Kings Island (KI) Discussion Thread

[Midgetman82]

I think it was around 5:30 when I vaguely remember them tearing down the tables. I was close, but didn't quite get a shirt. I was also able to get a front row ride on Banshee, and I couldn't believe how amazing it was! My expectations were probably lowered a bit considering Gatekeeper's opening and people being excited about that (not comparing experiences with either rides, don't worry). This entire coaster was very fun and forceful; especially that upward helix before the inline twist Foss123 mentioned. Not to over-exaggerate anything, but I might rank it a tad higher than Montu just on experience alone! I'm not gonna start on explaining my experience waiting for it though...

[rollercoasterbuff]

We did front row twice, and we were able to catch a ride in every other row once. The consensus was that front row is the best. Honestly, any seat in the front. We traded sides each time in the front so we got to experience both sides, it doesn't matter where you sit. You feel like your flying. It's awesome.

[rcjp]

Great pictures and great offride shots! I noticed, while watching those videos, that banshee sounds a little bit different from other loud B&Ms. Is it just from the videos or am I actually correct? Also, for those who've ridden it, how did the loops feel? Any different from the other inverts? Because they look slightly more circular.

[loop-de-loop]

Also my other question was has anyone at any Cedar Fair park experienced the Fast Lane selling out?

It has sold out at Canada's Wonderland before, likely other parks too.

[ArgoZ]

Heading there today with the family! Hopefully crowds are better than Friday. Anyone else going? Marriot brand hotels in the Cincinnati area, even their cheap hotels, offer a 4 pack of tickets with your stay and starlight admission for $10 the day you arrive. Pretty good deal as tickets ended up about $20 each with our Town Place Suites hotel.

[TheDarkMaxim]

I got my first ride at about 9 after waiting 2 hours, wow that ride is fantastic at night. One a side note, having never ridden a flyer, Firehawk at night was awesome too.

[thrillrider]

Standing in line to get into the park now. Lines are pretty long again. Not quite as bad as yesterday, but getting there.

[Coaster19]

They were more controlled today. For early entry as of now, Banshee is the only thing opened

[Coaster19]

I need to rant a little, right now I am over by diamondback area, which is closed for early entry, you would not believe the amount of people cussing out KI and how much of a pain it is to wait another. 30minutes!!

 

I am sorry, but the park does not have to give is early entry at all! Be happy that we get to be in the park, these "perks" could easily be removed, just remember that please!

[thrillrider]

I'm at diamondback as well. I don't see anyone bitching. As of now, there is maybe 100 waiting.

[Coaster19]

They may have stopped, I went over by the log flume, but they were strong about it at 9:30 time frame. If they stopped that is good.

 

Are you going to diamondback or beast?

[thesman]

What is the old SOB station being used for now?

[BigDipper 80]

^They use it for a haunted house during Haunt.

[Coaster19]

I finally meet Rob! that was amazing to meet him!! It was the perfect closer to the KI trip! Thank you!!

[RCjunkie]

Does anyone know if the 52''' height requirement vs. the usual 54'' for other B&M Inverts is due to the new seating harness?

[traincrossin]

Great pictures and great offride shots! I noticed, while watching those videos, that banshee sounds a little bit different from other loud B&Ms. Is it just from the videos or am I actually correct? Also, for those who've ridden it, how did the loops feel? Any different from the other inverts? Because they look slightly more circular.

Banshee's roar is very similar to GateKeeper's at the beginning of the season. GateKeeper did get progressively louder as time went on and as it was broken in. I don't think it will ever be as loud as Raptor though.

[thrillrider]

Was at Beast...now we're at adventure express.

[rollercoasterbuff]

What would you guys anticipate crowds to be tomorrow? Being that it is easter. If the crowds are heavy, I'll definitely get the FL+, but just curious what the consensus on crowds tomrrow would be? thanks!

[thrillseeker4552]

Does anyone know if the 52''' height requirement vs. the usual 54'' for other B&M Inverts is due to the new seating harness?

 

I'm sure that's exactly why.

[Cullvion]

I'll be going to ride it this summer! Looks absolutely incredible!

[robbalvey]

We did some filming on The Beast this morning and while it will be a few days before I can get the POV posted, here's a couple of shots. The weather was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

Edited April 19, 2014 by robbalvey

[Mstankow]

Man I would have loved a 52 height requirement as a little kid. I remember for a year or two at Six Flags Great America, I was a little under 54 inches and so I was always super disappointed I could not ride Batman, Shock Wave, and Iron Wolf. I did manage to get a ride on Shock Wave by getting in the car before I could get measured but I didn't return to that park for like four or 5 years. There will be some very happy kids who will be able to ride Banshee.

 

I should also note that when I did go to King's Island a few years later, I had hit a growth spirt so it was a huge relief being able to ride King Kobra. It was a paintful ride but worth it.

 

I really need to go back to Kings Island now. The park seemed to have had gone downhill since my visit in 1998 but it is nice to see the park finally getting some love. Matt Ouimet seems to be doing a great job.

[robbalvey]

Our Kings Island Banshee coverage generated 20,515 Facebook update Likes, 2,518 shares & 1,071 comments! Thanks for riding along with us!

[Hilltopper39]

Those shots of the beast look great, can't wait to see this POV. Maybe it's just me since I grew up with that ride and that park, but there's some "special" about that ride. Just such a weird unique awesome ride.

[dragsterfan420]

We did some filming on The Beast this morning and while it will be a few days before I can get the POV posted, here's a couple of shots. The weather was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

 

Man, it's been a long while since theirs been an 'official' POV for the Beast. Glad to see it's coming directly from TPR. At least from the two screencaps released so far it looks like their's been a good amount of retracking. Can't wait to virtually ride the re-worked Beast.

 

Also thanks to everyone who provided insight, opinions, and especially pictures of Banshee, media day, and opening day on behalf of at least one KI fan who wish he could've been there.