I hadn't noticed something missing there at the exit until I looked at my pics, and didn't know what it had been till someone mentioned it. But since it was light out this time I looked, I saw the button is actually laying on its side down in the plants

I also saw some more of the decorative pieces are lined up behind the control booth

And there are buckets underneath, but I have no idea why

It looks like the ride is being disassembled similar to off season maintence. I believe the buckets are for nuts, bolts, and other small pieces. Hate to say it but I suspect that this is it for the ride this season. Even if it is finished early enough to return it is a lot of work to rebuild it just to take it back down a few weeks later. Assuming it can be finished that quickly.

I am guessing when it returns next year it will look brand new and be upgraded with LED lighting.

I hope it comes back later this season, but I have a feeling Kenban is right. I hate seeing any of the rides at ki disassembled, but if it's for something like a new light package, that's great.

Sorry for the double post, but I asked Kings Island on Twitter about why it's down, they said they are waiting on a part, it will be back in operation soon.

https://mobile.twitter.com/KingsIslandPR/status/756282767927873537?cn=cmVwbHk%3D

^ Wow, that's awesome news!  Thanks for asking, and nice that KI responded so quickly. 

I don't ride it myself, but I forgot about this little gem. Next trip in August, me and my new family will have to grab a lap on this wonderful ride.

Ooh! Magenta Lizard, thanks- now I can see some of the painting up close.

So let me get this straight: KI is dismantling Zephyr and Shake, Rattle and Roll?

No. Zephyr has been temporarily dismantled. Shake Rattle and Roll was dismantled, refurbished, repainted, and got a new lighting package, all in a prior season.

So let me get this straight: KI is dismantling Zephyr and Shake, Rattle and Roll?

 

No. Shake, Rattle, and Roll disappeared midseason in 2014, and returned at the beginning of 2015 with an all-new paint scheme and light package. The reference to it is by people wondering if the same is going to happen to Zephyr, which is currently partially dismantled as the photos show..

 

EDIT: What ^ she said.

They've lifted it back up some

Swings are going back on, next comes the decorative parts of the tower. It could be back up by Saturday or Sunday.

They never took the swings off, from what I saw.

Someone is expressing condolences for Zephyr.

^^You are correct, I wasn't looking close enough on the first page.

Haha, I put flowers on the ground and one on the fence where Thunder Road's entrance used to be. Does Zephyr have flowers nearby?

Awe that is so nice and thoughtful. This makes the park managers know how much, everyone loves the rides, even when they are down.

Things are looking up. This was taken yesterday.

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It seems like Cedar Fair is deferring a lot of off season maintenance. The park never had issues like this in the past. First it was Shake Rattle and Roll, then Monster, now it appears to be Zephyr.

Don't forget Scrambler just got a rehab, new paint colors, and new LED lighting package this year.

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It seems like Cedar Fair is deferring a lot of off season maintenance. The park never had issues like this in the past. First it was Shake Rattle and Roll, then Monster, now it appears to be Zephyr.

Don't forget Scrambler just got a rehab, new paint colors, and new LED lighting package this year.

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As far as I have been told this wasn't seasonal maintenance. There was a hydraulic leak. This was just a repair.

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I didn't get a picture, but Zephyr looked pretty much back together this morning. The swings all look to be installed and it seems to be sitting at the normal height...

Glad they have it back together. But would be awesome if it would get a Shake Rattle and Roll make over with refurbished paintings

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Of that were to happen it would be during the off season.

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Yea I don't think they've added any lighting packages during the season. Seems like this was a similar case as Monster from last year. Honestly while I love the new LED lighting packages, I just can't picture this ride having something like what Scramble, WS, and SR&R have. It seems to jarring in my mind to have these bright colors and patterns with very subdued, classic paintings on it. Think the ride would need a completely new look with the lights, including the photos. 

Think could be cool to see it actually be moved over near the Eiffel Tower and a new small flat ride with LED lighting package in its spot. Could have a classic area around the base of ET with the Carousel and Zephyr and maybe another new flat or two or antique cars, then have Coney Mall be lined with flats with bright LED light packages on them.

She's all put together and running today!

Edit: closed to riders so far, but they're running cycles.

Edit again: it's fully open now. They even put a notification in the Kings Island app encouraging people to come ride.

Zephyr is one of my all-time favorite flat rides at Kings Island, I just couldn't imagine Kings Island without it.