Kings Island's 40th (Mason: waterpark, house, buy)

[insightofitall]

Anyone heard anything about what KI is going to do for their 40th anniversary next year? Got any ideas, hopes, or fantasies about what they should build? I know we just got Diamondback a couple of years ago, but I'm starting to wonder if they should have held off on doing that for the "big" attraction to celebrate next year's milestone, because I kinda doubt they will do anything quite that big....although I think they SHOULD, as that would be more fitting for such a milestone year. It would be great to see a full-circuit floorless, looping coaster since the park doesn't have one. Or else build us a decent wooden twister coaster to replace Son of Beast.

What do you think?

[abr7rmj]

I used to work there way WAY back in the day for my first job - on a ride that was long ago removed. Those days were quite fun.

And the girls at that summer job ... Wow!

[ram2]

What is the price of an adult admission? Back in 1975, it was $7.

[insightofitall]

I worked there in the summer of 1982. I think admission was something like $11...? I don't recall exactly, because as an employee I was able to get in free.

[motorman]

Originally Posted by abr7rmj

I used to work there way WAY back in the day for my first job - on a ride that was long ago removed. Those days were quite fun.

And the girls at that summer job ... Wow!

Hey, I helped park cars there about the same time! And I gotta agree with you about many of our female co-workers--they were HOT, HOT, HOT!

[Wilson513]

Wife worked there in 80's. "I can guess your age within three years or your weight within 5 pounds. If I'm wrong, you get the prize."

[austiNati]

I think Kings Island should build two, yes, TWO new rollercoasters, to replace Son of Beast. One should be wooden, and the other should be either a GIANT inverted coaster, or a launch coaster by Intamin. But there's been talk of KI expanding their waterpark for their 40th anniversary.

[insightofitall]

Originally Posted by austiNati

I think Kings Island should build two, yes, TWO new rollercoasters, to replace Son of Beast. One should be wooden, and the other should be either a GIANT inverted coaster, or a launch coaster by Intamin. But there's been talk of KI expanding their waterpark for their 40th anniversary.

They need to stop worrying so da**ed much about that side of the park. A waterpark expansion isn't exactly a huge deal which says "Happy 40th". Ugh!

I'm totally in agreement with you that the park needs TWO new coasters...yes, a decent wooden twister to replace SOB and not something that has a boring layout (I'm not a fan of SOBs layout). Something like a larger version of Thunderhead would be a great fit for the space where SOB now sits. As for a steel coaster, I agree it would be nice to see a full-circuit inverted at some point, but we already have several steel coasters with cars that hang beneath the track. I really think one with floorless cars, or perhaps another stand-up, would be nice...so long as they include some decent inverted elements, such as a zero-gravity roll and a diving loop.

[kjbrill]

By this time I would think SOB is a huge disappointment and eyesore. I think if it could have been fixed it would have by now. At least it should be torn down and not just sit there as a constant reminder of failure.

I remember back when KI was built and a friend of mine went after the paving contract for the entire park and got it. On the strength of the contract they bought additional equipment. Shot them from a one truck and roller asphalt driveway paver to where they could bid on much larger projects.

I can still see the top of the Eiffel Tower replica from my 2nd story windows. My older kids, now in their late 40s enjoyed their summer jobs there. Their era actually had organized activities for the young employees - softball leagues, etc.

Back years ago, one of the cheapest presents we could do for Christmas was buy the kids season tickets to KI and the Beach. We are less than 1-1/2 miles from the Beach and just a little over 2 from KI. Just take them over to the drop off zone. It was even close enough mom could go pick them up, bring them home to feed them lunch, and take them back for the afternoon. Of course gas prices were also a lot lower then. With KI in particular, they would wait for a stormy day, and as soon as the storm broke ask to be taken to KI. The all dayers would often leave in soaken wet disappointment and as soon as the storm broke they could get on any ride on the park. 1 or 2 hours after a storm could yield more rides than a typical whole day.

Rather than spend a ton of money on new attractions, I feel KI should take a short period in mid-season and offer throwback ticket prices to see if they can pack the place. With the cost of concessions a packed house will still deliver a lot of money and it would be a nice thank you gesture for 40 years of support.

[kjbrill]

It appears KI has given us the answer with their announced plans to double the size of the waterpark and rename it Soak City. If they a truely spending $10 million on it I think they are the ones getting soaked. Supposedly it will be some 30 acres in size, but of course they already own the land.

Why would anyone want to pay the inflated prices for rooms at Great Wolf Lodge during the summer when the main attraction is an indoor waterpark? It has to be hot, smell to high-heaven with chlorine, etc.

It appears KI is intent on putting The Beach out of business. But why would I want to pay the admission price at KI to spend the day at the waterpark when I can get the same thing at The Beach for less money? People do strange things and amusement parks make strange decisions. Why does KI believe people will pay their admission just to get wet? I can go up to the Mason munincipal pools and get wet the entire year for about a one day admission to KI.