CoasterGeek101's Opening Day 2012 Report

[CoasterGeek101]

If there was one thing that I was thinking the entire day at Kings Island it was this: It doesn't feel like opening day. It feels like closing day. The thing is, due to there being a thick cloud cover, and temperatures in the low to mid 50's, it just really made it feel like it was closing day, but it eventually felt like opening day. I went with my parents and got to the park around 1:00. We stayed until about 6:00.

Here are some pics from the day.

There you are good old Eiffel Tower! I missed you!

Diamondback and WindSeeker are visible from many areas in Mason.

Welcome home, CoasterGeek101!

Diamondback always towers over this area of the parking lot.

The Eiffel Tower is looking good today! Even though it is cloudy.

The Eiffel Tower is a landmark at Kings Island.

The new colors on Invertigo really makes it stand out in the skyline. It makes the ride look a lot more stylish.

Is the special effects working for you?

Even though I said this I am saying it again: I LOVE the new colors on Invertigo!

Drop Tower was running. I noticed that a LOT more rides were running this year compared to last year's Opening Day.

Invertigo was also running as well. I still love the sound of the train going up the lift hill. It is a nice welcome into the park.

Invertigo through the trees.

I would post "It's been so long since I have been here!" but if you check my site for construction updates, then you know that I was here on April 9. Also, do you notice something difference in this picture?

I think Invertigo gives the entrance a "newer" feel and look to it.

This would be the change. I think Kings Island is making a serious mistake here. I am sure that some people will be happy because they don't have to go through the hassle of metal detectors, but an amusement park can often be a place of violence (in my opinion). Most days last year I just walked through right away, no lines, and no hassle.

Here is one of the new food locations. I think that this used to be a place to get seafood and now it is a burrito place. (correct me if I am wrong Kings Island fans)

Mexican food in America?

After checking out the new food location, I hoped on my first ride of the 2012 season. For a big coaster geek like myself, the first ride of the year is a BIG moment. While I didn't intend on having Racer be my first ride of the 2012 season, it had the shortest line at the moment so I said why not. I immediately noticed some changes on Racer for the 2012 season. First, there was a new Fast Lane entrance (I don't have a picture at the moment but will soon) that curved to the que line right before the stairs. Second, there are people at the bottom of the ramp telling you when to go t the station which I think is great because it keeps the line moving at a good pace. Third, the two stations are no longer split. There is not a fence dividing the two stations anymore. Fourth, there are new decals on the train. I wish I would have gotten pictures of all this to show you guys, but I didn't. Next time I will make sure I do.

Back to more photos!

This used to be a place where you could cool off, but now they are trying to sell you something. Shocker there! I am sure everything is decently priced.........

The new Invertigo really gives Action Zone a new "feel."

I wonder if the new colors changed the ride......... Hahahah

Yay! Invertigo train!

I was really surprised to see that they built a whole new entrance like this just for Fast Lane! I mean this looks good, but it must have cost a lot of money for them to build. Oh, no! They won't make as much of a profit!

After The Racer I got in line for the best roller coaster I have ever ridden, Diamondback. I have ridden it over 100 times to date and I just think it is an incredible coaster. Not one time have I gotten off of it without a smile on my face. Even though it was only in the mid 50's it still gave an incredible ride.

Then I decided to take a flight on Flight Deck! It was a great ride! It was even better because I grew like 5 inches over winter and now it doesn't bang my head around! Yay!

After Flight Deck, I decided to check out the new British Invasion show. (review and full video coming soon)

It was a good show with one major problem (Review coming soon)

Then it was time to go home! I will end this trip report with a photo of Invertigo from the parking lot. Some videos from Opening Day are coming soon!

[CoasterGeek101]

OK, something is not right here. It won't let me edit my post with the rich text editor!!