The photo above doesn't really show what changed. In fact, the photographer would have to turn 180 degrees to see what changed. Where Diamondback's helix is used to be midway; the path stretched from The Crypt to Rivertown Games. In the middle of this path was an elevated island of grass, tall trees, and The Beast sign (nearly identical to the large sign currently located to the left of the entrance.) The best image I can find of it in a Google search:

Note Tomb Raider/The Crypt in the background towards the bottom. Here's how this photo was taken:

Personally, I liked the old entrance better, but it's much easier to see that there's a roller coaster back there now. There was something mysterious about not being able to see the ride until you were getting on it. But I'm just being nitpicky!

I wish they added more trees around the Crypt building to make The Beast more mysterious like it used to be. I miss the old sign location. Ice bump 'golbe3

Thanks! Now I have a better idea of what people are talking about when they mention The Beast's entrance being moved a few years ago.

As you can see in the old satellite photo, there used to be a square white structure where Diamondback's helix now goes over the pathway. This used to be the Coca-Cola cool zone. It was a mist area to cool off before getting in line. That is actually where the line used to begin. There used to be a queue line that stretched all the way down the path to that spot.

Here is a picture from 11/02/2008 when Diamondback was under construction. This is when they cut the trees down in the area leading back to The Beast

Maybe they will add more in rivertown, and bring it back to its former glory:

Kings Island is such a known park up there with fans from coast to coast, like the other big parks, like Knotts, disney, yes even six flags texas.

Kings Island is lucky this year in River town a full service food place, diamond back and The Beast a couple of flats (themed to river town would rock).

I miss those trees. Made it feel like you were going back into the woods

I did like the heavily wooded area. It did give a different feel to the ride, made it slightly creepier.