Theming - What if?

[BoddaH1994]

The former KMLF was an Arrow flume built in 1968 for Cincinnati Coney Island. It was re-furbished by O.D. Hopkins.

Oh and Racer, Beast and Beastie are not PTC coasters. The trains are PTC trains, however Racer and Beastie are John Allen designs built by King's Island. Beast was designed by Al Collins and was also built in-house by the King's Island construction team led by Charlie Dinn.

Shaggy

Racer and Beastie are PTC. John Allen designed both of them, but he was also the CEO of PTC for a time. Granted, he was more or less retired when he did it, but he did.

For a cool mini-biography of John Allen, Click here.

Ryan

[Mikewhy]

I just in general think the idea of themed area and atmosphere has been lost since Paramount has taken over.  I think a big example would the the turning of the Safari area into Action Zone.  Another might be the Nick area of the park.  Both contain so much concrete.  Or take the entrance plaza.  It once had an old world feel to it with gas lamps in the front.  Now the gas lamps have been removed and those purple canopies make it feel incredible modern.  One of the joys of the park used to be wandering through Rivertown or Coney Mall or the area near the antique cars at night.  With the gas lamps and the landscaping, you just got this feeling of being transported ot another place and time.  I'm especially worried how the Italian Job ride in this area is going to affect this.  I think the modern look/ concrete areas is going to takeeven more of that old world feeling away.

Cris

I was really struck by your comment on how the theming at Kings Island has changed since Paramount took over. I feel the same way. I know parks have to progress and change in order to bring in new guests, but I really miss that old world feel. The European flavor of International Street is still there with the Eiffel Tower, but I worry about it changing too. Little things bother me. One was the removal in the 90's of the arbor tunnel that used to connect Hanna Barbara Land to Rivertown. I remember how it was lit at night and it looked so nice. It was also a cool and atmospheric place to rest during the day. (Part of the tunnel is still there as a shady place with tables, but it is NOT the same.) Then there were the lights that used to be on all the buildings on International Street. They are gone, as are some of the really unique gift shops. There used to be a bridge over the lake near Rivertown, but that is gone. I still regret the loss of the Enchanted Voyage, which was a really magical ride. They have nothing like that now. AS a child that ride WAS Kings Island. The loss of the old theming and some of the old magic of Kings Island bothers me. I realize with Paramount that they will concentrate on the movies, and that is not always a bad thing. I love Top Gun and Tomb Raider. But something is being lost in the transition, and it makes me a little sad. I agree with your comments about Action Zone and Nick being "too much concrete." You can go anywhere to see amusement parks like that. But parks with atmosphere like you get on International Street are rare, and it adds a special element to the place that goes beyond thrill rides and such.

I LOVE the idea of a Kings Island museum with exhibits that honor the parks past. I love that idea very much.

[TheKlockster]

I kind of agree. Parks need more relaxing stuff. Thats the big problem with CP. Its a main course of adrenaline with a side of adrenaline. I dont think Kings Island is heading there now, but they could take that turn in the future. And thats the worst thing that could happen. I never rode Tiques cause it looked ungodly boring, and my first (that I can remember - I went when I was 4 but dont remember it) trip to PKI was only a month ago and I have had other things to do. But I think it was a good asset to the park. I would have liked to seen it moved to rivertown or something - not permanetly dismantled or turned into a stupid Toon Carwash or whatever.

But to make a long story short, I think they could use some slower paced things. I wonder if they could do something with that walk over to CDBB? Or open something up back in that area inside the train track circuit?