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That is my childhood in the ground.

Was the kangaroo in an Outback? Terp, with Subaru on his mind....

They punch the lanyard when you go through each maze. You also get a bonus extra maze of your choice.

I also went on Friday night. I had 2 people bail on me so I went by myself. The Beast was running great on Friday. After the long straightaway but before the 2nd tunnel it really picked up speed. Had a bunch of fun and tried out the iPhone 6 camera.

My really tall 6 1/2 year old who won't normally ride any of the kid rides or linger in that area longer than it takes to get a blue icecream because "it's for babies <insert dramatic eye roll>" went to this yesterday with my mom. I had my doubts that she would like it because it was geared towards little kids, but she LOVED it. She talked about it all last night and this morning and said it was the best time she ever had at King's Island. I was planning to take her next Friday night for some night rides on the coasters but now she only wants to go on Sundays instead so she can play games and ride ponies for $1. Now I'm excited to go check it out too!

I'm willing to bet money that it'll be this... Photo courtesy Pixar-Planet.fr Why? It's a small, cheap addition that can be constructed relatively quick and is easily marketable. Plus it'd fit well, branching off from Toy Story Midway Mania.

So I guess, earlier in the day, it was open to Toyota employees: And that crowd seemed to be building up just a bit when we arrived. but after some waiting the gates opened and we headed into the park. And we decided to purchase some frightlane! And then off to to our first haunt [Razmataz's first ever], Carn-Evil. Pretty good fun, some good scares, and the mirrors. God, I hate the mirrors. Always come out of that one laughing! 8/10 Then we waited inline for some thrills on Diamondback while the sunset. Then by the time we got off of that Beautiful B&M, it was dark and we set off for Tomb Stone Terror-tory. Which, even ontop of the pun, is one of my favorites. I love taking the train back, because who doesn't love trains? And then having to jump back in sheer terror as a bandit decides to whack the train for some reason! We made out way back through the eerie forest... Loved it! 9/10 Then we headed to Madam Fatals Cavern of Terror, which I enjoyed quite a bit, it was our first haunt to use the really cool special feature with the Skeleton key, and got a little something special. I love this haunt, you sit there trying to tell whether or not they're real, but it really doesn't matter because they're going to get you, and you're going to scream! 9/10 Then it was on to the new Slaughter house, by The Beast. This one too has a Skeleton key room, and was by far my favorite of the 5 with the special feature. Then we went onto Urgent Scare, which was pretty fun, however the Skeleton Key room Then onto the new one, Killmart, which was actually pretty good.[url=https://flic.kr/p/pm86oD][/ and you must run through the store to escape the evil. Great haunt. 8/10 and then head through a party crazed house with some scares here and there. 6/10 Then we stood in a half hour line to get an Aunt Annie's Pretzel before we went through Corn Stalkers. I loved Corn Stalkers from last year, traveling through, what seemed the most mid-west-ish haunt and the scare did a pretty good job scaring, me because I thought I was seeing a decline in scares, but they brought it back. Oh and that swing... that swing... 9/10 Then onto Club Blood, which I found so so, too short, etc. 4.5/10. We then went to go watch Blood Drums which I like, and was pretty entertaining, I'm glad they keep these shows going, very enjoyable. And then off to the last one, Wolf Pack, pretty good, some good scares, good hiding places, but at this point I was already pooped and didn't have as much emotion or reaction so when it was over we got a first nigth ride on Banshee and went home.

That's the pic I got of the kangaroo. I assume he spends most of the time in his little tote bag. There were also miniature horses, donkeys, I think pot bellied pigs, llamas and alpacas as were already mentioned, guinea pigs, rabbits (that were taking some time away from petting in a non-reachable cage), sheep, a camel, a big tortoise (couldn't be petted), ducks and geese, fancy chickens, a small bovine of some type (don't know if it was a young ordinary cow or special breed or what), and a capybara that was hunkered down in the exact center of its enclosure to be sure it wasn't touched.

^ There are kangaroos in Kings Island's water park, and you're excited about some stinking goats? Who are you, and what have you done with BB1?!

That is correct!

My selfies make me think I probably spend most of my time at KI frightening young children I enjoyed the petting zoo, too. The waterpark was also where I happened upon the KI Five. I was definitely glad I checked it out.

Yesterday we went to the Snoopy's Halloween Party. The youngest in our group was 17. I loved the petting zoo. The goats really like to try to escape (my daughter calls them her escape goats). There are several animals including a very lazy (but adorable) kangaroo that lounged in a bag. It is definitely worth going over to check out, especially if you have younger children. The goat is somewhat agreeable to having selfies taken.

Disney has not yet leveraged their Star Wars ownership to any measurable degree. That's going to happen before much else. No matter what, it's GREAT to see movement in Orlando. Finally, something. New Fantasyland is a great addition. Each park deserves something of that caliber or MORE. Epcot and Studios could each do with billion dollar re-builds if we're being honest. Hopefully this (and Maelstrom's unfortunate closing) signal a start of investment. At this point, it's needed.

Then in theory, you could only count FoF one time, no matter where you rode it, or any other cloned rides anywhere else right? I mean its the same track layout just in different place..... For me, same track LAYOUT =/= same ride (IE, clones). Same track (as in, literally the EXACT same structure) == the same ride, even after relocation or a change in trains (IE, X-Flight and Firehawk are one credit no matter where it was ridden). Racing coasters are one credit. Dueling coasters... I'll have to think about. Never ridden one, so it doesn't matter to me right now. IF the Hartland makes it to 2016, Stella and Lola will likely be my first dueling coaster(s). Would any of you two-credit people consider the Kennywood Racer as two coasters? Would Voyage be a new credit if the Timberliners had worked out? Heck, let's say T3 opens next year with Vekoma's new trains with the vest restraints a la Fly - The Great Nor'easter. Would you count T2 and T3 separately? I wouldn't. At the end of the day, there's no right or wrong. How YOU count it (or don't) is up to YOU. Just remember that if you and a friend were to compare your coaster counts, an agreement should probably be made as to how you will count them. Timberliners wouldn't be a new credit because you are still in the same riding position. No one has (comfortably) sat down on Mantis before. Changing it to floorless is completely changing the whole ride (from unbearable to enjoyable, presumably). Would Sheikra count as two when it changed from standard dive trains to floorless? No, because you are still in the same position. Just my two cents. I couldn't care less about credits. I guess that makes me a credit nun?

Has anyone here used an on-screen barcode from their phone to enter a Cedar Fair park? I'm curious because these sorts of things intrigue me. I'm not sure if Kings Island allows admissions through such a means, but I'd certainly use the technology if they do. Before you say "call the park", don't worry, I'll probably ask in person next time I'm there. I'm just curious if anyone has any anecdotal experience with this. Oddly enough, at least one park in the chain has iOS Passbook integration, though I never tried because on that trip, my phone didn't get turned on unless there was Wi-Fi because international data roaming charges are not fun. Truth be told, they may all do that. Canada's Wonderland is the only Cedar Fair park I've ever purchased a day ticket for within the last 4 seasons, and the ticket wasn't even for me. I had a Platinum Pass. Though the scanners at the turnstiles at Kings Island are of the flatbed variety, and those do not play very nicely with barcodes on cell phone screens. (Barcode not blurred out because the ticket has already been used and I'm lazy ) Now, if the park supported NFC payments, that would be sweet. I could leave my wallet in the car! (And yes, Terp, we know that not everyone brings a cell phone in parks. But some of us DO, and for us, this would still be cool) I know that my other amusement park season pass cannot be used in this way, however, as Kentucky Kingdom passes feature the passholder's picture on the card itself, and it does not appear on a monitor at the gate. I'm sure they wouldn't be too keen on that unless they had their own app for such a purpose.

Waiting for Superman by Daughtry is probably my favorite song to hear at KI. I love it when that song comes on! Other good songs include "Battleships" (also Daughtry), "My Kind of Love" (Emeli Sande), "Lessons in Love" (Neon Trees), "Best Song Ever" (One Direction), "La La La" (Sam Smith/Naughty Boy), "Brave" (Sara Barillies) and "Love Runs Out" (OneRepublic); "That's what makes you Beautiful" (One Direction) was one of my favorites last season. I'm sure there are lots of other great songs that haven't been mentioned. As for songs that remind me of KI that aren't necessarily played at the park, I've been playing "Crank it like a Chainsaw" and "Zombie" by Family Force 5 to get pumped for Haunt. I started doing this last season while driving to the park for my Haunt shifts. I even have a Haunt Mix on my phone that includes the two aforementioned songs plus "Freakshow" and "Not Gonna Die" by Skillet and "We are Machines", which is a song from last season's Blood Drums.

I'd go with Happy by Pharrel as well. My daughter and I were in the car the other day and Kokomo by Beach Boys came on, she got excited and yelled "daddy! It's the song from the train at Kings Island!"

I wondered why that one pen just had a bag in it. I didn't look inside.... I'll need to go back. I tried to pet the turkey but it bit me!

The goats kept getting out. Not trying to escape... just approaching people so they'd pet them.

There's a llama...llama llama llama duck! And my youngest nephew is going to freak when we go. In the good way.

If you're getting Fright Lane anyway then yes - definitely!

I'll do it if you can come on 10/3. See the meetup section. A certain person who posts here will be glad to hear that!

Sorry to double post but here is Princess Sparkles and the alpaca or llama. I know there is a difference. Her new found friend appears to be smiling.

No Sam The Butcher was not out front of Slaughter. I happen to know the tall long haired freak and he has to much respect for his buddy Sam to ever try to take that name. I did here that guy has a big mouth and loves to hear himself talk.

^ I will have to get Katie to send me her selfie of her and the llama (or alpaca?)

New experience, new credit.

I've been fortunate to be bombed on that "boat" twice...sad to see it go. That said, it was/is getting tired, and that park is ripe for expansion/something new.

Anyone renewing a gold/platinum season pass can get it free on one Sunday this fall, likely explaining the relative length of those lines.

^As much as I'd love to see Radiator Springs at DHS, I highly doubt it'll get the green light with current management and their penny-pinching methods.

Then in theory, you could only count FoF one time, no matter where you rode it, or any other cloned rides anywhere else right? I mean its the same track layout just in different place..... For me, same track LAYOUT =/= same ride (IE, clones). Same track (as in, literally the EXACT same structure) == the same ride, even after relocation or a change in trains (IE, X-Flight and Firehawk are one credit no matter where it was ridden). Racing coasters are one credit. Dueling coasters... I'll have to think about. Never ridden one, so it doesn't matter to me right now. IF the Hartland makes it to 2016, Stella and Lola will likely be my first dueling coaster(s). Would any of you two-credit people consider the Kennywood Racer as two coasters? Would Voyage be a new credit if the Timberliners had worked out? Heck, let's say T3 opens next year with Vekoma's new trains with the vest restraints a la Fly - The Great Nor'easter. Would you count T2 and T3 separately? I wouldn't. At the end of the day, there's no right or wrong. How YOU count it (or don't) is up to YOU. Just remember that if you and a friend were to compare your coaster counts, an agreement should probably be made as to how you will count them.

The videographer's favorite wave pool is... as Holiday World!

"Let's wait in line to get the boys racked one more time..."

Yeah, I'm bored so I made this have a silly title... Last night I went to Haunt - I took off Friday nights from work so I could do so - and I am so excited to go again! First of all: I say this every year, but since it was the first night, nothing scared me...at all. I rarely flinched. But, the mazes have a lot of potential this year. Within an hour, we knocked off Delta Delta Die, KillMart, Urgent Scare, and Slaughterhouse. The longest we waited was five minutes. Delta Delta Die really didn't impress me too much. The last time I did it was when it was Massacre Manor, and they changed nothing except for the theme, which was meh. KillMart has a LOT of potential. There are so many good hiding spots for scare actors (except none of them utilized it very well). My favorite part is the giant pillow pet...watch out for what's under there! This is that one maze that is just really funny and interesting, not scary. Urgent Scare is the same old same old. Slaughterhouse disappointed me greatly. Being the "biggest" maze, it sure didn't feel like it. There were no attempts at scares and in the infamous black tarp thingy, there was nobody! After a few rides on Banshee and Diamondback, we knocked out Club Blood (stupid like usual). As it got darker, we did Tombstone Terror-Tory, Board to Death, CarnEVIL and Madame Fatale's to close out the night. So, all in all, we did every maze except CornStalkers and Wolf Pack, along with a night ride on The Beast. Highs of the night: KillMart's awesome theme. A lot of detail put into it. Definitely the best at KI and on par with Dent Schoolhouse props and setting. Madame Fatale's is really cool. I love looking up to see the large space that once was used for The Crypt. That's it. No joke, that's it. Lows of the night: Lack of scare actors. Yes, I know, first night. It will get much better as the season goes on. I feel like most of the mazes were somewhat cheap and badly done. I didn't notice it last year, but CarnEVIL is just not good anymore. It's too bright, the clowns didn't blend in at all, and even the whole mirror maze part was not used to scare. Boo! Board to Death consists mostly of large curtains with domino patterns, a deck of cards, etc. Not many big sets. Delta Delta Die is just Massacre Manor but with drunk college girls and beer cans laying around all over the place. You get the point. Roaming actors; very nonexistent. Instead of trying to scare people, most of them just menacingly walked around and blowing on people's necks. Whoa, that's just downright evil. "Nightmare Alley" had no actors at all. But I have to give props to the amazing detail; wow, eyeballs hanging from trees?! No fog or Haunt surprises on The Beast. The guy at the front by the fountains usually does such a good job but he didn't talk too much last night. Overall decorations. There are not many and there's mostly just hay and scarecrows. I'm not being a Debbie Downer. Haunt is still an awesome part of Kings Island and last night was still fun. But it just seems poorly set up and very cheap. I think they spent the most time doing KillMart and didn't even worry about anything else! Still, I see plenty of potential for later this year. I will be back, of course...and working tonight for it!

My family went on opening night. I was a bit surprised that the attendance seemed to be a bit "down" from previous years. It did pick up a bit once darkness set in. Overall, it was a good experience.

Right Now - Van Halen

Goats? I have to go to this, they have the goats. *Totes me goats!* -Yes, I know I should be more excited for the joeys, but the goats!

I love goats. I approached one, who was really excited about my outstretched hand until he realized there was no food in it. Then he totally snubbed me. Guess he didn't want petting. Next time I'll remember to have some cash for goat food. I had already spent the ones I had on me on games before wandering over Sunday.

Must resist line about goats having professional courtesy for old goats....

Yes it was. You missed me making friends with the goat though. I don't know how I was lucky enough for none of you to witness it. it was a shining moment for me though.

Mr. Jdawg1998, What are you talking about? I found this year's event to be fantastic. Especially around midnight the actors were so full of energy and really got into it. Nightmare Alley was easily the highlight of the night. But, I found Killmart's theme and design to be terrible. I may not have ever met you before, but I can already tell we have completely different views and opinions on things. Sincerely, Mr. CoasterGeek101.

Halloween Haunt needs a mascot/icon that gets its own house as well....I like the Caretaker at the gate. He's fun but I don't hang out at the gate for long. But maybe the "King's" Island Creative team can whip up an overseer and a house that changes every couple of seasons to accommodate a series of phobias....Maybe a mad doctor....I'll call him Dr. Phear...who has the cure for all of your fears. First year spiders...next year snakes....etc. Or maybe each year an icon from one pf the houses....like Sam the Butcher one year or (maybe a clown from Carnevil)...heck this year Banshee should have popped up all over the park in houses and zones.

B&M can keep their hands well off of Mr. Toomer's babies, thanks.

Ha ha ha. Riiiiiight.

Complimentary fun guide from 1981 Sent from my iPhone using Taptalk

And I'm sure if they did, the park and Cedar Fair wouldn't have attorneys represent them, right? Terp, who likes to ask questions.

This is what happens when you allow attorneys to take over the country. Of course I'm sure these same attorneys wouldn't consider suing Kings Island if they had let him ride and he would've got seriously hurt right?

Paging Terp The three ?'s begs for it! Yes. Some people will be at the park Saturday!

^

As I have stated here before, I went to Kentucky Kingdom 33 times in 1998, and I lived three and a half hours away. I, too, want Kentucky Kingdom to succeed. That being said, I think this latest effort is nothing more than a political stunt on one side, and an attempt to make a fortune by selling out the park (again) on the other. Both sides have long histories of this. One definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result: * The location hasn't changed. * The politics of having to deal with the Fair Boatd hasn't changed. * The undercapitalization hasn't changed. * The poor operations hasn't changed. * The poor marketing hasn't changed. What has: * The park business has gotten a whole lot tougher. * People have less disposable income. * School calendars are much less favorable. * Expenses, including labor and insurance, have risen dramatically. * The park has gotten a bad safety reputation, largely from the Six Flags Drop Tower incident (so new management installs one!?!) * The new park's lender, the ONLY one willing to lend for the park (and even it refused to lend the requested amount, this WITH the loan backed by the Commonwealth owned park real estate--a luxury Six Flags never had here) is being sold to a large out of state bank--likely taking prospects of future additional finacimg with it. What may change: - With the Kentucky Kingdom reopening being very politically unpopular in rural Kentucky, there is a good chance it will be a central political issue in the 2015 Kentucky Governor's race, plus those for state house and senate seats. If the Democrats lose, it may be watch while Katy bars the Kingdom doors...

I'm developing a knitting pattern to make a hat for myself. It will have a cable running around my head that looks like a roller coaster. What I think will really sell it as a coaster is if I can get a small pin that looks like a coaster car or train that I can attach next to the "track." It's driving me crazy that I can't just go to KI and look in the shops for myself to see if such a thing is available. I know I've seen small enameled tack pins for sale, but haven't paid enough attention to know if there is anything like what I want. I also haven't quite been able to find something representational of a roller coaster car or train online (at least nothing that doesn't also have a track as part of the design). I may end up needing to use a pin of an automobile or train engine instead. This is the sample I've been working out my pattern on, it's not the final color or anything, but gives an idea. The lizard pin is standing in for the coaster pin I want.