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The Beast wouldn't exist without The Racer since it probably wouldn't have been built if Kings Island wasn't as successful as it was in the early seventies. However, I have to go with The Beast here. The question is asking which had the most significance and, while The Racer was the start of the coaster boom, The Beast was the one who got it rolling by making parks strive for bigger and better. I don't think there was any coaster before The Beast that people had such a strong loyalty to, but now that designers are striving to create more unique and intense experiences there is a mountain of coasters with a huge fan bases and are renowned around the world. It's truly impressive how, even 40 years later, The Beast is gathering more and more loyal fans. Honestly I am one of them. The Beast is one of my favorite coasters. It's setting and temperament makes it one of the most memorable coaster I've ever ridden. Every ride has a different feel each time because every little thing can change the experience( the time of day, the time of year, the whether, if there is a breeze or not, how much you feel the trims, etc..). It's truly a special ride. Basically what I'm trying to say is, The Racer is a classic that helped kick started the modern coaster industry but The Beast is a legend that changed the industry forever.

I don't consider the building to be out of place, but I consider the usage to be out of place. As an arcade building, the placement is fine. As a Haunt building that's just a facade the rest of the time, a main midway building isn't exactly great. Dedicated buildings for Haunt attractions are fine, but I'd rather them be out of the way instead of taking perfectly good midway space. I don't mind Urgent Scare's use of Action Theater, because Action Theater is otherwise defunct and back behind a closed gate out of sight. I would like to see the former TRTR/Crypt building either demolished or put to proper use and the SoB station removed, both for aesthetic reasons, even if it means bringing back temporary outdoor structures for some of the Haunts. Edit: @Shaggy Even in the Skeeball Arcade, for at least the last two seasons it was actually an arcade, there was no Skeeball in there. There was a shooting gallery in the place of one of the former Skeeball rows, but a fairly generic looking one that didn't seem to get much attention.

I am not holding my breath this means anything significant. Although, a flat for family members waiting on Orion and FOF riders would be a nice addition.

Speaking of Kill Mart/the old Skeeball building. Out of curiosity, does KI still have Skeeball in any of the arcades? Its been at least 20 years since I've even been in one of the arcades at KI. It was a HUGE deal (once upon a time) at KI. You used have to wait in line to play sometimes. Side note - if they were ever to bring back a Fascintation Parlor, I'd never want to leave. For old schoolers, such as me, that game was more fun than I can even describe. There's VERY few left... but is, by far, my favorite "game" that I ever played at a park. Also, most parks have eliminated shooting galleries - which also used to draw a crowd. I've never understood why those sorts of things disappeared from KI - technology I guess - but they were very "activity and amusement" driven games that always drew people...and their money.

So we finally got to Kings Island. Everytime we planned on going in the past something would come up that would prevent us from going. We went Saturday the 24th. Thank goddess for Fast Lane! It was also our first experience with funpix. We have avoided parks this summer that required masks but with how chilly it was the mask was actually nice to keep the cold air off my face. We started the day off with Banshee. I have never met a B&M invert that I did not love..... Until this ride. The vest got tighter and tighter throughout the ride. I have been on all 5 coasters in America with the vest and they are not for me. It also had a vibration that I am not used to on inverts. I could see how the layout would be very good otherwise sadly. Next was The Bat. This was a very fun coaster. Good swinging. Way better then Iron Dragon which is my only other suspended coaster. Invertigo and Adventure Express opened late so headed over to The Racer. We did the blue and red side. I found it to be a pretty smooth ride given its age. Decent pops of air! Orion was next. My first ride was underwhelming. My later ride which was a fastlane walk on was better. It had warmed up and felt fast. Smoothest coaster in the park. Someone else said it best that it is a gentle giant. First drop is steeper than I anticipated. First drop and speed hill were best parts of the ride Backlot Stunt Coaster was the surprise hit of the day. That death delix out of the launch was great. This would be a perfect coaster for spinning cars Flight of Fear was fun. Launch was good. First cobra roll and ending corkscrew were great. Everything in the middle didn't do much. Rougher than other premier coasters that I have rode. But Banshee and Diamondback were also rougher than their counterparts so theme of the park lol Beast is a legend among gp and enthusiasts. A ride so big in lore, The world's longest wooden coaster. Broke every record out when it opened............Was not for me. Grouperut me on a rear wheel seat and I felt every bump and pothole. Between the trims, and rough ride and lack of any airtime this was a one and done for me. I can see how it could be fun with some drinks and a night ride but a midday sunny ride did not live up to the hype Mystic Timbers was my most anticipated ride in the park and it did not disappoint. Had a bunch of quick transitions and quick pops of airtime. I am torn between this and Orion as the best ride in the park. I am leaning towards Mystic though! Diamondback was fun. Grouper actually gave us back seat. Had a noticeable rattle but did not take away from the ride. Had that nice classic floater air these are known for. Third best ride in the park after Mystic and Orion. The hammerhead turn around felt more forceful then others I have ridden Adventure Express was a neat mind train. Liked the theming on the final chain lift Invertigo was fun. I used my SLC trick, I hold my head all the way forward out of the restraint to avoid any head banging. I am sure I look stupid but makes them good rides. I would say most forceful ride in the park Skyline chilli lived up to the hype. We had a 3 sample tasting card in our group. We tried pizza and cupcakes with the pizza being the better selection We walked away with way too much merch. Great Merchandise in this park. Sorry I had my phone in a locker most of the day so not a lot of pictures Very very very nice park. Easily in my top 3 Cedar Fair parks. I hope to return soon

The markers ran in an East-West direction. There was an additional marker east of Kill Mart by the antiques.

It has been open this year. It’s also interesting to note a few more markers were observed heading away from the building. Similar markers were seen prior to Woodstock Gliders and the Coney BarBQue projects.

I think if you're going off of 'significance on the amusement and theme park industry' I'd have to go with The Racer... I think a lot of people are answering different questions though...

someone in our group had a tasting card. I was impressed with the number of different places to eat at!

Racer is what sparked the first coaster wars. We wouldn't have twisted shivering or Mystic Timbers without The Racer

I really liked the park. It is right up there with Cedar Point and Carowinds. I wish I could of got more rides on Mystic Timbers. It had the longest Fast Lane line. It is easily one of the best GCI's I have ridden. The park had a really nice layout, great local and chain food options, great shady areas and nice large trees. I was very impressed with this park. Who ever has this park as a home park are lucky

New KICentral Youtube video from @DeltaFlyer.

The only arcade I tend to wander into is the main one in Coney Mall. Most recent being Winterfest last year. I mainly only venture in there when the lines are too insane to bear. To be honest, most of the games were well kept and there were some pretty modern games, and decent prizes, which honestly surprised me. Has the arcade in the building next to Beast been open this year, I haven't looked yet. Sorry if we're getting a little off topic, but the small stuff like this always intrigues me. You can have the greatest coasters and rides, but I always try to pay attention to the infrastructure and you can always tell a park cares and has self pride when everything is managed down to the smallest little thing.

I could see the building possibly being torn down to make way for something new in 2022, Kings Island’s 50th anniversary season. Whether it is a new restaurant, museum, throwback ride, or nothing at all going there, I could see a lot of attention being directed towards Coney Mall in 2022. I would also love for the Coney Mall sign to return and for The Racer to be repainted.

Reminds me of Supergirl at SFSTL. https://sf-static.sixflags.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/60707883_10155980575091916_5378046782628429824_o-owko2lrtil3a5ahfqdsv7f2w65nfo7yd4ep3r1hc80.jpg

Looks like an intense witches wheel

I think it could fit in most areas with the right Theme. Any flat fits Coney in general. Could easily get a flight test theme for Area 72, a logging/buzzsaw theme for Rivertown, or if we got the dark forest retheme many ask for for Action Zone it could have a windmill theme, AZ as is would accommodate any thrilling flat.

Hello I am a Steven and I am a coaster Junkie. I have been to 25 plus parks and Kings Island has always been my white whale. I am finally going in a few weeks and I am excited. For some reason this park is the one that gets dropped from larger trips. But hopefully this year that curse is over. I bought a flash pass so I should be able to have a good time. The only other new parks I have done this year were SFOT, Mt Olympus and Advnentureland Iowa! With my usual go to forum down for maintenance I stumbled across this community. Just wanted to welcome my self!

Thanks for sharing your experience! Orion takes 6 or 7 rides to get a good feel of it.

I found this on youtube this morning. I honestly want to see one of these somewhere in Coney Mall or on Oktoberfest with some German themeing. It would fit in Area 72 as well but I think some more intense flats should go in that area.

I absolutely agree. Here’s another idea, the spot could be used for Shake Rattle and Roll- allowing for more open land on the old Vortex site.

Convert the Crypt building into an attraction like SOARIN' AROUND THE WORLD 4K at EPCOT Disney World. Then change the experience for both Halloween Haunt and Winterfest.

There was a bridge over swan lake at one time, also one over the lake at the Biergarten Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree with this so much! Regarding wooden coasters, I don't know any other coaster that has been around for this long while remaining ever so popular. Especially compared with other coasters from the era, no other wooden coaster still draws in as much of a crowd at 41 years old other than The Beast. Sure there's El Toro, Lightning Rod, The Voyage, etc, but none of those have been around for nearly as long, and Beast stands out as something different. Instead of focusing on elements, it really feels as if it's an experience unlike no other, especially during a night ride.

I would have initially voted for The Racer, for most of the reasons listed in this thread, but this point about The Beast is what makes it the winner. for me The Beast made KI a destination, in the sense that people from around the country (world?) who otherwise wouldn't have been to KI, had to get there to check out The Beast. I'm not the historian many others on here are, especially when it comes to other parks. But how many other parks at the time had a ride as grandiose and magnificent as The Beast? What other parks/attractions would people have said "I have to visit this park just so I can experience this ride?" I'm sure there were others, but not many. KI dreamed big, took a huge swing, and built something most people wouldn't have ever conceived in their own imaginations. Doing it almost completely in-house just makes it even more impressive. I think it ultimately influenced how other parks thought about coasters. It changed the perception of what a coaster could be, in a way that led to bigger, faster, and more epic thrill rides. I'm biased, because I grew up as a kid in the 80s and early 90s, and The Beast always just had this aura. You could see the lift hills from various points in the park, and the paw prints leading you there meant The Beast was always in the back of your mind, whenever you were in the park. I still get chills and butterflies when I approach the queue to ride The Beast. So maybe those feelings warp my view of it. But I still think objectively, you can't deny the impact it had, simply due to its magnitude and uniqueness.

We are so happy GM Mike Koontz is doing this for the awesome Kings Island employees. https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2020/october/12-kings-island-associates-earn-over-the-top-awards-for-the-week-ending-october-18

I like to say that this is WindSeeker's taking its first fall without Vortex extra hard. After all, WindSeeker was paired with Vortex from its debut all the way through last year. Also, I was one of the lucky ones. It was cold, but the view was excellent.

I have to go with The Beast on this one. The trip through the terrain, especially on a clear, moonlit night, is a an experience that can't be equaled by anything or anywhere else. Even during the day, The Beast give you the sense that you really are running through the forest trying to get away from something. And with nothing but trees around you, that experience has worked incredible well for over 40 years. Don't get me wrong. The Racer is a historic, classic ride. It's a throwback to an classic coaster era that we will probably never see again. As others have pointed out, it spawned a number of great woodies of the era including two of my personal faves: Screamin' Eagle at SFSTL (also designed by Allen and, like The Beast, runs through some terrain) and the American Eagle at SFGAm (not designed by Allen, but a coaster 100% inspired by The Racer). We are fortunate KI continues to maintain these two historic rides. And love it or hate it, I would have put Vortex in that historic ride category. Let's hope neither The Beast nor The Racer ever meet the same fate.

I agree with you.

I think the area next/behind FoF's exit would be the most logical expansion point at this time as its already pretty open. They just have to add some path around the side of the building and you could easily fit in a flat or there depending on the style. Oktoberfest is still my primary area I'd like to see additions too. The main two rides I'd add would be either a teacups style ride or tilt a whirl themed to beer kegs for a "return" of Der Spinning Keggers. Also I would add some form of Skywarp attraction from Skyline as an homage to Bayern Kurve.

My main question with adding new rides to A72 is where would they place them? Would they remove the Maintenance buildings or open up the area on the left side of A72 near FOF's exit?

That coaster in my pic is the Monster at Adventureland. We went there labor day weekend. I am really looking forward to Mystic Timbers! That would be top of my list. Fury 325 is my number 2 coaster so I am also looking forward to Orion. If it is even half as good as Fury then I will be thrilled! I love B&M inverts but hate the wing vest restraints so I am very curious to see how that relates, Banshees layout looks very good. Montu is my favorite invert and they look very similar. Invertigo looks fun. That will be my first inverted boomerang. Adventure Express looks neat. I will not be able to exprience The Beast at night so that is sad. I was supposed to go to Kings Island last year on the final day of Vortex's operation. My flight had a break down and I did not make it. I am hoping that Diamondback is better then Ragin Bull and Intimidator at Carowinds. I do not expect it to be as good as Mako. This has been such a bucket list park for me . I am very excited

Yup already bought it online!

I'm currently on day 2 marathoning the heck outta Hades 360. 8 rides yesterday. 11 and counting today. Went to the Pizza Pub across the street last night on my birthday. Got draft beer all night free and got to keep the mug too. My chicken parmesan was real good and he threw in a slice of chocolate cake for free. Editing this to say I rode it 20 times today in 6 hours and called it a day.

You realize, a petition can get a billion signatures and it probably won’t change the mask protocol and other safety measures at the park. They are doing what is in the best interest of the guests and employees. We can debate this all day long, but as of right now this is the policy in place. Do I have any desire to wear a mask at the park? Absolutely not. Do I know that it is the right thing to do for my safety and others while at the park? Very much so. For that alone, wearing a mask is a small thing to do to help protect me and others.

I said this a couple of days ago, but I was vehemently against wearing a mask at KI...and then the protests happened and more and more science is coming out showing outdoor activities with masks may be safe, and now I don't think I'd go without them having the rule in place.

And we agree! I'd put it closer to about 15%.

local parks that have been around for generations that started as trolly parks. I wish Ohio's trolly parks stayed around longer, but there are very specific reasons these parks closed.