I have so much I want to say on this topic, but I'm going to wait until the first time I walk through those gates this year and see the finished product for myself before I make a judgement. 

@DonkeyKong I agree. Even though I have seen some of the work from the air, it's all still going to be a nice surprise. 

17 hours ago, BeeastFarmer said:

I was an arborist before my current career as an RN.  The linden trees on IS were probably at the end of their expected life.  The probably had root systems that had grown into the grassy area around the Royal Fountain as it was easier to get water and nutrients from an irrigated/fertilized area vs the pavers.  They had pruned them during the offseason last year, and the decision was probably sealed then.   When I was at KD in 2016, I was amazed at the mostly dead ash trees around the Eifel Tower, they looked like a huge liability.  I hated to see the trees at KI go, but I think IS will look great.  I was more upset about the removal of the last of the gingko trees in the area formerly known as Coney Mall--they had all been moved from Coney Island and they all ended up in the former smoking area as the others died and off and were replaced with maple trees.  

... what that guy said...

On 4/2/2019 at 9:11 AM, Outdoor Man said:

I'm no arborist, but it could be that the trees lining iStreet had reached height maturity and once that happens their main growth would come from "regeneration"- meaning shedding branches and limbs to facilitate new growth.

Now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that a park with thousands of daily guests can't have trees lining a busy thoroughfare that are regularly shedding 100lb limbs.  In that respect, the only option is to clear the slate and start over.  

The trees that were removed had some major limbs already removed, so that's a good point.    I think overall there are more trees, but its not going to end up being a shaded paradise.

The tree opinion subject is really a matter of tree lovers or not.  It's pretty obvious I am a tree lover  

 

22 hours ago, BeeastFarmer said:

I was an arborist before my current career as an RN.  The linden trees on IS were probably at the end of their expected life.  The probably had root systems that had grown into the grassy area around the Royal Fountain as it was easier to get water and nutrients from an irrigated/fertilized area vs the pavers.  They had pruned them during the offseason last year, and the decision was probably sealed then.   When I was at KD in 2016, I was amazed at the mostly dead ash trees around the Eifel Tower, they looked like a huge liability.  I hated to see the trees at KI go, but I think IS will look great.  I was more upset about the removal of the last of the gingko trees in the area formerly known as Coney Mall--they had all been moved from Coney Island and they all ended up in the former smoking area as the others died and off and were replaced with maple trees.  

I wasn't sure what kind of trees those were around the Eiffel Tower at KD, but I was assuming they were ash and the beetles go to them.  Those trees definitely needed to go.   I was surprised they didn't take them out sooner because they looked horrible.
But it was also disappointing they didn't plant replacements as it was quite a special feeling with the Eiffel Tower rising out of the woods.

23 hours ago, CedarFairFan787 said:

Wait, I am really confused. Did Coney Mall get a name change that I don't know about.

It's still called Coney Mall.

Thank You!

I'm one of the few that will miss the trees. In my opinion, the big trees gave the fountains some charm. But like someone said earlier, in a few years they'll be an average tree height again.

I hope they keep some tables along I-Street.  Its one of my favorite places to eat in the park, though, having less shade might be problematic to that end.

1 minute ago, silver2005 said:

I hope they keep some tables along I-Street.  Its one of my favorite places to eat in the park, though, having less shade might be problematic to that end.

I would be shocked if tables didn't return; especially, with those inserts close to the fountain. I hope there are new, quality tables with themed umbrellas.

I think they'll keep the tables. Otherwise, people would have to walk a distance to eat LaRosa's. 

I just hope they get new tables if they do have tables there. The old ones weren't in very pristine condition, to say the least.

With the bricks nearest the fountain being a different color, I wonder if this is a parade route/fountain show viewing section, and the outside near the shops is open to relieve congestion. (Excuse me... it’s just the DisneyWorld visitor in me coming out.) in fact the two sections that jut out towards the fountain could be stage areas as well.

I had my training on Saturday and got to take in what they’ve done so far. While I won’t upload any pictures or delve into specifics, I will say it is definitely going to be an incredible final result. I think it will really put the “grand” into “grand entrance.” And yes, it’s a good thing that those trees were cut down; the forced perspective illusion has been restored!

I think this whole makeover is going to bring such a great fresh feeling to those of us who try to go once or twice a year from out of state. Kings Island never gets old but it will be so refreshing to see these new beautiful changes added. 

1 minute ago, lostinthevortex said:

I think this whole makeover is going to bring such a great fresh feeling to those of us who try to go once or twice a year from out of state. Kings Island never gets old but it will be so refreshing to see these new beautiful changes added. 

I think you are right on the mark here.

Also, welcome to KIC!

I'll upload my pictures once the park opens for the season. But it looks amazing from the air!

@KIghostguy which department will you be working in?

19 minutes ago, sixohdieselrage said:

I'll upload my pictures once the park opens for the season. But it looks amazing from the air!

 

Wait, you flew today?

@Hawaiian Coasters 325 Negative. Hopefully soon, before opening day. 

What I meant was, any pictures I took from the air during the off-season. 

With the new fountain design and since CF cycles their shows throughout the chain, I can see KI borrowing this show from Canada Wonderland sometime soon

 

1 hour ago, Winterfestguy said:

With the new fountain design and since CF cycles their shows throughout the chain, I can see KI borrowing this show from Canada Wonderland sometime soon

 

I would love this, but it won't be a part of the park entertainment this year.

Only ONE WEEK until we finally walk through the front gate and be awed by the majesty of International Street and the Royal Fountains. That is if you are going on Preview Night. 

I think "Crowded Night" might be a better name.  

On 4/8/2019 at 5:55 AM, KIghostguy said:

I think it will really put the “grand” into “grand entrance. The forced perspective illusion has been restored!

Are you allowed to comment or say if the pedestals have been put back in or taken away? Yes I'm still holding hope.

52 minutes ago, Shawn Meyer said:

Are you allowed to comment or say if the pedestals have been put back in or taken away? Yes I'm still holding hope.

They are gone for good, my friend. 

Well now that I know that, the anticipation of what they look like is killing me. Uuugghh!

Are you allowed to comment or say if the pedestals have been put back in or taken away? Yes I'm still holding hope.

Yes, the old pedestals are no longer. It is a completely new fountain setup. It looks beautiful.


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On 4/12/2019 at 11:38 AM, Pagoda Gift Shop said:

I think "Crowded Night" might be a better name.  

Yeah, I wish that preview night was still only for fall renewals...

6 hours ago, Oldschool75 said:

Yes, the old pedestals are no longer. It is a completely new fountain setup. It looks beautiful.


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Of course now I’m wondering if the fountain is still painted white on the bottom and sides or darker like at Kings Dominion and Canada’s Wonderland.  

Of course now I’m wondering if the fountain is still painted white on the bottom and sides or darker like at Kings Dominion and Canada’s Wonderland.  

I would guess white or blue. That’s a traditional color that gives a clean look with the endless/bottomless feel.

I would think black would make the water warmer and promote bacteria and algae growth... who wants that?

Another item on International Street gets a new paint job. More details on the latest KIBlog!

https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog/2019/april/international-street-stein-refurbished-for-2019-season