawk.

I mean I go during the week, cause the crowds aren't as bad. But even as a kid we went during the week.

Have the crowds cut down or just the old rides aren't as exciting now?

[The Interpreter]

Admissions are down markedly since back then:

http://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/event_detail.cfm?event_id=680&ec_id=15

...Far Less Traffic Now Than in 1997 - Kings Island entertains nearly 1 million less people each year than when it was annexed into the city of Mason. During that same period, the city of Mason has nearly tripled in size....

Nearly 1,000,000 less admissions each year. Fewer people in line, yes. Less money for the park? Yes. Just imagine if the Masons admission tax adds to the cost to go to the park...

[KIfan1980]

You also must take into account that in 1988, if you wanted to ride a coaster, I think your options were: Beastie, Racer, Beast, King Cobra, and Vortex.

Imagine an additional 5,000 to 10,000 people per day and everyone who is in line for coasters that didn't exist then (Invertigo, Flight Deck, AE, Backlot, Diamondback, Reptar, Firehawk, Flight of Fear, Son of Beast (when operating) - not to mention Boomerang Bay and other flats - in line for those that did exist. Yes - long lines were worse "back in the day" although some lines moved faster as we didn't have those pesky seatbelts and individual ratcheting lapbars to worry about.