Finally getting an orange ride. This will look good.

Definitely another sign that AZ as we know it will be changing

or at least do a X-Base type deal in AZ

This is a definite good move for Kings Island. Not only will it spruce up the area, but guests will flock in that direction. And don't forget about all the advertising/merchandising options! Any excuse to get a new line of merchandise out there is a good one!

That is awesome news! Wow, we have been really good this year at accurate speculation! Great job everyone, and thanks Don!

I just can't wait to see the black and orange again!!!

Wow we just need to rename Drop Zone to The Screamin Demon.

This is awesome news! The colors are going to look great, I think the orange will really pop. What a great way to pay homage to the park's history, tie the area together, and give some TLC to a great ride, while getting rid of the worst ride name in the park! I wonder if any other rides in Action Zone are due for a name change... or even the whole area itself??

Love this change, can't to ride The Bat next year!

Can I have the old Flight Deck sign that was taken down please?

Wow! I am absolutely ecstatic! This is fantastic!

If you can comment on it yet, Don: are there plans to significantly change the look of the station in any way?

While I like the name change, I hope it doesn't bring any bad mojo with it, like unexplained mechanical breakdowns next year.

I don't suppose it's getting floorless trains? It would be neat for all three AZ coasters to have dangling feet.

I am unbelievably happy about this right now. I read this on FB from the Great Ohio Coaster Club and I was smiling so hard!

I really do feel like this coaster deserves some love and affection. It may not be the longest or even the most thrilling coaster, but it IS a solid ride and it is definitely a ton of fun. I feel like now it will truly get a little more appreciation from the GP and even we as enthusiasts. I can't wait to see what they do to it!

Now The Bat and Banshee can be flying buddies in style!

I'm just happy FD is now The Bat...that means they wanna keep this ride around a few good more years.

And just to think for the past 5-10 years everyones been wanting it torn down...

Not everyone.

Not even close.

Somewhere, for instance, a TopGun1993 is doubtlessly ecstatic.

Not to mention O'Terpy.

Happy Terpy...

Sorry, yes this is true, I didn't even include myself

But a good majority of people did lol

Oh and also.. I really can't wait to get my hands on some sweet looking merch with that amazing logo on it!

It's quite possible that The Bat merchandise could outsell Banshee next year

I know this may be too much to ask Don.....But is there a chance that the park might put up a webcam near "The Bat" to show its "progress"?

(On another note.....This is GREAT news!)

I wouldn't go that far...Typically first year the ride runs is the best year for merchandise sales, plus I think this is just a big..hey look over here, we're awesome kinda update which is totally warranted.

I do say though, which logo is better? The new bat logo, or the Banshee logo? CF is really getting good the past two years with ideas, very proud of them and what they've been doing. I have to say I'm glad Invertigo got a repaint, that red/yellow with an orange/black probably would have looked weird. I wonder if all of that and now this was in that five year plan

So who's still going to call it Top Gun?

I love this! It took me by total surprise. KI should section off that area of Action Zone like X-Base is with Coney Mall and rename it something scary!

It's amazing what can get approved when Uncle Dick doesn't get a personal veto in even the smallest of decisions.

Can I have the old Flight Deck sign that was taken down please?

We'll have to fight over it though, shall we have a flying contest?

I'm one of those people Terp was talking about, but I am happy and sad about this. First the sad: I will definitely miss the theme. I love Top Gun and I love fighter planes, so if you take it out then I will be sad, BB1, always loosing something it seems. Happy: I'm glad to get The Bat back, it is a excellent coaster name! I'm glad it is finally getting some tlc recognition for the greatest fall ride period. Although I am interested on how the lower part of the station will play out, The Bat cave should be interesting!

So who's still going to call it Top Gun?

I love this! It took me by total surprise. KI should section off that area of Action Zone like X-Base is with Coney Mall and rename it something scary!

"something scary" would be an awfully odd name..

Point taken ,but that Bat logo is awesome . I'm 42 and was fortunate enough to ride the original,I'm guessing that there will definitely be a lot of Bat gear being worn next year '

Well...I have been flying...I am of sorts trained to go on flying missions BB1

Second, again everyone go check out the holiday party thing..now y'all can get a view of everything this off season so far is presenting. If I can get 10 rooms booked we get a group rate that makes it pretty cheap and can enjoy a water park all day and envy our park right next door

Trying to make a great holiday party a reality peeps, get involved

I love it. Love it! Was truly hoping for this...

So who's still going to call it Top Gun?

I love this! It took me by total surprise. KI should section off that area of Action Zone like X-Base is with Coney Mall and rename it something scary!

"something scary" would be an awfully odd name..

Yeah...I know. It wouldn't even be capitalized! That bad grammar would bother me to death!

Just thought of this.. I wonder how many people will mistake the current Bat for having been debuted in 1981; thinking it was changed to top gun, then to flight deck, and then back to The Bat..

Rather than the actual sequence of events.

Sounds awesome. I'm excited for Action Zone? In general !

Just thought of this.. I wonder how many people will mistake the current Bat for having been debuted in 1981; thinking it was changed to top gun, then to flight deck, and then back to The Bat..

Rather than the actual sequence of events.

I was waiting to see how long it took for somebody to bring this up.

I think this is a valid concern, given that there are still members of the general public out there that think that people died on the original Bat.

Somewhere, Ron Toomer is smiling, and bending cosmic coathangers.