A Different Dog House (an Artistic PTR)

[Thrill_Biscuit]

So my wife, who needed peace and quiet to concentrate on her chocolate-making hobby, drops me off, in a driving rain, and tells me to have a good time for the next six hours... alone (Kings Island makes an awesome 'dog house,' if you know what I mean ...)

You know, you can really gauge a day's crowd when it rains, and you happen to be in Action Zone. I bet the (awesome!) cast of the amazing 'The Boyz are Back' really loves a good, soaking rain to really pack 'em in! (...and with $1 pizza slices, it was the, eh, um, perfect storm?)

Labor Day, 2014.

So I walked around, dodging raindrops, looking for something to eat amid humongous crowds of hungry guests, all shaking fistfuls of crisp $1.00 bills in their raised fists as the tidal swell of thrifty diners thronged their way along International Street towards LaRosa's. Okay, that's an embellishment. From here on out, I'll try to keep it only mildly poetic; hopefully entertaining, too. There were long lines at the Dollar Days participating outlets, so I ducked into Skyline Chili, which had no trays, so I juggled. I didn't know I had that talent in me! (Somebody get Howie Mandel on the phone...)

I went to Action Zone (is it still called that?) and observed the beautiful view of Delirium against the backdrop of Banshee. There were a lot of puddles, and I skipped around like a Lipizzan Stallion trying to avoid getting my expensive shoes soaked. I also discovered how wind-resistant the outdoor furniture is under the new canopy atop the old water tower plaza. Those things weigh more than my American bulldog! Anyway, the sky cleared (eventually) and I was able to walk freely about the park (puddles notwithstanding).

The line for The Beast was only slightly shorter than those of the Dollar vendors, and I really wasn't in the mood for waiting in line. I did catch a nice shot of my favorite looper in action, though. I think The Vortex is taken somewhat for granted. It really is a gem of a coaster. I'd have done the water trick with this photo, but the "Vortex is sinking" schtick is nearing a tipping point, and I wanted to keep it friendly.

I hung around to catch "Playlist Live," which is one of the best, tightest bands I've ever seen live. Holy cow does that bass player know how to roll through the riff of "Wild Night" by Van Morrison. The brass section is a wow, too. Talented performers all around in that ensemble; they could go on "America's Got Talent!"

I ran into a famous staff member, who was in a hurry. I tried to banter with him, but I found out the hard way that it's better to let folks go about their business when they're on the clock. He was cool, but I felt awkward. Oh well, nothing that a little Chocolate Gelato at Greater's couldn't cure.

I managed to get in rides on Adventure Express and the Eiffel Tower, whose elevator was showering me with air-conditioner condensation on the way down, so I joked about moving the Eiffel Tower over to the water park. Got good laughs (elevators make great captive audiences). I then went over to Duane's shop (Glass Blower) to pick up a glass turtle for my wife (she loves glass turtles). I felt very emotional, so I wanted to take another walk around to River Town, to see if I wanted to ride anything else.

I stopped at the Diamondback Splashdown, which struck me as quite beautiful. It was worth the ten minutes to just stand there and observe the visual splendor these crazy guys dream up and build here. I pondered whether I would want to set up a giant canvas and paint it with that now-iconic imagery. We have such a nice park here!

I went home. Gina loved the turtle. I loved her chocolates. All was well.

[BoddaH1994]

An interesting take on things. Very cool!

[westcoaster]

Awesome:

[Thrill_Biscuit]

^^ ^& ^ Thank you!