Small Additions

[OwenFromTheRacer]

I’ve seen a lot of discussion between fans about KIs additions over the past few years, some praise and a lot of downing. I personally have been a fan of what KI has been doing. In 2022 50th celebration with new shows and park improvements, 2023 Adventure Port, 2024 Camp Snoopy, 2025 River Racers and 2026 Phantom Theater. While these additions aren’t a crazy new coaster, they’re great improvements and additions to areas of the park that were lacking. KI is bound to get a new coaster eventually, but why hate on these small additions that make the park better?

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

Why hello Owen lol. I didn't think you would be on here!

I agree the smaller additions each year are much needed and are better than nothing at all imo. I personally would rather see new major coaster additions be spread out more and have more of a focus on improving the park and adding stuff everyone can enjoy. 

Personally I think there won't be any new ride in 2027 as I'm guessing 2027 capital will mainly be delayed 2026 projects and projects already planned pre merger. KI got their planned 2026 project with Phantom Theater and since 2023 KI got some sort of new attraction every year so I think 2027 will be more of an "off year" with more of a focus on park improvements and maybe some new events. I personally would like to see the park take advantage of the "55th anniversary" opportunity when it comes to marketing in 2027 as that'll be the 55th anniversary season. Now I don't think they'll do anything on the scale of the 50th celebration, but I could see some marketing and advertising done to celebrate 55 years. 

Also in 2027 Mystic Timbers will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Personally I think that would be a great year to update the shed and add some new music, theming, monsters on the screen, and maybe even an animatronic or 2 in there (if budget allows). I wouldn't mind seeing the shed completely redone and they could bring back #whatsintheshed for some marketing and do it right this time. 

[OwenFromTheRacer]

10 minutes ago, Hawaiian Coasters 325 said:

Why hello Owen lol. I didn't think you would be on here!

Off season and college are killing me, and I need phantom theater updates 

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

I've been really enjoying the smaller additions and renovations during the off-years. Adding a new major coaster every 3 years is not at all sustainable, and these smaller additions and renovations are a good way to keep the park updated as needed. (That's something I think Cedar Point/CePo fans need to figure out as well, especially with how many I've seen upset that the park isn't adding a ride for 2026.) I just hope we do eventually get a good new major coaster in 2027/2028.

Just today it looks like there have been people working on replacing the shingles on the I-Street side of the entrance building. Adventure Port and Camp Snoopy were good additions (although I hope they add more foliage to Camp Snoopy soon) and River Racers/Splash River Junction helped to revitalize that area of Soak City. I think Phantom Theater is more in the major investment category than not, but it's certainly not on the scale of a major coaster or full area revitalization.

[Hawaiian Coasters 325]

5 minutes ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

Just today it looks like there have been people working on replacing the shingles on the I-Street side of the entrance building. 

I wish they would do some work on the entry plaza side of the building. At least dress it up and make it look like a grand entrance building like other parks have. Or if you want to go modern, replace the banner with an LED screen.

 

7 minutes ago, Losantiville Mining Co. said:

(That's something I think Cedar Point/CePo fans need to figure out as well, especially with how many I've seen upset that the park isn't adding a ride for 2026.) I just hope we do eventually get a good new major coaster in 2027/2028.

Cedar Point fans should be used to at least some gaps between big projects. They went 6 years after Maverick when they opened GateKeeper. Wild Mouse was the first coaster addition since Steel Vengeance which was a 5 year gap. If you don't count that as a major addition then Top Thrill 2 was 6 years. Siren's Curse was the first fully ground up coaster addition since Valravn.  

[Losantiville Mining Co.]

Both sides of the entrance building need a lot of work IMO. The entry plaza side needs an entire facade put on it, but the front of International Street also needs something to make it more than just a vast expanse of pavers. Canada's Wonderland suffers from a similar issue, but their I-Street is also larger and doesn't have a side path at the front like KI's does. Kings Dominion has a way smaller plaza and therefore doesn't have that problem. A raised planter with a tree on either side of the plaza would do a lot to help break up the sight lines.

I don't think the Cedar Point fanboys expected a coaster for 2026, but there are enough that seem upset over there not even being a new flat ride or something else that's "substantial".

[OwenFromTheRacer]

For me half the excitement for the upcoming season is seeing all the mini upgrades done around the park to make it a nicer place. Stuff like during the 50th they redid the walls of Racer's station to remove the chainlink fencing and put in a more permanent looking wall.