Outdoor Man

I could see 2020 having the area mostly just cleared. 2021 having the elements of what the pedestrian traffic flow will be and maybe a flat as well as future expansion infastructure. Then, 2022 introducing 'next.' A watchful eye at iaapa a few months ago may have spotted CF folks at the Jack Rouse booth. Not saying that happened... This was the first year in the last 4 I didn't go. But they design environments and I'm thinking that footprint will become an environment.

wow. looks like they administered some Windex to the webcam.

doesn't curiosity count for anything???????????, and my constitutional right to know?

hmmm. Vortex barley... that sounds gross.

so... will there be a beach this summer? I hear conflicting reports and there's nothing on the website or FB page to indicate one way or the other.

I would think they'd solve a lot of headaches by positioning a camera squarely over the action. I can about guarantee unauthorized drone fly-overs or even borderline-trespassing may take place to grab a photo.

Not sure why they would move the webcam away- mourners could just view from the website as opposed to terrible attempts, and at times, questionable tactics. Seems like they would just leave it where it was for the duration, but who am I?

for the most part it seems like Winterfest was well attended this year- perhaps more than the first two?

didn't make it to New Years eve. What were the crowds like?

It looks more like some idiots took liberty to kick in a few railings to grab their own souvenirs than actual deconstruction.

I think its a safe assumption that it's days were numbered, BUT- this wasn't the anticipated timing.

only to say that Vortex won't be "dismantled" and demo last long enough to have a reverse construction map

My best attempt at a Mike Baxter Vlog entry. You know what one of the best Christmas-time jobs is? No, I’m not talking about the corner Walmart Santa- I mean, who would want hundreds of snot-nosed kids sitting on your lap telling you all of the multi-hundred dollar things they want that their parents will never buy? I’m talking about the theme park Christmas show cast. Years from now kids will forget the giant, elegantly wrapped box that contained the ugly sweatshirt mom liked but they’ll never wear- but things kids will remember long into adulthood right until dementia sets in are the sights and sounds they experience in their childhood. There are probably 50+ individuals on the payroll of Kings Island, or some 3rd party company that participate in this every time they take to the stage. Kids from 1 to 92 adore you, sing your songs in the car coming and going from the park. Yes, they’re campy shows with goofy storylines- they’re Christmas shows, they’re supposed to be. Just watch any Hallmark Christmas movie. However, some characters seem to have lost sight (not all) of what their “work” means this time of year and come across as they are too busy to come out and make some kids night with a photo op. Maybe not kids from 1 to 92, but definitely 1 to 10- your physical presence is as real to them as the fat guy himself and they’ll remember you a lot longer than a Christmas sweater. So, for the cast of Tinker, Charlie Brown, What the Dickens, and all the others- before or after your show (if you’re on here)- take a moment to come out, smile for the camera and be part of someone’s memory for a lifetime. Remember, you’re in your 20’s now… won’t be long and you’ll be in your 30’s and 40’s writing messages to those in their 20’s to remind them of these things. Oh, and to the Santa’s workshop Elf that stayed in character to break the news to my daughter that Tinker couldn’t come out for a picture because he was making cookies… well done. The picture of you and our daughter will be in our Christmas memories for years to come; and archived in Google Photos beyond that. Baxter, out.

Banshee took several months to build. My guess is that Vortex isn't being dismantled piece by piece. Demo will take a few days, maybe less... And with any luck, since that land is apparently sinking- once the coaster falls to the ground it could get swallowed up and they wouldn't have to worry about hauling it away.

* Was.

Friendly. What planet are you on? They, unfortunately, had a GM since 2014 that was decent fiscally but a PR nightmare which everyone but ownership observed. Middle management staff was largely a revolving door. It could have been much better than it turned out.

Here's hoping that the Eiffel Tree star is bright enough to be seen beyond the parking lot. And, the lighting program for the tree is less "busy".

have Hulu??? = Watch anytime.

Something will take the place of Vortex eventually, if not sooner. The space is too visible to leave empty for too long. I do hope though that they put some "creativity" into the replacement. Orion seems like a really tall/fast coaster with no character. Simple elements to make it unique- go underground through a tunnel, fog tunnel, slip in a loop- something creative. On the surface it just seems like a taller version of Diamondback. Like a refresh of a model year for a vehicle... its updated, but it's still a (name your vehicle). I like the focus on "experience" over thrills. Thrills fade over time. But immersion into an experience keeps a line for an attraction longer. ie- if Tomb Raider was still there operating in its original format- it would still have lines. As an generic indoor topspin... it had 10 minute waits. Gone are the days of 150 minute waits for Diamondback; and soon, so will the 20 minute waits. Then as time goes on, the 2 hour waits for Orion will be replaced as a newer, taller version with more zing and more pep is built.

maybe someone mentioned (didn't look through posts)- note the use of words: Not a "thanks, but no thanks" but used terms like "inadequate" - and Cedar Fair responded that Six Flags’ bid was too low, (Reuters) Something tells me this isn't over yet.

Actually, if not mistaken, the park has mentioned "final" rides. If it is more of a maintenance/cost issue to open next year than timing- it could theoretically be SBNO for a season (2020). SOB was SBNO for almost three seasons while "next" was created/finalized. The original Bat (in that plot) was SBNO for at least two seasons. If nothing is going in there until 2022... I could see it SBNO for 2020 and construction zone for 2021. Just saying I've seen the word retired... not demolished. And you don't just spend millions of $ to refurbish a steel coaster like you would a wooden coaster.

My guess is that its removal times out with something that will be coming for the 50th anniversary. that said I have two observations. if not mistaken, and someone correct me. The original press release time-stamps were like 4:30am. is that curious to anyone? Most of the news releases mention "retiring the coaster" I haven't seen much of the term "remove"- though I'm pretty certain that's implied I haven't seen the term "demolish" in any of the articles I've read Just two observations I've seen.

Isn't 2022 the 50th Anniversary? The "plot" is too large, visible, and "prime" to leave empty long term. When the (original) Bat was built, it spent 18-months in design, 2 years constructing. It closed after the 1983 operating season but did not come down until after the 1985 season. Empty lot for 1986- Vortex for 1987. My guess is new attraction for 2022 to book-end a remodeled Coney Mall in time for the 50th anniversary.

also, isn't there a certain 50-year anniversary coming up in 2022? May have to put up with an empty lot for a couple seasons but if I were a betting person, I'd guess that they knew exactly what's going there and may use Summer 2020 as a "tease" season + 2021 as a development period to tweak a lot of interest. Anyone with half a brain knew by late 2011 that Son of Beast was returning to the earth, but it wasn't until August 2012 that it really became apparent and mid-2013 before "next" began to take shape. The corpse of SoB was destined to remain where it was until "next" was finalized. Building coasters, from initial call to first rider, is probably a 4 year process, especially a custom-build. My guess is that the contract for Orion became official in Orlando circa November 2017. What will eventually replace Vortex sans 2022 may have likely had it's genesis in 2018. My only question is- what becomes of the "haunted house" other than a *** NEW *** Haunt attraction?

technically accurate though- it has given rides to more than 45 guests.