Photo TR: Coastermania 2016

ytterbiumanalyst · June 6, 2016

I have wanted to go to Cedar Point ever since I was a teenager. I had a good friend back then who was originally from Cleveland and spoke very highly of Cedar Point. He was the one who dragged me on Mamba in 1998 against my will, and I absolutely loved it. I blame him for this obsession. So when Millennium Force opened, we were floored by a coaster a mind-boggling 100 feet taller. It has remained on my bucket list until just this past weekend.

I really enjoyed Holiwood Nights last year, and I was looking to do something similar this year. I had heard Coastermania was making some great changes, and of course there is Valravn. When I bought RCT2, I had no idea it would have real parks in it, and I loved watching Oblivion drop in the rendition of Alton Towers. I had read reports that the two Busch dive coasters are very good, and I was excited that one of these beauties would be within driving distance.

All these reasons combined made Coastermania my destination of choice this year. I bought a Platinum Pass for the first time ever and decided I would also go to Kings Island and Michigan’s Adventure to make the most of it. The trip was beginning to take shape.

I had a friend in college who was from Lexington, Kentucky, and often bragged about how their state fair was so good that it had a Six Flags. Similarly to Cedar Point, this park went on my list to visit until 2006…. So I was very excited to see it resurrected a couple of years ago and decided to visit once all the rides were up and running. This year marked the completion of the initial reconstruction phase, and with an RMC with a barrel roll drop , I had to go. Indiana Beach was added on late as a brief stop on the way home, and the itinerary was complete. I was all set to go to Cedar Freakin’ Point!

ytterbiumanalyst · June 6, 2016

Day 1: Kentucky Kingdom

I arrived early and was able to take a few pictures before opening. The out of state deal was amazing. I got a wristband for free drinks, and I didn’t have to have a souvenir cup. Really helped not have as much stuff to drag around. Overall I was impressed. It’s still a small park, but it has a handful of great rides, and it’s a good foundation to build on. They’re in for the long haul for sure.

Theming: There isn’t a whole lot. This is more an amusement park than a theme park. The landscaping, however, is incredible, and it was a joy to walk through this park. I prefer parks like this as opposed to the ones where you’re just running from ride to ride.

Food: The drinks were a great perk! I didn’t buy any food here, because I had a big breakfast in town and left around 5:30.

Service: All the ride operators were friendly, efficient, and seemed to be enjoying themselves. I didn’t encounter a bad employee all day, and there were several stellar ones, especially on the Lightning Run and Storm Chaser crews.

Waterpark: Very good, on par with Crystal Falls for sure. The lifeguards were efficient at operating the waterslides, and really did their best to keep lines moving. Some lines were long, but I never felt like any were dragging. The only disappointment was that Deluge was down all day. I saw mechanics there most of the day, so they were obviously working on it, but it never opened. I loved Wildebeest and was looking forward to this the most of any waterslide, more even than Deep Water Dive. So, it’s top priority next time I’m here, which is hopefully soon.

Tornado was great as usual—I always like those—and the other tube slides were very fun as well. The best of them was Calypso Run. Not a fast slide, but the three mini-tornadoes were very cool. I enjoyed it a lot.

Deep Water Dive was incredible, but I don’t think I’d do it again. First of all, the 110 foot climb left me out of breath by the time I got to the top. I will admit to being no athlete, but I do walk, jog, and bicycle regularly, so I’m not out of shape either. It’s just a lot of stairs. Second, there isn’t a canopy at the top, so the concrete platform is brutally hot. I didn’t realize that they would allow you to wear water shoes (most body slides don’t)—so my feet were burning. The dive itself was great—pretty much like a drop tower—and I had a lot of fun, but the other factors made this a once-only ride.

Water rides: Both are great! On my ride on Mile High Falls, the boat failed to engage the chain and I was stuck at the bottom of the lift. Maintenance was out quickly, though, and we didn’t have to evac. They just reset the sensors and away we went. It makes a huge splash and was very satisfying. I did this before the waterpark, so it was just enough to cool me down before resuming coaster riding.

Raging Rapids was very cool. It had this industrial sewer theme to it which was kind of creepy. I’ve never been on a rapids ride quite like this one, and rapids are one of my favourite ride types. It had some good splashes, and left me good and soaked without being uncomfortably so. Great ride!

Flats: I considered this my waterpark day on this trip, so I didn’t ride very many flats. Fearfall was great, as ARM towers always are. Giant Wheel is the biggest ride in the park, and a lot of fun. I always enjoy Ferris wheels, and this one being in the centre of the park gives a great vantage point. Himalaya was the third flat I rode, and it’s a personal favourite ride type for me. I don’t do spinning rides normally, but that type doesn’t bother me at all. Gentle rocking back and forth, ups and downs—it’s very relaxing. Himalaya has a long ride cycle, too.

If I had more time, I probably would have done Skycatcher, Bluebeard’s Bounty, and Prof. John’s Flying Machines, but I had a date with the Beast that night. More on that later.

Coasters:

Lightning Run: I cannot say enough good things about this ride. It’s small but feels fast, is very forceful, and has great airtime. It’s very re-rideable as well. I think I may like it more than Storm Chaser, honestly.

Storm Chaser: It’s really Lightning Run with inversions. The barrel roll drop is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The drop doesn’t feel fast, but it’s really hauling at the bottom of that drop. Just like Lightning Run, it has ridiculous amounts of airtime, and the inversions are perfectly placed and perfectly executed.

T3: Burn it. Kill it with fire. And yes, it’s steel. Steel burns too if you get it hot enough. Make a 2500 degree fire and burn this SOB down. I take back every negative thing I said about Gauntlet at Magic Springs (the only other SLC I had been on at that point). Gauntlet is unicorns and rainbows compared to T3. I actually wanted to ride this because of the new restraints, and I will say there wasn’t any headbanging. But the shuffling on the track was painful and headache inducing. This goes in the category with SFStL’s Ninja. It’s that bad.

Thunder Run: It was good, but nothing extraordinary. I’d ride it once per visit. It was decently smooth for a woodie and had some good speed and a bit of airtime in places.

I took a walk around the side of the park before opening. Fearfall is very prominent.

I promise you'll be my first.

Maybe we could let Giant Wheel watch?

I see you, Lightning Run.

This is the warning light. Don't get on this ride.

Deluge was down all day. :'(

Such a pretty waterslide.

Don't do a barrel roll!

I loved T3's plaza.

Straight Outta Gotham.

Queue through the woods!

I'll be back for you, I promise.

What? No, that's not what it looks like. You're perverted.

Thunder Run looks nice.

Then off to the new hotness.

More fun under construction!

Storm Chaser wants to rock!

Tear It Loose!

The jet wanted to ride too.

The ride plaza is really great.

Ooh! Fun under construction!

Pretty plants.

Mile High Falls was not quite that tall.

Come out and play!

Ride to live, live to ride!

The price is our own life until it's done.

I like this picnic area as well

Fun ride though.

Skloosh!

At least Tornado was running.

Pretty ponies here.

I love this version of the Flying Dutchman. The klompen are awesome.

Roller Skater through the trees!

Giant Wheel could wait no longer.

You watch out for the gators, boy. This here's Kentucky!

Nice semi-secluded path.

Really great waterpark.

Really great roller coaster.

Every park should have an Enterprise. I will not ride any of them.

Himalaya had a wonderfully long ride cycle.

I then went to ride Angry Birds. They had this sign right next to the entrance to the theatre. So how do we get in?

These cars go bump in the night.

I haven't seen this version of this ride before. It's double the size they normally are.

I fell. I was afeared.

Once the park opened, I made good on that promise.

Save the frogs!!!!!

Wheeeee!

There's a train for miniature people.

Frogs this colourful are usually poisonous....

This is the coolest carousel idea. I've never seen anything remotely like it.

Toward the end of the day, I went to see the sea lion show.

Wheeee!

No, go back to your place!

Somewhere over the rainbow....

Bullseye! (Wait, this is a female sea lion....cowseye?)

This ball is about 10 feet above the pool. Very impressive.

Thanks for a great day at Kentucky Kingdom!

Wily J · June 6, 2016

Nice pics and captions!

Nrthwnd · June 6, 2016

Some really great shots there. Great start to your trip!

And "Angry Birds: the Ride". What is that? I suspect it's some

kind of simulator ride, but still not sure. I'm curious!

ytterbiumanalyst · June 6, 2016

Yep, it's a 3d simulator. It was pretty cute, and the kids in the audience really got into it. It reminded me a lot of the Tom and Jerry cartoons.

Nrthwnd · June 6, 2016

^ Cool. Well, since I've already been to "Angry Birds:The Land" in Finland,

this will be fun to catch, if and when I get over there to KK.

DILinator · June 7, 2016

Lightning Run: I cannot say enough good things about this ride. It’s small but feels fast, is very forceful, and has great airtime. It’s very re-rideable as well. I think I may like it more than Storm Chaser, honestly.

Nice start to your TR! I look forward to hearing about the rest of your trip!

I was just at KK for the first time yesterday, and I actually felt the opposite, regarding your comment above. Storm Chaser became my #5 coaster, and was just amazing, start to finish! Lightning Run was really fun as well, and I liked it, but I'm not sure it's even in my top 20. Reason being... I didn't find it easily re-ridable! I rode on it 7 times total, including three in a row without getting off (I was at an enthusiast event), but was good to go after that. Compare that to SC, which I rode 20 times, and would have been happy to ride some more! Just interesting to note the personal differences...

One thing we definitely agree on... T3 needs to be gone, yesterday! I wish it was, so that way I wouldn't have ridden it!

boldikus · June 7, 2016

This trip report needs one thing and that's more trip report. Some great photos, can't wait to read more.

coasterbill · June 7, 2016

So Sea World has marine animals in a multi million dollar habitat and spends millions on animal rescue and everyone loses their minds. Kentucky Kingdom seems to have Sea Lions in an inflatable backyard above ground pool and nobody cares.

Do I get that right?

(And I'm not bashing Kentucky Kingdom. Just the hypocrisy of these activists).

DILinator · June 7, 2016

So Sea World has marine animals in a multi million dollar habitat and spends millions on animal rescue and everyone loses their minds. Kentucky Kingdom seems to have Sea Lions in an inflatable backyard above ground pool and nobody cares.

I had that same exact thought when I was walking by their arena yesterday!

nannerdw · June 7, 2016

T3: Burn it. Kill it with fire. And yes, it’s steel. Steel burns too if you get it hot enough. Make a 2500 degree fire and burn this SOB down. I take back every negative thing I said about Gauntlet at Magic Springs (the only other SLC I had been on at that point). Gauntlet is unicorns and rainbows compared to T3. I actually wanted to ride this because of the new restraints, and I will say there wasn’t any headbanging. But the shuffling on the track was painful and headache inducing. This goes in the category with SFStL’s Ninja. It’s that bad.

...Also, the new lapbar is basically a tourniquet, so that's... umm... not any better than it was before.

Sorry, Vekoma, try again.

Actually, I don't think there's anything that could save this ride. There is only one solution. It must be dropped into the fiery pits of Mordor. It may seem alluring with it's shiny new red paint job, but make no mistake, this ride will consume your soul if take more than a passing glance at it.

DILinator · June 7, 2016

T3: Burn it. Kill it with fire. And yes, it’s steel. Steel burns too if you get it hot enough. Make a 2500 degree fire and burn this SOB down. I take back every negative thing I said about Gauntlet at Magic Springs (the only other SLC I had been on at that point). Gauntlet is unicorns and rainbows compared to T3. I actually wanted to ride this because of the new restraints, and I will say there wasn’t any headbanging. But the shuffling on the track was painful and headache inducing. This goes in the category with SFStL’s Ninja. It’s that bad.

...Also, the new lapbar is basically a tourniquet, so that's... umm... not any better than it was before.

Sorry, Vekoma, try again.

Actually, I don't think there's anything that could save this ride. There is only one solution. It must be dropped into the fiery pits of Mordor. It may seem alluring with it's shiny new red paint job, but make no mistake, this ride will consume your soul if take more than a passing glance at it.

It was a truly terrible experience... Midway through the ride I desperately wanted off!

Midgetman82 · June 7, 2016

What? No, that's not what it looks like. You're perverted.

No groups of teenagers will ever pass that area without pointing it out. Glad to hear you had such a positive experience at the park, and great pictures! I look forward to seeing more trip reportage from you from the other parks!

ytterbiumanalyst · June 7, 2016

Day 1 Continued: Kings Island

With Kings Island so close and Kentucky Kingdom closing early, the opportunity presented itself for a night ride on the Beast, and that was my goal for Wednesday night. I left Kentucky Kingdom about 5:30, which may seem pretty early, but I know from experience that when travelling, prepare for things to go wrong. Here’s the story of why you should always overplan.

Coming out of Louisville on I-71, there was construction for several miles and heavy traffic. A minor slowdown, but not a huge delay. Then once the road merged with I-75, I hit a small but furious pop-up shower that only lasted a mile. Okay, I knew there was a chance of rain, but I’m still several miles from KI. Maybe it’ll miss the park.

I got closer, hit some more construction, but Cincinnati was better able to deal with it than Louisville and it didn’t add any time to the drive at all. Everything was looking good as I got into Mason. I turned onto Kings Island Drive to a view of some ominous-looking clouds. It just has to hold off for a little while….

I arrived about 8, so they were no longer charging for parking, and I was directed into the preferred lot. For free! I grabbed my stuff and walked quickly against the massive flow of people leaving for the parking lot. Shorter lines! This could be good….

Then I heard the PA. “Due to lightning in the area, most rides are closing….”

Okay, worrisome, but I’ll wait it out. They’ll reopen as long as it blows over quickly. I’ve got a dining plan, Skyline Chili has indoor seating, I’ll be okay. The chili was very good! I’ve had chili mac at Steak ‘n’ Shake, but the stuff at Skyline was leaps and bounds better.

The rain wasn’t letting up, but I didn’t want to go to Kings Island just for chili, so I went over to Flight of Fear. The line was long, as expected, since it was the only roller coaster running (Boo Blasters and some flat rides with roofs, such as the bumper cars, were also running, but no other coasters).

Unlike the other rides here, I hadn’t watched videos of Flight of Fear, so I really didn’t know what to expect, and that ended up being a very good thing. I love that this ride tells a story. I grew up with Silver Dollar City, and this is exactly the sort of thing they do (well, not with aliens). I waited in the covered outdoor queue and slowly made my way down the ramp. Capacity is clearly not great on this ride. Then I reached the end of the ramp, and went through the door to see the most impressive theming this park has to offer.

And then it broke down.

I’m not giving up. I’m not going anywhere. I am going to ride a roller coaster at Kings Island. They can’t do anything about the weather, but they can fix a ride, so my chances are better here than anywhere else. Plus, I’m not being rained on. So I stayed.

Many people left the queue at this point, so many that I moved from just inside the door to the bottom of the ramp into the spaceship! There I waited for about 30 minutes until the ride was ready to go again. I have now waited over an hour, and I don’t even care. I am going to get to ride something tonight! I stepped up the ramp and into the spaceship. This queue is so cool. I turned right, then left, and here I am, in front of the familiar Premier trains I know so well from Mr. Freeze.

And I am launched into space.

This ride is incredible. I have ridden Poltergeist at Fiesta Texas, but it was back in 2004, so I don’t think I can fairly compare them. Flight of Fear does a great job at making you feel like you’re floating in space. It was a wonderful conclusion to the story begun in the queue, and a great example of what great theming can do to improve a ride. I got off completely satisfied with my day and prepared to go out into the rain.

Only it wasn’t raining anymore. And as I walked out, I saw that Racer was testing.

Racer…was testing.

That means Beast might be testing!

I ran to the Beast.

And here it is. The nighttime ride that mauls all other nighttime rides. The line for the front row was forever long, so I took the second row. The air was electric, full of excited people. I’ve felt such emotion in a coaster station, but always for a new ride. Never for one almost 40 years old. The hype was contagious. Each train dispatched to cheers, and those of us queuing felt the anticipation increase.

Finally, it was my turn. I sat down and prepared for the ride that almost didn’t happen. It was happening. We turned out of the station and down the long pre-lift. Time distorted as euphoria set in. We took 6 hours to climb the lift hill, and we reached the top in 6 seconds. And dropped into oblivion.

It was the single greatest roller coaster ride I have ever had. I thought about maybe trying for a second, as it wasn’t quite 10:00, but decided I would follow Seinfeld’s advice. I had hit the high note; it was time to walk away.

My goal for tonight.

I was floored by the theming in this queue. The mirror wall is a really cool effect. Seriously impressive.

Spaceship! SpaceshipSpaceshipSpaceship!

Thanks for a good time, Kings Isla--wait! Is that Racer testing?

I made it! I'm going to ride the Beast!

And with that, my work here is done. I am completely happy.

Fireworks boomed as I headed to the car.

This has been one great day.

And I capped it off with a beer.

Edited June 7, 2016 by ytterbiumanalyst

coasterbill · June 7, 2016

Excellent report. I agree completely with your reviews of both Flight of Fear (which is incredibly underrated) and of course the Beast at night.

n1ch0las · June 7, 2016

You have just made me yearn for a night ride on the Beast. I honestly had the same reaction when I got a few night rides on it back in 2010. Front row at night is just one of the best coaster experiences you can get, and it's more than just the ride - it's the energy that comes with it!

Glad you enjoyed Day 1. Looking forward to reading the rest.

SixFlagsAstroworld · June 7, 2016

Great report! Looking forward for more

nannerdw · June 7, 2016

I was never a fan of Beast. I always thought of it as a giant, overhyped and overtrimmed mine train. However, last week I finally got my first night ride on it, and I totally understand now. I was blown away. The feeling of speed was incredible, the tunnels were pitch black, and the winding turns through the woods were completely secluded from the rest of the park. Also (and I almost couldn't believe this) it really was one of the smoothest non-hybrid wooden coasters I've ever ridden. I'm not even kidding.

The only night ride that even comes close for me is Voyage, but that ride takes its toll on you very quickly.

I would also highly recommend The Bat in the front row at night. It's a surreal experience.

Password121 · June 7, 2016

Awesome report so far.

I'll be at Kings Island on July 12th, also a 10pm closing. For those that know, what is Kings Island's closing policy for queues? I want nothing other than a front seat night ride, but do they continue to send trains until the line is dead just like Cedar Point? Or do they tell people queued too long back for the front row to queue for another row? If they do, what time should I get in line for the front row to ensure I get a chance at it?

ytterbiumanalyst · June 7, 2016

I was never a fan of Beast. I always thought of it as a giant, overhyped and overtrimmed mine train. However, last week I finally got my first night ride on it, and I totally understand now. I was blown away. The feeling of speed was incredible, the tunnels were pitch black, and the winding turns through the woods were completely secluded from the rest of the park. Also (and I almost couldn't believe this) it really was one of the smoothest non-hybrid wooden coasters I've ever ridden. I'm not even kidding.

The only night ride that even comes close for me is Voyage, but that ride takes its toll on you very quickly.

I would also highly recommend The Bat in the front row at night. It's a surreal experience.

I completely agree with your assessment: Beast was very smooth for a woodie. I'll have to try the Bat at night when I go back. That night was all about the Beast, and I'm so glad I got the nighttime version of it. I really enjoyed Kings Island, and I'll definitely visit there again, especially if they do get that new coaster next year.

DILinator · June 7, 2016

While I think The Beast is an average wooden coaster during the day, it really does come alive for night rides! I was able to get two front row rides without getting off the train, including the last train of the night, after Midnight, with fog and mist rising from the ground all around the ride, during a coaster enthusiast event many years ago. It was definitely one of my favorite individual coaster experiences ever, and a (wait for it...) night and day difference in riding the coaster!

The Bat and Banshee are also fabulous night rides, but don't forget Adventure Express after dark! That was my best spin on it I'd ever had!

Bottom line: KI after dark is one of the best places for night rides, period!

nannerdw · June 7, 2016

When I was there, they said they would close off the queue for Beast right at park closing, and then keep cycling people through until everyone who was already in line got to ride. They had to wait for the fireworks to end before they could start it back up, though, so I'm guessing it stayed open pretty late. I was over at Bat by that time, though, and got the last train of the night right before the fireworks began. I'm jealous of the people who got to be on the drop tower when the fireworks started.

Password121 · June 7, 2016

Do they ask people queued for the front to get in shorter lines for different rows after official close? So it would be safe to get in line considerably before closing? If that's the case is it a better idea to ride Bat or Banshee at night then queue for Beast at 10 in any row or is the front *that* much better?

Don't mean to make this my trip planning thread but this is good information haha.

PKI Jizzman · June 8, 2016

Do they ask people queued for the front to get in shorter lines for different rows after official close? So it would be safe to get in line considerably before closing? If that's the case is it a better idea to ride Bat or Banshee at night then queue for Beast at 10 in any row or is the front *that* much better?

Don't mean to make this my trip planning thread but this is good information haha.

To avoid being asked to sit in a different row, I wouldn't get in line a closing. Get in line (depending on the wait) at 915 or 930.

ytterbiumanalyst · June 9, 2016

Day 2: Kings Island

I stayed across the highway from Kings Island and prepared for my second day at the park. Rain was in the forecast, but wasn’t scheduled to start until late afternoon. This would be a race against time to get all the coasters in. I’m not one for riding most children’s coasters, unless I’m riding with my kids, but Planet Snoopy had two coasters I really wanted to ride: Flying Ace Aerial Chase and Woodstock Express. The former was part of early ride time, so I went there first. Afterward, I ran to the second ERT coaster, Backlot Stunt Coaster…and it was down for mechanical problems. The third ERT coaster, Beast, I decided not to ride. I absolutely loved it the night before, and I had heard it wasn’t anything to shout about during the day. With limited time for the remaining coasters, I felt it was better to preserve the memory of an awesome ride on Beast rather than spend time today riding it in a lesser state.

I waited around a few minutes to see if Backlot Stunt Coaster would start testing, but a couple minutes before 10, I abandoned the idea and went to await the rope drop near Vortex. The park opened and I went immediately for Firehawk. I arrived quickly…and was told I couldn’t bring my bag into the queue. Yes, I remember reading that here on the forum, but I had forgotten about it that morning. They had lockers there next to the ride, but only rented them by the hour, and I would rather have one location for all day. Well, the only ones for all day (at least that I found) were next to the entrance, so I headed back that way, opposite of many eager people flocking to Firehawk. I reached the entrance and rented my locker. At this point, my feet were tired from having made a complete loop around the park and Firehawk felt a million miles away. I went instead over to the Action Zone and rode everything except Invertigo, which was down for mechanical problems. I rode Banshee three times, and all the other rides in this area once, in about an hour. Almost walk ons all around.

That area done, it was time to head back to Firehawk. I ended up with about a 30 minute wait. Not too bad for 11:00. I got lunch at Chicken Shack (bacon jalapeño chicken salad—awesome!), by which time Invertigo was up and running. After that, it was off to the right side of the park for Woodstock Express, Race for Your Life Charlie Brown, Diamondback twice, and Whitewater Canyon. And just as I got off Whitewater Canyon, the thunderstorm hit.

Well, what do you do when there are thunderstorms at a theme park? Find an indoor ride. Having been on Flight of Fear yesterday, I opted for the other indoor ride, Scooby Doo. I mean, Scooby Doo Blasters. Boo Blasters on Scooby Doo Hill. Oh, well. You know what I mean. The one without any trademarks.

Just as I was queuing for it, an announcement was made that the ride was closing due to inclement weather. ??? What, is it raining inside? Nope, no violations of the laws of physics here. A few minutes later, we were informed that the ride had closed because people exiting the ride wouldn’t get off the platform and out into the rain, so they just had to shut it down. People are stupid.

Oh well, just like yesterday, I’m going to wait out the storm here. Nothing else is running right now, and I’m not being rained on. I checked radar using the free wifi and saw that there would be a break for maybe an hour, then the thunderstorms would resume and last for several hours. Good, I’ll get a chance to ride a few more things, and when it all shuts down again, I’ll head for Cedar Point.

After Hill Blasters on Boo Boo, I darted for Backlot Stunt Coaster. That was one of the ones I most wanted to ride here. So cool and so different from anything else. I finished up with Vortex and then Racer. I headed back to Banshee for one last ride, and then proceeded over to Diamondback for one last ride on it, but just as I got there, it shut down for lightning again. At least I got to experience this magnificent reptile twice today, one front and one back. Beautiful and powerful ride.

I had planned to eat dinner at Reds Hall of Fame, so this was a good opportunity. Only I was told they weren’t seating because their computer systems are down. Grr. Okay, in search of dinner, I made my way to Hank’s Burritos. It was very good, a lot like Qdoba. I found some seating where I wouldn’t be rained on, under an umbrella near the fountains. It was a lovely setting for dinner.

I finished my day with the Cirque Origins show. It was great, but hard to photograph. Low light and lots of action taxed my camera. I took a lot of pictures, but I’m only going to show the few that turned out well. In all, it was a great show, and I would have taken the time for it even if the rides had been running. As it was, it made for a nice, relaxing end to a great day at Kings Island. I left right after the show and drove to Sandusky.

Theming: It’s an interesting hodgepodge. The very best theming comes from the rides built during the Paramount era. Flight of Fear and Backlot Stunt Coaster are the standouts in this category.

Food: This park had the best food of all 5 this trip! Definitely above the average theme park fare. Lines were long but manageable (going on a rainy weekday probably helped too). I had the chili 3-way from Skyline, the bacon jalapeño chicken salad from Chicken Shack, and a burrito from Hank’s Burritos. All were fantastic.

Service: I’d say it’s on par with what I’ve come to expect from Worlds of Fun. Banshee crew was the best, but most employees were very good. Food service was a bit slow, but nothing awful. Not like the reports from opening day at all.

Water rides: All three were great. I think Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown was my favourite, but Whitewater Canyon was great as well. Congo Falls was not up to the quality of the other two, but it gets the job done. I was especially glad to have a water ride on the left side of the park. This place is huge, so I appreciated having a way to cool off without a huge walk.

Flats: I rode Delirium, Drop Tower, and Surf Dog. All three were great! They had a good number of flat rides that I would have ridden had the storm not pressed for time. I will have to spend some more time in Coney Mall next time I go.

Coasters:

Adventure Express – My first big coaster was Thunderation, so I have the problem of being endeared to mine train coasters yet finding none of them quite measure up. Adventure Express was a solid #2 though, and I had a lot of fun. The animatronics in the final lift hill were especially great.

Backlot Stunt Coaster – This was a lot of fun. The theming is incredible, and the coaster feels faster than it is due to darting around obstacles. I would have loved to re-ride this, but with the storm bearing down, I had to get to the other rides. Next time I’ll ride multiple times for sure.

Banshee – My favourite invert for one day. I liked it better than Batman but not as much as Raptor. It’s got some great floaty air, some beautiful inversions, and it was all around a blast from start to finish. I rode it 4 times, more than any other coaster at Kings Island.

Bat – I would have loved this more had it not come with a 600 mile walk. This was my first Arrow suspended coaster, and it was really a lot of fun. Definitely worth the substantial trek into the woods.

Diamondback – A great B&M hyper! My only other ride of this type was Raging Bull, which was a massive disappointment. Diamondback delivered! I got to ride it twice, and it was the only one other than Banshee that I re-rode.

Firehawk – I was very interested in this, as I find the flying coaster concept intriguing, but I hated Superman with a passion. Firehawk was the opposite in every way. The lying down for the lift hill is a much better idea than B&M’s idea to have all the pressure on your chest the whole ride. Yeah, that’s right, Internet. Vekoma made a more comfortable coaster than B&M did. Deal with it.

Flying Ace Aerial Chase – I was excited to ride this because I loved Steel Lasso at Frontier City last year. This ride isn’t quite as good due to the shuffling, but it wasn’t painful. I’d ride it once per visiIt.

Invertigo – I hate boomerangs. That said, I wanted to try this one, as I had heard that the inverted versions are far superior. That is absolutely correct. I actually had fun on this ride. Maybe Vekoma can make good rides after all? The three here—Firehawk, Invertigo, and Flying Ace Aerial Chase—are actually really good.

Racer – Only the blue side was running, so I never got to experience it racing. Oh well. It’s still a great out and back woodie, and I will always ride a coaster of this type. You really can’t go wrong with a classic like this.

Vortex – Way better than the Internet had led me to believe. But I’m not a teenager any more, and I grew up with these Arrow loopers being the biggest thrill rides around. I can take a bit of shaking, so I had a blast.

Woodstock Express – I like these little wooden coasters. Not intense at all, just a lot of fun with some mild airtime. This is a classic in its own right, and a good starter coaster for kids. I loved it.