Kings Island Discussion Thread

[nitrofan]

As many of you may have heard, Son of Beast has been closed most of the summer after a women reported internal bleeding a few days after riding. The ride was closed until further notice while the state inspected every inch of the coaster. The state approved the coaster to be re-opened, a few weeks ago, but it remained voluntarily closed by the park.

A few days ago, it was reported that the park has been having a huge sale on all Son of Beast merchandise. You can get T-Shirts for $2.50, so it sounds like they are serious about it.

Is Son of Beast on its last leg at King's Island?

Unfortunalely, it was confirmed today by the park that Son of Beast will remain closed for the rest of the season. It was said that a decision on the ride's future will be made during the off-season.

Right now, I think the ride's future looks pretty grim. The good news is that this could open a large plot of land for a possible new coaster in 2011-2013!

[palmer]

This may be like Hypersonic XLC at KD, short lived yet considered to be the best. There has been many accidents, but yet no deaths. meanwhile, S:ROS/Bizarro had an incident where a guy was thrown off and killed. That's remains open. FTW!
Anyway, it SOUNDS like it's over, but Yogi Berra once said, "It ain't over it'll is over!"

[nitrofan]

Well yesterday someone died on Firehawk at KI. It sounds like it was a pre-existing condition in that case, but still, 2 accidents at one park in the same summer isn't good. I'm pretty sure Firehawk is staying at KI.

[palmer]

don't expect a removal, or SBNO for Firehawk. Many coasters have had a death, and just didn't operate for a week and went back up.

[Austin]

Firehawk is completely safe and one of the cooler coasters ive been on lol.

[rcfreak339]

I wouldn't call this incident a "Accident" because it was far from it, and Firehawk re-opened today...

[say hi]

Wow, I was thinking about going to KI yesterday...kind of glad I didn't go now. pre existing conditions are never enough to shut down a ride until the situation is at least investigated. However, Son of Beast has had 2 major issues within the past 3 years leads me to believe that something may be happening to it. We won't know until probably near the end of the season...but hey who says speculation isn't fun..right?

[razor12]

Well hopefully this will draw people away from KI and back to SFKK. Son of Beast has had problems for a while now and I wouldn't be suprised if we hear it's being torn down during the off-season. Lucky I rode it in June! In my opinion, I don't think Cedar Fair should remove it because it gives a huge identity to the park being the tallest and fastest wooden coaster in the world.

[Asa]

No!!!!!! I love sob :(

[elvisboogens]

So, I never got to ride Son Of Beast. From what I understand, I would totally LOVE it. The general consensus seems to be that it was rough and gave people headaches, which is the best part of wooden roller coaster imo.

Basically I'm wondering if any of you guys ever rode it, and what your opinion was if you did. Or even if you didn't.

It seems like it's days are numbered.

[palmer]

Well, it seems that Son of Beast is SBNO more than it is opperating. There has been many problems (injurys, structure, etc.) and i would be scared to ride it after all these injurys and stuff.

[elvisboogens]

Yeah, I've heard that a lot. Deaths and Injuries on a ride don't scare me away though usually. Most of the time when I hear bad news about a ride like that, it makes me more curious.

Unless it's a Powersurge. I hate that ride with my whole body and soul.

[gl2007]

SOB really wasen't that fun. Even with the sweet first drop, it was ROUGH (and this is coming from a guy who dosen't mind some banging around), had a bland layout, and the loop wasen't that thrilling when they had it.

[say hi]

Yeah, I was never crazy about the loop. I never rode it without it though...so I can't say too much about the coaster right now. It was a fun woodie, nothing special though...

[nitrofan]

You see, i'm a bit scared about S:ROS/Bizarro because of the two deaths and the trains colliding accident that happended with them.


The deaths were from people being ejected from the train. The restraints are exactly the same as those on El Toro, so I wouldn't be worried.

And the ride was modified with trim brakes towards the end of the ride to lower the train's speed so they won't collide.

[Austin]

I bet it will be removed. in a few years

[Vic]

My favorite roller coaster ever... next to Vampire of course... it is the reason (the fact that they are taking it out) i refuse to go back to Kings Island.. some might call it dumb because "Diamondback is the awesome!!!" but i'll be damned...

[Austin]

well its a good move for the park. It would allow for the new section, new coasters like intimidator and etc.

[rcfreak339]

When I first rode Son of Beast in 2005 I LOVED it. The ride was rough, but it wasn't that kind of rough that hurt(kid of like Beast). The loop was fantastic, thats the one thing that made the ride really good. Iv'e rode it once since they have taken out the loop and replaced it with new CCI trains. It was one of the worst if not the worst coaster experience of my life. It felt as if I was having a heart attack. My chest felt like it was going to implode. I just wanted off of it, I was nearly crying at the mid-course break it hurt so bad. I will NEVER no matter what they do ride it again.

[nitrofan]

^So do you think it was the trains that screwed it up?

This ride sounds a lot like Texas Giant.

[rcfreak339]

^So do you think it was the trains that screwed it up?

This ride sounds a lot like Texas Giant.

Yes. It almost seemed like the heartline wasn't right. It wasn't rough as much as it was just forces bearing down on my chest. It was awful. Just plain awful. I was so angry at the end of the ride, I just felt like yelling. I was close to walking up to guest relations and complaining.

[palmer]

The deaths were from people being ejected from the train. The restraints are exactly the same as those on El Toro, so I wouldn't be worried.

And the ride was modified with trim brakes towards the end of the ride to lower the train's speed so they won't collide.

i thought the lap bar on Bizarro has little handles on them. El Toro doesn't have those. Plus, they look a bit thinner than El Toro's.

[nitrofan]

i thought the lap bar on Bizarro has little handles on them. El Toro doesn't have those. Plus, they look a bit thinner than El Toro's.

I rode Superman: Ride of Steel (same restraints as Bizarro) and El Toro over the summer and I'm pretty sure they were exactly the same restraints.

Either way, Intamin modified the design and you have nothing to worry about.

[Finbow]

The deaths were from people being ejected from the train. The restraints are exactly the same as those on El Toro, so I wouldn't be worried.

The restraints *look* the same, but give a VERY different feeling IMO. Bizarro's rest about mid-thigh (very uncomfortable) and if you think about the triangular-ish shape of the restraints, the "point" of the triangle is what is on your leg. There is also a fairly large gap between your stomach area and the restraint, which I find very weird. Toro's restraints on the other hand, rest where most other restraints do; on your upper thigh/ hip (don't really know what to call it?), and the "side" of the triangle is what is on your leg. There is little to no gap between your body and restraint. I prefer Toro's.

[palmer]

Well come on Finbow, that is 90% of you sucking up to how good El Toro is. Yet, they do look different.

[nitrofan]

I just thought of this... Maybe we will see something similar to what is happening on Texas Giant come to Son of Beast!

[Austin]

I hope it gets struck by thunder and burns down. It being closed is a win for humanity. Now if we can just get mean streak closed.

[Vic]

Eh it was my favorite ride until CF butchered it...

[palmer]

I like the idea of a King's Island Bon Fire....starring Son Of Beast

[nitrofan]

I hope it gets struck by thunder and burns down. It being closed is a win for humanity. Now if we can just get mean streak closed.

It could get much better if it was given steel track like Texas Giant. People talked about how great having the loop so smooth was, so what if the whole ride was like that?

They could do the same for Mean Streak.

[Austin]

Don't got one of these yet surprisingly so here we go.

Kings Island just launched their new website: http://www.visitkingsisland.com/

What do you all think about it? i think its overall pretty nice but some words are a bit too small.

[Jp]

If you didn't know Son Of Beast is off the park map and website..
http://www.visitkingsisland.com/

[Austin]

First time they actually removed it from the map. That includes the year they shut it down to remove the loop. Sounds like SOB is dead.

[cory]

Son Of Beast will not be open this year I think its closed for good.
http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/park/map/index.cfm
Not on the map.

[nitrofan]

Building on an idea from Screamscape, maybe they are going to check out what Six Flags did with Texas Giant next year and then consider a renovation like that.

[cory]

I been waiting for Kings Island new map. Son Of Beast is done for. I could not believe Screamscape even reported that there is hope. Its done for there is no hope.

[nitrofan]

I been waiting for Kings Island new map. Son Of Beast is done for. I could not believe Screamscape even reported that there is hope. Its done for there is no hope.

First, I posted about SOB getting the steel track way before Screamscape posted about it, so my opinions aren't based on Screamscape.

If there was no hope, the ride would be gone by now. I think it is entirely possible that SOB gets a makeover and reopens.

[palmer]

Clearly, if this ride is done, it wouldn't be standing right now. As Nitrofan said, mostly likely, KI is gonna look at SFOT and see how Texas Giant goes with this renovation. Yet, they would have to done different as SOB is RCCA as TG is a Dinn. Also, Schied, GM of KI, said that there is a chance that SOB might be able to operate in 2010. We might see the ride opening maybe for Halloween Haunt, like what GADV did with Houdini during Fright Fest (just pointing out, Houdini will be opened from Memorial day to Labor Day, and was suppose to be closed and SBNO)

[Austin]

Its official. SOB will not open for 2010, but its not dead yet.

http://www.oxfordpress.com/news/oxford-news/son-of-beast-wont-open-this-season-607408.html

MASON — The Son of Beast will remain idle for this season, Kings Island announced Thursday evening, March 18.

The world’s tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster has caused trouble for the amusement park since it opened in 2000 and has cost nearly $30 million for construction and subsequent repairs, according to the Kings Island vice president and general manager, Greg Scheid.

When the park opens April 17, park goers will find Planet Snoopy – a new kids’ area themed to Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the PEANUTS gang – and major thrill rides but no Son of Beast.

On June 23, 2009, the coaster was abruptly shut down for the year after a 39-year-old Mason woman reported she had a burst blood vessel in her brain as a result of riding the coaster.

Scheid said he’s not ready to give up on the major investment just yet. Structurally, he said the ride is sound but he is not pleased with the thrill ride’s performance.

Since the roller coaster opened, six incidents involving injury have been reported. After each incident, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which oversees all amusement park rides in the state, has inspected the ride and cleared it for reopening.

Scheid said he has asked three engineering firms to submit proposals for a long-term fix. One firm’s proposal was unsatisfactory, he said, and he is waiting for the others.

Last fall, a forensic engineer provided video testimony in a civil lawsuit that Kings Island was “negligent” and “put passengers at risk” by using a Band-Aid approach to fixing the ride.

Jennifer Wright of Defiance sued park owners Cedar Fair after she and 26 others were injured on the ride July 7, 2006.

The jury awarded Wright $76,364 in compensatory damages, and then park officials struck an undisclosed settlement with Wright on punitive damages, before the jury could hear the engineer’s testimony.

Scheid said the park hasn’t talked about tearing down the ride.

“It’s more of a how do we make it right,” he said.

[cory]

First, I posted about SOB getting the steel track way before Screamscape posted about it, so my opinions aren't based on Screamscape.

If there was no hope, the ride would be gone by now. I think it is entirely possible that SOB gets a makeover and reopens.


All well my bad I pay attention to what you post. Oh well thats you most times Screamscape has been right. I did not check screamscape to know the map don got Son Of Beast. Son Of Beast is done for they just havent took it down yet. I am sure there using space for Son Of Beast for a better ride.

[nitrofan]

All well my bad I pay attention to what you post. Oh well thats you most times Screamscape has been right. I did not check screamscape to know the map don got Son Of Beast. Son Of Beast is done for they just havent took it down yet. I am sure there using space for Son Of Beast for a better ride.

As Austin posted above, King's Island is looking for people to fix it. If the ride was done, it wouldn't be here right now. They would have been tearing it down over the off-season.

[palmer]

^That's as easy as employing all those unemployed people (sarcasm). It would be that easy to find a company with enough power, money, and the mindset to work on this ride. And gathering what has been going around about Cedar Fair and Apollo and all that fun stuff, I wouldn't think SOB is on the top of the list of most do's for the company. Personally, I think this announcement was the final nail in the coffin. I can't SOB coming back to life and actually being considered "fixed". It may come back and hurt another 27 people on the ride, or something. Yet, I highly doubt seeing SOB come back and be a completely fixed and new ride.

[say hi]

son of beast was my first "looping" coaster.
although...it was just one loop.

its sad to see all the issues it had, i always enjoyed it. maybe not the roughness, but it was pretty fun.

EDIT: its kind of sad that i had forgotten i had pretty much posted these same thoughts on the first page. Oh well.

[DarienLake:D]

i went to Kings Island in 2007 and 2009! both times it was shut down :( 2007 they opened it up a week after i went... and in 2009 it just wasn't open at all!:(

[coastergrl]

It may sit for a while because it will cost 15 million to take it down. I was there a few weeks ago standing in the old station talking to an employee that worked the ride for 4 years. No one was ever killed on SOB. It was closed because a lady had a brain anurism 3 weeks after she rode it and blamed it on the ride. They are thinking about retracking it. I never got to ride it either and would love a chance too!!

[nitrofan]

It may sit for a while because it will cost 15 million to take it down. I was there a few weeks ago standing in the old station talking to an employee that worked the ride for 4 years. No one was ever killed on SOB. It was closed because a lady had a brain anurism 3 weeks after she rode it and blamed it on the ride. They are thinking about retracking it. I never got to ride it either and would love a chance too!!

I don't think it could possibly cost that much. That's more than it cost to build the ride initially!

[Shayne]

Well I do believe that the cost of S.O.B was actually closer to 20 million, that being said 15 million for the removal sounds much more like an exaggerated story from the Dippin Dots guy. If that cost is true, Cedar Fair, I would like to submit my proposal from Shayne's Coaster Removal Company at a sum of 12 million.

[nitrofan]

Well I do believe that the cost of S.O.B was actually closer to 20 million, that being said 15 million for the removal sounds much more like an exaggerated story from the Dippin Dots guy. If that cost is true, Cedar Fair, I would like to submit my proposal from Shayne's Coaster Removal Company at a sum of 12 million.

Would you like some assistance there? I would be more than happy to show up with a chainsaw for €6 Million

[palmer]

Well, maybe KI/CF have some ideas like these:
-"Well, I flicked my cigarette toward SOB and it might have accidently lit on fire"
-"Let's wait two years. This 2012 apocalypse will bring it down."
-Attach metal poles and cross fingers for lightning
-World's largest bonfire?
-Cincinnati could use more firewood
-"We need a spot for the new fireworks show."

[DarienLake:D]

Well, maybe KI/CF have some ideas like these:
-"Well, I flicked my cigarette toward SOB and it might have accidently lit on fire"
-"Let's wait two years. This 2012 apocalypse will bring it down."
-Attach metal poles and cross fingers for lightning
-World's largest bonfire?
-Cincinnati could use more firewood
-"We need a spot for the new fireworks show."

i like the worlds largest bond fire one :D

[Jp]

Screamscape:

Son Of Beast Status - Closed Until Further Notice - (7/19/10) I don’t know Cedar Fair has reconsidered or not, but for some reason a new rumor has popped up claiming that Son Of Beast is under consideration for the Texas Giant treatment… having it’s layout reprofiled and wooden track system replaced with steel track. It could just be a fanboy dream for 2012… but you never know. Maybe there is still hope.

[DarienLake:D]

depending if texas giant works out this might be a good idea!

[palmer]

I have a feeling that, after seeing that rumor, something bad will happen with Texas Giant, or it won't be that "super" as they are making it. Which means, we can have a chainsaw fest!

[Truth Seeker]

I have a feeling Six Flags will screw it up.

[Shayne]

Six Flags has nothing to do with this getting "screwed up." This will be all about whether or not this company can back up its engineering claims.

[DarienLake:D]

Son Of Beast Status - Closed Until Further Notice - (7/28/10) I’m told that some new land clearing has actually begun behind Son of Beast. While I’m not sure what this may mean, another reader has pointed out that the former SonOfBeast.com website is now auto-forwarding all visits to the Intimidator 305 page. Odd… very odd…
From Screamscape.com

[Truth Seeker]

I thought i already posted that quote, guess not. I wonder where Lance heard they are clearing land, does anyone know if we could get some photos?

[nitrofan]

I have a feeling Six Flags will screw it up.

What does that have to do with this thread? The turning every thread into a "why I hate Six Flags thread" needs to stop NOW. If you hate Six Flags, fine. Just keep it in the appropriate threads.

[Truth Seeker]

Closed Until Further Notice - (8/2/10) The new land clearing behind Son of Beast is real it seems, and can be seen from the tower’s observation deck if you look through the gap where the loop used to be to the land beyond. Even more interesting are the reports from those riding Flight Deck who claim to have seen workers pounding/sawing away at stuff in the SOB station, along with the sound of power tools. I’ve got to wonder, are they working on something in the station for the ride… or planning to turn the station into a Halloween Haunt? Source: Screamscape.com

[nitrofan]

I have a feeling they are turning the station into some sort of haunt.

[DarienLake:D]

I just hope they do something to the ride!

[Truth Seeker]

A new Giga! Just joking I doubt Cedar fair would do that due to how close KI is to cedar point and the economic state Cedar Fair is under.

[Shayne]

A wooden giga? ;)

[Truth Seeker]

Yes a B&M Wooden Giga..

Congratulations, you have found the clue! Here is your next hint:

I slither farther down south, but up north, we get carried out to sea by the currents. Be careful, or you may find yourself swept away 5 times faster than you might think.

[nitrofan]

A lot of us were correct, Screamscape reports that Son of Beast will be a Haunt this year.

[Truth Seeker]

Oh boy, for once I'm right.

Now, I wonder what the theme of this haunt will be?

[Jp]

MASON — Kings Island will add a new ride to the amusement park in 2011 that will “change the skyline of the park.”

Park officials said they will announce the park’s newest ride Tuesday, Aug. 24, at a press conference.

“(The ride) will stand taller than Diamondback and will change the skyline of the park,” said park spokesman Don Helbig, who would not say where the ride would be built.

Little is known about what the ride will entail. Even fan sites have been notably devoid of information or speculation regarding what attraction will be added to the park for next year.

Kings Island last added a new ride in 2009 with the much-heralded Diamondback mega roller coaster. The $22 million ride stretches 5,282 feet and stands 230 feet at its tallest point and was billed as ‘the fastest, tallest, and meanest” ride in Kings Island’s history.

It was the 15th roller coaster in the park’s history and the first designed by Swiss coaster gurus Bolliger and Mabiliard.

The ride proved to be wildly popular, eclipsing the 1 million rider mark by July of its debut year.

Another of the park’s roller coasters, the Son of Beast, has remained closed for more than one year, with no reopening date announced.

In 2010, the park added no new rides, but updated its children’s world and the Boo Blasters interactive haunted house ride.

Kings Island is owned by the publically traded company Cedar Fair LP (NYSE: FUN), which purchased the park in 2006. Cedar Fair owns 10 other amusement parks, including Sandusky’s Cedar Point.

http://www.journal-news.com/news/hamilton-news/kings-island-will-add-new-ride-in-2011-875609.html

Be one of the first to know what our new ride for 2011 is. We'll be making the announcement Tuesday at 2:00pm at the park.
http://twitter.com/KingsIslandPR/status/21928740539

[SFNE Expert]

StratoSoar.

[Austin]

Like I said before, its StratoSoar.

[DarienLake:D]

Wow how many parks are getting these?

[Austin]

Cedar Point, Kings Island and its rumored for Knotts Berry Farm, Canada's Wonderland, and possibly another park.

[DarienLake:D]

To be honest they look like boring rides... Maybe for the first 10 seconds of being up there... But then after that its like ok we are 400ft in the air and we are going around and around... Is it over yet?

[Truth Seeker]

They just seem like giant chairswings to me.

[DarienLake:D]

Because they are lol!

[palmer]

Attraction is spelled wrong on the thread title. Sorry, bit of a pet peeve.

[Changsucks]

To be honest they look like boring rides... Maybe for the first 10 seconds of being up there... But then after that its like ok we are 400ft in the air and we are going around and around... Is it over yet?

Agreed.

They just seem like giant chairswings to me.

Exactly.

Because they are lol!

Yep!

I'm really not looking forward to these showing up everywhere! It might look cool to the GP... which, afterall, is really all that matters... But it just seems so lame to me. Plus, spinning 400ft. in the area doesn't exactly agree with my motion sickness.

[DarienLake:D]

If they are making a version with arms instead of chains they could make it a little more exciting!

[Truth Seeker]

I would much rather have a Screamin Swing.

[Austin]

Well the potential location is around Vortex and the path leading to the FX theatre. That area of the park has really become a ghost town so I imagine 400 ft tall ride will bring some life back to the area.

[DarienLake:D]

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[Truth Seeker]

I can't decide if I like it or not...

[DarienLake:D]

Neither can I. It might be one of those rides where it looks boring from afar... But then you get on it and its amazing! Well I don't know if this would be amazing but it might be cool :D

[Austin]

Its a great addition to the park but its going to burn out after a while. Its going to a place that needs a lot of work: Coney Mall

[Jp]

If you wanted information about the ride:
WindSeeker

WindSeeker to debut at Kings Island in 2011
301-foot-tall swing ride to send adventure seekers soaring
If you think riding Drop Tower at Kings Island is a thrill (and it is – riders enjoy a breathtaking view of the region as they ascend toward the sky, then take a 26-story freefall at 64 mph), wait until next year!

Kings Island will continue to change the landscape for thrill seekers in 2011 with WindSeeker, a 301-foot-tall tower that will spin riders 30 stories above the park. Seated in two-person swings that will allow their feet to dangle, riders will slowly begin rotating in a circular motion as the swings ascend the tower. At the top, the swings will reach speeds up to 30 mph, flaring out 45 degrees from the tower. WindSeeker will accommodate 64 riders (32 swings) per ride cycle.

"The addition of WindSeeker reflects our commitment to providing our guests with world-class thrills, fun and fantastic family entertainment," Kings Island vice-president and general manager Greg Scheid said. "Soaring 300 feet above Kings Island will provide an exciting ride experience for our guests."

WindSeeker will be located in the Coney Mall section of the park near the Vortex ride exit.

The $5 million ride is manufactured by Mondial (pronounced mohn-DEE-ahl), a 23-year-old Dutch-based company. Riders must be at least 48 inches tall to ride and will be secured with individual over-the-head lap bars with interlocking seat belts.

WindSeeker will make its debut when Kings Island opens for the 2011 season in the spring.


Located in: Coney Mall
Height Requirement: 48"
http://www.visitkingsisland.com/_upload/galleries/windseeker_photo_gallery/__windseeker02.jpg

[Austin]

Kings Island's back at it again! Beast is getting pretty substantial work done around the bottom of the first drop, all new wood stacks and track. They are also replacing bent posts, ledgers and adding better bracing.

Windseeker's foundation is going in now and should begin to rise late this month or early next month.

Flight Deck is also getting a rehab. It currently has a primer coat but it could be completely painted by now.

The KI and Miami Valley Railroad is also getting some substantial work. Currently both engines are in the roundhouse and the wheels are off and the boilers are getting cleaned out.

[Changsucks]

I'm not sure if I'm happy that Flight Deck is FINALLY getting painted, or sad that that means it'll be staying for a while!

[Austin]

Ive always loved Top Gun (I never use these new crappy names ;)) But between 2006 and 2009 when I havent been but grew really tall, Ive realized its not the most comfortable experience with the OTSR sitting right on my shoulders at even the highest spot it can lock. Doesn't keep me from riding it though haha. Wonder if it will be re-painted gray or a new color. The Primer is a grayish/white if that has anything to do with it.

I wonder if Vortex is getting the main track and supports painted though. That Windseeker video showed it as being almost Univ. Kentucky Blue.

[Jp]

I loved that ride. I rode it like over ten times when i went in 2004. I will alway remember that one of those ten times I peed on the ride. lol

[Austin]

It's been confirmed to be re-painted gray. Oh well, at least it looks nicer than it did.

[mattritch87]

Top Gun is an Arrow Classic that hopefully Kings island can keep for a long time. These arrow suspended coasters are few and far between now. Each arrow coaster comes with some pain involved but.... It's an Arrow! It's classic! As for Beast, That thing is perfect!

[Shayne]

Matt, stop it with your love affair with the Beast already :-p P.S. SFGADV opening weekend we're there.

[mattritch87]

The Beast is just Awesome! No words can describe! HA! See you there!

[Austin]

Wow haha. I wonder if there is a reason Beast is getting so much work over these recent off-seasons.

[Shayne]

Cause he no longer has to pay child support for his son....

[Austin]

Lmao. It just seems like they're replacing almost entire sections lately. This year its the turn after the drop getting new wood stacks and track as well as extra bracing and new wood supports in about 90% of that turn. I know track and wood is usually replaced every year but not in the range Beast has gotten lately. I personally wish they would spend that time and money on Racer. Paint it and fix the rough spots soon!

[Changsucks]

Beast is A LOT rougher than Racer... Afterall, it is an insane ride through the woods and not an out n' back woodie...

[Austin]

Ride Blue side in the very back car. I thought I fractured ribs on that ride. At least paint Racer back to the Red/White colors or was it Red/White/Blue?

[Changsucks]

Yeah, Racer's rough. But Beast is way worse... trust me. I know you haven't ridden it, but it's common sense. I have ridden both, and I can say that Beast definitely needs the work. The only thing it has going for it is its awesome night-rides because you have no idea where you're going, but once it gets out-of-control rough, it just won't be worth it.

[Austin]

I'll be riding for sure this year.

I usually don't like riding in the very back and on Racer I usually sit between rows 3 and 5 where its usually a little bit more manageable.

I just thought it was odd how there wasnt this much work going on with Beast back about 3 years ago and since 2009 every year something major happens to it in the off-season. 2009 saw it get a new entrance way, sign, trains rebuilt, and some re-tracking. 2010 was re-tracking and support work etc. and then this year's work.

[mattritch87]

I thought that Racer was rougher than Beast. Beast was just awesome!

[Jp]

In other news, the park's blog uploaded some photos of the Coney Mall construction work today, which also involves removing the black asphalt and replacing it with brick pacers. I think that it will be a nice touch for the area.
http://www.visitkingsisland.com/_upload/blog//CM_Construction_013111%20046_main.jpg
http://www.visitkingsisland.com/_upload/blog//CM_Construction_013111%20010_main.jpg
Both images belong to Kings Island. The rest of the pictures can be seen here:
http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/fun/blog/2011/2/1/Watch_WindSeeker_construction.cfm

[DarienLake:D]

Nice to see the whole area is getting a make over

[Austin]

Finally theyre getting rid of their crap job. I mean asphalt? Maybe if there was a parade that rolled or something or at least concrete. Glad we're getting a makeover.

I wonder when WindSeeker will actually go vertical.

[Jp]

King's Island has upload this photo marked "planning" today!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150181780218368&set=a.226729858367.174830.155893938367&ref=nf

Something's in the works East of The Racer and Windseeker....hmmm. I'd have to guess that's an area rather than a layout, as in the coaster/whatever may go into that area, which is a good sized area!

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/kings_island_plans.jpg

[Austin]

Its an extension of X-Base. If you have been to Haunt at KI there is a road next to Firehawk that leads up to a forest/parts area. I presume they will use the land behind Firehawk as an extension of X-Base with the road being removed and turned into a pathway.

If possible I will try to put an overlay of the map on the table with one of an aerial from bing or google.

I have no idea how to layer images on Gimp but I noticed in a side-by-side comparison that it isnt an extension directly behind Firehawk, it is actually an extension of this part of the park on your right as you enter X-Base and it extends up into the woods where most of one of the haunts is. It also includes all the buildings behind Racer in X-Base so they might be gone in this plan to make room.

[Cody Comet]

Well, every 10 years the dark ride is supposed to change. And from what I remember, 2012 is the year it's supposed to happen.

[Austin]

Its over in X-Base. The dark ride just got a major refresh last year so I doubt it.

You know anything about the Beech Bend trip yet?

[Austin]

Heres the image overlay:

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc520/amusementparkauthority/kiplan_edited-1.png

I might not have rotated the images all the way as I think the line closest to Racer should be much closer. But it's an interesting little section.

[DarienLake:D]

That would be amazing if Kings Island expanded. But idk if that exactly to scale lol!

[Austin]

That is to scale. Trust me, if the section was any smaller there wouldn't be any point on teasing us like this because thats a pretty big section to work with and anything smaller would again be pointless. I'm interested in what they are doing.

[DarienLake:D]

I think if you rotate it more then i think that's the actual spot

[Austin]

You really cant rotate more.If you do then the line disconnects from the walkway under racer

[Jp]

First piece of Windseeker has arrived!!

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[DarienLake:D]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEMScalifkU oh how they tease us lol!

[Austin]

Sounds interesting. They were messing with their banners on the parks web page this week. One of the banners was about dinosaurs. This should be a fairly interesting project.

[mattritch87]

Wow, That video is just mean! Anyway, can't wait to go ride beast again this year!

[DarienLake:D]

It was like OH YEAH!!! SHOW US!!!! AWH ITS JUST A BLOCK OF NOTHING!

[Jp]

Kings Islands has another thing to be release on March 18th this friday; what do you think it is??

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[nitrofan]

Well...we know that it's something outdoors. :13:

[Truth Seeker]

Heres something you should all know, originally the URL for the first photo contained the words, "Dino-Photo." Which would all but confirm a Dinosaur theme.

[Austin]

Also to confirm that there is something going in behind racer in the area I pointed out, in a construction video if you look above racer at around 42 seconds you can see a crane, concrete boom or other machinery moving back and forth then disappearing. Normal minor work shouldn't require a lot of work or equipment like that. Especially in a spot that has no attraction announced for, yet. We expect that announcement will be this Friday (we know there will be one but we think it will confirm our thoughts that its going behind racer)

[David]

It's Intrimidator's new banked turn! :D

[DarienLake:D]

^^^ lol!!!!!!!!! And what construction video?

[Austin]

I'll have to find it. Truth showed it to me but I didnt favorite the page.

[Austin]

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HkyWL4vJ928" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Keep watching behind Racer. Notice the blue tarp to block the view ;)

[Truth Seeker]

Let the record show that I am speculating this will be a, Dinosaur unearthed walk through exhibit. How do I know? There is a 30 foot tall dinosaur in the parking lot, there is only six weeks left to build, and the Dinosaur Unearthed group is a fan of King's Island on both, Facebook and twitter. That or, they're reopening S.O.B. :-p.

[Austin]

I highly doubt a walk-through. This is something thats been under construction for a long period of time without anyone knowing. Also Vekoma has a ride system similar to that of the Kilamanjaro Safaris (or is it the same system since Disney and Vekoma are best friends?) If it is a walk through then it will surely fail. Todays the day though.

Another thing, it may not open with the park.

[Jp]

Dinosaurs Alive in 2011!!
Visitors to Kings Island will have an opportunity to step back in time to periods between 245 million to 65 million years ago when the world's largest animatronic dinosaur park debuts May 26, 2011. More than 60 life-sized dinosaurs will be on display in Dinosaurs Alive! at Kings Island, including 56 animatronic models, in a spectacular outdoor Jurassic forest setting.

The multi-sensory and interactive dinosaur park brings inspiration, science and technology together at Kings Island where guests will also hear the sounds and see the movements of 60-plus full-sized animatronic creations made to replicate nearly every feature of the dinosaurs. Each of the animatronic dinosaurs is hand-carved and covered with skin-like materials.

The highlight of Dinosaurs Alive! is the world's largest animatronic dinosaur, the Ruyang Yellow River dinosaur, which measures an incredible 72 feet long, 12 feet wide and 30 feet high! Other animatronic dinosaurs include the vicious looking Irratator and its cousins, the Baryonyx and the Spinosaurus, the lizard-like Stegosaurus, the meat-eating Tyrannosaurs Rex, three-horned Triceratops and the flying Pteranodon.

March 18, 2011

Dinosaurs roar to life in the world's largest animatronic dinosaur park at Kings Island
Dinosaurs Alive! at Kings Island debuts May 26, 2011
KINGS ISLAND, Ohio – Visitors to Kings Island will have an opportunity to step back in time to periods between 245 million to 65 million years ago when the world's largest animatronic dinosaur park debuts May 26, 2011. More than 60 life-sized dinosaurs will be on display in Dinosaurs Alive! at Kings Island, including 56 animatronic models, in a spectacular outdoor Jurassic forest setting.

The multi-sensory and interactive dinosaur park brings inspiration, science and technology together at Kings Island where guests will also hear the sounds and see the movements of 60-plus full-sized animatronic creations made to replicate nearly every feature of the dinosaurs. Each of the animatronic dinosaurs is hand-carved and covered with skin-like materials.

The six main scenes and nine thematic exhibits found along the more than 4,000-foot long path spread over 12.5 wooded acres tells a very compelling story for guests about what the dinosaurs ate, when and where they lived, how they protected themselves, and how they adapted to their prehistoric world.

The highlight of Dinosaurs Alive! is the world's largest animatronic dinosaur, the Ruyang Yellow River dinosaur, which measures an incredible 72 feet long, 12 feet wide and 30 feet high! Other animatronic dinosaurs include the vicious looking Irratator and its cousins, the Baryonyx and the Spinosaurus, the lizard-like Stegosaurus, the meat-eating Tyrannosaurs Rex, three-horned Triceratops and the flying Pteranodon.

Four of the dinosaurs have interactive consoles which allow guests to guide dinosaur movement so they can see how scientists believe each dinosaur moved its arms, tail, mouth and eyes. Other highlights include an excavation site replica, a kids' paleontological dig site where visitors can uncover prehistoric fossils, and a 1,500 square-foot dinosaur-themed gift shop that will feature more than 500 items.

"Dinosaurs Alive! is a long-term investment and reflects our commitment to providing our guests with world-class thrills, fun and family entertainment," Kings Island vice president and general manager Greg Scheid said. "The sights, sounds and movements of the life-like dinosaurs will excite and educate guests of all ages."

The dinosaurs, which are scientifically accurate based on the latest paleontological knowledge, were created by the Canada-based company Dinosaurs Unearthed.

Dinosaurs Unearthed is an innovative traveling exhibition company that creates dynamic, multi-sensory experiences about the fascinating world of dinosaur discovery. Launched in 2005, the company offers unique, multi-faceted exhibitions to museums, science centers and zoos throughout the world.

Dinosaurs Alive! at Kings Island will be open daily beginning May 26 from 10:00 a.m. until dusk. The dinosaur park is not included with general park admission or a 2011 season pass. A separate admission ticket of just $5.00 is required for this major attraction.

Guests visiting Kings Island can purchase Dinosaurs Alive! admission tickets at the park or in advance online through the park's website at www.visitkingsisland.com.

Kings Island is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." In addition to Kings Island, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.
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http://www.visitkingsisland.com/public/park/dinosaurs_alive/index.cfm

[Austin]

Ugh. Why does this not appeal to me? The fact you have to pay to walk through it? The fact that this could have been a much better experience if it was something like Kilamanjaro Safaris where you actually ride through it all? I mean if your going to use that much space then do it right. Disney has already seen that their walk-through exhibits/attractions (Discovery Island doesnt count since you have to use it anyway) don't really get much attention and they're free. Kilamanjaro is free also but yet its almost one of the most popular rides of its type.

I'm just overall disappointed. I might do it once this year only to get the experience and photograph it.

[Jp]

I don't like it either. It dosen't grow on to me.. IMO I don't think it fits in the parks theme. They could of use that 12 acres for a coaster or something better!!

[mrceagle]

If this at all different then the ones that travel the US and get set up in convention centers? not sure if I would pay 5 dollars extra to ride through it.

[Truth Seeker]

Ugh. Why does this not appeal to me? The fact you have to pay to walk through it? The fact that this could have been a much better experience if it was something like Kilamanjaro Safaris where you actually ride through it all? I mean if your going to use that much space then do it right. Disney has already seen that their walk-through exhibits/attractions (Discovery Island doesnt count since you have to use it anyway) don't really get much attention and they're free. Kilamanjaro is free also but yet its almost one of the most popular rides of its type.

I'm just overall disappointed. I might do it once this year only to get the experience and photograph it.

Cedar Fair is charging the five dollars as a way to ensure upkeep. This is a BIG and expensive addition for a seasonal park. Disney can afford to keep their trails free, Cedar Fair can not. As for the space issue, King's Island is huge. They can afford to spend 12.5 acres of their 750 on a dinosaur attraction. I assure you that KI will not run out of land for a VERY long time.

[Austin]

Yes I know but why not just raise the prices 5 dollars to get in and make it free? A ride through type ride like Vekoma offers would be alot better for the area.

[Truth Seeker]

I must agree with you and your idea to raise the overall admission ticket price. I assume maybe, 1 in 5 at best will pay for this attraction. If the park were to raise the admission price by, maybe a fair two or three dollars per person they would create a lot more incoming revenue. That is unless this attraction is so good, it's to hard to resist paying the five dollars.

[Austin]

I mean raising admission 5 dollars really isnt alot of money. Plus it would probably encourage more season pass sales if it were added as a benefit to them if the pass's didnt go up in price.

Plus attendance has been going up yearly. They will have more this year than last, and more next year than this year. So with that said raising base price would probably help pay off a sizable portions with just the admission raise. Probably 2x faster than it would be paid off by how theyre going about the current add-on fee.

[Truth Seeker]

Quit the contrary, King's Island actually dropped 4.0% in 2009 and from what Cedar Fair has told us, remained stable this year.

[Austin]

Still attendance will likely go up this year with KK closed again. Plus your making everyone pay to go to it, not the few people who will actually pay to do it so in a sense your still paying it off faster by raising prices.

[Truth Seeker]

I agree with the vague concept of raising the overall admission price but, five dollars is a little too much. Even the greedy grinches at Universal and Disney don't raise their ticket prices that much.

[Austin]

Actually I think Disney, Universal and SeaWorld sometimes take theres 3-4 at times.

[Truth Seeker]

The point is raising ticket prices five dollars at a time is to radical. Over a course of five years the price of a Disney ticket will have been increased more but, the only price that the general public looks at is the initial increase.

[Austin]

We are talking about a one time 5 dollar increase. Look at Holiday Worlds prices. Theyre much higher yet many get alot of enjoyment out of the park and pay the price regardless.

[Austin]

It seems theyve added and updated some various things around the park.

1. A new laser maze has been added to the park, which I'm sure has an upcharge.
2. Racer might have a new sign. Not sure but the sign from pics I have seen looks new.
3. Monster appears to have a new sign also

Windseeker: Ride is built but work is still going on. Appears to be mostly just ground work such as pouring a concrete walkway to the backstage areas, landscaping and some work on the rides systems. The sign is now up also

Entrance area: KI always has something around there and this year is no different. Currently on the right hand side there is a dinosaur on a rock base with a sign describing it to advertise for Dinosaurs Alive.

[Austin]

Ive been looking at my friends FB album and I think when they was painting and rehabbing Flight Deck they also painted the "tunnel" in the exit/queue where the American flag is painted on the wall. It just seems like its fresh paint and clean.

I do have to say this, Flight Deck looks amazing! I just hope its a little smoother and comfortable this season.

SOB as you all know was turned into a haunt maze last year. It seems CF went ahead and left the haunt maze walls up so I would say the maze is coming back this year.

Racer might have gotten a slight upgrade on its operators booth. It seems a new flat panel screen which possibly changes cameras throughout the ride has been added and maybe a small computer (not sure if they was there last year because I didn't look).

Monster's sign might have gotten new paint or a new sign.

Those are all the big things I saw from his pictures.

Oh and Dinosaurs Alive is pretty awesome from the videos I have seen. You can press buttons and the animatronic moves. Like if you press the button on the tail (theres a info board in the path with a picture of the dino and buttons on various parts of the body) then the tail will move, arms, head, etc.

As for Windseeker, it appears they have been keeping it about 20 feet off the ground. Not sure why.

[Austin]

Did anyone else know that King Cobra's cars are stored inside Flight of Fear?

[nitrofan]

According to Screamscape, Son of Beast may get one last shot in 2012. Do you guys think this will be just another retracking, or could we be looking at an Iron Horse system?

[Austin]

I doubt Iron Horse. Too much money has already been spent on it. I think theyre just going to do a major reprofile and change the layout in the bowl area. I would assume the Bowl will be pretty much be gone in this fix. Everyone complains that its the worst part of the ride.

[Truth Seeker]

I doubt anything will happen. With time running short and the amount of funds needed to even re profile that section taken into consideration, I doubt anything will be done, or for that matter should be done. SOB never lived up to anyone's hopes and I doubt it ever will ,or even can for that matter.

[nitrofan]

I doubt anything. With time running short and the amount of funds needed to even re profile that section, I doubt anything will be done, or for that matter should be done. SOB never lived up to anyone's hopes and I doubt it ever will ,or even can for that matter.

They have almost a year if they want the ride to open with the park next year. If they want to fix the ride, they have plenty of time. I'm not sure if it should be fixed either though.

[Austin]

I'm sure if they hired a good company like TGG or GCI (unlikely probably) they could re-design and build up a new section of the coaster an d re-profile other various places. Plus maybe it would even run Millennium Flyers or Timberliners :p.

Which reminds me. I still want to see a test of forces on the ride using the current trains, Millennium Flyers and Timberliners. That would really show off those trains effectiveness in lowering forces and making it a more enjoyable ride.

[nitrofan]

I'm sure if they hired a good company like TGG or GCI (unlikely probably) they could re-design and build up a new section of the coaster an d re-profile other various places. Plus maybe it would even run Millennium Flyers or Timberliners :p.

Which reminds me. I still want to see a test of forces on the ride using the current trains, Millennium Flyers and Timberliners. That would really show off those trains effectiveness in lowering forces and making it a more enjoyable ride.

GCI is very protective of their trains, and they don't seem like they would allow their use on a ride that they view as possibly making their product look bad, so I don't really see GCI allowing Millenium Flyers on Son of Beast.

Timberliners have been testing on Voyage for 2 years now. If I were King's Island, I wouldn't want anything to do with those trains until the issues on Voyage were worked out.

[Austin]

The issues are worked out. They made alot of changes to the ones on Twister and Wooden Warrior. Theyre getting their trains modified to the version those coasters run now that they know what needs to be changed.

And I didnt say they need to use them I wanted to see a force test. TGG says theirs cuts down at least half the forces so I would assume this would be a good marketing scheme for them.

[Shayne]

The timberliners also seem to have a lot of kinks to them. As much as I loved the trains, they had many minor issues occur during a short period of riding. They had quite a few restraints being locked closed and not releasing.

[Austin]

Well I mean you can't expect a new unused product to go out and work 100% off the bat. Theres some things you will only find out after real world tests.

[DiveMachine]

GCI is very protective of their trains, and they don't seem like they would allow their use on a ride that they view as possibly making their product look bad, so I don't really see GCI allowing Millenium Flyers on Son of Beast.

Timberliners have been testing on Voyage for 2 years now. If I were King's Island, I wouldn't want anything to do with those trains until the issues on Voyage were worked out.
actually, GCI has said that Millenium Flyers won't run on ANYTHING but GCI coasters

[Austin]

But any coaster that they go out and work on could run it. After they make their changes, and look over the ride. If they're trains are so good then I don't see why they would have a problem facing off against a Timberliner and a PTC in a force test. I love their trains but I'm interested in seeing how good Timberliners are on Voyage next summer. The first GCI I rode was a really great ride and it still tops my woodie list even though I last rode it 4-5 years ago and only 2 or 3 times. Next GCI will be Kentucky Rumbler so its time to get a little refresher on the trains :D which I'll take any day over a pos PTC.

[nitrofan]

An animatronic in DINOSAURS ALIVE! started on fire today! You can read more about it here:

http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=45427&start=2330

[DejaVu2001]

^ Um, that actually happened back in May just a few days before Dinosaurs Alive opened. The current news is that WindSeeker is scheduled to open tomorrow.

[nitrofan]

^ Um, that actually happened back in May just a few days before Dinosaurs Alive opened. The current news is that WindSeeker is scheduled to open tomorrow.

Oops, I just saw that today. :speechless: Anyway, it's good that Windseeker should finally be opening. Hopefully it won't have the same operation problems as Cedar Point's Windseeker.

[Austin]

If it does I'll stay on the ground and watch when I go.

[say hi]

The other Windseeker is having problems? I hadn't heard of that yet.

[nitrofan]

The other Windseeker is having problems? I hadn't heard of that yet.

Check the Cedar Point Windseeker thread and watch the video.