Just wondering what kind of crowds show up for opening day. I know it depends on the weather, etc. Also has anyone used Hotwire for hotels around the park?

I can give a link for part of your query. Hotwire hotels (as reported by users at betterbidding.com)

Anybody that ever uses Hotwire or Priceline should use that site first for the best deals and information. biddingfortravel.com is similar, but I believe it's lost some of its mojo.

I live too close to the park to ever use lodging there.

I'd like to see the responses re: crowds.

If it is sunny and warm on opening day, it will likely be pretty busy. If it is chilly and raining most of the day, it will probably be pretty empty. Unfortunately, that is the best way to predict how busy it will be.

Last year for me I just went to ride Diamondback....or was that the year before last year..? Either way the park was packed! I waited about 45 minutes for The Beast at about 10:30am after Diamondback so it's a toss up really!

We use Hotwire every time we go to KI. Here's a copy/paste of last year's trips and the hotels that we ended up getting:

Cincinnati, OH hotel

La Quinta Inn & Suites Sharonville

Cincinnati, OH

hotel Livinn Suites - Cincinnati

Sharonville, OH hotel

Holiday Inn Cincinnati-I-275 North, OH

Cincinnati, OH hotel

Crowne Plaza Cincinnati North Hotel

Cincinnati, OH hotel

Crowne Plaza Cincinnati-Blue Ash

Cincinnati, OH hotel

Drury Inn & Suites Cincinnati North

Mason, OH hotel

La Quinta Inn Cincinnati N.E.

Mason, OH hotel

La Quinta Inn Cincinnati N.E.

All of the hotels were clean and within 5-15 minutes of the park. Sharonville was the furthest away (15 minutes) but I think the hotels were better in that area. Especially LivInn Suites. We were pleasantly surprised with that hotel.

On opening day you usually see all the enthusiasts at the park from all over.

Opening day for season pass renews and buying is a nightmare. That's why i go on the days the park isn't open. But the season pass center is. Less lines.

It depends on the weather. Last year it was a little chilly, but there still seemed to be a lot of people at the park.