DILinator

He never did answer about whether he's allowed to put condiments on it or not...

Banshee, two times in a row at park closing!

I enjoyed the park immensely Thursday, visiting with my kids and meeting up with RAWKIN and Inverted (who are both great people, and everybody should meet them sometime!) Even with my favorite coaster there (Diamondback) down all day, it was a great time at this fabulous park! The crowds being super low all day and lines almost non-existent certainly didn't hurt either! We got to the park at 1:00, and I still got three laps each on MT and Banshee, as well as every other non-kiddie coaster except Vortex and FoF once! As for the announcement, it was fun to finally be a part of one, and even though there were literally zero surprises (other than there being zero surprises), it was cool to see it all officially announced, and feel the buzz in the crowd! I'm also loving the off ride images provided, and can't wait to see it in person (and ride it of course) next year! So, thanks to KI for the fun event, and the Coney Mall ERT (We got last ride of the night on Monster! Woo hoo!) And congrats on the upcoming debut of Orion, their awesome KIga coaster!

Awesome! Nice to see some real investment at the park, and this was really needed, honestly. I look forward to taking my youngest there next year to check it out!

I really enjoyed Paddlewheel Excursions in both iterations, so I'm excited that it's coming back in some form!

No. Yes. Love it! 10/10 Meanwhile, it's been a great day ar the park today (well, other than Diamondback being down all day), with everything walk on, or nearly walk on! Can't wait for the announcement in a couple hours! This truly is a great park already, and is about to get even greater!

Yeah, regarding the abridged version of my thoughts... Turns out there is no abridged version! What can I say... An EPIC coaster deserves an EPIC post!

Well, you have to stick to that! Otherwise we're going to get to see a video of you eating your foot!

This is my thinking as well. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to have it be called the same thing, or something similar. Wait. What? What did I miss?!? How do we already know what’s coming?! (Not being an ass. I legit think I missed it.) All indicators are that it's going to be the MACK Power Splash that was originally going to be in Six Flags Dubai.

KI + GIGA = KIGA Since we don't actually know the name yet, I prefer that nickname for it to saying Polaris/Orion. Honestly I like it a lot better than Polaris or Orion, and it sounds random like a CF name too!

Excellent post up there, RAWKIN, and thanks for the large and detailed poster pictures, and delving into the analysis of each one's alluded to element! I've been wanting to post my thoughts on KIGA for days now, but it's such a massive undertaking, and the posts got so epic in size, nobody would've even bothered reading them. So I scrapped all that, and will try to jump off of some of your thoughts, for a cliff notes version! First off, let me just stress that I am SUPER EXCITED about KIGA, and even if there is absolutely nothing we don't already know from the leaked blueprints and trademarks, am stoked about the announcement tomorrow night, and can't wait to get out to my second favorite amusement park next year, and ride this beast! (Not to be confused with The Beast!) My oldest son (15) has really gotten into coaster enthusiasm this year, has been following all of this progress, and already loves KI as well, so he too is excited about KIGA regardless of what it ends up being, and is going to be with me (and my 11 year old son, and RAWKIN) at the announcement tomorrow night. So we are all very much grounded, and not raising our expectations to any unreasonable levels. Having said that, I do sincerely think that there are still things we do not know about this coaster, and that could include its name, elements on it, or any ancillary theming or ride enhancement elements. I'm not saying height, speed, length, or that the blueprints are fake. None of that is reasonable to think. But we don't honestly know for a fact that there aren't elements on this coaster like a potential inversion, or tunnels, or never before seen elements on a Giga like a vertical drop. I'm not saying there will be, but there will be something that makes this a HUGE, singular, and noteworthy addition for KI. It would be the most un-CF thing ever, if there were nothing they can claim about this coaster that were unique. So I would say it's reasonable to think there will be things announced tomorrow night that will be a surprise to people, and will be unique in providing a ride experience on KIGA like no other. Launches are not likely, and even an inversion seems to be a stretch. But those elements are clearly alluded to on the posters, as RAWKIN pointed out, so one has to at least consider that maybe they have meaning. Even an overbanked turn that could be called an inversion (such as that one on Untamed) isn't an unreasonable thing to think might show up on this coaster (possibly a cutback instead of a hammerhead, perhaps), and be marketed as a first inversion on a Giga. Backwards motion is on there as well, though I feel like this is the least likely thing to see of those three elements. Regardless of any of those potential unique elements, which I wouldn't expect to be present, I do think that there will be a modicum of theming on this coaster, and that will be where its unique ride experience truly lies. They've really hyped up the apocalyptic and space theme on this coaster, and after seeing the better than typical for CF theme elements on their last two large coasters (Banshee and Mystic Timbers), I think they will be upping the ante slightly for this coaster. I do believe we will see at least one, if not two tunnels, as they are actually depicted on the blueprints, it appears. Lights, strobes, images... Probably some combination of those things will be present in the tunnel(s), or maybe the pitch darkness IS in keeping with the theme. Either way, I do think we'll see a tunnel or two. Heck, the thought of the drop being partially enclosed is an intriguing one, lending itself to a lot of possibilities considering the theming being teased. There's no indication of a tunnel on the drop in the blueprints, but it wouldn't be the first time such a thing was not included on the initial blueprints for a CF coaster. Now, I'm not saying that's happening, but it also wouldn't be shocking to me, and I could actually see it happening. If it's not, heck, if there are no tunnels, I will not be upset or disappointed as well, to be clear. I just personally suspect there will be. I also think there will be an impact crater type of clearing, and theming (think something along the lines of that part of the queue at Twisted Timbers), at the bottom of the first drop, since the recent teases from KI heavily point to meteors crashing on earth, potentially causing an ELE (Extinction Level Event, for those unfamiliar with the fantastic movie Deep Impact), and leaving giant impact craters. So I do think that will be at the bottom of the drop, and maybe we'll even get random leftover and destroyed Firehawk track, for an homage (since KI tends to do those sort of things) strewn about there, suggesting that IT was destroyed by the arrival of this apocalyptic event, which is what KIGA is. All of that really tracks, and fits with everything teased, and I will be pretty surprised, honestly, if that backstory isn't included in this coaster. Along these lines, I want to officially predict that the names trademarked, Orion and Polaris, will not actually be the name of this coaster, but were rather trademarked to give an advanced tease of the theming and nature of this coaster. With the obvious apocalyptic, end of the world narrative they're pushing in the lead up, neither Polaris nor Orion specifically fits that, since while they both relate to stars, and while a falling star is what would cause the impact crater and end of the world, it doesn't specifically denote any doomsday (possible name for the coaster?) concept. The last two major coasters at KI were both darker themed in name, so I wouldn't be surprised if we get another darker, apocalypse type of name with this one. It certainly wouldn't be the first time CF trademarking things in advance would be a red herring, and then they trademark the official name when it's announced. I know what you're thinking right now... This is the "cliff notes" version of your post??? I know, I know... I'm a writer by nature, what can I say! I'll wrap up my final thoughts on KIGA now, and just mention a few other observations. -We haven't seen an image of the front of the trains for KIGA, at least I didn't see them on any of the blueprints. This means it's entirely possible we'll have slightly different restraints than the clamshells, or maybe something in addition to them to allow for an inversion or extreme overbanking. Just something I noticed. -If you look at the queue in the blueprints, there is a show building of some sort that both the standby and FL queues go through right before they head up the stairs to the station. So, once again, this coaster will certainly be relying on theming and a narrative more than your typical CF coaster. -I haven't perused the blueprints to the point of knowing how steep this drop is going to be, but the way CF coasters, and coasters in general have been going lately, it would make a lot of sense if this has a vertical drop, making it the only vertical drop in KI, and the highest vertical drop on a Giga. Once again, these are all just thoughts that I've had personally, as I consider how CF typically operates, how KI typically operates, as well as the ever changing nature of the amusement park and roller coaster industry. I've been a fan of roller coasters most of my over 40 years, and have seen many trends, as well as many revolutionary twists and turns. I say that, to caution those assuming that just because a park, or a chain, or a roller coaster company has operated a certain way for years, doesn't mean that an innovation isn't right around the corner. I see a lot of rather enthusiast "wet blankets" trying to throw cold water on any speculation, and talk that is outside of the box, and I think that's a shame. It also often comes back to bite those people in the butt, when what they said couldn't be happening, happens. You may or may not recall, but people suggesting Hersheypark would get a launch coaster by Intamin back in 2003-2004 were derided by the "more reasonable" enthusiasts, and then Storm Runner was announced, leaving the "know it alls" looking silly. Then there was that time all the "cool kids" on most prolific coaster sites were shouting down anybody suggesting Maverick was a multi-launch coaster that went under itself at one point, and laughed at the delusional CP "fanboys"... right up until Maverick was announced. So when people are suggesting this may have inversions, or a launch, and you laugh, you very well may be right... up until that day when you're not, and the "wild speculators" and people thinking outside the box are shown to be the ones with foresight and vision, once again. None of that means this won't be a basic, what you see is what you get B&M Giga, with little that we don't already know. And if it is that, it will still be awesome, and nobody should be complaining about it! I'm not suggesting otherwise. I'm just saying that I personally think there is a thing or two we don't know about this coaster yet, that we'll find out tomorrow night. What that is, I don't know, but it's fun to speculate, as long as you don't create false expectations for yourself, or get your hopes up for something ultimately unreasonable. After all, for me, this hobby is all about FUN, and trying to guess what is coming, especially during teaser season, is a big part of that fun! Thanks to anybody who actually read this epic tome, and if you did, hopefully you found it interesting, and thought provoking! I'm super excited about this new coaster coming to KI, and can't wait to see it announced tomorrow night! If anybody else is going to be there, and wants to connect with myself, RAWKIN, and my kids, just PM one or both of us, and we'll try to meet up at some point. Enjoy your final 24 hours of speculation, those who enjoy doing that, and I look forward to seeing how much of them end up coming to be on this fantastic coaster! It's an exciting time to be a KI fan, to be sure!

^I know that used to be the case, and I used to always go during that time for years. However, I've noticed it's getting busier during even those weeks in recent years. So while I imagine crowds will be less than they are this week still, they're not going to be as "dead" as "dead week" used to be known for. At least, I wouldn't expect that, and then be pleasantly surprised if they are.

Thing is it wouldn't get over looked at CGA, MIA, WOF ect Well, Be-Bop Blvd at Michigan's Adventure just had its last ride. Trying to picture the space, but I wonder if it could fit there? Don't even get us Michiganders thinking about such a glorious thing! 2020's addition there is going to be a Camp Snoopy kids area (if we're lucky), and that's all we should be thinking about!

^Yeah, that's good advice, from both of you. Do you know if it's the same with Debit Cards? I imagine I should probably still inform them, just to be on the safe side. *Edited to add: For those of you who have experience with buying FLP at CW, do you have any idea how many, "a very limited number" of FLP are sold each day? I'd hate to get there at open, go to pick up my free FLP, and find out that they're already sold out for the day. Given that I wouldn't be able to return this year if that were the case, I'd really rather avoid that happening! So any info or tips are appreciated! Thanks!

^That was my thought as well, especially after not being able to turn up any info on anything right off the bat. Thanks, RollerManic for the response!

Thanks for the heads-up, and the helpful info! I am definitely going to try and get those passes over the next few days, as it would be great to have the ability to do a day+ at the park, and also get Fast Lane on the 7th!

Yes, this is what has me perplexed as well! I know when it was announced, Infinity Falls claimed to be the tallest in the world, and this is taller than that. Has a new one opened since then, or is opening next year? Inquiring minds want to know! Love this addition though! I still haven't been able to make it out to SDC, but I'm glad this will be there whenever I do! I'm not usually a fan of Rapids Rides, but I liked the one at Animal Kingdom because of the drop, so I'm excited about Infinity Falls and this as well. Such a beautiful looking park! Can't wait to get out there someday!

^Awesome news! Thanks for that! It just mentions the CW Sesason Pass there, and on the website, so do you know if this same deal will apply to the Platinum Passes as well? It would be so great if it did! Our visit is the 7th of September, and those Fast Lanes would definitely come in handy!

I actually heard from a friend, who does actually know "people in the know" at CP, who told me last September that he'd been told Wicked Twister was going to get removed. It wasn't clear when at the time, and obviously it wasn't last year. But even though I currently can't ride it due to my size, I'd hoped it would stay, as I actually really like it! At the time he told me about it, it seemed out of the blue, and wasn't being discussed by enthusiasts much. Now, there is so much chatter about it, that it really does seem more and more likely. I'm hoping it's not the case, but at the same time, its removal only makes way for more transformation at CP, and that's rarely ever a bad thing!

I remember him, from back when he was at KI in the Paramount years. Always a great guy, and a big friend to enthusiasts as well! I'm not surprised he's doing all this teasing, and having fun with it, because he absolutely had fun with enthusiasts, and provided great experiences for them, back in the day at PKI! As I have seen others in the industry say before, he was born to run a park, and it's clear he's great at what he does!

How were crowds today? Originally I was going to be there at KW today, but had to change my plans. I'm just curious what I missed out on! lol

I'm thinking I'll finally visit my first park of the year, and ride my first coasters of the year, this Thursday, for an after 4 visit to KI with my oldest kid, and the announcement of KIGA!

Yeah, I have not personally been on it, but from afar, this is my take on it as well. I think it looks fun, and I look forward to riding it whenever I get back out there! But my expectations have also been managed, and I'll appreciate it for what it is. I think the issue is that when it was announced, a lot of enthusiasts thought it looked more intense, and were maybe expecting something like Helix or Maverick. Instead, they got a much milder coaster, leading to anticipointment. That's on them, not the park, and I agree that it was a great addition for the park, and complements their top 3 well. Heck, personally, it may still be as high as #2 in the park for me when I get around to riding it, since Intimidator is my least favorite B&M Hyper, and while I enjoy Afterburn, I don't like it nearly as much as most enthusiasts it seems. CS looks fun, and honestly, having fun, not craving intensity, is why I ride coasters!

CP announced on Twitter that apparently they're waiting on a part from the manufacturer for Dragster. So there's the resolution (for now) to the questions earlier about why it was down, and how long it will be that way. They do not have an estimated time for re-opening. So yeah, Top Thrill Dragster, everybody!

DO ITTT!!! I think I might be able to make it. I work that day but I talked to my manager about maybe getting off a bit early. Even if I can't we close at 8 and I could be out of there pretty quickly and make it to the park before 10. I haven't completely ruled it out yet, but practically speaking, it's a long ways to go just for that, and a bit costly without a pass, and needing lodging. I've gotta save for this trip to Canada's Wonderland and Niagra Falls next month! Lol But if I end up going, I'll be sure to let you know!