DILinator

Fixed that for ya'! If I had taken the time to write out a list of CF predictions for 2017, it would have looked almost exactly the same as this^ Thanks for saving me the time, Bill! Two slight differences I'd make... -I'm going with an RMC of Hurler at Kings Dominion, as I just don't see what actual benefit GCI does for that boring coaster (similar to how I feel about GCI Mean Streak). Plus, there have been some vague hints of RMC finally teaming up with CF, and KD is in a competitive market, where a simple RMC of Hurler could really bolster their presence there next year. I could be off here, but what's the fun in making predictions if they're all very predictable (CP, KI,DP, MiA), or conservative? -I'm not sure if CF would do two Triotech Dark Rides in a year, but I'm more inclined to go with WoF than VF, if I had to choose. So I'm not going to choose, just pick one for each of them next year! Not likely 2017 at this point, but I will be SHOCKED if a large B&M coaster hasn't descended on CW by 2018 at the latest, just sayin'...

I can't imagine WHERE you might be referring to!?!? As for my thoughts on Mystic Timbers, I have no complaints! Yeah, it's not an RMC, but I think we all really knew that going into the announcement, and as I posted WAY earlier in this thread, even if it's White Lightning in the woods, it's going to be awesome. And it looks a lot better than that in my opinion! I don't even see what's so bad about the name... Either this or SplinterCat are better than what a lot of coasters get named these days, and given that it's marketed toward a family/younger child crowd, I think the name really works. If there's one thing kids can't resist, it's the promise of something scary, even if they know they're probably going to be scared by it. I can't wait to show my kids the video, and name, later today, and see their response! They also haven't been to KI yet, so I'm eagerly anticipating taking them there for the first time next year! Regarding the location, I think it's safe to say RFYLCB is safe (congrats, Bill!), which makes me happy, since Flumes need to stop dying off, and I haven't ridden that one yet myself. From watching the POV, you can see that the station points out to the area where the old Funnel Cakes stand was before turning to the right (In fact, if you look down at the cleared ground there in the POV, you can actually see an image of the Funnel Cakes stand from the old satellite view). So this means that the cleared out area will likely be for the ride entrance plaza, and potentially some of the queue as well. It is also what leads me to say fairly definitively that RCFYLCB is staying, since that location seen on the POV would place the top of the "T" portion of the layout just below the flume. I also think that the reason the track is so high off the ground, is clearly that the train needs to go underneath it, as it goes right by where the station is going to be. Looking at the 3D track layout render, I would guess that it goes underneath the part of the track right after the turn out of the station. In fact, I believe at the very start of the POV, you can see the train track going right by there. That would place it going underneath the second little "shed" at the end of the coaster as well. So, this leads me to my belief that the "surprise" in the shed is NOT a drop section of track, as awesome as that would be. I suppose it could drop, and then just come up again, so we can't completely rule it out. However, if I were a betting man, I would put my money on the sheds featuring some sort of interactive screens, or animatronics, spread out over the various mini-"block sections", taken either at a stand still, or at a slow speed, just to flesh out the theme of the ride. Again, not something that will light Enthusiasts' world on fire, but will really get the younger kids excited (and, possibly terrified), and really adds a nice finishing touch to the overall experience of the coaster. Again, I think it looks great, and speaking as a parent of three kids who will probably all love to ride this next year (as will I!), I can't be happier with the addition! KI already had CP beat in terms of being a "Family Park", and this only cements that status further! I've mentioned it elsewhere, but it bears repeating here: Cedar Fair under Ouimet has been very clearly trying to make and mold each park in its proper "image", or targeted "theme" (I'm using that word loosely, obviously - this is Cedar Fair we're talking about here!) I believe they are making it clear that Cedar Point is their flagship "Thrill Park", and "Roller Coaster Capital of the World". which is why they are loading up in that department as of late, and I believe they will continue to do so in upcoming years, starting with RMC Streak - in 2018.) Kings Island is their flagship "Family Park". and given that it's in the same state, and competing for much of the same area, that is what makes the two parks distinctive. Go to one for boundary pushing thrills, and go to the other for a more well-rounded, family friendly experience. I'm not saying KI will never see a Giga or Wing coaster, but again, I would be pretty surprised if they do, honestly... I think this is the new direction of Cedar Fair, and Kings Island, and frankly, I love it! Well done!

I would definitely go the latter dates! I have been a regular attender of CP forever, yet I visit almost exclusively pre-mid-June, and post-third week of August. In my experience, some of the best visits I've had have during the week the last week of August.

Yeah, this is what I got from it too... Lame.... I have family that lives in Lavalette, right nearby, and was a regular visitor to the piers. Such a shame what happened first with Sandy, and then the fire, and now to hear that at least half of the pier offerings will be gone forever. Here's hoping some sanity prevails at some point, and something decent gets rebuilt there, that brings the life and vitality that used to be there, back to that Southern end of the pier.

If you (or I, or anybody) were waiting for a MAJOR addition at MiA to visit, this is what we's all end up looking like... Again, you're going to love Shivering Timbers! No need to put that off any longer, if you have an opportunity to go!

Has it been retracked recently? Last time I rode it was the year Leviathan was new and we stopped here on the way back. Both ST and WW were pretty rough. Not like Wilde Beast and Mindbuster rough but still rougher than we remembered them being last time we stopped in The worst part of the ride the the helix finale, and yes, it was retracked a couple of years ago, and rides like a dream now! The trick-track element is still a little jarring, but it adds to the character of the ride.

Agreed!

Definitely no need for Fastlane! I'd think you'd have a pretty decent visit in September, as it's really only packed during the height of the Summer vacationing season to Lake Michigan. On the down side, there is no Wildwater Adventure that weekend. Which means that the ride park will be busier than usual during the afternoon, and also that you won't get to experience the second best part of the park (after Shivering Timbers.) Still, Timbers alone is worth the trip, so I say go for it!

Might wanna see a doctor, brosef. That ain't healthy.

Methinks somebody saw the smart way Cedar Point was handling VR and was like "Hey! Why didn't WE think of that?!"

Nah... I'm certainly not a "kid", grew up on the old Arrow shite, and won't mourn the day they're all gone from the face of the earth (aside from Loch Ness Monster). I think something's gotten worse with Vortex in recent years... It didn't used to bother me so much, but now, it's "meh" on its best rides, and unrideable on its worst. As for the debate about why some like it, and others don't... As with all coasters, it's subjective, and simply up to a matter of opinion, and personal taste in coaster-riding experiences. I think trying to assign specific reasons or rationale to why some of us like certain coasters while others don't is ultimately a futile endeavor.

Do you hate your life? I'm not saying I'd never ride it again, but still...

Regarding Carowinds getting a Flume, maybe that's where CF is going to send RFYLCB after they take it out of KI for the 2017 GCI woodie! I abhorred Vortex. And yes, I know what that word means, and no, I didn't use it inappropriately there! To each their own though... I'm just saying I'd gladly ride Green Lantern again, before riding Vortex again... *ducks*

Sounds ominous. I lol'ed

HAIL, NO!!! The Blue/Green of Kingda Ka is one of my favorite color combos for any coaster, anywhere! Heck, it's one of the reasons I like KK more than that ugly yellow TTD!

Interesting interview with Rob Decker, that touches on Cedar Fair philosophy in general, and talks about a lot of Cedar Point specific examples. Nothing earth-shattering in there, but it says enough about mindset, that you can make some reasonable guesses as to what the future holds for Cedar Fair parks, and CP in particular. AV Club interviews Rob Decker

^Meh... I actually thought Carowinds was already bereft of many truly "thrilling" coasters. Fury, obviously fits the bill, and Intimidator and Afterburn do as well. But I can't say I was honestly too "thrilled" on any of the other coasters... Nighthawk is, technically, a thrill ride (well, technically, all roller coasters are "thrill rides"). Suffice it to say that I'm not under any illusion that Vortex in any form is coming to MiA, but the removal of Vortex someday, to make way for a more "thrilling" coaster wouldn't surprise me.

^^^Man, I'm loving that SFNO Batman color scheme as well! Wow!

I wondered what on earth could have caused this thread to blow up so much in one day! I see now what it was... Figured it wasn't actually anything pertinent or interesting about the park!

I hated Vortex when I rode it last year (no, I'm not saying that too strongly), however, if they converted it to a Floorless coaster, and brought it to MiA, I would love it! That would be a fabulous addition for MiA, and yes, would free up a great footprint at Carowinds for a more deserving coaster!

Nice! I'll go see the premiere showing of Jason Bourne, and then come home and see what new hotness is coming to KI next year!

I'm totally with you there! Last time I went was on my Honeymoon back in 2001, and aside from some frickin' fantastic Italian food in Italy, it was only a so-so experience. (I'd been once before as a kid as well, to an even less enthusiastic reaction.) While I get why the nostalgists would be disappointed about the new direction, it's totally a great move on Disney's part. I know my kids are already excited about seeing the new Frozen ride someday, and these other upcoming attractions sound great as well! And again, the food back in World Showcase... (That's a licking my lips smiley, in this instance!)

What I take away from this, which is a positive, is that the designation is not currently "CS". Glass half full people... Glass half full...