coasterville

Hello avid PKI seasonpassholders that have non-passholding frinds who need one last trip to PKI. Check the email address you registered with your 2005 season pass. I recieved an email that states "bring all your friends and family" "Print out as many copies as you need" The email contains a voucer for a free admission to PKI on either November 5 or November 6. I wonder what this is going to do to crowd levels this weekend. Anybyody have an inside scoop on how this is going to be handled. I hope that you just have your guests take these vouchers directly to the turnstile, but the wording on the coupon makes it sound like you may have to exchange the voucher at the park for a ticket. I hope the park knows better than that. I can imagine the lines at the ticket boxes if they don't.

I don't find the price to be that out of line. I think the last Winterfest was what 1992, so thats 13 years between Fests. $6.95 then, and a rule-of-thumb I once heard was to double the price for every decade to allow for inflation, os we are easily talking $14, then a bit more for those 3 years. Also consider that alot of, if not all of the old Winterfest supplies were disposed of so the park is going to have to bear a lot of up front costs to get the train back on the tracks, as it were. Comparatively, I think Festival of Lights is about $12/person (+ $6.50 to park) and the Zoo has more 'dings' in terms of the Carousel, train, tram and motion theater all being extra cost add ons. (The zoo did offer some live shows last time I did Festival of Lights) Museum Center Holiday Junction is really cheap but you get one stage show, a model train layout, some lights, and a pay extra kiddie train ride. Holidy Fest at the Beach is comparably priced, I beleive if you buy the all inclusive admission package. In other words, I think the event is priced fairly, and remember PKI usually has good discount offers at Meijers and Blockbuster. The whole advance sale specific date concept worries me though. Let's see they want me to decide now what specific day I want to go in december. What happens if I choose a day and we get those wonderful 18" of snow (or more) like we got this last winter) Local weather in the winter is too dicey to make that kind of decision. Now talking about what they will offer, it seems they will offer ice skatingwith rink access included in the general admission, in what may be one of the prettiest settings for miles around, multiple live shows with shows in the Paramount Theater, entertainment in the Festhaus and possibly Bubba Gumps, character greetings in Anmation Station, the live show offered as part of the train ride, and the parade. Dark ride fans should not miss the mention of a special Christmas themed overlay of SDATHC. I do think that PKI has one big advantage, and that is everybody who has FOND memories of the old Winterfest, those of us who were in tears when they announced Winterfest was ending. I think the loclal public at large is predisposed to like the event if it is comparable to what they remember. I also wonder if we haven't heard the whole story, I mean we know they will have Rivertown open so that people can get to the train ride, we also know that the public will have access to Swan Lake to see the light show that is going on there. Seems that TOmb Raider (an indoor ride) is right in the middle. And if the Christmas parade takes the same path as the Nick parade, and we know Bubba Gumps is going to be open, I wonder if any part of Coney will be open. It wouldn't be the first time they held back on a surprise or two. Line Coney Mall with crafters and food vendors and you have your winter carnival section. Rock Shop, Coney Mall Emporium, Coney Mall Arcade can all be turned into crafters expo buildings Maybe not this year, but things I can easily see being added. It also sounds like the park is really going to upgrade their food offerings for the event.

Yes, the Post has a nicely detailed article. Sounds like fun, but in brief synopsis: * International Street - Ice skating on Royal Fountain - Included in admssion, skate rental extra - Skate witht he Nick toons at certain times - Eiffel Tower as World's Tallest Christmas Tree, w/ enhanced light package - Skyline Chilli to move to IS during Winter - Live holiday themed show in Paramount Theater - Crafters in the IS stores - Paramount Story becomes christmas tree lot - Carousel to operate - WinterFestHaus to feature continuous live entertainment - Scrooge's house next to Starbucks. - Rivertown - Train ride open with live actors - to be named "holiday junction" - that should be interesting as Museum Center uses that for their event name. - Wings becomes Mrs. Claus Kitchen with holiday fare Nickelodeon - Character greetins in animation station - HB Carousel open - SCOODY DOO (and the Haunted Castle) to get Christmas overlay! Then there will be the winter parade, supposed to be a nighttime afair. Cost is to be $17.99 with specific day presale tickets which go on sale today and will guarantee admission on the date specified Seasonpass holder admission is $16.99 for a "Good-any-day" voucher but does not guarantee admission if the park is "full" - seasona pass admission vouchers go on sale Aug 1. walk up gate price to be $24.99 (if any tickets for that day remain) Season to be Nov 25 - 1/1 --------- I don't know about anyone else but specifc day advance sale tickets for an amusement park??!!?? Given December weather in Cincinnati, and the custom fo going to an amusement park as beign an impulse decision, I don't know how thats going to work out.

If The Racer and Beast lapbars don't cause you problems, don't worry about the seatbelts. Those things are about a mile long. To be safe I would pull the belt up out of the retractor before you sit down.

Speaking only from what I have observed on Reptar as a guest: Normal crew seems to be 3-4 people. (1 Driver, 2 Loaders (people who help people get into the ride, check restraints, and help them out of the ride), and sometimes a Greeter who pre-checks heights before people get into the line. I'm not sure how The Bat at your park is setup but PKI went with flush loading with automatic station gates for each row. There is a manually operated gate for the exit. The drivers console is located at the downtrack end of the station on the "Load" side. (thats by the front seat) I beleive they use a co-dipatch system where there is a secondary Start button located at the rear of the station, but if it exists I forget which side of the track it is on.... There is a flaw I believe in that the load station for Reptar is narrow, which sometimes causes congestion. Guests enter the station from the queue area via the rear of the station. The congestion sometimes make it hard for guests to get to the rows for the front side of the train. I note also that Paramount has fixed this problem in later installations of the same ride. Restraints I beleive are standard for the ride, and include shoulder bars and a crotch strap. Procedure is approximately: 1. Train pulls into station (they have 1 train) 2. When train is parked, restraints are released 3. Riders Exit 4. Not until all riders have exited are the station gates opened. (I believe this was a recent change) 5. Station gates open 6. Riders Load 7. The two loaders check restraints, assist with loose articles, etc. starting from the front and working towards the rear. 8. Train departs the station.

Good Morning, I just noted in the parks e-mail newsletter that went out last night, that this weekend the preview will be limited to just Gold passholders, and then only to the first 2,000 Gold passholders who pick up a ride ticket at the Eiffell Tower Guest Relations booth. They are, however, apparently going to run this weekend Fastpass style with everybody's ticket having an assigned ride time.

I just got back from the park, they announced EXTRA HOURS tonight. The rides stayed open until 9 tonight. I heard the Extra Hour announcement on the PA around 7PM. Italian Job is testing, and seems to be running faster than last weeks test. I was there pretty much all day and only rode 4 things. I played more midway games today than I do in some entire seasons. If it weren;t my companies outing day and all, I would have turned around when the line to enter the parking lot was stretched WAAAAYY back on I-71.

I don't know what the CoasterBuzz crew has up their sleeves this year, but last year there were behind the scenes tours of Tomb Raider The Ride (no cameras please), and photos allowed tours under and around Beast and Son of Beast. Those tours were scheduled at various points throughout the day, during park operating hours. ------- Then later for the season they had a similar event for GOCC and ACE which included tours of Flight of Fear (before the park opened, photos allowed), as well as tours of Beast and Son of Beast offered during the day.

1,000 per hour huh. With 12 passenger trains, that means they will need to dispatch 84 trains per hour. With 3600 seconds in an hour they will need to dipatch a train every 43 seconds. We also know the ride will have at most 3 trains on track which means that we are looking at a cycle time of 129 seconds INCLUDING ride time, unload time, and load time. Recall also that the trains are to be equipped with working doors, which should slow load/unload down further. So in under 43 seconds they have to - bring a train in from the ready brake, open the doors, unload it, load it, check bars, close the doors, and launch it. That also seems to infer that we are looking at about an 80-85 second ride, again if the 1,000 figure has any real chance of happening,. The deal breaker on this will be the mid couse safety blocks. Even if they can get that train ready in under 43 seconds, it can't launch until the train ahead clears the next block. Why do I think the train stop for the helicopter stunt show is going to be a planned setup. Work with me for a moment, the deal will be they launch a train from the station, it runs and then stops in the helicopter scene, UNTIL the train in front of it clears a mid couse near the end of the ride, suggesting at least two block points at the end of the ride before the station, otherwise the train ahead can't move into the station because the train in the station can't launch until the stutnt show block is clear. Long and short of it, they have the train to and clear of the stunt show block within 43 seconds, or the next train can't launch, making the 1,000 mark impossible.

No cause for alarm, as Carowinds already has a Scrambler "Kaleidoscope" or some such clever name. It's an outdoor machine, depsite what the name might hint. What I m surprised about is as of Oct 2, the Scrambler was only partially disasembled, usually the park has used that area for the House of Darkness line.

Close, it's Larson that is making the Flying Skooters rides. Now that you mention it, PGA recieved a Larson Flying Skooters some time back. Add to that, First Drop is reporting that PGA is adding a waterpark expansion next year. Makes you wonder if Carowinds Flying Skooters will be new, or another PGA transplant. I'm going with new, since, as it stands now PKI, PKD, and PGA all have Flying Skooters, they just need to buy 2 more sets. (3 if you count Bonfante)

IF they go the spongebob route, they have a nifty looking spongebob fountain in the Nick area at Carowinds.

The "Beast Thing" as it was so unceremoniously called is Great Ohio Coaster Club's (GOCC's) Fall Freak Out 2004, to be held at PKI. Although ACE is co-sponsoring the event, registration was handled by GOCC. Rates were in the neighborhood of $38 unless you had a season pass, which got it down to $15. Acording to their flyer, registration forms had to be postmarked by the 18th. PKI does a fantastic job with special events, and they know how to thow a party. Should be a fun time for all. Besides, I have some pride to redeam at Sadsitc Steve's Scavenger Search, as we came in 4th at The BeastBuzz event. Though, to be fair, extensive knowledge of the park is probably not that big of help when the questions are things like "Count the number of light bulbs in The Vortex sign" Steve claims he never recycles questions, so we know what he won't be asking.......

I saw the presentation on August 29: The showing I had, did have the sound with "God Bless the U.S.A" in it for the record. Attendance for the presention was low. All in all I thought the choice of visuals and quotes for the show were tastefully choses, deciding to portray the good of America coming together, rahter than dwelling on the bloodshed, violence and tragedy of the day. However, it seemed to be missing something, I can't put a finger on it, but I felt unsatsified at the end of the 5 minute slide show. Perhaps I was expecting more than one wax piece, perhaps I was expecting some documentary, perhaps I was expecting some stories of inspiration beyond a few well chosen quotes. In essencse they really gave away the entire show in the flyers. The thing I don't get, though was the fascination of people having their photo taken with the statue. I just don't get the reasoning why somebody would want to place themselves in a scene that most of us wished never happened. That said, I have a work of art on my fireplace mantle that is quite similar to the work that was on exhibit, here take a look -> http://www.coasterville.com/imageofhope.jpg I also wonder why they have to have the times showings, I mean they could just put the slides and audio on endless loop and let people file in, stay however long they feel the need to, then exit out. Sure you would have to give up having people come up on stage for close photos, but if you allowed people to take photos from the audience area.. Any reports on how the tribute day on Sept, 10 did?

Just a reminder: According to the registration form, registrations must be postmarked by TOMMOROW Sept. 18. There will be NO exceptions, no late registration, nor tickets sold on the day of the event. The event flyer can be found at: http://www.aceonline.org/flyers/GOCC-ACE-PKI.pdf or from the link ZosoBeast posted.

If you recall last year, I don't think we can fairly judge as the local area had sotrms of biblical proportions on the 4th, and another good dose of severe weather on the 5th. That said, I went on the 5th and watched from about where Atom Ant's is in Hanna Barbera Land. (has a good view of tower as well as the show behind Beast). A good way to find the preffered viewing spots is to check where they are setting up all the portable extra sound equipment. For those going, be aware that you will see bizzare traffic patterns at the park on both nights, where it seems like the park gets progressively more crowded as the day goes on. After about 8pm, International Street will become very crowded, some would say impassable. The park does know how to handle this, last year there werel setup 'escape' chutes on both sides of International street to allow those who wanted to exit the park to get through, another escape shoot accross the front gate as the main exit was closed. Temporary exits were setup at both the former season pass gates and through a service area/parking lot. Also, you would be wise to remember that there is a rather complex schedule of ride closings on those nights. Essentially Rivertown closes at 8PM, and never reopens that night , () thought the park is open till midnight, yes this does include Beast. Other rides will go off-line at various times before the show, and come back on line at desingated times afterwards, and the aforementioned service area opens around 8PM for overflow viewing. Confuses? Don't worry last year they gave everybody a detailed flyer explaining the ride closing scheudle path closings and everything. For those planning on watching from the parking lot, in years past I have seen the parking area on Nights of Fire weekend totally fill up all the way South to Western Row Road. (Though some of that may have been illegal parking in the grass field between the associate entrance and Western Row). Yes, watching Nights of Fire from your car is also a popular tactic. A rather smart closing tactic though is having the park open 90 minutes-2 hours after fireworks on that night. Helps to spread out the traffic leaving the park.

FYI: Jeff has posted a rather exciting looking tentative schedule on his website.

Surprised I haven't seen this here yet (or maybe I'm not looking in the right spot) I was looking over the park guide I picked up on my way out of the park Sunday night. (I still grab them and look over them, nomatter how many times I have gone to the park). In the "Upcoming Special Events" block under the calendar, there is an advertisement for "Xtended Play!" which promises late night (8pm-midnight) riding and 'celebrity' DJ music on selected Friday nights in June and July. The advertisement also mentions that a $5 extra charge will apply for Xtended Play! It also states that admission for Xtended Play is restricted to those park guests aged 16 or above. I also noted the operating calendar shows the park open till midnight on two of those nights, and 10pm the other nights. Anybody have any more details on this 'event'? (Quote from PKI park guide) Xtended Play! - A special event from 8pm till midnight. With an incredible DJ mix off and our most popular rides ready to roll, we'll keep you kickin; on the dance floor and screamin' through the air! IF you're 16 or over, rock out with us at Xtended Play!. Additional $5 Xtended Play! admission required.

SOB TOM: Don't put words in my mouth! I said nothing, zip, zero, nada about tracking or retracking on SOB nor any other wood coaster at PKI. (Hey, if I'm gonna get flamed, I at least want to be guilty of what I'm being flamed for!)

Hold it, the question was about Son of Beast. The question was not "What do you like about PKI", or "What don't you like about PKI" Yes, to me, SOB is a worthless pile of junk, however PKi does have a slew of great rides - among them Delirium, Drop Zone, Top Gun, Scooby, Beastie, Adventure Express, Flying Eagles, and a lot more. In fact, Son of Beast is really the only ride there I really don't like.

As of Sunday, April 18: * SOB was running two trains * I didn't notice any changes between how SOB ran last year and this year * SOB is still a worthless pile of junk That said, I've had my annual ride on SOB to verify things haven't gotten better, you won't have to worry about seeing me in line for it any more this season. Shame, seems the only day the ride performed anything like a real coaster should was the season pass night in 2000. SOB is the only coaster where I routinely here other riders (who were not in my party) complaining about the ride as we sit on the final brakes.

Last year, PKI offered few different perks, designed to encourage you to process your pass as soon as possible. If you processed your pass before Labor day, you got the free parking and the free gold pass upgrade. If you processed your pass aftr labor day, but before the end of the season, you got the free parking, but had to chip in $5 extra if you wanted the gold pass upgrade. Now, traditionally, the park only sells gold passes during pre-season (I would not consider it a free gold pass upgrade, as IIRC correctly they charge the same price as the gold card price was in the fall, remember prices go up after park close of the year prior) Then after Memorial Day, I think, Gold Pass goes away, even as an upgrade option. Personally, I think the $30 free parking pass you get for a fall renewal is worth more than the gold pass upgrade, but since I renwed before LDW I got both anyway.

TraderJake Said: >You can buy some really interesting stuff from the stores, did you know that you >can buy a genuine flag pole from Fudge n' Fun, provided we didn't get rid of them >this off season? My location actually bought two (Had to support the store flag, go >550!). TraderJake: Throw in a PKI flag to fly on that pole and you have yoourself a deal! Actually, if you just have a PKI flag for sale.....

Group, I was looking at the official site today, and noted in the season pass section that there was NO mention of the Gold Pass program. They usually have a big link on the season pass page that goes to a page to tell you what the extra perks are, this year not only do I not see a gold pass page, I don't see the Gold Pass as an option for ordering. I know in the past the Gold Pass upgrade was included in pre-season season pass purchases, but they would make a big deal about getting Gold upgrade free. I wonder if they are going to make the Gold Pass program really worth it by limiting the number of Gold Passes sold to just those sold last fall, or if they are going to scrap the Gold Pass program, and if they are, are they planning on refunding the upgrade cost. Anyword from those closer to the admissions scene about 2003 Gold Pass?

train ride, but I don`t think they`ll do that anytime soon. If it weren't for the waterpark, that train ride would have been gone. It wasn't all that popular in the years prior to WaterWorks, now it serves primarily as a transportation ride. Don't beleive me, ask the folks at Paramount's Kings Dominion and Paramount's Great America what happened to their train rides. For that matter the Carrowinds sternwheeler ride.