Decoding Episode II: Rivertown 2017 and the Falling Trees

[MadMaverick]

The piece of track that starts to taper off on one end is that the piece with a cut out for trim breaks? Sorry if this is a dumb question. I'm assuming that's what those circle cut outs are?

Actually I think I see circle cut outs on a few different pieces pictured.

[warriordog10]

would love to see a giga! #teamGiga

[westcoaster]

Just hope ki keeps the log flume. The interestI get thing most think its,a coaster

[ethancoaster]

Even if those pieces aren't coming to KI (I hope they are), that green is screaming.

If it is for us, what color will the supports be? Please, no more "Shades of Blue" (J.Lo I love your show honey). But seriously, what color would look good with this shade of green besides white or grey? Mmm....

Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

I think a rust-color like Valravn would look nice on the supports. Maybe a little more brown than orange.

[BeastlyBanshee]

Bright green coloration does seem kind of a strange choice for Rivertown, don't ya think? It doesn't really have any sort of old west feel to it. But it's still a cool color. It would certainly stand out.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FoF96"]

Almost as strange as a (once) bright red with yellow supports?

[BeastlyBanshee]

Valid point. I digress.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kenban]

The rumor going around Coasterstock was green and orange for the ride colors. Not sure I put much faith in it.

Is it normal to not see a single sticker? I am so used to seeing pictures of the tags on the end.

[ethancoaster]

The rumor going around Coasterstock was green and orange for the ride colors.

My guess might just be right!

[Magenta Lizard]

The green and orange thing was started by someone claiming this year's cup colors were a clue. You know, rather than tropical orange and green being chosen for some... other... plunging reason.

[Kenban]

The green and orange thing was started by someone claiming this year's cup colors were a clue. You know, rather than tropical orange and green being chosen for some... other... plunging reason.

Personally I still feel the colors of the cups mean nothing. The entire chain is using the same colors.

[Shawn Meyer]

I love the color green in any form. This green sure sticks out very much! If that green track ends up coming to Kings Island, what a difference it will make in the skyline for sure.

[Magenta Lizard]

Good point about the chain-wide thing. I hadn't even thought that deeply about it.

My current feeling is that antique cars are coming back. My husband (who knows very little of the history or rumors) and I have a bet on what is coming. He thinks it will be a new, larger log flume. My side of the bet is for a coaster even though I'm back to kinda thinking it isn't a coaster again.

[Imperial79]

Do you think the antique cars are coming back next year or in a few years? I like how Kings Island is bringing back some nastalgia to the park.

[BlondyRidesOn]

I don't see how this would require removing the log flume. It's still pretty popular. I feel like a major coaster that close to Planet Snoopy would look out of place. I feel that way about Diamondback as well.

[LovinMeSomeBanshee]

Would Kings Island really tease something as small as Antique Cars?

[thegajone]

Well, for one, Kings Island's last family coaster was arguably what's now Flying Aces, which, a bunch of those attractions since Adventure Express were either specifically for the kids area or have/had a 50+ inch requirement. There's been a severe lack of rides in the middle ground added since Adventure Express (which started at 44" for its requirement along with Racer having that mark as well, there was a big surge of anger from the GP when they got moved up to 48"). And before you say Backlot, I don't consider a coaster with a grey out inducing helix to be a true family coaster, not to mention its capacity is terrible. There's a big gap between rides that are Planet Snoopy-esque and the rides with a 48" height requirement. Sure, the flats in Coney Mall, Woodstock Express, Flying Aces, and a few others, but there's not much else, and certainly not another coaster that fits that bill. That's not a lot for a park the size and stature of Kings Island.

So you couldn't name a park with a better lineup of family coasters? That's about what I expected.

You're asking for a coaster to fit a very specific age gap that covers about 2 years of age, for a park that already has a couple coasters that fit that exact age range. I just don't understand how people can say that's KI's biggest coaster gap.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[thegajone]

This may be a dumb question, but would track pieces already be getting assembled for a coaster build that hasn't even broken ground yet?

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[BeastlyBanshee]

I'm going to agree with Magenta lizard about the antique cars coming back. I'm presuming the "Tin Man" on the blue boat is a clue to the return of Tin Lizzies. Darn. Now I'm leaning towards no coaster.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DiamondBanshee]

^I thought somebody way earlier said "Tin Man" referred to something else. Also, wasn't that boat part of the Bayou haunt that occurs right next to the location of where it's currently at?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sixohdieselrage]

This may be a dumb question, but would track pieces already be getting assembled for a coaster build that hasn't even broken ground yet?

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

If it is a big enough coaster, then yes. Also, they are only being built/manufactured/fabricated now. Not assembled.

Sent from an Indestructible Phone

[DiamondBanshee]

Well, for one, Kings Island's last family coaster was arguably what's now Flying Aces, which, a bunch of those attractions since Adventure Express were either specifically for the kids area or have/had a 50+ inch requirement. There's been a severe lack of rides in the middle ground added since Adventure Express (which started at 44" for its requirement along with Racer having that mark as well, there was a big surge of anger from the GP when they got moved up to 48"). And before you say Backlot, I don't consider a coaster with a grey out inducing helix to be a true family coaster, not to mention its capacity is terrible. There's a big gap between rides that are Planet Snoopy-esque and the rides with a 48" height requirement. Sure, the flats in Coney Mall, Woodstock Express, Flying Aces, and a few others, but there's not much else, and certainly not another coaster that fits that bill. That's not a lot for a park the size and stature of Kings Island.

So you couldn't name a park with a better lineup of family coasters? That's about what I expected.

You're asking for a coaster to fit a very specific age gap that covers about 2 years of age, for a park that already has a couple coasters that fit that exact age range. I just don't understand how people can say that's KI's biggest coaster gap.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Agreed. However, an addition of a nice spinning coaster/a nice, unique wild mouse would be great I few years down the road when the older teens and adults are satisfied with a giga (hopefully) and maybe 1 or 2 thrill rides a few years down the road

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LovinMeSomeBanshee]

Track pieces for a giga that's being installed and opened by next year would certainly be fabricating by now. Giga coasters by far require the most track pieces and supports. Does anyone here know how many total pieces of track Fury required?

[DiamondBanshee]

^Not to mention if it's the longest coaster on the world...

DB, dreaming

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[silver2005]

 

Well, for one, Kings Island's last family coaster was arguably what's now Flying Aces, which, a bunch of those attractions since Adventure Express were either specifically for the kids area or have/had a 50+ inch requirement. There's been a severe lack of rides in the middle ground added since Adventure Express (which started at 44" for its requirement along with Racer having that mark as well, there was a big surge of anger from the GP when they got moved up to 48"). And before you say Backlot, I don't consider a coaster with a grey out inducing helix to be a true family coaster, not to mention its capacity is terrible. There's a big gap between rides that are Planet Snoopy-esque and the rides with a 48" height requirement. Sure, the flats in Coney Mall, Woodstock Express, Flying Aces, and a few others, but there's not much else, and certainly not another coaster that fits that bill. That's not a lot for a park the size and stature of Kings Island.

So you couldn't name a park with a better lineup of family coasters? That's about what I expected.

You're asking for a coaster to fit a very specific age gap that covers about 2 years of age, for a park that already has a couple coasters that fit that exact age range. I just don't understand how people can say that's KI's biggest coaster gap.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

 

 

Let's go over what many people consider to be KI's 'family coasters'.

 

First off, I will give you Bat, Flying Aces, and Woodstock Express.

 

Adventure Express- Awfully jerky for a family coaster with Arrow's jerks and bumps (that's why its a 5 on the thrill index people, its about body control and the sudden forces), it may not be to you, an enthusiast who's ridden it a lot, but its a big thing I hear from the GP (I listen and observe GP all the time when I go, its part of why I'm into psychology as a major)

 

Backlot- As stated earlier- a grey out inducing helix, the sudden s-curves (especially before the drop that leads to the helicopter scene), and a pretty sudden launch

 

Along with the height restrictions, I'm also thinking of rides that aren't as strong on the different g-forces and/or are shorter in height.  Something like Jaguar at Knott's or a Mack Wild Mouse, a coaster that can be a 3 or 4 on KI's scale.  Most GP will judge a ride on those type of signs.  I mean come on, KI's last 4 coasters (Backlot, Firehawk, Diamondback, Banshee) were all high thrill rides.  Also, some older folks who still like coasters don't ride a lot at KI because they lack rides that aren't as forceful.  Why shouldn't KI cater to those demographics? 

[LovinMeSomeBanshee]

Why does everyone forget Surf Dog? It IS technically a family "coaster"..

[silver2005]

^Because for some of us (including yours truly), no matter if KI labels it as such, it isn't a coaster. 

[DiamondBanshee]

^If I remember correctly though, you said that the GP goes of what Kings Island goes off. Why would it only apply to what the thrill factor is and not the type of ride?

Confused DB

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LovinMeSomeBanshee]

When I was a kid, The Racer was the first "big" coaster I rode. It still has only a 48" requirement. Is that not a family coaster?

[silver2005]

My point is, KI has been catering to thrill seekers for the last few coaster installations.  Its time they focus on wider demographics.