The Interpreter Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 I am also told that several complaints about access given to guest relations have received no response whatsoever. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 Did someone say it was? Terp, who likes to ask reasonably accommodating questions. That's the way I interpreted it: So why not Kentucky Kingdom? Director of Operations Lesly Birkner said management saw it as a safety risk. "The policy was created to be more restrictive to the loading and unloading process as we began from square one," Birkner said. With the park just a month old, Birkner said inexperienced staff members couldn't perform the specialized loading procedures for people in wheelchairs while still maintaining the security of the general public. "We have to make a line on that," Birkner said. "Safety is first. We're starting with a new team." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabe Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 I assume the Fair Board was smart enough to get indemnification from Mr. Hart if and when the ADA lawsuits are filed. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XGatorHead 8904 Posted June 27, 2014 Share Posted June 27, 2014 Normally, one must be able to transfer in and out of coaster ride vehicles to ride. A paraplegic cannot do that. Absent attachment devices like a few Universal and Disney rides have, paraplegics generally cannot ride coasters. I disagree. That's a blanket statement, but it depends on the individual. Paraplegics have impaired use of their lower extremities. Some, like my friend Brian, can stand unassisted and walk short distances while holding on to something. I've had him hold on to me for support while transferring into and out of coasters and other rides at Kings Island, Kentucky Kingdom and Canada's Wonderland, as well as plenty of go-carts in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. But most of the time, he just rolls the chair up next to the ride and uses that for support to transfer in, then I or someone else will roll the chair to a place that's out of the way while we ride. I was shocked to learn years ago that Brian is actually classified as a quadriplegic. I had always thought that quadriplegics couldn't use their arms at all. Brian has use of his arms, but his hands are basically curled into fists. He can move the fingers with help from his other hand, but has limited digital mobility on their own. Because of that, he's considered a quad. So even some quadriplegics can ride coasters! I've learned much over the 19 years I've known him. I remember the first time I saw him stand up out of his chair, I thought "What the h%$& ???" Spinal cord injuries are interesting; slight differences in where the spinal cord was damaged, as well as an individual body's response to physical therapy, can cause a world of difference in how one's body is able to move. I know I gave KK a glowing review after opening day, but until they get these issues straightened out, they have joined a few other select companies on my boycott list (not that I was planning on going back there until next year at the earliest, but still...). Because of Brian and the thankfully short amount of time that my sister had to use a wheelchair to get around while battling lymphoma, this is an issue that is close to my heart. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBEASTunchained Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 There have been many factors that make me believe what I am about to suggest BUT....... Well....Quite honestly, I believe that the future of this Louisville Kingdom isn't looking very bright. In the case of Kentucky Kingdom and this "first" season, it's seeming that the actions are speaking just as loud as the words.....Well.....The words of the park employees and management that is. I'm not trying to be negative, I'm just trying to put together some very obvious things that have already been discussed in this topic, and point out some new things..... Anyway, it's only the end of June..... Let's watch! ....Your turn Mr. Hart. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 WTOP Newsradio, Washington, DC, just ran a short segment about state fairs. In it, they said that Kentucky Kingdom will no longer be a part of the Kentucky State Fair, the fence will no longer come down, and the park will continue to operate as if the fair were not going on. Really? If true, is this a good thing? Or is it an indication of a chilling of relationships with the Fair Board? A fence, a literal fence, between an open Kentucky Kingdom and the Kentucky State Fair. Say it ain't so! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thekidd33 Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 I thought it was stated when the agreement was announced that it would still be part of the fair offerings? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 It was. That's why I'm wondering if this recent report is true. If it is, I suspect Kentucky Kingdom's apparent status in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act may have resulted in the Fair Board wanting to separate the fair from the amusement park and to make crystal clear that the Kentucky State Fair and Kentucky Kingdom are separate and apart. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Oh my: http://www.lex18.com/news/changes-coming-to-state-fair-kentucky-kingdom http://www.lanereport.com/33906/2014/06/kentucky-state-fair/ $9.95 additional to add Kentucky Kingdom during the fair. Season passes valid. Waterpark closed. $8 Fair Admission, $4 seniors 55+ and children. $8 parking. This is the worst of all possible worlds. A zoo it will be. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 So... The dry park is only worth $9.99 according to Ed Hart? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joncars05 Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 That's tough... I understand trying to get people through the gates but this could be bad. $18 tickets ($8 for the fair and $10 for KK) may lead to big crowds but long lines, hot temps, and a crowd that is notorious for having some bad apples... seems like a problem just waiting to happen. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIVortex Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Well tickets hasn't included Kentucky Kingdom since 2009 anyway right? Since the park has been closed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 And the carnival operator was doubtless making good money on the crowd. Now, with $9.99 ride all dry ride wristbands at Kentucky Kingdom, this is bad news for the carnival operator AND for those who would otherwise have enjoyed a reasonably priced Kentucky Kingdom. $9.95. Really? One presumes that Mr. Hart and his staff have priced this for optimal revenue. 9.95. I'm still shocked. But $9.95? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bennett Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Oh my: http://www.lex18.com/news/changes-coming-to-state-fair-kentucky-kingdom http://www.lanereport.com/33906/2014/06/kentucky-state-fair/ $9.95 additional to add Kentucky Kingdom during the fair. Season passes valid. Waterpark closed. $8 Fair Admission, $4 seniors 55+ and children. $8 parking. This is the worst of all possible worlds. A zoo it will be. Would be some great people watchin'...if one could find a safe place to do so. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homestar92 Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 I am currently at KK as I type this. Some observations: Lightning Run crews are not very quick. About 1 dispatch every 4 minutes today. I'll give them a pass for now because it's year 1 and early in the season. This absolutely MUST be fixed at some point sooner rather than later, though. The park looks great. Fresh paint all over and very clean. RMC outdid themselves on Thunder Run. It rides like a new coaster. Lightning Run is amazing. Better, even, than my beloved Maggie. Possibly even better than Phantom's Revenge. This ride alone is absolutely worth the cost of admission. Season pass processing is very quick and easy. In and out in less than 5 minutes. All in all, I'm impressed. The park is not remotely perfect, but I see a great deal of potential here. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 I really do wish them the best. Having a choice is a good thing when you're a consumer. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 I am reliably informed that wheelchair access, including to shows and Swampwater Jack's, has greatly improved in the last two weeks... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dieseltech20 Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 No way am I going anywhere near KK during the State fair. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabe Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 I'm sure Ed Hart studied that fact that tics for the Indiana State Fair, held over 18 days in mid-late August are about $18 at the gate and a few bucks less if purchased in advance. I agree that this is going to be a zoo. If I were the operator of a midway who had recently contracted with the KY Fair Board to operate during the fair, I would be seeking to cancel that agreement post haste in light of this news. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RailRider Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 Look at what they do, not at what they say. Make a quick buck and cut ties. While the fair board takes over all property and rides and the taxpayers of the commonwealth foot the bill. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colonel_SoB_fan Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Just last night I saw not one but two commercials showing how the "the wait is almost over. Kentucky Kingdom reopens May 24." 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 WTOP Newsradio, Washington, DC, just reported that "The New Kentucky Kingdom has exceeded its goal of selling 100,000 season passes, and will be less than ten dollars a person during the fabulous Kentucky State Fair in August." 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creed Bratton Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Just saw this on Kentucky Kingdom's: King Louie The Lion's Facebook page Maybe intentional? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovinMeSomeBanshee Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 ^ After all of the backlash recently over their wheelchair accessibility, you can bet your butt that it is intentional. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dieseltech20 Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Local news story yesterday said that the park is operating at higher than anticipated levels so far. Also saw that attendance at Holiday World has not been impacted and their season pass sales have increased. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoaster Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Hope for the best for Kentucky Kingdom: 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stashua123 Posted July 6, 2014 Share Posted July 6, 2014 http://www.wlky.com/news/attendance-revenue-up-for-reopened-kentucky-kingdom/26792270#!89UV6 The story people above where talking about. If you account for a 24% increase with the attendance the last time it operated(by six flags) was 543,000 attendance must be 673,000 a pretty big increase. Also revenue is up by 65 percent. I geuss this is pretty good news and the season is not over yet. It still has more time to meet its goal (if I remember) was 800,000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sccard01 Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 So Kentucky Kingdom might be in the news again for another week. This time, its breast feeding mothers. The park's facebook page has many comments of angry mothers who seem to be apart of some sort of campaign group. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 And there was recently an actor who was allegedly thrown out of the waterpark "for wearing a red Speedo." Thus made the news in Great Britain. Really? Sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoraX Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 I read some of the comments on Facebook last night about breast feeding. Kentucky Kingdom just cannot get a break. I breast fed my daughter when she was a baby in public (including Kentucky Kingdom) and I never had an issue with anyone ever saying anything. I always tried to be modest. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.