B&MBoy1982

Great models! I'm "sheikra_rocks" from the old CD forums. It is so hard to get my hands on new CD stuff lately.

Honestly, $50 for a season pass to all the parks in the chain in the US, Mexico, and Canada, is not a bad deal. Must be purchased at SFOG. My complaint about SFOG is line jumping. We even called the number posted on the sign at Mindbender, and no one came. Line jumping is so bad at SFOG. I have been to 3 SF parks, SFOG, SFSTL, and Chicago. I have had great experiences at each. Only have line jumping issues at GA. The parks were clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful. Bought my 2012 season pass at GA, and their pass processing computers were down. The Chicago park processed my pass for me. ............... You can not blame the ride manufacturer for creating the rides. The blame goes to the park. Companies like B&M, Vekoma, Intacrap, all build what the customer (park) wants. Like Mondial and their Windy Seekers. There's almost one at every CF park! You do realize that there are other NON SF parks that have clones? Look these up on RCDB.com... Sea World's Great White Happy Valley's Crystal Wing Wild Adventures' Boomerang Wild Adv's Hangman Don't forget the SheiKra and Raptor clones over seas! Even though Arrow is not in business anymore, Vekoma is, and they have been known to make trains for Arrow coasters (1 example i know of right off hand is Vampire). So, trains are available for Arrow coasters. Another thing is that some coasters are only blocked for 1, 2, or 3 trains. Gloliath at GA is only blocked for 2, but Raging Bull at the Chicago park is blocked for 3.

WhoDey, Thanks for clearing that up. I normally ONLY ride Diamondback when I go to Kings Island, so I don't really care what other rides are open for ERT. Yes, resort guests at GWL and KI Resort get ERT. (At least they did for the last couple seasons.)

Look at the time that I made the post with that capture. 5:58pm. How in the world did the capture that I posted at 5:58pm when it was sunny outside turn to a night time capture?

Mainly Diamondback, and Beast. There are certain days when Planet Snoopy is open early. Not sure what it will be this season.

ERT is 30 minutes for Gold, Platinum, GWL, and KI Resort guests, and it's only select rides. Definitely do Invertigo and FireHawk first, then take it from there. When are you going? I could possible meet up with you and show you around the park!

I go to the park quite a bit. I live 20 minutes away. I think that 2012's increase in attendance was in part due to the fact the The Beach water park across the highway was closed for the season. Now that The Beach will be opening again this year, I believe attendance at KI will be slightly lower than last year. The new owners of The Beach are honoring all 2012 season passes that were purchased but not redeemed, (couldn't be redeemed for obvious reasons). If you go during the week, lines won't be too bad. Diamondback and Vortex are people eaters. Diamondback's full queue from the greeter to boarding the train only takes 45 minutes. When the line is sticking out, and it out to the doors of the restaurant right next to Diamondback, add 10 minutes. If you wait for the front, it will obviously be longer. You will not need Fast Lane if you traverse the park in one direction, and ride things as you get to them. Don't zig zag the park or you will become tired faster. Start with Invertigo, or FireHawk. They usually have the worst lines in the park. Food wise in the park, the best deal is the Backyard BBQ. It runs from 5:30 to 7, and is a buffet. If you have a Gold or Platinum, you get a discount. They serve fried chicken, pulled BBQ pork, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, drinks, and select ice cream. Get your tickets early, at Guest Relations, then get to Picnic Grove early to be among the first in line.

They've put the train that they were "playing with" back in the train storage. The transfer track has been in this position for about 30 minutes now.

There's only one train on the track. They have been moving it forward and backward, from the transfer to the station and back. Can't fit both trains in the station at once, and I do not see the second one anywhere else on the circuit. If you look closely at the maintenance area, you can see the second train sitting there.

At least with Cheetah Hunt You are inside the old monorail building. For me, the worst line is FIreHawk at Kings Island. Those stupid "shade tents" do not provide shade at all. They have the same shade tents at Diamondback, but at least Diamondback is a people eater, and you are not standing in the same spot for too long.

On stage with Wynonna Judd in 2007 I am "W" and Dennis is "Y" At Wynonna's bus: When he does ride coasters, he likes the more out of control ones like Maverick, I305, and Thunderhead. This photo is the 7th time in a row we had ridden. I think the huge smile on my face was during a grey out...LOL

We should introduce them! They can be our designated stuff holders while we ride! "Hi hun, here's another photo I bought. Going again!"

They sometimes use the SOB trains as Haunt displays. One year they used King Cobra trains with skeletons in them, as well as an old parking lot tram. There are 2 really bad areas on Vortex that just needs new track. When the train makes the turn toward the vertical loops, there is a terrible transition there, and on the MCBR. I like Vortex, but can only ride it once or twice per season, however, I can ride Diamondback all day long. (that is actually what I do at KI, ride Diamondback all day.)

This is a custo-mer and myself at a mermaid convention in Orlando last year called MerPalooza. I make and sell realistic, swim able, silicone mermaid tails! My "booth" at the convention.

It there was indeed a train on the turn to the lift, one of 2 things may have happened. 1.All the people were there to push the train back into the station, (not likely due to the down hill grade from the station to the lift.) 2.They cycled said train to get it back to the service area.

Purchase the ticket online and print it out. You will have 2 vouchers. One for admission, and another for All Day Dining. Once you enter into the park, follow the walk around to the right, and Zegora Cafe will be on your left. Exchange your All Day DIning voucher for a wrist band and you are good to go! Get to the park early and get the wrist band first thing, then head over to Cheetah Hunt, then Montu. (After Montu, cut through Edge of Africa, and head toward the back of the park.) Play N Dine Deal (My favorite and best food value at a theme park. This ticket is available online only. Basically you pay for admission and get All Day Dining for free. Bird Gardens Buffet "Garden Gate Cafe" is included. Upstairs sit down style dining at Crown Colony is not included. Down stairs restaurant at CC is included.) Example: Each time you go through the line you are welcome to an entree with a side, 20oz drink, and a second side OR dessert. In the photo below is what I got at Desert Grill in Timbuktu. I opted for watermelon as my second side, and sweat tea for the drink. Most of the time I get Fruit Punch due to it being too hot for cola. Can be used at Zagora Cafe, Crown Colony Cafe, Garden Gate Cafe, Bengal Bistro, Zambia Smokehouse (excludes baby back ribs), and Desert Grill (excludes baby back ribs). You can go in any of these listed restaurants and get just a drink if you want! You do not HAVE to get the whole meal. If you are going one day, then this is the ticket for you. If you plan to visit more than once, I suggest the Fun Card which is pay for a day, come back all year. THEN, purchase the All Day Dining separately. (which is what I normally do.) Make time to see Iceploration, Critter Castaways, and the show in the Desert Grill. When you ride Montu, ride it in the front in the morning after you ride Cheetah Hunt. Then, later in the day, ride Montu in the last row, left seat. I basically spelled out the Play N Dine deal for you. If you have further questions about BGT, contact me. I know my BGT. Absolutely love that park.

I love food, and will try just about anything. Out of the 20 something parks I have been to, these are the most memorable for me. IOA: Mythos (nuff said!) Burger Digs (Seasoned fries OMG!) Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous (awesome kid friendly selections) Cafe 4 (next to Hulk. Kid friendly options similar to Circus McGurkus) Dollywood Aunt Grannies (Amazing buffet! Only place I eat at Dollywood. Puts CP's Midway Market to shame!) Busch Gardens Tampa Play N Dine Deal (My favorite and best food value at a theme park. This ticket is available online only. Basically you pay for admission and get All Day Dining for free. Bird Gardens Buffet "Garden Gate Cafe" is included. Upstairs sit down style dining at Crown Colony is not included. Down stairs restaurant at CC is included.) Example: Each time you go through the line you are welcome to an entree with a side, 20oz drink, and a second side OR dessert. This is at the Desert Grill Can be used at Zagora Cafe, Crown Colony Cafe, Garden Gate Cafe, Bengal Bistro, Zambia Smokehouse (excludes baby back ribs), and Desert Grill (excludes baby back ribs) My BGT favorites: Zambia Smokehouse (SAMPLER PLATTER! Located beneath SheiKra's turn around to the splashdown.) Desert Grill (Get there 20 minutes before show time. Half of party goes to a table, one half goes through the line. Then switch.) Garden Gate Cafe (Former Hospitality House. Pizza buffet. I don't usually eat a whole meal here, just pop in for a drink and dessert) Crown Colony (Nice and air conditioned, and great for a quiet escape from the noise of the park.) Sea World Orlando Same concept as BGT. I don't go to SWO as much as BGT, so I don't remember the restaurants. I do know that the food is amazing. KIngs Island Backyard BBQ (Buffet style with fried chicken, pulled BBQ pork, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, ice cream, and 16 oz drinks. One of the very few food choices that one can receive a Gold and Platinum discount.) Rivertown Potato Works (Nuff said!) Holiday World Plymouth Rock Cafe (There should be a law against such a great theme park bargain!)

This has actually happened a couple times. I have talked scared children into riding the Beast at Kings Island by explaining it to them this way: http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3tjj93/ Can't figure out how to embed it.

I think the Arrow suspended coasters are pretty nice for families. Iron Dragon at Cedar Point is tame enough for the little ones to enjoy as well as the adults.

I have a secret to tell. I'll come ashore and tell you. To be continued.......

I voted for the Batwing. Montu's batwing is so much better than Afterburn's. Favorite seat is last row, left side!

Diamondback, row 16, air time on EVERY single drop!

The B&M standup debuted as Iron Wolf in 1990. It was the first B&M coaster. Below is a list of the different B&M coasters and when they debuted, in order of their opening. 1990 - Stand Up (Iron Wolf - SFGA) 1992 - Inverted (Batman The Ride - SFGA) 1993 - Sitdown (Kumba - BGT) 1998 - Dive Machine (Oblivion - AT) 1999 - Hyper (Apollo's Chariot - BGW) 1999 - Floorless (Bizarro - SFGAd) 1999 - Hyper 200ft + (Raging Bull SFGA) 2002 - Flying (Air - AT) 2011 - Winged (Raptor - Gardaland) 2012 - Giga (Leviathan -CW) B&M Hypers and Gigas are classified as Mega Coasters. Not at all trying to be a "donkey" about it, just awesome information I am passing along! BTW, I voted for B&M, DUH!

For a wooden coaster layout, I think Voyage has the perfect blend of large hills and twisty bits. It's like Diamondback had a baby with Thunderhead!

Just signed up! Can't wait! Anyone in Cincinnati going and want to carpool?