electricsun

Four things make me come to the Cincy area on a regular basis: work, Kings Island, Ikea and the Gap Clearance Store. So with that, the thing I'm making a point to attend is the Mummies of the World exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center. I saw it in Charlotte in 2012 and will absolutely pay to see it again. It's a well done exhibition and I'm hoping to take my oldest nephew. http://www.cincymuseum.org/exhibits/mummies-of-the-world LoraX - Your daughter and you may be interested in the Gap Clearance Store. You really have to check to make sure that there are no rips/tears (that you aren't willing to fix) but it is totally worth it. With dress pants for $6.99 and jeans for $9.99 - it's a great deal. They can be hit or miss so I recommend visiting every few months or so. http://www.yelp.com/biz/gap-clearance-store-hebron

I imagine that this would be a good incentive for families to purchase now if they plan ahead for their trip to Kings Island. With a season pass, if I don't ride something, it's not a big deal as I'll get to it next time. For those that make one trip a year, the Fast Lane is a perk where they could make the most of their visit. Also, buying tickets now boosts the budget/revenue for this fiscal year. Pricing integrity is important, but so is making revenue. The amusement park business is quite a bit different from mine but I know how vital it is to make plan. So for example, I have to be willing to adjust the price of one program for one customer by dropping $10. It can make the difference between having a program and not having a program - and having $450+ or $0. Just like Cedar Fair, I know how low I can go and still make a profit. Sometimes creative solutions end up making a big difference. Or not. You don't know until you try.

The Spin-U-Win would not be good for me. How are they going to handle dizzy customers getting up and trying to leave? I remember the Sit'N Spin from childhood; it's been around since 1974 (I have not)!

I think I know what the niece and nephews are doing for their Christmas present. There is an Amazon Local deal happening now if anyone is interested: http://www.amazon.com/local/cincinnati/B00OGGPU0Y?cid=an_aldeal_1 Edited to fix the link.

Yeah...sounds reasonable. But let's test it a few ways. Next time you eat, cover your head completely with a blanket. When you are at a restaurant, order your meal and head into the restroom to eat it. You don't have to sit or stand in the stall, you can stand by the door or sink but you must hold a 15lb weight in the cradle of your arm while you eat. You can't put down this weight for at least 10 minutes...likely 20 minutes. Sound reasonable now? I understand that seeing a woman breastfeed can make people feel uncomfortable. When I was 16 and doing a show, a woman started breastfeeding her toddler, right in front of me; yes, that was a bit awkward but I got over it and continued the show for the family. From talking with my cousins and friends, most of them would much rather have a quiet, clean, comfortable place to breastfeed in private than do it in public and face the judging glances of people. And those that don't appear to care, are often at a point where their child is hungry and needs to be fed now. Their focus, rightly so, is on the comfort and well-being of their child, not on if they are making strangers uncomfortable. I've said it before but how KK handled the situation was dismal at best.

Oh wow goodyellowkorn182. I can understand if someone were to avoid a business because of how they treat their employees/customers...or if they support certain organizations, but because the park is adding something? Not taking away a ride or two to add something, but to just add it? That's just seems silly to me. Unfortunately, some people have to find something to blame on being unhappy or cranky. As for me, I will happily make a second visit to Knott's Berry Farm to check out the ride. It sounds interesting enough to check out at least once.

There was a high school student that I saw yesterday with a shirt with that on it. It took me a moment to get it.

My oldest nieces and I went to Busch Gardens Tampa almost two years ago and had a great time. I was hoping to convince them to go again when I visit in May. It will be interesting to see how these cuts change the guest experience.

Voicetek - I agree! I think it is those memories and experiences that we hold dear as we get older. If I don't look at pictures, what I remember of our visits to KI as a child is how those experiences made me feel. The talking tree, riding in the antique cars with an aunt or grandma, my nervousness of getting into the boat every single time as we headed into Smurf's Enchanted Voyage and how much I loved the ride, both carousels, riding The Beastie and the slight fear of going through the tunnel, the sheer joy I felt on rides and waving to my mom and grandma as I rode past them, having a very unique way of navigating the very friendly wall of characters as we entered Kings Island, and the sheer exhaustion and happiness as we drove away after a visit and I tried to keep sight of the Eiffel Tower as long as possible. There was a good 11 years between my visit as a child and as a high school senior. The shock of the changes (from my memory) of the children's area was overwhelming. I was so excited to ride the Smurf ride and...well...it didn't exist. I was so sad! I have pictures of us in a long line for 007, in line for The Beast, on the Eiffel Tower - and all I can remember was no Smurf ride and that I had fun with my friends. Our perception of things as a child is hard to beat as an adult. It will never meet the expectations that we have from what we remember. Seeing how much fun that my niece and nephews have in Planet Snoopy now is probably pretty close to how I was when it was Hanna-Barbara then. I'm sure that in 20 years when they visit, whatever theme is there will not match the happiness in their memories.

Yes, it is my cross to bear. After 20some years of not eating pork products, it is just part of my life. Considering how sick it makes me to eat it and smell it cooking, I have no rush to eat it. On a funny note, my family loved it when I left for college as they could cook and eat all the pork they wanted. I would have to schedule my trips home so they had time to air out the house before I visited.

I wonder what would have happened if he was allergic? My current office space is far enough away from our cafeteria that it doesn't bother me. That wasn't always the case and leaving work with a migraine and tight throat was never fun. One of my cousins (and her family) can't eat pork for religious reasons so we look out for each other at family events. Chances are always high that someone forgot and used pork bacon or non-veggie refried beans in a dish. Whoever gets there first scouts out the safe food and we know that at least the food we brought is safe to eat.

Yikes. "Negative media attention in California" is putting it lightly. I'm curious to see if the decline in attendance/revenue was greater at the Sea World parks compared to the other branded parks. I know they have the numbers but wouldn't publish it - unless I missed it in the press release. Are people boycotting the entire brand? Or just the specific Sea World branded parks? $50 million is a lot to cut while still trying to grow and change. I've seen it in much smaller organizations and those are challenging times indeed. The biggest challenge is making sure it doesn't negatively impact your guest experience to a point where the negative attention grows to a point where your brand and image continues to sink further. It will be interesting to see how these cuts play through. If they had addressed Blackfish immediately - showing their side and explaining more about their conservation process - would it have made an impact? I can't think of any off the top of my head. Are there similar stories out there for other parks or zoos that have addressed similar situations?

My memory may not be the best but those OTS were not soft. With my height, I had a hard time not banging my head and ears on them. I remembering taking my earrings out but wow...it still hurt. There was much internal joy and relief (and less pain) when they made the switch to the lap bars.

There are a few very distinct memories of KI that I have from my early childhood and the talking tree is one of them. For whatever reason, I loved it. As an adult, I watch things like the state fair Smokey Bear and the talking pumpkin at KI this year. There is a suspense of belief happening with kids as they interact with this "living" object. It is fascinating and I'm sure is what made the tree such a great thing for me to watch as a little girl.

My niece and nephews version of sharing? Grabbing a chip or a fry (or two). Yes, that can be defined as sharing. I'm sorry; I'm not going to reprimand them for something they do all the time at home with their mom. (I have to pick my battles wisely as an aunt.) I think it would be a different situation if I was getting my meal plan meal and then letting them devour it while I watch. My sister was looking at the meal plan. With the way that she and the two youngest eat, they can share a meal and be full. She asked me if she could just get her and the oldest a meal plan and then share with the youngest two. When I told her sharing isn't allowed, she was disappointed and decided to not buy any meal plans. For next season, she'll continue packing a lunch, I'll grab my meal, and we'll head out to the car to eat together. It's a bit inconvenient but in the end, it's not that big of a deal. Any meal plan option won't be perfect for everyone. It works okay for me. For some families and children, it doesn't work with their eating habits. Maybe having a kids meal plan option for the under 48", where they can only get the kids meal could be a good solution.

I'm clearly a bit slow today but I read this thread topic on my phone and was confused. It made me think of list of improvements in personal life this off season...like learn how to XYZ, finally do ABC, move on do-re-mi. That is a completely different topic from personal list of improvements at KI. Figured someone else would get a laugh at my inability to read a topic correctly.

My oldest nephew's Banshee credit. The poor kid spent all of last season not being able to ride anything other than the flats, and Woodstock Express thanks to newly diagnosed seizures. After a "take it slow" order for most of this season and some positive follow-ups, he was finally able to ride Banshee in October. He was ecstatic and couldn't stop gushing and smiling. That was a great experience. Another off season being seizure free and he can add more credits when I take him to CP. My credits? Ehh. Cool. What is my number?! Experiencing these rides with my niece and nephews, for their first time? Unspeakable joy.

I had the season dining plan this year and will for next year. My sister and her kids did not and don't plan on it for next year. I think it depends on how often you will go. For me, there were many trips with them, but also quite a few solo trips and a few with friends. I'm frugal but for me the plan made financial sense. I can't spend all day in a park and not eat -I get sick if I ride on an empty stomach. Even eating one meal each visit, I saved money compared to what it would have cost to buy the meals. There was also a big convenience factor that I really could walk in with my liscense and pass and be set for a short visit. I didn't have to pack food, leave the parking lot, or pay $13+ for a meal. I often would get lunch there and then grab food on my way out of the park. When I had one or two of the kids, I would buy them the kid meal at Hanks's or Chicken Shack. That was enough food for them for less than $9, especially with me sharing fries or chips. For drinks, the park has two (that I've seen, but will be getting more) of the water bottle filler fountains. Bringing an empty water bottle to fill would be a healthier alternative - as I remind my niece and nephews with the response of eye rolls. One splurge was the popcorn/cotton candy bucket. For less than $8 (I think $7.99?) we got a bucket pull of popcorn and then could refill it throughout the season for $0.99. It was a brilliant way to solve the snack issue and make the visit a bit more special for the kids. The meal plan was a good value for me...even with me not being super close to the park. I'm glad Cedar Fair has continued it for next year and offered the Platinum option. I hope that helps!

Surf Dog is now running.

Wait times in Planet Snoopy are minimal. I haven't seen Surf Dog or Flying Ace Aerial Chase operate yet. Woodstock is out visiting along with a few other Peanuts characters.

Not at KI but seen and heard at Carowinds today... - On Nighthawk, the ride op asking people if they want to die when they went to touch their lap bar restraints. On the mic, from the operator's booth. -On Carolina Cyclone, the ride op repeating instructions to the team member at the back of the train to "let go, now press" a few times with the train jerking forward and stopping once. Then he says "Are you stupid?". All on mic, from the operator's booth. - Not checking seatbelt restraints for Carolina Goldrushers once the lap bar was push down for the train. - The cherry on the top? The Carrousel operator starting the ride as we are trying to step up onto the platform. I know I have high standards for customer service but this was disappointing. I did notice that the person who had the mic was the operator in the booth, not a person out with the guests.

Thank you Merthecat! That is helpful. I've been there a few times so the picture is great and makes sense. We are still going tomorrow (whether her husband and teenage son join us is TBD) for some rides and then off to the airport for my flight home. Weather looks great - sun and high of 79. I'll take it!

I'm looking forward to seeing the changes/progress in person on Sunday. I'm most interested in seeing if the entry has changed at all. I'm thinking that most of the entry way changes will wait until after the park closes for the season. I also wonder if I'll be told that my Platinum Pass picture is a fake again...

From the link above, Kentucky Kingdom's full statement is: "We do not comment on pending litigation. For their own safety, we expect guests to follow all instructions relating to rider responsibilities. This includes the instructions given by Kentucky Kingdom's ride operators, pre-recorded audio instructions and signs posted at each attraction which detail the park's rules and regulations for that attraction. "As we know, there are always two sides to every story. Kentucky Kingdom strongly disputes Mr. McClellan and Ms. Evans account of the incident. [Kentucky Kingdom] completely supports its staff of over 100 lifeguards who worked diligently this past summer to keep the water park safe and enjoyable for the almost 600,000 men, women and children who experienced it."' I bolded the middle section because seriously, that is the statement they are going to make? Whoever is handling their PR needs to be let go, or in the very least, receive massive amounts of training and coaching. This summer has been a great lesson for college professors to use as real-life examples. Also, I've been told there are three sides to every story: their story, your story, and the truth. It's not black or white but the truth is there somewhere in the middle.

Thanks! It's great how those memories stick with us. I'm in a much different situation than my sister and do my best to provide experiences that they aren't going to get with her. At the end of the day, they aren't going to remember the gifts I bought them but the world we explored together.