CoastersRZ Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 According to Kings Island`s Facebook page, opening day in 2011 will be on April 30th. http://www.facebook....isitkingsisland That is the latest KI opening day that I can remember. I know its the latest since I`ve been a pass holder, and I`ve been a pass holder since 1998! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIfan1980 Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 I just saw that. Ouch, that is late. Based upon the April crowds this year, I understand it, but am not happy about having to wait 6 full months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 yea... thinking that's pretty late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoor Man Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 based on April crowds... if i recall correctly, this past April was pretty chilly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted November 1, 2010 Author Share Posted November 1, 2010 But then again, October can be pretty cold. And I think most would agree that for the most part, this October was near perfect weather for amusement parks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Next year will be such a defining year. We will have a new attraction with WindSeeker, but it's not a huge investment like Planet Snoopy or Diamondback. In some ways, 2011 will be the first season that the park will coast on what it's created in the past two years, hoping that it's established itself enough to maintain its level of respect in the amusement park world. It will also be the year that, to me at least, there are no more excuses. We cannot simply right off mistakes as Cedar Fair 'getting used to the parks,' and we have to hold ourselves to a higher degree of open-mindedness and enthusiasm for the choices they make, even if we initially don't agree (in other words, sure some may not like the Half Pint Brawlers, or the next crazy stunt they attempt, but let's wait until it begins to speculate on how awful it will be). Not only that, but 2011 will also, in many ways, be a make-or-break for Son of Beast & The Crypt. Either something will happen, or it won't, and neither can go on much farther without action. Not only that, but really, this may be a defining season for rides like Backlot Stunt Coaster and Flight Deck, both of which are desperately showing age and lack of care in different ways. As I said, there are no more excuses: at this point, either the rides will be reinvigorated in the ways which they need most, or the clock is ticking in my book. If our Backlot Stunt Coaster ends up like Wonderland's (literally zero effects - no music, no flames, no water, no fog, no MINI Coopers, doesn't even stop at the helicopter scene), then really, what's the point? In so many ways I think 2011 will mark a very important year in the park's history. It could go either way. I'm hoping & longing for the high road! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkroz Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Also, consider this: maybe the park is opening late because they expect to have a lot to do next spring, and simply don't know that they'll be able to finish it all if they open the park in mid-April like usual. It doesn't seem to be a chain-wide reduction on the operating season since Kings Dominion opens April 2nd, 2011... Not sure how logical that is from a financial standpoint, but maybe it's factoring into the decision... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZ Kinda Guy Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Next year will be such a defining year. We will have a new attraction with WindSeeker, but it's not a huge investment like Planet Snoopy...Not only that, but 2011 will also, in many ways, be a make-or-break for Son of Beast & The Crypt. Either something will happen, or it won't, and neither can go on much farther without action...Not only that, but really, this may be a defining season for rides like Backlot Stunt Coaster and Flight Deck, both of which are desperately showing age and lack of care in different ways... Sorry but Planet Snoopy was not a "huge investment," and how is 2011 a make or break year for SoB? In the grand scheme of things, the park could care less if that ride sits for another season. The ride itself has sat idle for how long now? What's another season?...And where do you get the idea that just because FlightDeck doesn't have a fresh coat of paint that the ride is shown a "lack of care"? Do you think the wheels change themselves? How about the track bolts? I guess they replace themselves as well. Thankfully the ride has the self welding track option or that would never get done... You really don't "get it" dude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BavarianBeatle Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Next year will be such a defining year. We will have a new attraction with WindSeeker, but it's not a huge investment like Planet Snoopy...Not only that, but 2011 will also, in many ways, be a make-or-break for Son of Beast & The Crypt. Either something will happen, or it won't, and neither can go on much farther without action...Not only that, but really, this may be a defining season for rides like Backlot Stunt Coaster and Flight Deck, both of which are desperately showing age and lack of care in different ways... Sorry but Planet Snoopy was not a "huge investment," and how is 2011 a make or break year for SoB? In the grand scheme of things, the park could care less if that ride sits for another season. The ride itself has sat idle for how long now? What's another season?...And where do you get the idea that just because FlightDeck doesn't have a fresh coat of paint that the ride is shown a "lack of care"? Do you think the wheels change themselves? How about the track bolts? I guess they replace themselves as well. Thankfully the ride has the self welding track option or that would never get done... You really don't "get it" dude. The ride looks attrocious. Allowing rides to visibly rust , while doing the bare minimum to pass State inspections, is,by definition, a "lack of care", IMO! However, from what I saw today, that may not be an issue next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZ Kinda Guy Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 ...while doing the bare minimum to pass State inspections... I didn't realize you were familiar with the criteria for passing the state inspections. Oh that's right, you're not. And before you ask, yes, I am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windshawne Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 No reason to be a jerk about it. Besides, my personal theory is flight deck and son are both outta here. Before anyone runs with that, it is just MY personal opinion, not fact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TylerRider Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Next year will be such a defining year. We will have a new attraction with WindSeeker, but it's not a huge investment like Planet Snoopy...Not only that, but 2011 will also, in many ways, be a make-or-break for Son of Beast & The Crypt. Either something will happen, or it won't, and neither can go on much farther without action...Not only that, but really, this may be a defining season for rides like Backlot Stunt Coaster and Flight Deck, both of which are desperately showing age and lack of care in different ways... Sorry but Planet Snoopy was not a "huge investment," and how is 2011 a make or break year for SoB? In the grand scheme of things, the park could care less if that ride sits for another season. The ride itself has sat idle for how long now? What's another season?...And where do you get the idea that just because FlightDeck doesn't have a fresh coat of paint that the ride is shown a "lack of care"? Do you think the wheels change themselves? How about the track bolts? I guess they replace themselves as well. Thankfully the ride has the self welding track option or that would never get done... You really don't "get it" dude. Planet Snoopy was a huge investment. It may not be money wise, but how the park has changed. Boo Blasters, bobble head days, Charlie Brown's Hoe Down, Snoopy Rocks on Ice, and Transforming the World's Best Kids Area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowman Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Has anyone caught wind(seeker) of when Cedar Point and Carrowinds is scheduled to open in 2011? I don't understand why all Cedar Fair parks wouldn't open on the same day, is this something new? This end of April news is really sad because 51/2 months sounds a whole lot shorter than 6 months! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarketingExpress Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 The ride looks attrocious. Allowing rides to visibly rust , while doing the bare minimum to pass State inspections, is,by definition, a "lack of care", IMO! However, from what I saw today, that may not be an issue next year. If you are going to make such a bold statement regarding the safety and maintenance of a ride (which could be viewed by the park as slander), you better have something to back it up other than how the ride looks. Unless you have the actual inspection in your hand or know of the grades that the park received on their inspections you really have no merit to make such a statement. The way I see it, passing is passing whether if it's by 1 point or by 20 points... What do you call a student who finishes med school at the bottom of the class with a 2.1 GPA? Doctor No reason to be a jerk about it. Besides, my personal theory is flight deck and son are both outta here. Before anyone runs with that, it is just MY personal opinion, not fact. AZ Kinda Guy was not being a jerk...he was mearly pointing out that someone made a wild accusation that the park was doing the "bare minimum to pass state inspections" when they have no expertise to back that statement up other than what they can see from the walkway during their visits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrill_Biscuit Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 1. The visual quality of a ride makes it a little more enjoyable; however, wear and tear gives some rides a bit of distinct character imho. 2. Wow! It's already been 6 seasons for IJST/BLSC, and it does look like it's been more like 10. ...and 3. Kings Island is in Ohio (great state with lots to do and see, but not exactly known as a tourism Mecca). I think parks in the "wider-season" zones of the country, where there are a lot more options for amusement experiences, pay more attention to aesthetics because they have to compete a little harder for John Q. Public's entertainment dollar. I could be waaaay off, though. But just consider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyGuy4KI Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Maybe this date co insides with Wind Seekers completion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaptorGuy Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 This definitely does NOT make the Raptorguy a happy camper whatsoever. Another one of many poor business decisions from Cedar Fair. The only thing that I can think of is, opening day at Kings Island has consistently been the week after Easter Sunday since Cedar Fair has run the park. Easter is the last Sunday of April this year, so maybe they just looked at the calender for when Easter was, and said, we open the next Saturday. Still, a poor business decision, and have no reason for why they wouldn't want to be open on Easter Sunday. They don't honor any other religious things. They're just shooting themselves in the foot and missing that business. Oh well, I am sure Dolly would welcome all of the would be Kings Island business, no problem! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BavarianBeatle Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 ...while doing the bare minimum to pass State inspections... I didn't realize you were familiar with the criteria for passing the state inspections. Oh that's right, you're not. And before you ask, yes, I am. I will not respond to your comments, as I do not feed trolls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZ Kinda Guy Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 ...while doing the bare minimum to pass State inspections... I didn't realize you were familiar with the criteria for passing the state inspections. Oh that's right, you're not. And before you ask, yes, I am. I will not respond to your comments, as I do not feed trolls. You think I'm a troll? HAHAHAHA... It's best to know what you're talking about before you go making false accusations. Btw, you responded to my comment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted November 1, 2010 Author Share Posted November 1, 2010 Yes, it is very true. It is best you know what you are talking about before responding. I`m sure there is a valid reason why opening day is so late, but as of right now, I`m perplexed. Yes, the weather can be a bit erratic, but so can the weather in October. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasper Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Yes, it is very true. It is best you know what you are talking about before responding. I`m sure there is a valid reason why opening day is so late, but as of right now, I`m perplexed. Yes, the weather can be a bit erratic, but so can the weather in October. Yes it can, take a look at this year for instance, October weather was almost scary perfect to go to Kings Island. Besides the 31st, I went two other times and was in a t-shirt and jeans and was actually hot at some points. Overall I believe we had a great year for weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZ Kinda Guy Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 The later opening day is clearly a money saving move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkiboy Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Yall need to chill out like Sparky said its Buget Cuts. The full park calender has been released on KIs website. Looks like Daily operation starts soon. Park closes at midnight on the 4th. http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/visit/hours/index.cfm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasper Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 Adam, by looking at that calender you linked, KI actually closes down before Halloween is over, kind of bummer it's not open one more weekend. I do like seeing daily operation starting so soon though. The only sad thing is, we are 1 day, yes 1 day into the off-season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted November 1, 2010 Author Share Posted November 1, 2010 Its unfortunate that budget cuts, if true, are forcing the park to open nearly two weekends later. Yes, keeping a close eye on budgets is a necessity, and it can be a gamble opening in the early season with the weather. I have witnessed numerous days that Coney closed early due to "bad" weather in the area, when in reality, they were trying to cut their losses for the day. I also have witnesses some other budget cuts back in 2009 (in terms of labor) at Coney, that were clearly visible to park guests. How much budget cutting is ok, before it starts to negatively impact the perceived value that guests have? I know that the cuts Coney made in 2009 (which have since been reversed I might add), clearly cut into the value that the paying customers were getting. I think part of the issue for the later opening may be the fact that there is no main draw to the park during the pre-season weekends like there is with Haunt in the post season. It makes it a tougher sell to get people through the gate in April/May. Like i said I`m glad to see daily operation begin sooner, but I am really disappointed to see opening day fall so late this year. Especially since I may have to forgo opening day, given that it is the week before Coney`s rides open for the season! Nice to see the midnight closes on Saturdays in July though. I`m still kind of shocked they aren`t going to try staying open later on some Sundays with Haunt like some of the other Cedar Fair parks. Especially given how busy Fridays at Haunt were this year. Seems like they could capture some more money if they were open on a couple Sundays.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thekidd33 Posted November 1, 2010 Share Posted November 1, 2010 I think some people are equating "care" with "safety" which is not necessarily true. Obviously a lot of work goes into keeping every single ride at KI working in a safe manner. I do not at all think GYK was suggesting that the park was skimping on ride maintenance when it comes to Flight Deck or any other ride. KI employees work very hard at keeping the rides we love in as safe a condition as possible. However, Flight Deck looks awful. Cedar Fair/KI have not, aesthetically speaking, cared for the ride the way that some (including me) wish that they had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BavarianBeatle Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 ...while doing the bare minimum to pass State inspections... I didn't realize you were familiar with the criteria for passing the state inspections. Oh that's right, you're not. And before you ask, yes, I am. I will not respond to your comments, as I do not feed trolls. You think I'm a troll? I have not and will not respond to your comments. There is a difference between informing you of this fact and responding to the substance of what you said. You obviously are not capable of recognizing the distinction. And the fact that you found it necessary to ask the quoted question after reading my last post confirms the extent of your "capabilies." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 ...and how is 2011 a make or break year for SoB? In the grand scheme of things, the park could care less if that ride sits for another season.... Terp, choosing his words carefully...Yes, they could care less, therefore meaning they do care some... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Ok... back to the matter at hand.... The later opening day has nothing to do with a shorter operating calendar. KI will go to daily operations earlier this coming year. There will be the same or possibly more operating days in 2011 than 2010. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 ...or not. Much depends on what happens in the next few months, including, but not limited to, tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Park schedules are always subject to change...especially right now. 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.