On 4/9/2024 at 8:56 PM, Taylor.B03 said:

New for 2025, Michigan's Adventure newest racing roller coaster Thunderhawk^2!

Well, the original T-hawk would get far more riders as Thunderhawk is far superior to T3.

2 hours ago, Orion-XL200 said:

I forget the exact location online, but the listing for the coaster says "reserved." Someone apparently is buying it. 

I wonder if Gene, who purchased IB, got it for one of his parks?

2 hours ago, StormChaser97 said:

They are indeed taking the atrocity down gently. I can’t imagine this going anywhere else in the HFE chain… this addition is far beneath Dollywood and Silver Dollar City. Wild Adventures already has an SLC in Twisted Typhoon. They are most likely looking to sell this off to an unfortunate buyer haha 

Hey now, T3 wasn't TERRIBLE! the only issue I had with it was the downward ratchet on the restraint towards the end of the ride 

I have wondered how T3 would be with the new trains from Vekoma that have vest restraints.  Good SLC coasters do exist, Thunderhawk at Michigans Adventure for instance.  
 

But the vest restraints are very comfortable, go ride the Great Nor’Easter at Morey’s Piers.  The only SLC I got in line for over and over again, I lost count of how many times I rode it, it’s really good.  The vests combined with the track work produced an incredibly smooth ride.  Made me realize it is not really the layout that is the problem with SLC coasters.

I never rode T2 with the OG trains, but I thought the Kumbak trains on T3 were not bad, except the restrictive nature of them as the ride came back to the station. 

For me, pretty much any sort of positive G would staple me with the restraint design.  Honestly, I'd rather of had the original Vekoma stock as I'm more used to bracing with them having ridden Invertigo a lot.  

If Vekoma could put the vest restraints they've been adding to their sit down looping coasters/Boomerangs (see Hershey's and Carowinds' Boomerangs) to their SLC stock, then we'd have a winner.  I actually like the SLC cloned layout, I think Thunderhawk at MIA is actually pretty good, and that's despite it being relocated.  

Not related to T3 but related to KK in general, GOCC will be having an event there on June 29th (last Saturday in June). No further details have been released yet. https://www.greatohiocc.org/event-5668795

Kentucky Kingdom has added Thursday evenings to the Pumpkins at KK event this fall. So now a 4 day weekly event for the entirety of October!

KK is offering 50% off of food for their season pass holder preview day May 5. That’s better than any of the CF Pass Perks of $2 off a pretzel or cotton candy.

I've only been on two SLC's - T3 at Kentucky Kingdom and Mind Eraser at Six Flags America. 

I will say the trains on T3, based on my experience, was better than what was on Mind Eraser, plus T3 for me was a far more enjoyable ride. 

From the time Mind Bender left the lift hill, it couldn't end fast enough. That day, I learned that SLC stands for Sucks Like Crap.

This POV gives you an idea of how butter smooth the ride experience is - B&M should take note.

 

It’s been a long off season but I’m finally reunited with my fave ejector airtime machine in the Ohio valley. Great night here at the park for season pass preview from 5-10 PM. Beautiful weather and can’t wait for some night rides! 

7 hours ago, StormChaser97 said:

It’s been a long off season but I’m finally reunited with my fave ejector airtime machine in the Ohio valley. Great night here at the park for season pass preview from 5-10 PM. Beautiful weather and can’t wait for some night rides! 

Some other photos from the evening. Such a great night. The park was running the best I’ve ever seen. There were two trains on lightning run and their dispatches were spectacular for this park’s standards. 
 

You are really starting to feel Herschend’s fingerprints in the atmosphere, reliability, employee morale, and the park’s overall charm. Most of the ride ops were interacting with guests and very friendly, clearly happy to be there. Something that was almost nowhere to be found under Ed Hart and previously, Six Flags. 
 

I’m so glad Kentucky Kingdom landed in an operator’s lap who seems to recognize this park’s potential despite its limitations. They are playing up the park’s strengths very well and I see nowhere but up for Kentucky Kingdom if it stays in Herschend’s hands and the exponential improvements in quality and value year over year continue into the near and distant future. 

I plan to be down there on June 29th for GOCC's "Spring Fling" event (see https://www.greatohiocc.org/event-5668795 for more info). KK has definitely improved since Herschend took over. I'm sure if the park remains profitable the fair board will be all too happy to keep Herschend on board as an operator.

I haven't been to KK after dark....I bet it has a cool atmosphere.

 

The huge sledding hill for KK Christmas is being built over the wave pool in Hurricane Bay - it’s a very impressive structure 

^Will it be carpeted LOL

On 10/12/2024 at 10:52 PM, Winterfestguy said:

The huge sledding hill for KK Christmas is being built over the wave pool in Hurricane Bay - it’s a very impressive structure 

KI's Winterfest Tubing Hill could never be that tall. Sad.

I'm hoping to make it down there for this event. Possibly on January 4th, but it will depend on my work schedule.

I'll probably go to this event too. Also waiting for their winter walkthrough/offseason tour if they do one this year! I did last years tour and it was cool as heck!!  

 

Also ended up acquiring a Lightning Run wheel while I was there too.

KY Kingdom just announced via Facebook live, they will be investing $25 Million in new rides & attractions over the next two years.  It seems like they are going to start what we have all been waiting for.

I make a point to go down to Kentucky Kingdom every summer.

Stormchaser and Lightning Run are worth the 2.5 hour drive alone. Same with Holiday World. Have to get my rides on Voyage! Cedar Point is a every other year trip, and this year will be it.

Figured this was the spot for it.  The Kentucky Fair Board is closing the bowling alley on property.  

Original:

https://www.whas11.com/article/money/business/executive-strike-spare-bowling-alley-closing-phillips-lane-location-relocating-near-jeffersontown/417-f4f35c53-35a9-4d3e-b2cd-b2b75a768a46

 

Now: Closing Officially January 12 per board request:

Never knew there was a bowling alley at the expo center. Interesting.

11 hours ago, Orion-XL200 said:

Never knew there was a bowling alley at the expo center. Interesting.

Yeah for sure. Owned by the same folks who own western bowl in Cincinnati.  They were originally told that in January 2025 they could extended for 2 more years and now are being told it’s done in January of 2025.  The Bowling alley is just outside the perimeter of KK

New parking and main gate for the park in the works? Or could the sudden change of plans signal the fair board may be preparing to sell the park land and surrounding area to Herschend? One can dream. 

5 hours ago, Aaron88stang said:

New parking and main gate for the park in the works? 

Honestly would be nice...not being from the area, it is confusing finding the park entrance. 

On 12/3/2024 at 9:51 PM, Orion-XL200 said:

Never knew there was a bowling alley at the expo center. Interesting.

Same here, but I've never been in the expo center either. The only time I'm down there is for Kentucky Kingdom.

Call me a dreamer but it would be nice if, as a part of their plan, Herschend installed a train ride at KK seeing as their other theme park properties have one. 

10 hours ago, OverlandTaxis30 said:

Call me a dreamer but it would be nice if, as a part of their plan, Herschend installed a train ride at KK seeing as their other theme park properties have one. 

Bonus points if it includes a bridge over the roadway from one side of the park to the other

Well, Kentucky Kingdom sure knows how to throw a Christmas party! This year’s holiday event was a total blast, but it was packed. I mean, I’ve never seen the park so crowded, it reminded me of a KI Haunt Saturday night.

The tree lighting ceremony was super cute. The Sugar Plum Fairy was a hit with the little ones, getting them all involved in the dance numbers. It was adorable, but let’s talk about the audio. It was really hard to hear her, even standing close. They definitely need to invest in some better sound equipment.

The kids’ area was nice, I had never been in that area. The rides look fantastic, the landscaping is beautiful, and the holiday lights are just magical. The entire park was decked out in lights. Seriously, every almost inch was covered.

The front of the park and Hurricane Bay were the busiest areas, especially the tubing hill. The carousel area to Swamp Water Jacks was also really well done. We also caught a show in the outdoor theater that was good and kept the audience engaged. I think it would get @brenthodge's stamp of approval.

The carolers at The Bluegrass Bakery were fantastic, but again, the crowd noise made it tough to hear them. They could really benefit from some mics. And let’s not forget the cinnamon bread! Worth the long line, every time.

We rode the Drop Tower and Kentucky Flyer, which were both great. We tried to catch the 5D theater, but the line was too long, and we missed the cutoff.

Now, here’s where things get a little weird. The queue for the 5D theater was dark, quiet, and just plain boring. It needs some light, decor, and music to create a more festive atmosphere.

And the strangest thing of all was the area around the mini WindSeeker and Kentucky Flyer. No lights, no music, no Christmas decor. It was like a forgotten corner of the park. I can only assume there was an electrical issue, but that’s still pretty concerning for two major rides. They need to light up that area and add some holiday cheer.

Despite the crowds, we had a great time. I’m definitely planning to go back during the week to explore more and avoid the madness.