Actually I remember the monorail as being air conditioned inside.

They were most definitely air conditioned... the roof mounted units can be seen in this photo from Jungle Jims:

All I'm saying is summer heat, intense body perspiration and a cramped area makes for some discomfort. It's been a long time since riding this, but I'm sure once the ride got going it cooled down or maybe my body heat is higher than most. Of course, you ask anyone what their opinion is on anything and you will get several different answers and varying opinions...

Coney Mall doesn`t look like that anymore, unfortunately. I love how the landscaping in that image is impeccable.

What year did they take out all the trees?

Coney Mall doesn`t look like that anymore, unfortunately. I love how the landscaping in that image is impeccable.

What year did they take out all the trees?

i'm thinking they're still present.... just much larger and older.

Photo 7

Is that Outer Hanks maybe? I can't tell where it is!

you would be correct sir!

When I first posted that photo I had no way of fixing the scan of the old photo...my current program attempts to put the original colors back in faded photos. Here is what it came up with:

i like the faded though.

Photo 6

So much less impressive than the actual ride...

One of the most fantastic things about Beast over the years was the mystery and intrigue experienced by those who had not ridden it. Hidden from view, ALL you could see was the lifthill...what did it do? Where did it go? For a very long time finding any pictures of the rest of the ride was nearly impossible...it was a simpler time...in many ways, it was a better time.

So much less impressive than the actual ride...

One of the most fantastic things about Beast over the years was the mystery and intrigue experienced by those who had not ridden it. Hidden from view, ALL you could see was the lifthill...what did it do? Where did it go? For a very long time finding any pictures of the rest of the ride was nearly impossible...it was a simpler time...in many ways, it was a better time.

I agree. It WAS a better time

Terpy makes another post that sounds llke poetry to me. Beast was my first coaster... that intrigue may be exactly why I adore coasters and why they have always been a very common theme in my dreams.

As for the rest of the post and Windshawne,

So much less impressive than the actual ride...

One of the most fantastic things about Beast over the years was the mystery and intrigue experienced by those who had not ridden it. Hidden from view, ALL you could see was the lifthill...what did it do? Where did it go? For a very long time finding any pictures of the rest of the ride was nearly impossible...it was a simpler time...in many ways, it was a better time.

It's a shame that that element is missing in so many (especially newer) other rides. Adventure Express, Flight of Fear, anyone? Really, once you're actually in line for Racer, it's layout is not readily visible, either.

One of the most fantastic things about Beast over the years was the mystery and intrigue experienced by those who had not ridden it.

I'll never forget my first ride experience on The Beast. I was somewhat terrified and kept asking the ride op all kinds of questions to eliminate all surprises...her response: "Just get in!" And what a thrill it was!!!

I've enjoyed looking at all these pictures! Thanks for doing this!

Opening day is getting closer and closer. I can't wait for crazy load of trip reports to come this Saturday.

I've enjoyed looking at all these pictures! Thanks for doing this!

Opening day is getting closer and closer. I can't wait for crazy load of trip reports to come this Saturday.

Why was today 6, when it's 7 days till KI opens.

^I've wondered this same thing myself. I suppose it will end with 0.

Let me see:

Sat 6

Sun 5

Mon 4

Teus 3

Wed 2

Thurs 1

Fri 0

Doesn't make quite as much sense, if you ask me.

At least I know people read this topic.

Ya my countdown ends with 0 being on Saturday! So will you still post a picture at 0 days, even though Friday is really 1 day, as it's not the day the park opens.

Well not counting the day it is on, and counting "days of waiting" then your countdown would be:

Saturday: 6 more days of waiting after today

Sunday: 5 more days of waiting after today

Monday: 4 more days of waiting after today

Tuesday: 3 more days of waiting after today

Wednesday: 2 more days of waiting after today

Thursday: 1 more day of waiting after today

Friday: 0 more days of waiting after today.

So in a way, it makes perfect sense lol

(I just wonder how many people either think they are going Saturday AND Sunday...or even just Sunday. Kings Island is NOT open to the public Sunday, May 1. Let me say it again. Kings Island is NOT open to the public a week from tomorrow. Opening day is a week from today. The next day the park is CLOSED to the public.)

Our opening day trip may not happen if the weather doesn't improve. The forecasts are slowly upping the rain chances in Mason on April 30th.

Our opening day trip may not happen if the weather doesn't improve. The forecasts are slowly upping the rain chances in Mason on April 30th.

Fret not. Current NWS forecast for Mason for Saturday, April 30:

Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s.

I love seeing old pics of the park.

I know someone asked about Flight of Fear construction pictures... I did some digging and found this: http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9354&view=findpost&p=153914

Does anyone know where to find any more? Or even pictures from its first year(s)? I'd like to see the fog in the hangar, along with whatever else it originally had.

(Yes, Terpy, I know someone knows... )

Our opening day trip may not happen if the weather doesn't improve. The forecasts are slowly upping the rain chances in Mason on April 30th.

Fret not. Current NWS forecast for Mason for Saturday, April 30:

Mostly cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s.

Yeah, but it has flip flopped back and forth the last couple days, lol. Only time will tell. We had a great time last season on a trip that featured a stalled park for half the day. Hanging out in town until the rain passed left us with almost zero wait times

Can hardly wait to see your number 1 pic, Paul. Any guesses as to what that will be?

Awesome FOF photos I knew they were posted on here, I hadn't saved them.

Photo 5

It's only from 2005 but, major changes have taken place at The Beast plaza.

All of the former Beast Q-TV's have been removed. I'd be up for flat screens like many six flags parks do.