ytterbiumanalyst

You know who else has a seasonal operation with maintenance schedules and opens the same time or earlier in the year as Kings Island? Dollywood. Six Flags Great Adventure. Six Flags Great America. Six Flags New England. Hersheypark. Silver Dollar City. Six Flags over Georgia. SeaWorld San Antonio. Sesame Place. Frontier City. Six Flags St. Louis. California's Great America. Phantasialand. I could go on... Somehow though, all of those parks are able to run more than one coaster for Christmas. It's a holiday miracle. Exactly. I suspect that it's not actually maintenance that is the issue. Those are usually year-round positions and relatively high paying, compared to other jobs in this industry. The bigger concern is likely all of the other staff, the low wage seasonal workers like ride ops and security. Places that have an easier time finding staff keep more rides open.

That's incredible. I'm having a hard time picking which photo I like best. That stainless steel pillar department store is pretty awesome, and Mt. Fuji, and melon soda...so much to love in Japan.

Ouch.

^

That's cool, I didn't know about this place. I think I'd like Seattle if I ever get to go there. You've been to some really interesting places that I think I'd enjoy. Thanks for sharing!

I agree! More parks should open more of the park. Attendance is generally very good at these events. If the weather will allow it, run the rides!

^ You do realize it's still going to be the same number of school days, right?

^^ Those are some really good photos. I really want to go back to Knott's...stupid work situation....

Agreed, I appreciate your sharing so often from SFoT. I love that park, but don't get to it very often (it's about 7 hours away from me), so I enjoy seeing the progress. Thank you!

That's awesome. Life Day is the only good thing to come out of the Holiday Special.

The Cedar Fair Platinum Pass is definitely going to make this a lot cheaper. There are a good number of cheap hotels in the Kings Island area, since it's on the edge of the metro area. I like the Baymont near the Beach waterpark and can generally find it under $100. It's about 5 minutes from Kings Island. In Sandusky, I like the Hojo across the street from the Thirsty Pony. I'm into Wyndhams because they let my family of 5 stay in one room. Coasterbill will recommend a Choice hotel very near to these that is practically identical and those are also good recommendations. You probably know this already, but just in case, the Holiwood Nights event is always Friday and Saturday. They have two ticket options: all day Friday and all day Saturday or after 5pm Friday and all day Saturday. So if you just go for Saturday, you're missing out on half the festivities. If possible, I'd recommend taking Friday off work and driving down that morning so you can take part in the hors d'oeuvres (which are really a full meal and soooo good). If you can't take Friday off work for some reason, then still worth going on Saturday. I'd do this itinerary: Fri 5/29: Drive to Santa Claus/Holiwood kNights Sat 5/30 Holiwood kNights Sun 5/31 Drive to Louisville/Kentucky Kingdom all day/drive to Cincinnati Mon 6/1 Jungle Jim's/PBS Tour/Kings Island in the evening Tues 6/2 Kings Island Wed 6/3 Drive to Sandusky/Cedar Point in the evening Thurs 6/4 Cedar Point Fri 6/5 Cedar Point Sat 6/6 Drive to Pittsburgh/Kennywood/Drive home

Butterbeer is definitely the result of a magic spell:

Looks great! Had plans to get up there this weekend that fell through. They always do well with this event.

Agreed, I think they're doing fine. It's a fun place.

That looks really good, and also that not-really-a-cobra-roll thing. Timr Traveler is brilliant, and this ride really seems to improve on the concept.

That looks really good. They've been getting some better food lately, especially for their special events.

Yeah, I don't pretend to know anything about this area--never heard of any of those suburbs--but if they're going to be building any sort of attraction across from something called Topanga Plaza, it'd better be themed to Boy Meets World.

See kids, this is what happens when you ask yourself "Should I just go to bed now?" and yourself answers, "Nah, Ima post one more thing."

Building a mall across the street from a mall sounds stupid, but on the other hand, Arlington, Texas.

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Sounds like the best possible outcome!

Sounds like science! Agreed.

First you need to finish all the New Jersey mall that's on your plate, and then, if you're still hungry, you can have some of the Miami mall.

This x1000. Fun day at Universal!

Ya done goofed up Jeffrey.