^I envy every past & present employee that had that much fun at a summer job.

I really enjoy all my current and past years working at Kings Island! I have worked in all areas and I must say, River Town was always so peaceful and full of trees and shade. I made lots of friends and still remember my friends working as a "litter getter" back in 1972. I have vivid memories of my work experience but I must say one of my most vivid ones was when I was working in HB in the 93 when I had a little boy literally run up my back leg! I won't go into the time I was stuck in quicksand or muck up to my chest back in 1974 while working grouting the monorail forms. We had fun and it is still fun to this very day.

Photo #93

Awesome picture. Was the area outside the exit of Top Gun ever as full as shown in that picture? haha

They just put new shingles and a new sign on it. Nothing all that unusual really.

Yeah but the roof looks to be at a steeper angle in the older picture.

I"m sure that's just the angle the picture was taken at in each picture that gives you that illusion. Just think about how they'd have to alter (either raise or lower) all the support structures w/n the building including how it ties in w/ the chimney in order to alter the angle of that roof? Not only would that be relatively costly, I don't see what benefit would be gained by doing so.

Photo #94 - imagine the wait times if this had fastlane.

Paul,

Not to hijack your thread...but I couldn't resist.

The best part about the ride is the part where you go straight up...and then well the ending was kinda...painfull

I have to say, I don't regret not getting to ride this.

Lesson learned: Anything involving a bat will NOT last at KI.

Lesson learned: Anything involving a bat will NOT last at KI.

The Bat... Ghoster Coaster... The Crypt...

Yeah, you're right.

The best part about the ride is the part where you go straight up...and then well the ending was kinda...painfull

For females the brakes were fine. But for us guys... Yeah. Ow.

Awesome picture. Was the area outside the exit of Top Gun ever as full as shown in that picture? haha

When the ride first opened I remember that area being pretty packed.

Photo #94 - imagine the wait times if this had fastlane.

Back when I had ride every ride no matter what I waited about 2.5 hours for this hunk of junk, Too bad the themeing wasn't like the concept art.

Photo #95

Photo #95

that bridge. always a great time when you're feeling like a heat stroke is about to hit . c:

Thanks again Paul for all of these pictures! I love looking at them.

I'm guessing, judging by all the trees, that that photo was taken prior to Timberwolf being built.

Looks like it was Amazon Falls still in the picture.

Timberwolf was there in that picture, also yes the picture was when the ride was named Amazon Falls. I still miss that name.

I'm guessing, judging by all the trees, that that photo was taken prior to Timberwolf being built.

The Screaming Demon was originally in the existing Amazon Falls area when Timberwolf was constructed. They had to shut that ride down during performances because of the noise factor.

Because the noise the performers called music disturbed the Demon riders?

Photo #96 (One of my fav designs)

What year is that from? I'm guessing early 70s due to the dolphin.

Probably ^

Photo #97 - Photo #98 and stuff will be posted on Monday

Awesome photo. I believe that that picture was from when the park shut down King Cobra after there was a death on Shockwave at Kings Dominion. (Right around 1999 or 2000, I believe).

As always, excellent photos, Paul. I look forward to #98 on Monday!

I do have this question, where in the park (now) was the entrance to King Cobra?

Just to the left of the Ice Cream stand in the Action Zone. The exit to the ride was just to the left of th current exit for Delirium (to your right as you exit Delirium). Before the Action Zone overhaul in 1999, King Cobra used to exit directly into a gift shop.

How interesting, in the world of today almost all rides exit into a gift shop. Our only one, I think, at this point is DB...

Thank you for answering my question though! I was always wondering about that.

I was visiting Dollywood and Carowinds, sorry ha

Photo #98

Paul, what an awesome picture.

Thanks for all you do here. It is much appreciated.

Probably ^

Photo #97 - Photo #98 and stuff will be posted on Monday

That sign always means doom. King Cobra, The Crypt, and Son of Beast all have been pictured with the sign in front of the entrance. Two have been axed so far, and the third most likely will be gone soon.