CoasterJack

While I know many people who do want a new large coaster, I also know countless families that have enjoyed the new flat rides, and Soap Box Racer. In fact I feel like not too long ago quite a few members on here were begging for a large new flat ride package. While I agree they shouldn't completely avoid coasters, I do think they help round out the park. I've ran into countless friends in line for the Cargo Barrels, quite a few like the Antique Cars, and Soap Box Racers only adds another thing to our great kids area. As much as the camp snoop refresh was disappointing, it still runs circles around most other areas in the chain outside of maybe Knotts. I do agree that KI deserves better in terms of another large investment, but it's not like they're not spending money on the park. Sometimes I think we forget all the little improvements and renovations. They recently redid jukebox and chicken shack with new kitchen equipment. The lazy river concrete work and Mondo Monsoon pump room wasn't cheap either, or the bathroom renovations, new ice cream stand, new Action Zone drink stand or even the bars (as much as I don't like them, they are infrastructure). From what I've talked about with Mr. Koontz, I think he chooses to spend more of the budget on park infrastructure and improvements, as well as staffing compared to similar counterparts in the chain. And while this might eat into the new attraction budget, and we've had other entertainment slashed, I do trust the park management has good intentions on running the park at the best level they can given their resources. Though I do worry how much more corporate will continue to slash at their budget down the road, will we see the drones and fireworks reduced to weekends, less haunt and winterfest changes, less staffing, etc. KI has killer pass revenue, and I wish more would go back into the park

Personally I think a multi-launch roller coaster would be a great fit in The Vortex plot of land, something similar to Pantheon, but a lot of enthusiasts seem to want something similar to a ride called Voltron at another park called Europa Park in Germany. But I also think more indoor attractions would serve the park well in order to allow the park to better serve guests on days with inclement weather, as well as Winterfest as the temperature drops. Another indoor roller coaster like the Mummy from Universal, or a new dark ride would be incredible.

Here are some graphics from their presentation when talking about long term goals and objectives

I'd have to agree as well. Over my past few Haunt visits this season, the park really has been running well. Full scare mazes, quick operates on most of the coasters, decently quick food service and a good amount of Fog. Definitely an inprovement in my books over the past few years. Plus I'm really enjoying the new cornered maze layout

Something even similar to Voltron but themed to something retro with a Batwing near the path sounds like a dream come true

Unsure, all I could see was that it's $650,000 worth of renovations, so they're at least investing some decent capital. Similar to the new Mondo Monsoon pump room being installed that ran a cool $1,250,000

I'm incredibly suprised WindSeeker is running on a day like today

Enterprise also sponsor's the people mover since it was dropped by Alamo. I think as long as it's not every single ride and a barrage of adverts, it's fine to have a few of there larger attractions, such as Tron, Test Track, etc. sponsored, especially if it's something guests frequently talk about Back in the day RCA paid for pretty much half the build cost of Space Mountain at WDW, about $10M, which is insane for a sponsorship.

Very true. I think I've said before but done right sponsorships can benefit parks, especially when covering a new ride expense. Like let's say KI builds a peanuts dark ride, what if they cover $1-2 million in expenses by having the ride presented or sponsored by P&G. No tacky ride car vinyl wraps, but like their name under the sign enterance, and at the end of the ride as you exit there's Pig Pen washing his clothes using Tide with an cute animatronic promoting their products. Nothing super flashy, but enough to warrant P&G being willing to cover part of the ride construction or maintenace. Then at the end of the contract the company either renews or drops, either way if this is able to expand the ride budget slightly I'm all for it. A run away mine car coaster in the Crypt building, presented by Kroger, maybe a small display at the exit featuring the kroger people running with shopping carts from a temple boulder chasing them, promoting Kroger delivery instead of "adventuring to the store". I think over the course of lets say 5-10 years, let's say 1-1.5 million people ride, or at least see the sign per year. That's 10 million people, would warrant at least a decent amount of companies willing to put some $$$ towards something. Anyways, rant over...

Hmmmm, part of me sees this as a great way to display wait times like they did a few years ago, or promote shows, special events, food items, etc. On the other hand, this seems like prime Six Flags advertising space. Tricks and Treats sponsored by Snickers

Couldn't agree more. All the greatest attractions in the world wouldn't mean much if it wasn't for the amazing people running them. This goes for some great interactions I've had with food service staff as well. None of them can control the crowd levels or the situations that arise throughout the day, but some recent visits to other parks has made me realize how lucky we are with our staff. Now if only a certain company could realize people are there greatest assets... Here's to an amazing Haunt and Winterfest season. Looking forward to some festive decor and testing over the next few weeks

My guess would be the stress isn't nearly as high on the Thundervolt trains compared to TT2 considering the speeds the train travels

Visited Chicken Shack early June and my chicken sandwhich was soggy in the wrapper and left a bad impression of the new quick service set up. However visited there again during the last week of July and happy to report a much better, cripsy sandwhich. In fact with a lot of fries it was one of the better experinces I've had in a while. Also had a visit to Coney BBQ today and can confirm recieved a ton of Mac & Cheese as well as pulled pork, was not able to even finish it all!

First off thank you for sharing. I agree with Kenban above. Obviously the whole thing is a terrible situation mostly outside of the control of the park. However doesn't that the park couldn't make better light of it in certain situations. Agreed that an updated statement assuring people the ride was properly inspected, out of the park's control, etc. As park PR, you want to setting as much straight as you can legally, as it prevents customers from being deterred from wild stories. My friend from California even mentioned that from the national ABC story he read, it was based off exclusively by witnessed and a "supposed park employee". That's not the fault of the whistle blower, that's fault on the park for not clearly things up sooner. I understand you can't report everything to the news stations for legal reasons , but also they can't be doing the bare minimum every time. Again, I'm sorry you've had to go through all of this, and it sounds like it's been a rough enviroment for a lot of the PR team at KI, as well as members of some other departments . It sucks to be damage control, man I understand the mental load can be mind shattering, especially when covering up a truly tragic incident, it feels terrible. Even if Chad was recieving critisim from higher up, still shouldn't be dishing it out to the entire team like that, sounds very unprofessional and something like that wouldn't stand one bit where I come from. This takes courage. I wish you the best in finding a position elsewhere, it seems like you have a great work ethic and most of all a very strong moral judgement. Sounds to me like the park could be using a whole lot more people like you, less like a certain other representative.

Still two train operations today, after 7 consecutive rides plus a few more sprinkled in, can say the squeaky swinging motion and loose seat are gone. Even got three zen rides, lol

Can confirm, was there last night and spoke to a ride mechanic on the way out. One of them is down for maintenance, but he didn't clarify anymore. Rode it May 3rd on the train down for maintenance, my seat was loose and the back car sounded like nails on a chalkboard whenever it swung side to side, so I assume they might be addressing some issues with the second train.

I'd love a dark ride sooner don't get me wrong. Always looking for something else to do when rain and bad weather hits. Also acts as another Winterfest crowd pleaser.

See I'm thinking 2025 is some water park work, 2026 is the survey ride, and then 2027/2028 is a dark ride. But we'll have to see, that's the fun part of speculating

if we even got a Voltron clone..., I'd be over the moon

I received this as well, but figured I wouldn't be the one to leak it. To me the indoor/outdoor rollercoaster sounds like the best concept to me, especially if it makes use of the tomb raider building. Done right, it could really be a stand out attraction. They threw in a Revenge of the Mummy ride photo from universal. Something even close to that would be awesome. With the right theming and a switch track or drop track, this really would be something KI would benefit from. I also like the idea of the multi-launch family coaster, but to me it just resembles a larger version of Soap Box Racers. I would also rather not have another shuttle. It works fine for a shorter layout, but not for something that size, for a park with the volume of KI. KI could have two gigas , I love Yukon striker, but I just feel we have better gaps in our lineup to be filled than a dive

Saw this on reddit today, gave me a good laugh. Clearly we're not the only ones https://www.reddit.com/r/rollercoasterjerk/comments/1cb7l6z/what_else_do_you_think_theyll_charge_for_this/

My guess is it's for the new single Fast Lane kiosks too, otherwise you could easily photocopy or edit what they disperse. There was a new kiosk thing over by Diamondback

Today would be an unfortunate day to rent out the park. I don't think half the rollercoasters can run yet due to the temperatures, with a high of 51 later too, but also it's probably more familys so the flat rides will probably be alright for the time being

Chad doesn't look pleased

Fastlane scanners and digital wait time signs are now present outside of rides. They look quite nice