Kentucky Kingdom (SFKK, KK) Discussion Thread

[SFOG1991]

I love the name for the Super Loop. I know enthusiasts are over these rides since they are so common now, but they really are fun rides and crowd pleasers.

 

I'm mostly excited for the new trains and work on Thunder Run. Also, the general improvements to assist park capacity management sound great! It seems boring, but that will really help improve the park. That is something I wish a few Six Flags parks would announce.

[lbeeler]

Kentucky Kingdom, just commented on FB, that there will be 2 New Trains for Thunder Run.

they fixed it its only 1 train.

 

 

The problem with this addition is that a super loop has been coming to the park with the Kentucky State Fair for at least the past 20 years. I wish they had gone with something else, but ah well.

do you know if the Larson loop that came to the KSF was the 73 feet(22 m) version or the 59 ft. (18 m) version?

Edited November 29, 2016 by lbeeler

[SFOG1991]

^That's unfortunate.

[mikeykaise]

I agree, while the first train is in the back half turn around heading toward the structure they could be loading and sending a 2nd train up the hill and there would be plenty of distance between them.

[Password121]

^With its current blocking setup, the ride would not allow a second train. It's not a matter of "space between them" (what if the train isn't loaded on interval?), it's about block setup.

[mikeykaise]

I agree with you, just saying its plausible to add more blocks especially since they will be doing track work and getting a new train.

[Password121]

I think the additional costs of reworking the electrical components (all new sensors, brakes, etc) might outweigh the benefit of an additional 200 or so riders/hour, but I'd be interested to see some sort of analysis on that for sure.

[RAWKIN_coaster38]

With its advanced technology, the new train, together with the track improvements, will give coaster enthusiasts a smoother and faster ride."

So the GP will have a rough ride?

 

A Larson Loop isn't exciting to me, but all of the park improvements sound great. My boyfriend just moved to Louisville, so I definitely plan to get a season pass and ride the sh*t out of Storm Chaser this summer. I thought the park was great when I visited it this year, so I'm glad they're continuing to improve it even more!

 

With Storm Chaser and Lightning Run as well as several amazing flats, there is still plenty to bring me back to the park even without a Zacspin or second RMC.

[kentuckycc]

I think the additional costs of reworking the electrical components (all new sensors, brakes, etc) might outweigh the benefit of an additional 200 or so riders/hour, but I'd be interested to see some sort of analysis on that for sure.

 

Also that with no transfer track, any work on the train had to be done in the station with the ride closed down. Maybe it will save time and money in the long term. It's also really nice to see them investing money in keeping the rides in the best possible working order, something the old kingdom definitely did not do.

[CoasterDirected]

Is the new train just gonna be a PTC?

[ShaneH]

I'm just happy they aren't marketing the super loop as a coaster

 

I'm pleased with these additions. With 2017 being an off year they sure are doing a lot to improve the park. Small things like more ticket booths and extra shade can really make a day at the park more enjoyable. As for the super loop I am actually excited. I think the hang time at the top make these things awesome and the ride will improve their already solid collection of flats.

[Rabbit_in_Red]

They're fine additions for an "off year", as it was described. I just would've preferred a Zacspin to a Super Loop. Nothing wrong with the loop though. Hopefully it does well. It's still exciting that they're investing so heavily in the park. There's not been a year since it's reopened that they've not added something new and cool.

[SteelForceless]

A Superloop? That's fine for the park, especially considering it's an "off year".

 

Now here's the million dollar question: Will any of these rides named after storms be able to operate in one? Mild Rain?

[njcoasterguy34]

...whats next a takeover of the tilt a whirl, round up, scrambler, octopus as the "new" ride of the moment? lol

 

If only. I love those rides.

[JPRIC01]

Really excited that they're adding a new entrance for Hurricane Bay! Will be much easier to access that part of the park during hot days.

[sfkk]

This addition looks great! I think it will be a hit with the GP and will bring the number of inverting flat rides to 3, which is pretty impressive for a small park. Also the improvements sound like they will really improve guest experience. Also, the 2017 operating calendar was posted online. Still no long-awaited halloween event. Oh well, maybe next year. Also it appears as if they will only be open weekends during the state fair next year, so be careful if you are planning a KK trip in August. This park is a great community asset for the city of Louisville and it is very well received. All of these new additions and the new direction the park is heading in are more than worth not having your home park for four summers!

[Rollercoaster Rider]

13th Larson Super Loop in the last 4 years.

[Rabbit_in_Red]

It's not what I would've preferred (Super Loop), but it's really hard to be upset. This park is heading in a fantastic direction and I'm really excited for all of the new changes coming next year and beyond!

[Dar]

Saw on Coaster Force that Ed Hart, the CEO, has said that they've spent an extra $10 million dollars during their first development plan, over the past 3 years, than they said they would!

 

So whilst a Larson Loop is a bit "meh", it's understandable given the money they've spent, and committed to spending in the future.

 

They're starting a second 3 year development plan to bring the number of visitors up to 1 million, from 600,000 this year.

[SFOGdude25]

^"Park objective: Must reach 1,000,000 visitors by Year 4, and achieve a park rating of at least 700."

[JT325]

I haven't been to the park since it's re-opened. There were many reports of poor (Six Flags like?) operations, one train ops, etc., is that all true?

[Rabbit_in_Red]

I haven't been to the park since it's re-opened. There were many reports of poor (Six Flags like?) operations, one train ops, etc., is that all true?

 

There were some newness and growing pains, but overall it's heads and shoulders above Six Flags and getting better.

[sfkk]

And actually, just to let everyone know, KK did 800,000 visitors for the 2016 season. 1 million does not seem to be too far off, especially with all of the infrastructure improvements and the rumored new coaster coming in 2018 (or less likely 2019).

 

https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/kentucky-kingdom-sets-attendance-record/

[ytterbiumanalyst]

I love this park. It's small, but they pack so much in that it feels like a full sized park, just with less walking. The building stage is over, and they're going to proceed a little more slowly now, but it's good enough now that I wouldn't mind going back with nothing new at all. I tried out a Larson Super Loop (Brain Drain at Frontier City), and I wasn't all that impressed. So if I do get to go back (that was the original intention, but I'm concerned about the economy, so we may take it easy next year), it'll pretty much be like there's nothing new. And that's perfectly fine with me.

[Skp2016]

I wish they would put a tunnel at the turn around at the bottom of thunder run after the lift hill. Add thunder effects, lighting and mist in the tunnel. More like you are "running from the thunder " Thunder Run