To the fellow who asked about Curse of the DarKastle, I enjoyed that attraction quite a bit when I re-visited BGW last year. I was very impressed with Busch's attempt to replicate IOA’s Spider-Man. I do think they fell short in the attempt, but the ride is well done, fun, and worth your time.
Oh, and by the way, Robert, I was really looking forward to re-riding Loch Ness last year after a near 20 year absence, and honestly, my memories of the ride were much better than the reality! However, it is my 9 year old son's favorite coaster to date, so I totally concur with your sentiments about slowly bringing the kids along and not just forcing them on the biggest, baddest coaster you can find! ;)
I do miss Screamin' Demon. I remember climbing up and down the stairs over and over. This was a platform coaster. Down a hill, loop, up a hill, then do it in reverse, done!
Cobra - ahhh, my first ever stand up coaster including a loop and helix at the end. Too short, but fun!
Safari - well, the parts of it are at Jungle Jim's International Market in Fairfield, OH - an adventure all its own.
I would give a mention to history that's still there. The Racer is a classic out-and-back that feature two mirror tracks that "race". It was honored with by ACE a few years ago.
Perhaps you should point out that the game Greg Brady played trying to pick up on that groovy Cincinnati girl is still there in Coney Island. The throw the football through the receiver's arms game.
The de-theming of the Cedar Fair parks are sad. However, Paramount was already removing a lot of the character of the Kings parks before Cedar got involved. While Volcano is a solid coaster, I will always mourn the removal of the Haunted River and Smurf Mountain at Dominion.
I agree with James that The Loch Ness Monster has a better memory than reality. The tunnel effects no longer exist and the coaster has slowed down and become more bumpy with age. However, it is still a great first coaster for the kids and it may be the most photogenic coaster on the planet.
Robert, can you try to find out any info on the rumored removal of The Big Bad Wolf? The Wolf is another great family coaster and I would prefer to see it updated instead of removed. It is perfectly integrated into the unique landscape of BGW and, like Loch Ness, is a classic.
And just to clarify my previous comment (and to keep my Theme Over Thrills Club membership intact), while I do indeed love a 200 ft drop and 75 mph helix, I would trade any coaster at my local Cedar Fair park, Worlds of Fun, for Expedition Everest (DAK) or Revenge of the Mummy (USF), without a second thought.
It's too bad that you didn't get the front seat. That's the money seat. Robert you have totally dated yourself with your reference to The Bat and Screamin Demon, and Natalie...welcome to the dark side. The Beast has a way of doing that.
Raul, I would cry if Big Bad Wolf was removed. Were it not for the near dead stop in the middle of the ride, before the final drop, that coaster would absolutely make a run for best ride in the park. And the low height requirement (42") makes it the best (and only) whole-family coaster at BGW. I would hate to see it go.
The original theming of KI was such an obvious Disneyland rip-off (with a Coney Island-style addendum - hey, KI beat DCA to the punch!), that I'd have been happy with KI going in a new direction. But there's no consistency or flow to what's been done over the years.
Overall, I'd have to say that KI's better park for thrill fans today than it was when I was a kid. But in other respects, it's still lacking.
One *big* one I do want to bring up is food. Sorry, TPI readers, but I have got to smack y'all down for the 9s (!) you've given to LaRosa's and Skyline.
You. Have. To. Be. Kidding. Me.
I don't know how LaRosa's is outside the park, but here it's barely a step above frozen pizza quality. And the prices are just ridiculous. I thought it pretty weak, overall.
As for Skyline, I didn't grow up with it, so I'm just not used to sweet chili that tastes like cinnamon. But hiding the stuff under two inches of cheese doesn't exactly express confidence in the taste of one's chili. If you're a Cincy native with a hankering for the stuff, I could see going as high as a 7. But for anyone else, it's a 4 - tops.
Under no circumstances should counter service joints be getting a 9. C'mon, folks.
On the food topic, does anyone else remember when there was restaurant above the main entrance? I never ate there, but remember that one was up there and I'm curious.
Here are some photos of the former International Street Restaurant
I am interested on how you thought the roller coaster was too smooth. Two of my favorites, Krakken of SWO and Raging Bull of SFGA are both very smooth and more for the sweeping and dropping element than inversions (ok Krakken has a few). I think its the up and down that lets you see the whole park that makes it so great. Did it give good views?
I have to agree about the counter service remark. I don't think any theme park food, including the fare at renowned locations like Epcot, should get anything above an 8 (maybe a 9 if the service and surroundings are exceptional). It's theme park food. Mass-produced and shoveled out.
Theme park hotel food, contrarily, can be excellent.
You know what I miss most at King's Island? It's another type of Voyage. THE ENCHANTED VOYAGE! That boat ride was pure magic. It was replaced over the years by other dark rides; first the Smurf boat ride (laid right on top the Enchanted Voyage), then the fairly cool Phantom Theater and finally Scooby Doo and the Haunted Castle. The Scooby Doo interactive ride is cool (I love the Castle facade), but nothing will ever replace the Enchanted Voyage.
Laurie reminds me that I should give props to the Starbucks on International Street, which she reports has made the best latte she's had in the Cincinnati area. She's a coffee freak, and always tries to order a vanilla latte with one-and-a-half shots of espresso. She said that not only did the KI Bucks people not look at her funny, they nailed the order. So there ya go.
The Skyline thing pains me a bit, because I like to endorse local food options around the country. But I just can't reconcile the taste of that chili with anything they serve it with - hot dogs, spaghetti and especially cheese. Perhaps if I could get a small cup of it, plain, I might be able to appreciate it. But I am past wanting to try. For folks who grew up with it, or who like massive quantities of cheese... enjoy. It's all yours.
As for Diamondback, I say you MUST ride in the very back of the train. That makes for a much different & much more intense ride experience. I personally prefer coasters that aren't as smooth as glass, but the force and the airtime delivered in the backseat of Diamondback won me over.
Good report, but a minor correction is in order -- the Eiffel Tower is a one-third scale replica (this was a question on the Ride Warriors scavenger hunt earlier this season).
And while Diamondback isn't as eye-watering as Apollo's Chariot, it DOES have more air time. I'm guessing you had the lap restraint too tight. The trick is to keep it three fingers loose, then you'll feel the rise out of your seat over each of the hills. And sit in an even-numbered row -- those are outside seats, allowing you an unobstructed view of NOTHING on the side but air. Flap your arms like a birdie!
I've been blessed to be able to try many different parks, so I appreciate another point of view on some of those I've visited. I just wish I had a gimmick to make the trips tax deductable like you...
Oh, and Kaycee -- PM me an address and I'll mail you a few cans of Skyline Chili!
I really want to ride Diamondback now, after reading.