Kentucky Kingdom

[APE]

They did a ton of work to this park already and its great to see all of the pictures and read good reports. I was wondering though why it will take until 2016 to get both coasters that already existed up and running? I'm not complaining just curious.

[themuska11]

^So maybe they have "new" attractions for years to come?

[shark6495]

Maybe capital? Easier to get more money to fix other rides once the park is open?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[The Interpreter]

Mr. Hart has promised to reinvest $1.5 to $2 million each year after 2015.

[IBEW_Sparky]

I wonder if Vegas lays odds on the duration of time an amusement park survives. May have to check into that.

[FoF96"]

They did a ton of work to this park already and its great to see all of the pictures and read good reports. I was wondering though why it will take until 2016 to get both coasters that already existed up and running? I'm not complaining just curious.

If you don't mind me asking where are these pictures? I have been looking but only seen generic news photos.

[Shaggy]

I was present at the park on Saturday and rode Lightning Run - twice.

First the park pros:

It's definitely been freshened and has a "cleaner" look and feel to it.

The waterpark expansion is terrific, looks great and is huge!

There were TONS of people there, and they were very excited.

The park cons:

There's still an IMMENSE amount of work left to be done. They met there deadline to open on time... I suppose... but many obvious things remain.

Trash cans were few and far between. If it were me... I get that addressed pronto!

More queue systems need installed for the newer attractions to deter lines from stretching into the midways.

Lightning Run

I was pleasantly surprised at the ride's overall riding experience. Someone's earlier claim in this thread that it was "better than Banshee" is silly. That's comparing apples to oranges... or grapes to grapefruit. LR is a small, compact coaster and isn't on the same playing field as a coaster of Banshee's size and scope. This is Chance Rides first full-circuit coaster, and really is a stand-alone new experience.

Because of it being "tightly wound" I was leery of possible jarring transitions with neck snaps. Much to my surprise, the overall coaster glides smoothly and the transitions are really impressive. The first drop is fun and Maverick-like. My favorite part was the ground level series of "s curves" just before the final bunny hops. There's pops of air on those bunny hills, but it's not floater air. It's more of the Magnum XL200 jolting pops on the final bunny hills. Some riders enjoyed the more jerky air pops, some riders did not. Obviously the rear of the train experiences them more abruptly than the front. It has great speed for a smaller coaster and it hits the final brakes hard with lots of inertia behind it.

Now for the really bad news.... The restraints are uncomfortably confining, to say the very least. I can probably understand why they are designed to be as tight fitting as they are. However the restraints will, mark my words, be the largest complaint inducer of the ride. Walk of shames were happening left and right. More problematic however, was the fact that the train was dispatching an average of every 10 minutes. Even if the 2nd train had been running, it would have faced a lengthy stack time due to the excruciating waits resulting from restraint issues.

Let me explain the scenario: There were 3 ride ops... two checking, one operating panel. Exiting guests had to completely exit the station before gates were opened. When guests boarded the car, they were instructed they must first buckle the belts and not touch the restraint. This was so the two ride ops (only a single on each side) could check belts unobstructed. Guests invariably pulled down the lap bar, prompting the ride op to have to signal and request a release for each individual lap bar that had been pulled. Then, they finished checking belts for the train. From there, the ride panel op would then announce lap bars were lowering and people began to lower themselves. Much to the chagrin of many, the bars would not go down far enough, and the ride panel op would then make announcements on the PA system as to which seats were not fitting. "2, 7, 10 Right and 3, 8, 9 Left." Ouch!

That prompted a re-release of those restraints, retries, pushes, tugs, standing on them (not kidding) etc. The op panel obviously has a sensor system than measures if a restraint has met it's required level. Well, more often than not, it wouldn't after numerous tries resulting in a final "sorry you will not be able to ride." This to the guest that had just waited through the long line that didn't have a test seat at the entrance. Not only that, tall folks were having issues with the shin restraints impeding the ability to lower the lap bar all the way. I'm 6' 3" not overweight. I fit, but I must admit the shin restraints were not comfortable and I got nervous the first time that they would impede my lap bar meeting the requirement. (I rode in the front seat and then 3/4 of the way back.) In addition to all of this confusion, the unload side op had to collect all the loose articles as people boarded into a bin (one for each car) that was placed on the unload side of the station. (How this will work with two trains remains to be seen.)

Now all that having been said... it was the coaster's first day with the "public." I am sure adjustments will be made, and that tweaking of the restraints will become a part of the ride's installation. The ENTIRE Chance Team was observing the ENTIRE day. I have concerns however, given the obvious challenges the face with a "large" (...in the waistline - Louisville has one of the highest obesity rates in the country) clientele, that vast modifications will need to be made to the restraint system. Judging by the struggles I witnessed, changes are necessary.

Operationally, I give the park a break... again it was Day 1. However a 3-person crew on the parks new signature coaster just will not float. If the above procedure is what they will be following all season, then they must staff at least 6 on the crew. (Line sorter, Panel Op, 2 checkers each side.) Until they get a more fluid load system in place, then there's really no need to run a second train. Not running a second train will back the line up into the midway (see above) and thus LR needs a queue house or pad to hold waiting guests (which it doesn't have!?!)

Now, let me conclude by once again prefacing that this was all DAY 1. Any park, run by any owner, with any new ride faces struggles. My words come from a place of observation, not judgement, and with no ill will (seriously.) But they also come from a place of concern, and surprisingly enough, encouragement to those I witnessed wanting so badly for the park to be a success.

Time will tell. I'll re-visit sometime later... much later... before I pass judgement and throw stones. ;-)

[APE]

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=68008

[Dieseltech20]

The park review I heard from a co-worker of the wife was a hardy, it sucked. This person is not a hard core Coaster Enthusiast type either.

I chalk that up to it being day one and the park having many bugs to work out.

I will be waiting til later in the season to think about making a visit.

[APE]

In all honesty we may wait until 2016 when all previous rides from the old park are back up and running. I don't really have a desire to go this year. Lightning Run looks fun though.

[jcgoble3]

If the park is still open in 2016...

[XGatorHead 8904]

Rome was not built in a day.

With any kind of decent weather, next Saturday at Kentucky Kingdom will be a combination of disaster, fiasco and circus.

I'm pretty sure that I've called it all three at times myself.

Gator has said several times that he intends to be there on opening day. Hopefully he'll report here as to how badly things go.

Yes, I am. I'm going with the knowledge that I will more than likely not be riding very much. I just want to see firsthand how a park that has been SBNO for years is going to handle the large influx of patrons that I expect to be there. Considering that my only other visit to KK in 1998 ranks as one of my worst park experiences ever, this should be fun since I'm going in expecting the worst. I sincerely hope they surprise me. I want to like the place, honestly I do. I was going to give them another chance in 2010, but then they announced they weren't reopening. This will be my only trip there this year, but I fully intend on going back sometime mid-season next year to compare opening day this year to what their operations will become in the future.

However the restraints will, mark my words, be the largest complaint inducer of the ride. Walk of shames were happening left and right.

I'm glad I talked to you yesterday about this and read your post today. I won't even bother with Lightning Run on Saturday since I know that there will be no chance in Hades that I'll be able to fit.

I'm looking forward to enjoying their flying scooters and another ride on Flying Dutchman. I missed it last time I was there and haven't ridden it since it was at KI. I'm still debating whether I will brave the waterpark with the temps that are predicted. It may be too chilly for me... we'll see.

[sccard01]

Here is a great article about Kentucky Kingdom and its future plans...

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/family/2014/05/19/kentucky-kingdom-ready-reopening-officials-say/9301559/

[TheBEASTunchained]

Irvine Ondrey Engineering on Facebook:

"Two train operation testing has been completed. With that, the control system commissioning is 100% complete for Lightning Run. -Brian"

[XGatorHead 8904]

Here is a great article about Kentucky Kingdom and its future plans...

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/family/2014/05/19/kentucky-kingdom-ready-reopening-officials-say/9301559/

Hart said the park has developed a quick-entry system that should mitigate long lines at the entrance, especially for season-pass holders, and no ride should have longer waits than 40 minutes.

How the heck do they plan on ensuring that?!?

[Magenta Lizard]

The best way to ensure it would be limiting the number of people allowed in the park at any time. Best for ensuring low wait times, definitely not best for business tho.

[JTW]

I'm glad someone else noticed that part of the article.

[upstop]

Here is a great article about Kentucky Kingdom and its future plans...

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/family/2014/05/19/kentucky-kingdom-ready-reopening-officials-say/9301559/

Hart said the park has developed a quick-entry system that should mitigate long lines at the entrance, especially for season-pass holders, and no ride should have longer waits than 40 minutes.

How the heck do they plan on ensuring that?!?

Shortened ride cycles, loading zones (exp would be like Delirium and KD's Drop Tower, no loose articles policy and perhaps a Q-Bot system...?

[TheBEASTunchained]

Kentucky Kingdom on Facebook:

"Check out the before and after images of the 5D cinema!"

Photo : Kentucky Kingdom via Facebook

[RailRider]

Here is a great article about Kentucky Kingdom and its future plans...

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/family/2014/05/19/kentucky-kingdom-ready-reopening-officials-say/9301559/

The lease with the fair board — which is to be in force for 50 years with four, five-year extensions possible — requires the operators to spend $45 million on improvements in the first three years, with all of the improvements to become property of the fair board. The operators are then required to spend at least $1 million a year on improvements. They have received some financial incentives from the state, city and local convention agency.

with all of the improvements to become property of the fair board - This amazes me. Hart and his group are nothing more than operators of the park and with the wording of the lease in this article have zero ownership in anything new or improved at the park. The Fair Board will continue to be the hindrance to this park being successful, but I hope for the best.

[FoF96"]

Deep Water Dive was one of the scariest things I have done in my life. Usually attractions don't make me nervous like this one did. It was so much fun though.

[Dieseltech20]

Cedar Fair has definitely taken notice to the reopening of Kentucky Kingdom. I live 45 minutes south of Louisville, yet there are two billboards for Kings Island in town. I can't remember the last time I even saw one. Taco Bell is selling discount tickets that include free drinks.

[XGatorHead 8904]

I just bought my ticket to the circus Kingdom for tomorrow. Taking it and the receipt with me (you never know...).

EDIT:

I'm glad I looked at the attractions page for the waterpark just now. I'm not even going to bother with it since there are 7 slides there (Mega Wedgie, Conquistador Canyon, Voodoo Express, Forbidden Passage, Kilawaya, Waikiki Wipeout, Calypso Run) that I won't be able to do because I'm over the weight limit for a single rider. I'll still walk over and check it out though.

I like the description for the Sea Lion show. Who can spot what's wrong with the sentence?

Preforming three times daily from June 3-Sept 1.

Edited May 23, 2014 by XGatorHead 8904

[The Interpreter]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, the Greatest Circus In The History of The Commonwealth of Kentucky is About To Begin!

Watch the feats! Behold! And learn.

And remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Today's going to be a monumental day in the history of Kentucky Kingdom.

Godspeed Ed Hart, Bruce Lunsford, the hundreds of employees, the vendors, contractors, and Kentucky taxpayers.

The Kentucky Kingdom 2014 season is about to begin.

Watch carefully.

Then watch tomorrow, next weekend, June 17, July 4, the Labor Day weekend and BooFest even more.

Watch, watch, watch.

And go if at all you can.

[Hendrick]

I saw an ad last weekend in one of our newspapers (maybe it was with the Kroger ad) for Kentucky Kingdom... in Columbus OH.

[upstop]

I plan on going down there soon...Yay...I'm excited!

[FoF96"]

I think I may have spotted a gator at the park today but I didn't occur to me until I was driving home otherwise I would have said something, gator, were you wearing a Banshee T-shirt today?

[TombRaiderFTW]

I was at Kentucky Kingdom today. I'm a little zonked at the moment, so please excuse any derpy errors:

1. Popular enthusiast opinion is that Kentucky Kingdom is somewhat dumpy and/or neglected. Maybe that was true in its SIX days, but I think Kentucky Kingdom is very picturesque and can absolutely hold its own against parks like Kings Island and Holiday World. Y'know, once you get past the razor wire-lined fence surrounding the property. Once you're past that, it's really a neat little park. The landscaping is a work in progress (no, really--they've got signs in most major grassy areas that say that the landscaping is a WIP) but the fresh coat of bright paint on everything really does look great. Granted, I never made it to the park when it was a Six Flags, but that doesn't make it any less nice-looking.

2. On the subject of SIX: the place looks and feels very, very much like a Six Flags park. I don't know what sort of name Ed Hart is trying to make for Kentucky Kingdom, but if it's "this once was Six Flags and now it isn't so we painted some stuff," he's nailed it.

3. The staff was super friendly. I must have been welcomed to the park six or seven times while walking in. The ride ops on Thunder Run were a little shaky/nervous but friendly, and they'll get the hang of things eventually.

4. The layout of this park is ridiculous. I don't mind walking on a bridge over a road to get to the rest of the park, but the bridge is so narrow that it must be incredibly annoying to get to the waterpark/Thunder Run/T2/Twisted Twins (i.e. most of the park's major attractions) on a busy day. Finding your way to Thunder Run, Mile High Falls, etc. is comedically difficult without a map, as you can see it but literally have to go anywhere but towards them to finally get to them. Which brings me to...

5. You can't find a dang map anywhere in the park if you're looking outside. Maybe I'm spoiled by almost every other park I've ever been to, but I found it pretty annoying that you have to search for a map. Spoiler for all you urban adventurers:

They're in the shops.

I would think you would want the things in the hands of the people coming in the front door so they know exactly where they can grab a meal or buy a shirt (or, y'know, figure out how in THE BLESSED HECK you can ride the wooden coaster that's right in front of your face but inexplicably appears unenterable... GUHHHHHHH), but apparently no one in management agrees. Perhaps that says a lot about who they're expecting to visit this year. I dunno.

6. Thunder Run is actually a really good ride, for the most part. It's got way stronger laterals and airtime than either Hurler, but there are parts of the layout that just kind of meander due to how it's been modified over the years. But it's still a good, solid ride. I was pleasantly surprised, as POVs left my expectations somewhat low. That queue, though... That thing is asking for people to act up in it. It's hidden from all except those who are in it. It's difficult to find. If I owned the park, I'd be considering drastically changing it for safety's sake.

7. Lightning Run is ridiculously good. I am not exaggerating when I say its airtime is comparable to El Toro. It's like someone at Chance took Magnum and cut its height in half, and it got really angry and decided to attempt to throw everyone out of the train at every hill. Except it's much more comfortable than Magnum. And also the airtime is RIDICULOUSLY strong... like it is on El Toro. You heard it here first, folks. It's breakneck pacing and strong airtime (I'd believe the alleged -1.5G number that's floating around) combined into the most insane 30 seconds of coaster riding you're going to experience in the tri-state area. If I were into sheer intensity, it would be my #1.

Also, its queue is very short. You're going to see a "1 hour wait from this point" sign and scoff. The capacity of the ride is such that this sign is not lying. If the line is beyond that point, don't lose hope. If you're asking me, it's 100% worth every minute.

8. I hate to end this with a bad point, but: the park is very sorely lacking more attractions to keep people there. I don't think there were any shows, and, as we all know, many of the former major rides will be returning in subsequent years. This puts a lot of strain on the rest of the rides to impress new visitors (if, of course, we're even supposed to come at all this year, like I hinted towards earlier.) Despite the fact that I think it's a very pretty park and liked many of the rides I rode, I was pretty much satisfied with visiting after two hours. Granted, I did not try the waterpark, but still. Maybe it's like Holiday World, where the waterpark is the main draw, and I've missed the point of Kentucky Kingdom existing in its current form, but... I don't know. I just found myself thinking a lot about how much of the park was closed and how much the rest of it reopening will affect how many more times I visit.* I really don't know how many more flats are at the park that aren't open... Maybe someone could fill me in? Alternatively, is the park trying to focus more on families than teens/young adults?

I feel like all of this combined sounds like a negative review. Don't take it that way. Kentucky Kingdom's really a nice park, and I know I'll return at least once this year. I HIGHLY recommend that each and every one of you all stop in this year, as it really does offer something different from Kings Island, Camden Park, Holiday World, etc.

*I'm pretty sure those CCI's in the back are going to draw me back whether I like it or not, though. Not being able to ride those was slow torture--I usually love CCI rides.

[silver2005]

Just a bit curious on the restraints on Lightning Run, are the leg restraints any concern? In theory (coming from someone who hasn't ridden it), that strong of air with leg restraints seems like a bad combination.

[TombRaiderFTW]

Not really. I think they're more there to keep your legs from exiting the area they're supposed to be in by accident. With all that force pulling your legs into the air, it would be easy to have them accidentally land outside the car unintentionally if there weren't leg restraints.

My bigger gripe with LR's restraints is that they're stapling them very strongly, to the place it's almost painful just sitting in the station. But that's unnoticeable once the fun starts.