All the rides at Kings Island will be going into hibernation in just a few short hours (didn't the park just open for the season yesterday?). At the same time-much like getting strapped into Flight of Fear-we will soon be launching into six months of speculations, conspiracy theories, rumors, bickering, supposed "in-the-know" information from "some important park official", as well as things mentioned by the Dippin' Dots guy. Although we all hate to see Kings Island close for the season, we can all be kept warm and merry by reading nearly-daily updates ranging from potholes being filled on Kings Island drive to sightings of semis carrying ride parts anywhere within a 300 mile radius of Mason, Ohio.

While we say farewell to Kings Island's 40th anniversary season, who's ready to discuss 2013 and beyond??

I know I'm ready! I'm really sad that the season is over so I'd love to get excited for 2013!

The only thing that disappoints me is it looks like we won't be getting any major new attractions next year. :/

I know I'm ready! I'm really sad that the season is over so I'd love to get excited for 2013!

The only thing that disappoints me is it looks like we won't be getting any major new attractions next year. :/

Or will we? Anything is possible my friends. Well, almost anything......

To some people, a new restaurant is a major new attraction. Or an updated menu. Or a new park playlist. Even new benches!

Wow, seems like our Opening Day trip was just last week. My family will be patiently awaiting the 2014 season.

Well one thing confirmed for next year (and the next 9 years) Coke will be the offical soft drink!

The park is now closed for 2012 season. Can't wait for 2013 season!

There will probably be no new attractions for 2013 or they would probably have already announced it

Last time the park did not add anything a coaster showed up the next year. Got one last picture of Son oaf Beast. Hope they post the rest of it unless they are saving the lift hill for something.

So sad. Another year is gone. It is cliche', but it seems just like yesterday when Coasterfanatic2012 and I got lucky and was able to go to opening day. We had great times at the park this summer.

It hurts to know that the off season won't go by as fast as this summer did.

Last time the park did not add anything a coaster showed up the next year. Got one last picture of Son oaf Beast. Hope they post the rest of it unless they are saving the lift hill for something.

I would love to see them save the lift hill for something because it was for sure, something special to look at. Its not everyday that you can see such a large wooden structure like that of Son of Beasts.

Sadly as this comes every year, The Beast has settled down for a long winters nap and our beloved Kings Island has clanged the metal doors shut for the winter. But I am looking forward to another great season in 2013.

While Screamscape has us getting some new flat rides next year, or so is the rumor, I believe we will just see a new park expansion where our beloved Son once stood. I for one would be happy if they made a new area over that way and just opened up some space to expand back towards the old monorail trains and even over close to AE and FoF.

If they re-opened Winterfest in December, it would make the off season feel shorter and give us a chance to see the park again after the regular season ends!

It is sad to know the Island is closed again. I wasn't able to make a final trip on closing day. However, I already have passes purchased for me, SammiGirl, and my 12-year-old son. So I will likely be there opening day!

As for what to expect in the off season? Hard to tell. Some general upkeep/improvements. Hard to say what the plans are for the land currently being cleared. Perhaps we'll have some word soon...

[EDIT] fixed a typo

KI has posted the first offseason photo on Facebook, a Beast car being transported to the wood coaster maintenance facility:

They also posted a photo of Vortex trains off the track as well. They waste no time.

I was just about to say something about that. I told my mom 5 minutes ago "It's only been a day and Kings Island already has Beast cars being transported into the maintenance facility."

They also got this

It reminds me of a traveling carnival. One day, a parking lot is a wonderland of lights, sounds, laughter and music. Delighted, but blissfully ignorant of schedules, you return In 24 hours, only to witness a lone, discarded popcorn wrapper dancing on the cold, empty wind as it flutters and flips along the barren blacktop. It's kind of sad, really, but you know that it will all be back sooner than you think.

I am not from the Cincinnati area, but I made it once this past summer. To my dismay Diamondback was closed (first week of June) Does anyone know really what the issue was? I heard something in the line of concrete footers. Were they crumbling, or did they just not meet the park and/or construction guidelines?

I am sad to see SOB to go, but I am excited about what may be on the horizon. (Probably won't happen) I would love to see a Gravity Group woodie in that spot.

Besides a trip to KI, I also made a trip to Holiday World. I really enjoyed the park, the "overly" friendly staff ruined me, as a perception of how all park employees should act. Everyone was glad to see you and ready to help you in any way. I have been a "Beast" fan for ever (rode it in maybe year two of operation) I have a new favorite coaster called The Voyage. Really nice pacing and it never let up the entire ride. KIC friends, if you have never been to HW, make up your mind to do so in 2013. I am returning next year, plus a day two trip to Dollywood, to ride their wing-coaster.

I had just taken down my Kings Island Pin-Board so I can Update some information on it.

Since a new ride doesn't seem to be in KI's 2013 future, I will be happy with improvements much like the park got at the beginning of this season. Recently, I noticed Beast Canyon was painted on the mine entrance by the exit ramp on The Beast. I also noticed some more themeing put on the carts by the stairs in FoF. Little things like that are awesome and I hope more improvements are coming our way for 2013.

I'm hoping that for 2013 Kings Island has talked with Baynum Painting, and is asking for a lot of white paint.

The paint company that does most coasters, they have a neat page with Invertigo photos:

http://baynumpainting.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/roller-coaster-painters-kings-island-Invertigo/

KI has posted the first offseason photo on Facebook, a Beast car being transported to the wood coaster maintenance facility:

NOOOO!! Take care of my babies!!

KI has posted the first offseason photo on Facebook, a Beast car being transported to the wood coaster maintenance facility:

Noooo!! Wrong Beast ride to dismantle! Wrong Beast ride!!!

Since a new ride doesn't seem to be in KI's 2013 future, I will be happy with improvements much like the park got at the beginning of this season. Recently, I noticed Beast Canyon was painted on the mine entrance by the exit ramp on The Beast. I also noticed some more themeing put on the carts by the stairs in FoF. Little things like that are awesome and I hope more improvements are coming our way for 2013.

Have any photos of these updates? They sound neat.

Since a new ride doesn't seem to be in KI's 2013 future, I will be happy with improvements much like the park got at the beginning of this season. Recently, I noticed Beast Canyon was painted on the mine entrance by the exit ramp on The Beast. I also noticed some more themeing put on the carts by the stairs in FoF. Little things like that are awesome and I hope more improvements are coming our way for 2013.

Good to see someone putting so much effort into their job, even so late in the year.

Does them putting the trains away so quickly have anything to do with the approaching storm, or is that standard operation.

I'd rather see a forklift gently carrying Beast cars to their happy hybernation than to see them strewn about by the fury of nature.

Wait... who talks like that? ...I need to stop listening to art rock!

Does them putting the trains away so quickly have anything to do with the approaching storm, or is that standard operation.

They always start taking the trains/ride vehicles to matinance the day after the park closes. They have a lot of work ahead them to get to ready again for 2013.

the maruee stated this morning that 2013 auditions for shows was in a week or two. Can't remember the exact dates, I think Nov 6-9, but I could be off by a day or two.