For the second year in a row, several KIC members organized a holiday party at Great Wolf Lodge, next to Kings Island. GWL Mason is a 400-suite, family-oriented resort with a large indoor waterpark as the main attraction. December is Snowland at GWL, and the resort features intricate holiday themeing and complimentary activities for registered guests.

It was great to see everyone again and have a weekend escape from the off-season! Many of us are already good friends from various park events, but this was the first-ever KIC meetup for Thrill_Biscuit and the second-ever for Dontwant2wait42mar0.

It's 36° outside, but it's 84° in here.

The waterpark features several slides unique to the region, including a ProSlide "water coaster" that uses linear induction motors to rocket rafts up the hills. Other favorites included Coyote Cannon (the "toilet bowl", pictured below), the surprisingly intense Triple Twist (hold on tightly!), and the family raft slide. The latter is most fun when the tube is filled with 5 people.

Triple Twist's nighttime LED lighting package unfortunately was down during our visit, but it was fun to ride in the dark. (If the lights are off, ride during the day for a tamer experience.)

The view from the balcony never gets old. This year it featured a complete Banshee! (Shown here just before sunrise.)

Looking at Kings Island from a slide tower.

I didn't want to do the lilly pads, but ohiocolts offered to "maybe" do a Haunt maze next year if I would. Sam will be glad to know that I obliged.

homestar92 and ohiocolts, among others, enjoyed them.

The pizza party & white elephant gift exchange was a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone who brought such thoughtful gifts!

ohiocolts volunteered to draw names.

Name-brand coasters.

For some reason, after Jeremy (Dontwant2wait42mar0) opened my gift, getting him and Jonathan in the same shot became challenging.

Framed selfie with Don.

A Chipmunks Christmas audio CD.

Fearing the other gifts, Jonathan picked something "safe".

Andy got a deluxe fanny pack, complete with water bottles and a Kings Island keychain.

Dental floss.

OhioColtsPapa stole the coasters!

A rare shot of Amy.

I got white elephants. Literally. Along with a ball that transforms into whatever is pictured below.

Lucy got vintage Kings Island dinnerware, which her brother promptly stole with his turn.

Thrill_Biscuit got a 2005 Kings Island park map, which includes a Winterfest promo on the back.

Michael got a book illustrated by Melissa (Beastie1980). Someone else should have a better picture of this.

We wore out MDMC01.

Breakfast in the morning was excellent. Paw print waffles, multi-grain pancakes, french toast sticks, baked goods, various fruits, bacon, sausage, sliced ham, various cheeses, made-to-order eggs, breakfast potatoes, complimentary beverages, and much more.

More waterpark fun.

Where's Goble?

Our server at Golden Corral remembered us from last year. We're what you might call a unique group.

Melissa is very talented.

The adult hot tub was a popular hang-out spot.

Some members enjoyed magic performances in the lobby (incidentally, MDMC01 is a friend of the magician), free face painting, free cookies & hot chocolate, character appearances, and a nightly parade. Also featured were pictures with Santa, horse & carriage rides, snowfall in the lobby, and holiday shows with the singing trees.

Jeremy, Andy & Jonathan spent a lot of time in the expansive (albeit pricey) arcade.

Warning: repeat riding can be exhausting.

By the time the waterpark closed Saturday night, only four of us had the energy to continue.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped me put this together. Organizing the event was frustrating at times, but the involvement of so many kind people makes it all worth it. I am pleased to report that we covered all expenses at the announced prices (with $1.42 to spare), and all cancellations received a full refund.

I'll pick on a few people: Andy & Matt H offered to arrive extra early to help with check-in, Andy made great gift bags for everyone, and Laura spent a good deal of time helping me arrange reservations. I'd also like to thank Devan (devarious), who is no longer a member here, for coming up with the idea and helping start this tradition last year.

As great as this event was, we're hoping to have even more fun with next year's party. If you'd like to be a part of it, try to keep your calendar open the first two weekends of December 2015 (Fri-Sat). Watch the meet-ups forum for details, and make sure to respond early with your interest and expected availability.

Great Trip Report Malem; I know I had a great time!

Great report!

Here's the two group photos that were only on my phone:

Friday night in the waterpark:

Saturday afternoon at Golden Corral:

Great report Malem, sorry I missed it! Maybe next year!

Lucas has a video that he really needs to upload.

Hint hint, nudge nudge.

I second that he does need to upload it.

Looks like you guys had an absolute blast. You know it's hard to plan a year in advance, For now, next year, I'm in.

I'm sure there will be a meetup the first of the season.

My calender will be open for that.

^ Even I can't commit a year in advance. I'll probably start looking into this again in the spring.

The date we choose will depend on competing event(s) and on the availability of those interested. December tends to be a busy time of the year.

There will definitely be a meetup for Opening Day and for the preview night. Not to mention Coasterstock (for recognized coaster club members), Coasting for Kids, Closing Day, and random meetups that get scheduled during the season. Plus any KIC events that are announced.

Lucas has a video that he really needs to upload.

Hint hint, nudge nudge.

If it's a video of me on the lilly pads, no.

Lucas has a video that he really needs to upload.

Hint hint, nudge nudge.

I'll try this evening.

It was nice to see some of y'all when I decided to come out from hiding

Faerie wench.....who likes to be elusive

Here it is!

"I have no dignity left." and he doesn't care

No comments

#NoRegrets

I would've, and have, rode 'em. At an indoor race, last winter.

I'm very easily amused.....

Part 2: more photos!

The attractions make good use of the available space. The hydromagnetic water coaster winds through a large portion of the waterpark building, and many of the slides go outside.

Enjoying breakfast in the morning.

DontWantToWait42Mar0 opening my gift, with some help from jcgoble3.

That's a pretty big smile, Jonathan, for as much as you dislike the noodle.

As featured in the random photo thread.

I tried to get a group photo. Jonathan decided to run. Jeremy gave chase. You never know what will happen at a KIC meetup.

Even though his (stolen) coasters got stolen again, MDMC01 was excited to get a cassette tape.

More white elephant fun.

Sorry I wasn't able to come! Let's hope NEXT YEAR's party ISN'T on a weekend where I have another commitment!

In the meantime, I'm glad you had lots of fun.

Glad you guys had fun. I wanted to stop by again but other commitments kept me away this year. There's always next year!