KK Trip Report - 09-19-15

[Gannersdaddy]

The company I work for had rented the park for our company day.  Having never been (and the fact that KI was closed for a private event also), away we went.

 

Time to the park was about the same.  Fortunately, the construction was not as bad as I feared.

 

We had the park from 11 to 7, so we showed up right at the start.  Had to pay for parking, but I think that is something to do with the state.

 

Lots of people were already there.  Once the gates opened, it seemed to be funneling in quite well.  But once we gave our tickets, security was there checking bags.  I am not what for and had no knowledge that this would be happening, but whatever.  My wife opened her purse and that was about all that was needed.  It seemed needless and something that they could have done outside of the park.

 

After checking the map. we headed over to Cyclos (I had promised my wife).  Got on the 2nd ride of the day.  Its smaller than I was thinking, but not a bad ride.  No problems fitting on it. I have issues on Drop Tower at KI is why I mention this.  My wife loved it.

 

From there, we headed to Lighting Run.  The wait was not bad, maybe 15 minutes.  I did notice that there was only 1 train.  The seat restraints seemed like drastic overkill.  I was able to buckle in without an issue, but had to have both ride ops press down the lap bar.  I thought for a second it was going to be a walk of shame.  Once we got going on our minute long ride, it reminded me of Maverick.  Not nearly as good though.  The curves and transitions were smooth and if the seating were better it would have been a lot more enjoyable.

 

My wife and son rode Himalaya next.  She said it was ok, but Cedar Points was a little better.  We hit the 5D theater next for Wizard of Oz in 10 minutes.  The 3D part was ok, but I sort of expected more in the other 2Ds.

 

After that, the wife and son rode Enterprise.  They had ridden Witches Wheel at Cedar Point earlier this year and this one seemed shorted.  It started spinning and when the cars were at 45 degrees, it started raising.  I seem to recall Witches Wheeling being about straight about before that lift.

 

We then headed over the bridge to the other side and around to T3.  The line took about 30 minutes.  Now maybe it is because it is so late in the year, but at the top of the platform, there was no ride ops.  It was a little chaotic.  We got on the last set of seats (the very last set was not running).  Again, only 1 train.  No issues with the restraints.  Not a bad little 1.5 minute ride, but I did see where two trains could do this without issue.  It seems that KI and Banshee have spoiled me.

 

Lunch was provided but I do not know if it was from the park or not.  It was BBQ, Hot dogs, coleslaw, chips, and cookies.  I ate more than I usually do at a park.

 

It was then time for Thunder Run.  After making our way back to it, we had a 10 minute wait.  Lap bars were not an issue, but seat belts and dividers are annoying.  Ride time is about a minute.  But, this is a helluva ride.  Good speed, good airtime, fairly smooth.  I was very impressed.  My wife and son loved it.  They rode 4 more times and came off smiling each time.  I would have to say that this is the best ride in the park.

 

It was starting to get late, so we were going to hit the Tin Lizzies on the way out.  When we go there, the line que was full.  They were not letting anyone else on at 6:45, so we finished up the day.

 

We did not do the water park stuff, so I cant comment on that.

 

Some Notes / Observations

1.  They employees seemed to not have much energy and it seemed to be slightly understaffed.  I will attribute this to the time of the year.

2.  The park seemed pretty clean, bathrooms included

3.  My son mainly drinks from bottle, but the machines are few and far between.  Also, be sure to take cash, because we did not see one that took credit cards

4.  None of the ride ops were "hyping" the ride.  Maybe there are no mics?  It was strangely quiet.

5,  The airport is alarming close.  This caught us by surprise a couple of time.

6.  None of the rides we rode demanded lockers.  There was always some sort of bin(s) at the rides.

7.  The layout seemed sketchy.  It was like it was themed at one point but now appears to be like things were just randomly placed.  I will attribute this to how it is locked in at its location.

8.  I did notice that at every ride, there were signs saying that "Line Jumpers will be ejected".  I did not see any of this going on.  My hope is that they enforce this.  I wish KI did.

9.  Apparently you can just walk then entire park in your swimsuit.  I realize that they layout is sketchy but this seemed a little much. (Maybe I am showing my age)

 

Overall, not a bad little park.  We got a few more coaster credits.  I do not think I would want to go when it was really busy though.  I would have to say that KI has me spoiled.

[homestar92]

In regards to the park seeming like it was once themed:

 

According to some park maps that I've seen scans of from the park's Six Flags days, it would seem that the back section of the park (where Thunder Run and the Flying Dutchman are) was once supposedly themed to a Bavarian Village. I also believe that the Zeppelin ride that is now in the kids' area was once back there too.