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Random Facts

  • Two of the guys who started Kings Island were at a convention in Chicago and they found out that John Allen was there. They asked him to design the Racer for their new park, and he declined saying that he was retired, so they kept buying him drinks until he finally caved in.
  • Kings Island used to own 1600 acres.
  • John Allen, although he did not design the Beast, took interest in the project and did several calculations for the ride and designed the braking system.
  • Kings Island used to only have five areas.
  • Both Partridge Family and Brady Bunch have filmed episodes there.
  • The Bat was the shortest lived major attraction ever at Kings Island. Working only two years.
  • The que and station for the Vortex was the one used for The Bat.
  • A Lion in the Wild Animal Safari attacked its keeper.
  • There are still cages from the Wild Animal Safari laying about the area by Son of Beast and Adventure Express.
  • Flight of Fears first train with the OTSR is sitting back behind Timberwolf.
  • King Cobras trains are sitting inside of Flight of Fears spagetti bowl. While the tracks are back by the plant nursery and behind Flight of Fear.
  • The Enchanted Voyage used to have a huge compass ontop of the building.
  • The Beast was origionally built on a lake.
  • There used to be a arcade by WINGS Diner.
  • One time the Sky Ride broke down for 8 hours and stranded people on the ride, when they finally got off, Kings Island offered them "lifetime passes" to the park. Most people turned them down saying they enjoyed the extended view.
  • About two million guests enjoyed the 150-acre park that first season.
  • The Screamin' Demon was the first forward- and backward-looping roller coaster in the country when it was built.
  • Flight of Fear was one of the first roller coaster in the world to use linear induction technology.
  • Before Paramount, Season Passes used to be green.
  • There used to be a seperate entrance for season pass holders. Which is still used on days that attendance is expected to be high.
  • The attractions in WaterWorks water park have given guests more than 35 million slides since opening in 1989.
  • John Allen made his calculations on the back of a placemat in the International Street Resturant.
  • The que (except the poles) for the Zodiac still stands today.
  • The Action 180 Theater used to show a movie where a cat drove a car from the police.
  • A part of the que for the Adventure Express is the same cement used for the Flying Dutchman que.
  • The Royal Fountains on International Street were built for the park`s opening. They cost more than double the budgeted $251,000 to build. The fountains are a mere two feet deep and hold 500,000 gallons of water. 10,000 gallons of water are pumped through its many nozzles each minute! The park completely renovated the Royal Fountain before the start of the 2003 season.
  • In an average year, 100 tons of hamburgers and 300 tons of French fries are consumed by guests. Additionally, guests consume about 3,000,000 gallons of soft drinks each year, which is enough to fill the Royal Fountain about six times.
  • Paramount`s Kings Island`s parking lot contains approximately 11,000 parking spaces.
  • In 2000, the 10 most popular rides were: (1) The Racer [2,081,115 riders], (2) Adventure Express [1,322,188 riders], (3) Vortex [1,288,492 riders], (4) The Beast [1,143,739 riders], (5) Top Gun [1,049,989 riders], (6) Phantom Theater [914,269 riders], (7) The Beastie [862,860 riders], (8) Flight of Fear [847,300 riders], (9) Congo Falls [845,932 riders], (10) Viking Fury [840,667 riders].
  • Before The Beast was built there used to be a canoe ride that used to stand right about where The Beast station sits today. The ride was named "Shawnee Landing."
  • Prior to being purchased by Paramount , Wings Diner in River Town was known as the "Columbia Palace ."
  • The River Town station for the Kings Island and Miami Valley Railroad is known as Losantiville, the original name of Cincinnati .
  • In 1980, a year after the ride opened, the Beast`s helix was enclosed. Also, the park added a tunnel to the first drop of Scooby Doo in Hanna Barbera Land to allow young kids to experience something similar to the Beast. When the park added the tunnel they changed the name of the ride to the Beastie.
  • Each Saturday night, before Q-TV was installed, the popular late 1970`s song S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night! by the Bay City Rollers was played in the Beast`s queue line.
  • In 1993, Quickdraw`s Café was replaced by the Busytown Grill featuring Richard Scary`s children`s book characters. Also in 1993, the German Bier Gardens are renamed to Oktoberfest Gardens .
  • There were 50 lions in "Lion Country Safari" when it opened.
  • Attendance in 1990 was 3.2 million guests. Attendance in 1991 fell 11% from the year before to 2.85 million guests. In 1992, attendance was 3.26 million visitors.
  • Some of the access stairs that were used on The Bat are now part of the Vortex and are used as the access stairs to the block brakes.
  • Kings Island opened "softly" on April 29th , 1972. Only 4,000 guests showed up because it poured down rain all day. The official grand opening was not held until May.
  • Evil Keneval successfully jumped 14 busses in the King's Island parking lot on October 25, 1975. He did it in front of 70,000 spectators .
  • In an average year, the park spends more than $100,000 on replacing and fixing wheels for all the rides.
  • The "Beast Graveyard" is a hidden storage area in the Beast`s woods. It has stored Beast cars, Beast wood, Beast bolts, Eiffel Tower cables as well as the reels for them. In 2001, the area housed the lift chains for The Beast that were replaced prior to the 2000 season.
  • In 1993, Paramount banned the sale of alcohol in the park. Needless to say, the ban was short lived as the sale of alcohol is a big money maker. Alcohol was still sold in the International Restaurant and in the private picnic groves.
  • Adventure Express is dedicated to Robert Rinkel, a head of maintenance who passed away prior to the opening of the coaster. The park placed a plaque dedicating the ride to him on a stone by the entrance to the ride.
  • The oldest attraction to have ever operated at Paramount`s Kings Island was the Tumble Bug. It was originally built for Coney Island in 1925 before being moved to PKI in 1972. It continued to operate at the park through the 1984 season.
  • The second-floor of the International Street shops borrow a trick from Disney. To fool the eye and save money, the doors and windows on the second floor of the shops are built at 3/4 scale.
  • The original attraction on the site of Nickelodeon Central was the Sunshine Turnpike.
  • Preston T. Tucker`s Roadside Café opened in 1994 and was based on the Paramount movie "Tucker: The Man and his Dream."
  • RSL Commercial Architecture, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, has worked extensively at Paramount`s Kings Island for several seasons. They designed the station for Face Off. They also designed the Animation Station transformation from the old sky ride building. They also did the design work for the Flight of Fear and Tomb Raider buildings. In addition, they were responsible for the Preston T. Tucker`s Roadside Café, and were then responsible for the transformation of that building into the Happy Days Diner in 2005. They were also responsible for Graeter`s and Italian Job: Stunt Track in 2005.
  • The Kings Island Resort and Conference Center , originally owned by Taft Broadcasting, is now owned by Belvedere Hotels Ltd. Of Cincinnati .
  • The Graeter`s Ice Cream shop that opened on International Street in a 1,700 square foot shop in 2005, was the first new Graeter`s to open in ten years in the Cincinnati area.
  • Scoobys Goaster Coaster now lies in rest next to King Cobra track in its graveyard.
  • Kings Island maintains a spare parts inventory valued at more than $3 million.
  • Many of the rides and structures` foundations designed by Steven Schaefer Associates, Inc. and their Entertainment Structures Group division.  They are a structural engineer firm based in Cincinnati.  They designed the Son of Beast station, and the foundations for that ride.  They also designed the foundations for Face Off and Drop Zone, as well as Face Off`s station.  They also designed the steel frame supporting the 30 foot tall Reptar outside of Runaway Reptar.  They also designed the station, foundations and theme elements for Italian Job: Stunt Track.  They also have done work at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Comments

BoddaH1994 :
Posted 1900 days ago
"The second-floor of the International Street shops borrow a trick from Disney. To fool the eye and save money, the doors and windows on the second floor of the shops are built at 3/4 scale."
This effect is called 'forced perspective'.
Dan :
Posted 1895 days ago
Theres one of the animal feeding house's beside the back roads, thats still standing.
annomyous :
Posted 1893 days ago
There is a house complete with bedrooms bathrooms, kitchen, living area and basement inside fort washington.
The station for the wild animal habitat still stands today and is used for storage.
CombatStupendous89 :
Posted 1848 days ago
While riding Adventure Express look down and to the left as you crest the first lift hill to see the old animal feeding house.
Oldweasel :
Posted 1823 days ago
Where the Beast stands now, there use to be a trail that led back into the woods for a short distance.
odettekitrigiselle :
Posted 1815 days ago
I just find this so interesting. I just came upon this website this evening. I love the history and the great photos I have been admiring!
emma :
Posted 1791 days ago
why did they take down Scooby Doo's Ghoster Coaster? and do they plan to build a ride there?
angryemobeaver :
Posted 1791 days ago
^ It was removed because KI had to make room for Nickelodeon Universe. And there are many rides in it's place now.
=]
Scooby_Doo :
Posted 1788 days ago
^ Avatar took much of Scooby-Doo's Ghoster Coaster space.
kay :
Posted 1786 days ago
I remember when KI had live dolphins
Amanda :
Posted 1786 days ago
Does anyone remember the concession stand (there are coke machines there now) in the line for the Beast?? Im guessing they were there til about the mid-90's.
Also... is the International Street restaurant (not sure what its called but its above the park enterance) still open??
Paul Stitzel :
Posted 1780 days ago
The Random Facts were great. It has been years, I need to visit again.
Anne :
Posted 1773 days ago
I do remember the concession stands in the Beast line. (That was prior to 1987, when I moved to California.) Also, is there still a tree at the beginning of the Beast line, that is covered with people's chewed gum?
anonymous :
Posted 1766 days ago
I work for the guest relations at Kings Island. In response to Amanda's question, no..International Restaurant is now closed and is used as a commissary for a number of food outlets in the park, as well as a training area for new employees and a gathering place for group functions within the park.
Brian Knab :
Posted 1765 days ago
Hi all, I worked at the park for 6 seasons (2 years in rides, 4 in security). The park tends to lose its magic if you work there and I haven't enjoyed it as much as I did as a kid. And Anne, your post cracked me up. I remember the tree of gum. That was nasty. I miss a lot of the old rides. Especially the Enchanted Voyage before it got all Smurfed up.
Does anyone remember the skydivers? The live characters on the train ride? Actually, the train was great before it became the lazy man's transport to Water Works. There used to be a lot of cool scenery and animatronics. I worked on the train in 1990 and there were a couple of engineers who had been there since the park opened. I wonder if they're still there.
Anyway, for anyone who works there now, especially if you work overnight (cleaning, security, etc) is the place still haunted? Int'l restaurant was spooky as hell at night and there were always weird stories about things going on there at night.
I found this site by accident, but it is great. Thanks to whoever took the time to put this together.
Samantha :
Posted 1764 days ago
I LOVE KI
Its amazing......all these facts are soo interesting....i loved reading them....Keep building strong KI!!!!!!!!
Keshea :
Posted 1760 days ago
I have been going to KI before I could even walk. Every summer that was what I looked forward too most.. My favorite was always the Beastie...Yes I am a young buc.... 29! I can remember when it was Smurfed up and Hanna Barbara Land. But now that I am older the passion is even stronger I have to beg friends and family to go with me... Will the passion ever fade?
Steven :
Posted 1759 days ago
This is a very cool site... is there a similar site that lists the history of Kings Dominion in Virginia? I have been going to that park since it opened in 1975 (along with Lion County Safari), and it would be great to see how much THAT park has changed over the past 30+ years!!
Steven :
Posted 1759 days ago
This is a very cool site... is there a similar site that lists the history of Kings Dominion in Virginia? I have been going to that park since it opened in 1975 (along with Lion County Safari), and it would be great to see how much THAT park has changed over the past 30+ years!!
By the way, the Scooby Doo "Ghoster Coaster" is still in operation at Kings Dominion (for those who miss the one in Ohio!)
Melanie :
Posted 1759 days ago
Does anyone know the music that is played on International Street over the speakers? Its kind of classical.....kind of not. My husband and I have wondered for years! Thanks!
Kevin :
Posted 1745 days ago
There was a gum tree in the line for White Water Canyon too. Also, what happened to the giant hanging flower basket that that used to be on edge of the lake near the Beast and the La Rosa's pizza place?
Nathan :
Posted 1739 days ago
Does anyone know of videos/pictures of Kenton Cove Keelboat Canal?
annynomous :
Posted 1737 days ago
try google or the photo gallery, seems like a good place to start
Blondie13 :
Posted 1736 days ago
i can't belive kings island is dat old and used 2 own that mush land and do anyone have any pic or videos how kings island used 2 look like when it was first open or in 70's because i'm from the 90's and it sill looks the same from the 90's
Anonymous :
Posted 1725 days ago
Does anyone remember the game "Boat Tag"? You rode around in submarine boat things and shot yellow balls at each other. I used to work that game.
koi :
Posted 1715 days ago
ty for the help on my paper -:- -:- -.-!!!!!!!!!!!!!ki!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff W :
Posted 1713 days ago
How about rides like The Barren Curve, Shake Rattle and Roll, The Bat (I think that was open longer than 2 years), and the Scrambler? I remember "boat tag" and the "big" log flume too.
chyzmom :
Posted 1700 days ago
Does anyone know what they did with the old tumble bug that was brought in from coney island? I used to listen to stories from my mom and grandpa bout that and loved that I could tell my kids bout it but can't show them now. Loved KI as a kid!!! My grandparents took me every summer.
jeconk :
Posted 1686 days ago
chyzmom: There is still a Tumblebug in operation at Idlewild Park in Ligioner, Pennsylvania (about an hour south of Pittsburgh). It reminds me much of the old KI Tumble bug.
Ashley :
Posted 1684 days ago
Does anyone remember the 4 white steep slides that used to be in the waterpark? I loved those... but they are replaced now. I always wanted to go down the highest one someday.. but I never did! Does anyone know why they got replaced?
Jacob B :
Posted 1666 days ago
they were very old and unsafe so they had to replace them with the new coulorful ones.
Bert P. :
Posted 1662 days ago
I have a photograph from the air (I was in a small private plane) of KI when it was still just a dirt field with ongoing construction. 1970-71. Also, my son and daughter-in-law met at KI as summer employees, he was on the security staff and she was a "litter-gitter". They have been married almost 18 years. They reminisce frequently about the "old Kings Island".
Jim Mills :
Posted 1649 days ago
There used to be a WWI two-plane dogfight over KI every late afternoon. Then three parachutists would descend and land on a large patch of plastic turf just inside the main entrance. Quite a sight.
One of the early public relations people at KI was Tom Olds of Columbus. He got the KI job after working at the Middletown Journal.
patrick :
Posted 1612 days ago
man kings island used to be great not that it isnt now though. Ever since ceder point bought it it not as family oriented anymore. Kings island is slowly becoming ceder point. I dont like that because it used to be hugely themed. Anyway do you guys know of the building between congo falls and the Rugrats reptar coaster? I took a peek inside and saw a video room. I think they were using it as a training room for new employees.
old timer :
Posted 1610 days ago
Im a life long resident of Cincinnati. I have been to KI at least once every year since it opened. Im trying to remember the name of the ride that you would go into that looked like a living room or library. The ride would spin and then the floor dropped out. Is it the Rotor in the Barvarian area? Cant remember! ugh!
michael :
Posted 1591 days ago
you cant be from this area and not LOVE KI.... i really miss the animals and the monorail... i see someone else posted about dolphins ? I seemed to recall seeing ocean animals too at some point but i had begun to think my mind was making it up! maybe not! its really sad that they have to strip down rides. that stuff is a big part of peoples memories and history growing up. its to bad kings island has changed as much as it has.
they really should think about preserving their history even more and re-opening some of the shops and areas that theyve closed off. they still have plenty of space left to build!
p.s. i liked it when enchanted voyage was smurfed up! it was my fav ride when i was little!
Don Ratcliffe :
Posted 1575 days ago
I guess I was one on the fortunate ones...had a season pass since '79,
rode THE BAT many a time and enjoyed it. Kings Island is still very special to me and I'm STILL a season pass holder to this day some 29 years later.
cincy_j :
Posted 1558 days ago
Was there more than one line station for the Skyride? My first experience at KI kind of ... ed because my sister and I were lost for most of the time. When you're 5 and lost at KI it's like being in another country. Years later, my friend and I were one of the firsts to go down the steepest water slide they had in the new Waterpark. The news was there and they interviewed us about our experience. Both of us had nothing good to say because the slide scratched up our backs and gave us wedgies!!! I was surprised to see that the news aired our commenst :-)
GDK :
Posted 1548 days ago
DOLPHINS!!! I remember that! They had a huge dolphin tank there once.
I just remember if you were leaving the LaRosa's near The Beast and were facing the lake with the huge flower basket, you had to walk to your right towards the Eiffel Tower and the dolphin tank was on the left as the path curved to the right and up towards that huge clock made of flowers.
I can't believe I remember that but it had to have been in the mid/late 70's.
wendy :
Posted 1541 days ago
does anyone know anything about the old cemetary located in the North parking lot? It has always facinated/creeped me out! It's so out of place, and very old. I stayed at the old campground as a child, and was sad to see it go!
Carole L :
Posted 1541 days ago
I would love to learn more about the original campground that was there. I have a journal from an aunt who stayed there during a cross country trip in 1929. I am trying to do research on all the places she visited/stayed.
Tinkerbell :
Posted 1488 days ago
Reading all these comments have really brought back memories!!! Jogged my memory too! I've lived in Cincy my whole life (33 years) and haven't skipped a year at Kings Island! I take my lil ones every year and its always soo exciting! But, I do agree with a lot of everyones comments about leaving things as they were! Its part of our childhood!!!
Tower Johnny :
Posted 1487 days ago
Where the Kitchen for the animal safari was(Bathrooms @ Flight Deck) is now the offices for the Action Zone dip n dot carts.
wesley S :
Posted 1485 days ago
i really love KI and really love theses messages but why would kings island have sold out to cedar point??? i really wish it still had the same feeling.....and tower johnny plz dont call it flight deck it'll always be Top Gun to me
Venus :
Posted 1474 days ago
I am actually very excited that Cedar Fair bought KI. In my opinion, the park went downhill after Paramount bought it. Paramount did not do a good job of preserving KI history and tradition. Hopefully, Cedar Fair will turn KI back into a fun and exciting park like it was so many years ago.
Jackie :
Posted 1474 days ago
I thought The Racer came from Coney Island when it closed.. and I am upset that it won't be going backwards anymore!! :(
KIERSTEN :
Posted 1470 days ago
KINGS ISLAND ROCKS!!!!!
courtney++chris :
Posted 1470 days ago
omg i cant wait til may 23 when the school goes.i love KI
Maggie :
Posted 1469 days ago
I too remember KI from back in the 70s. When I was young, it was a HUGE deal to go to Kings Island. There used to be a whole theatrical production with the KI railroad where bandits would board the train, with a gun fight, Indians and damsels in distress. I also remember a bread factory on International street where you could buy mini loaves of bread. We really thought that was so cool, even though it was just bread. My absolute favorite ride was the Zydeco, where you spun around on a wheel that slowly went from being horizontal to vertical. You would go upside down and didn’t even need seatbelts! It was located right next to the Racer (it's just like the Witch's Wheel at Cedar Point). We also loved to ride the Wild Country Safari monorail ride because it was air conditioned and provided relief from the heat. We used to sing the “Come on, get happy” jingle (not the Partridge Family song) on our way to Kings Island. Good times, good memories.
Lord Svengali :
Posted 1469 days ago
I practically grew up in Kings Island during the summer in the late 70s and early 80s. I remember when the animal safari was new and that corner had what I still consider to be the absolute best lemonade in the entire world!
KAD :
Posted 1467 days ago
i'm suprised no one has mentioned the ice-skating shows that used to be at the Festhaus. i miss those. it's a shame the backwards racer no longer exists
Tyler :
Posted 1465 days ago
Is anyone interested in attempting an "Oceans 11" type heist of the Beast Graveyard?
UnderCover :
Posted 1455 days ago
The glockenspiel in front of the festhaus, which was operational in the early 1980's, had, for at least one day, a real beer can strategically placed on the tray.
Jessica :
Posted 1451 days ago
Hi.My Names Jessica Pelfrey. I Would Like To Bring Up Some More Interesting Facts Upon This Amusement Park. It Has Come To My Attention That Most Vistors That Come To This Park,Dont Really Know Know Any Information About The Rides. Are The Dangerous? Do They Have Any Technical Difficulties? Could They Put Most People At Risk For Any Certain Danger? Most People Have A Phobia Of Roller Coasters And Have A Fear Of The Ride,Or WHat Would Happen To Other People? How Can We Change The Fear Of People On The Roller Coasters? The Reasoning For All These Questions Is That Im Writing A Report For My 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher... =]
Ricky :
Posted 1451 days ago
I remember when the park opened in 1972. I would come there every year up until the late 90s. Then I started coming about every other year. I was there the day The Partridge Family was there. It was great. I was a fan of theirs. I must say of all the rides that the park has hosted over the years, The Beast is still the best. I wish the lake it was built on was still there. I rode it when it opened in 1979 with my girlfriend at the time. It's held a special place in my heart ever since. I would love to see the park put in a really good and well done Haunted house. Kinda like the one at Disney World, only better
CharlieC :
Posted 1437 days ago
Worked at the park the first two years it was open. The dolphin show was there at the start in 72. The dolphins were Skipper and Dolly. There was actually more than two of them and they worked in shifts.
jeff :
Posted 1432 days ago
The Bat ran for about 1/2 of it's 1st season (1981) but only sporadically during 1982 and '83. It was standing but not operating for 1984 and was taken down at the end of that season. I rode it during July of 1983 on a day when it fortunately was open. It wasn't very fast but had extreme turns and a very clever layout. Too bad it had so many design flaws.
zachareba :
Posted 1419 days ago
I am thankful that blue ice-cream is still available. What would we do without it?
Jesse :
Posted 1418 days ago
I remember my first time riding Son of Beast. I was petrified that I could have lost my glasses when they fell off but they landed in my seat. That was the last time I rode any roller coaster without being afraid.
Stacey :
Posted 1416 days ago
I remember the Scrappy Doo slide I think it was called. The big giant slide where you sit in the sacks. It was so much fun! :) I'm really excited because Young's Dairy is going to be getting one of those! Can't wait!
Serenity :
Posted 1413 days ago
Oh, this is a great site! I am so glad I came across it. I practically grew up at the park and miss the way it was before Paramount bought it and changed it from a "theme" park to a marketing park. It seems so far that Cedar Fair is more concerned with amusement than theming so I doubt we will see a return to the glory days of the park.
Davey :
Posted 1412 days ago
This site is great. I was 4 when KI 1st opened. I still have an original map, which I still look at now 'n then. I realize everything has to change and stay fresh in order to keep up with newer generations, but I miss the original park and its rides. I never got to ride the Bavarian Beetle, but I remember that it was very loud. I never got to ride The Bat either. It was going to open at noon the one time I was there, but then it didn't open. I remember the trams that took you from the parking lot to the front gates. If you ride Son of Beast, you can look out at the empty field next to it and see the trams still sitting there. I've not seen them mentioned on any of these sites yet. I miss the Tumble Bug, Winnie (originally Winsome) Witch's Cauldrons, and Der Spinnin' Keggers. I've got quite a bit of Super 8 movie footage of the park from the 70s and early 80s. Remember the Wheel o' Fortune? I think of everything I miss, I most miss the Screamin' Demon and the Rotor. I even remember a slot machine that was located at the corner of one of the games in Coney Island not too far down from the Monster. Remember when Coney Island played 'rag time' music? Did anyone else think it was odd that the wooden shoe-shaped cars on the Flying Dutchman were made of concrete (or some such material)? International Street had an ice cream parlor that was an inside, sit-down place. Remember in the early 80s the cherry 'n lime swist ice cream called Demon Coolers that were sold near the Screamin' Demon? I bought a Screamin' Demon poster at the King Cobra's gift shop a year after the Screamin' Demon was gone. I still fondly remember the theme song that played in the Enchanted Voyage ride. That ride had a spinning wedding cake, a frog, a whale, the Hillbilly Bears, some ghosts, and a giant clown at the end of it. The train ride used to have real actors. The villian would take the helpless damsel off of the train (a huge liability today, no doubt), and the actors would shoot at each other. There was a really cool covered wagon that was eternally on fire. Another posting mentioned the airplane show they did every day. I have one of them captured on Super 8 movies! I also have footage of the clown band. Does anyone remember the Firestone hot air balloon departing every day at 4 PM right in front of International Street? It was red. And what about that weird looking, orange, hanger-shaped, inflated-looking building that was to the left of the Eiffel tower? They had shows in it. I was replaced by many things throughout the years, but I think the waterfalls are there now. I still remember doing the canoe ride. The guide stood at the front facing everyone else and told jokes. Remember the Squidly-Diddly ride, which was a kiddie version of the Tumble Bug? Then there was the smaller, outdoor Enchanted Voyage-like ride in the Happy Land of Hanna-Barbara Land. It's not surprising that Hanna-Barbara cartoons were in the park. They were a division of the Taft Broadcasting Company. Taft owned KI originally. I guess that's enough for 1 posting. I hope I brought back some memories for those who may have forgotten some of these things.
G.T. :
Posted 1407 days ago
Like others here, I just happened to stumble onto the site, fantastic. Thought I'd just share a couple of memories. I was 11 when we went to KI when it first opened in '72, and I still remember that we parked in "Hair Bear 3" parking area. (For those under 40 or so, The Hair Bear Bunch was a Hanna-Barbera cartoon on Saturday mornings at that time, but not so well-remembered today. KI was heavily tied into H-B productions at that time.) On the tram ride from the lot to the gate, I remember the hostess saying on the loud speaker how many fewer muscles it took to smile as opposed to frowning. They were really selling the whole "C'mon, get happy" theme. Except for a brief shower, it was a beautiful day and everything in the park was new and squeaky clean. Especially exciting was the fact that my worry-wart Mom let me ride the Racer. She wouldn't let me ride the Blue Streak at Cedar Point the previous two years, but she must have decided I was big enough or it looked safer or whatever. Although quaint now, the Racer sure seemed like a bad-assed coaster in its day. Another thing that stands out, and I don't know why because I was strictly there for the rides, was the candle shop(s) they had there in one of the sections. It smelled great there, and they had all kinds of odd-scented candles like Boysenberry and stuff like that. I remember almost buying one to take home until I got ahold of myself and went back to the business and riding the rides. When I returned to KI in the late 80's, I think all those shops had been converted to other things. Thanks for some of the memories you have all shared here, i.e. Dayey talking about the Winsome Witches Cauldrons, I had forgotten about that one from the early days (I think I, too may have a brochure from that first year stuffed away somewhere, I always saved stuff like that). I have lived in Illinois for years now, but this may be the summer I throw the kids in the van and revisit an old friend.
Katie :
Posted 1405 days ago
I grew up on Kings Island. My folks are from Cincinnati so we went every summer. I haven't been in years but the last time I went I was sad to see it had changed so much. I miss all the Hanna Barbera stuff. I loved looking at all the old pics on the site. Ah to be young again. I was wondering if they still served Smurf Ice Cream but I see someone posted something about blue ice cream so I'm assuming they do. I think my favorite ride was the Enchanted Voyage which later became the Smurf ride...hey I was young. "Ah ha ha ha...I'll get you Smurfs!"
Ashley :
Posted 1403 days ago
I think it's really neat to hear how everyone misses the original park that they grew up loving. I miss things that they have taken out of the park too. I loved the phantom theater and the beastie... I still don't think they should have changed the name of the beastie.. that is like a classic. I would love to go on a tour of that place and see all of the hidden mysteries around the park!
Dave Mann :
Posted 1396 days ago
Hello Brian Knab...worked with you in security. I worked at Ki from 1984-1996 and know every square inch of the place, inside and out. We could talk about some things Bro!
Dave Mann :
Posted 1396 days ago
I unfortunately witnessed a man die there at the fountain in 85 after Moody Blues, in first aid in 88, and Daryl Robertson and three others at Bier Gardens in 91. The place opened my eyes, to say the least.
Dave Mann :
Posted 1396 days ago
To whomever was speaking of the glokenspiel in front of the festhaus clocktower, i once spent eight hours, from 1 am until 9 am, behind the dancing character with binoculars, trying to catch an employee locker thief. Yes, I did catch her. Additionally, i once changed the groove lettering sign of "Have a nice refreshing lemon quench" to "Have a nice refreshing semen lunch" prior to park opening. Was fun to watch the reaction (things you do when you're 18).
Eric :
Posted 1394 days ago
The nails used to hold the beast together are made from Senco. Also a Cincinnati based company.
kimmie :
Posted 1387 days ago
I see some other postings about the dolphins. They were Flipper and Dolly and I loved their show! I used to go to KI almost every summer when I was little...I am now 40 and will be going back next week for the first time since senior skip day in 1986!
TRACEY :
Posted 1385 days ago
I LOVE "THE ISLAND". WAS THERE THE DAY WHEN A LADY DIED OF FLIGHT COMMANDER AND THE GUY DIED IN THE POND BY OKTOBERFEST. TWO IN ONE DAY....BAZARRE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Greg K. :
Posted 1385 days ago
I was there that day too. Tragic day, and it was actually 3 people that died. The lady on Flight Commander, and an employee and a guest in Oktoberfest trying to rescue another person (who survived).
I also worked at the park in '84, in rides (antique cars) and during Winterfest (in the Festhaus). I moved away and haven't been back to the park since '91, I believe, but I'd like to go back next year to ride the new hyper coaster.
casper_indy :
Posted 1383 days ago
what did they do with all the antique cars and why in the heck would they do away with them. that was always my favorite memory of KI from a young boy. they should relocate them somewhere else in the park. i just took my kids to holiday world and they loved theirs! bring back the antique cars KI. and do they have some sort of a marker of black sunday i think they call it, the day the 3 died?
Mike Geisen :
Posted 1376 days ago
Oh my, the antique cars, my favorite, I wanted one for my self as a child. I wanted to ride one up and down my street and be cool! Ki should have never got rid of those gems! Remember the Mouse Trap roller-coster? It was right nest to the Rotor which spun and the floor dropped and people got sick. We Loved the Mouse Trap roller coaster! Most of all I miss the Shy Lift from one side of the park to the other!!!
Mike Geisen :
Posted 1376 days ago
Oh my, the antique cars, my favorite, I wanted one for my self as a child. I wanted to ride one up and down my street and be cool! Ki should have never got rid of those gems! Remember the Mouse Trap roller-coster? It was right nest to the Rotor which spun and the floor dropped and people got sick. We Loved the Mouse Trap roller coaster! Most of all I miss the Shy Lift from one side of the park to the other!!!
Casey :
Posted 1372 days ago
I think it is really cool how Arrow managed to use The Bat's old station for Vortex. Also how they used the same access stairs. That's creative designing! Its also really cool how you can still see some of the original footers for the late Bat coaster. You can see about 5-6 different footers with the very base of the old supports while you are going up the lift hill. Take a look around next time you ride and try to find some of them. :D
Jared :
Posted 1370 days ago
While riding drop tower you used to be able to see the old monarail cars
djgnidbgfidfg :
Posted 1365 days ago
From the top of drop zome, you can see my house!
djgnidbgfidfg :
Posted 1365 days ago
From the top of drop zon*e, you can see my house!
Dale Bryant :
Posted 1361 days ago
My ex-wife has one of the Smurfs from the smurf ride...she found it at a flea market up in Caesar Creek
darian :
Posted 1358 days ago
Okayy....I really do not have much memories of the old park but I do very fondely remember the beastiee....god I lovedd that <3 I think it is very sad how they changed it...that was my altime favorite :[ up untill this year which I now hate it because it just doesn't seem as warming as it did on that one trip I took I say about 98” I wish nickland or whatever it is would vanish and old hannabarerba land would come back...by the way what is the beastie called now?
Tim :
Posted 1355 days ago
I miss the old days. I grew up with KI (was born in '71). I miss the enchanted voyage, the screemin demon, the twin ferris wheels, the bat, the train ride (with characters - before water works). I wish I could time travel, lol.
Andy :
Posted 1341 days ago
In the early-mid 70's wasn't there an entertainment building (sort of a large half oval) near the Eiffel Tower that put on music shows with real people and dancing puppets - I seem to recall a Pearl Bailey puppet.
Andy :
Posted 1341 days ago
"In the early-mid 70's wasn't there an entertainment building (sort of a large half oval) near the Eiffel Tower that put on music shows with real people and dancing puppets - I seem to recall a Pearl Bailey puppet."
oops! found the info under shows and entertainment. thanks for the site and the great memories!!
LuAnn :
Posted 1329 days ago
The Beastie is now the Fairly Odd Parents Coaster ... one is pink and one is green ... like Wandy & Cosmo on the Fairly Odd Parents cartoon.
Ben :
Posted 1318 days ago
Does anyone know why they took the Cobra down??
sam :
Posted 1313 days ago
It was getting old and having a lot of mechanical problems i think
Chris :
Posted 1312 days ago
The Rotor was great! Unless you were next to someone that got sick. We used to inch our way up the wall while it was spinning to see who would have the highest fall when it slowed down. As a small kid I can remember trying to get front row seats for the dolphin show so we would get splashed. Also, one of the shops on the left side of international street as you walk into the park had a small arcade game area upstairs. Just 3 or 4 games but it was a cool, air conditioned, not too crowded place to take a break while battling a friend in a game of tanks or biplanes.
Nancy :
Posted 1293 days ago
I remember going to KI when it first opened and oh the smurf ice cream i have never had anything like it. It was great when we were able to go on P&G day we got in free and never had to wait in line I wonder if they still have smurf ice cream. Thanks this is a great site
its bringing back some great memories
CBASS :
Posted 1289 days ago
iv been a huge fan of KI since I was a boy, had my first kiss on Phantom Theater, I didnt like the changes that Paramount brought, I like the old days...The Beast is and always will be my favorite of all time. Id love to have some souviniers from the 80s, let me know where i can find some please...I remember when i was a kid, my parents went on my dad's bday, and they let me drive them on the old antique cars, my dad said that was his bday present and i was sooo proud...whatever happened to Sky Lab....Demon took my looping coaster virginity...racer was my first big coaster experience...I always used to throw out my shoulder doing the speed pitch game tryn to show off for a girl...i loved those little sipper bottles shaped like fred, barney, scooby, etc with fruit drink in it......i loved the monorail animal ride and skating on the fountain at winter fest. anyways, i love this site, i will check back frequently, to hopefilly answers to my 2 questions, and will add more memories as i think of em.
Madison :
Posted 1284 days ago
Why did John Allen make Kings Island? I went there summer of 2007 it was awesome!!! I'm doing a report about Kings Island because intrests me so much. see you later.
Jo :
Posted 1279 days ago
Do you remember the Hair Bear Bunch?
Jesse Evans :
Posted 1244 days ago
I'm 13 and i wish all of the original + new rides were still there even if they didn't work anymore so we could see what our parents saw and sort of see what it looked like opening day.
kitcat :
Posted 1241 days ago
i love ki what is drop zone
kitcat :
Posted 1241 days ago
i was born in 1990 so what really happened i 1972
fonziespice :
Posted 1239 days ago
i remember riding the antique cars sometime in the early or mid 80's, with a buddy on a cub scout trip or something. We stopped the car half way through the ride so we could switch seats, and this lady jumped out from behind the trees or bushes or whatever, and threatened to kick us out of the park if we didn't get back in our original seats. I still can't believe they had somebody hiding back there. It scared me half to death, I felt like such a criminal. Did this ever happen to anyone else?
John Clark :
Posted 1218 days ago
"King Cobras trains are sitting inside of Flight of Fears spagetti bowl. While the tracks are back by the plant nursery and behind Flight of Fear."
As I have worked at Flight of Fear before, I have seen these, there is also pieces of the ghoster coaster there!
Jason :
Posted 1210 days ago
Here are some of my favorites.
i hated that my grandma would make me ride the double sided ferris wheel, I also remember a ride that went in circles I think it had something to do with bobsleds? How about theatre that had that days of thunder ride/movie?
Ross in Dayton :
Posted 1208 days ago
I'm a child of the 80's so I mostly experienced the Paramount version of the park. But when I was really young I remember Hanna Barbarra Land. Definitely loved the blue Smurf ice cream. And the giant sack slides! Anyone remember the laser show in the Paramount Theater? There was also a decent horror production in there for Halloween, I can't remember if it was Jason/Friday the 13th or Halloween. But it was live action and kind of scary. That was only a few years back. Days of Thunder will always be the best attraction that's ever inside the motion theater they built.
And yes, I'd love to sneak into the park and tour around the old buildings and see legacy coaster cars. My question is why would they store the King Cobra cars in the Flight of Fear tower? Isn't there a better warehouse to store them in somewhere?
Ross in Dayton :
Posted 1208 days ago
I also liked seeing the Wayne's World car in the Paramount version of the Walk of Fame (the stars on the ground).
chris :
Posted 1206 days ago
"Happy days are here again Kings Island is in gear again." Does anyone else remember that commercial? I still sing it when I go to KI.
I have to agree with many of the posters here that paramount was very bad for KI.
Lori :
Posted 1204 days ago
Oh my...I just dicovered this sight and boy do these comments bring back memories. I remember going to KI and getting small loaves of bread from the baker in front of park. I don't remember the name of the ride it spun around really fast and then the floor would drop down and you were plastered to the wall...Loved it!!!. I was excited when I heard Cedar Fair was taking over the park...hopefully w will get more exciting roller coasters like up at cedar point.
John in Miamisburg :
Posted 1203 days ago
All I have to say is that I have learned ALOT OF FACTS!!! WOW I can't wait for Kings Island to open for 2009 and the new Diamondback!!!!!!!
KGB :
Posted 1201 days ago
Does any one know when they stoped the dolphin show? My husband swears that he saw it but I did not even know that it existed.
sksnadine :
Posted 1193 days ago
I miss Winterfest! We always went there with the kids. Saw olympic figure skaters on the fountain one year. We would have roasted chestnuts and spirited coffee, ride the train, maybe even take a horse and buggy ride. If we got too cold, we ducked into the enchanted voyage to warm up. Those are memories.........
lance :
Posted 1186 days ago
I will be working at KI in late april of 2009 and you all have really brought back memories. I too loved the ten lizzies as the antique cars were called then. And yes, I do remember the dolphin show. It was back where the international showplace is now. (To the left of the tower towards the back, I think). Oh, and for the poster who wrote about winterfest, they got rid of the employee jackets for that in 2007 b/c I was gonna get one, but, at the time didn't have the money. Also does anyone know if Days of Thunder is still there??
idk :
Posted 1180 days ago
if it was that go-cart track....it is now called thunder alley.....it is sweet
Alexandra :
Posted 1169 days ago
I love this site! Thank you fo the help on my paper. I never thought there was all this cool stuff. I live right next to the park, and my dad grew up were he could hear the lion roar at night!
timmy brown :
Posted 1163 days ago
the beast is always going to be the best and most original ride ever built in kings island,, i have been goin pretty much every other day since 1994 and i am a huge fan of the park, i wish paramounts still owned the park so people could call it PKI still, when i think about it kings island brings back soo many memories and i love all of these facts and this site seems to be amazing. i love all of the new coasters, i remember going and being some of the first few to ride firehawk, and i cant wait for diamondback it looks to be an incredible ride, i think kings island is yet to reach its top point since they've started and i'd like to see it grow every season as i age. this site needs to keep up the fantastic work :)
Kim :
Posted 1148 days ago
There was a dolphin show there. My dad's company used to give us discount tickets and it had to be between the years of 1978 and 1984. My husband, daughter and I have had season passes for the past 9 years, but he is laid off this year and we can't afford them. I'm sure there will be a lot of others in the same boat, but it breaks my heart because my daughter is a coaster lover like me and she has been waiting since last year to ride Diamondback.
meeshua :
Posted 1145 days ago
i came to KI in the 90's, pretty much for eighteen (soon to be nineteen) years and it has changed since ive been there, and ive slowly been seeing it change before my eyes. I miss hannah barbara land, along with the little bill coaster that (i think) was a scooby doo coaster at first, i rode that with my uncle and i remember screaming my head off =-). At least one thing remains of old HBL - Blue ice cream, yum.
Bucko :
Posted 1144 days ago
I've been going to Kings Island since 1975. To me there is no other park like Kings Island!! I really miss the "Antique Cars" as well as the "Flying Eagles". These are classic rides and should be put back in the park. I really miss the Skylift also. That was the first thing I would ride as a kid when the gates opened. I also miss the big log flume, that was a great ride. The racer and the Shake, Rattle & Roll are the two rides still at Kings Island that I remember as a 12 year old kid in 1975. I now take my son Zachary to Kings Island and have since 2000 when he was 2 years old. He loves Kings Island just like I do, and he misses the "Antique Cars" & "Flying Eagles" as much as I do. Please Kings Island, put these rides back in!!! Don't get me wrong, I love the Scooby Doo & The Haunted Castle, but I sure do wish "Enchanted Voyage" ride Hanna-Barbara Land was still there. Other rides I miss that were classics were the Witch's Cauldrons, and Der Spinnin' Keggers. Kings Island needs to put rides like this in Coney Island where the Scrambler and Shake, Rattle and Roll are. I hope Kings Island Stays more "Family Oriented" and not go the way of "Cedar Point" KINGS ISLAND IS THE BEST AND WILL ALWAYS BE!!!!!
jack :
Posted 1143 days ago
this site is cool
nelson :
Posted 1143 days ago
I love this site and I can't wait to get to king island
Carrie :
Posted 1139 days ago
does anybody remember the alpine ski ride... or the double ferriswheel... or th eone where you were in a cage-like enclosure that held up to 4 ppl you started out likr you were going in a circle like the carosel then it tilted til you were in a ferris wheel ?? (it was by the racer) there are sooooo many rides that I miss....the one where the bottom drops out & you're stuck to the walls!!lol OMG....I can remember coming off of that one & being SICK!!!lol Please tell me I wasnt imagining some of the rides!! I havent seen anyone mention these....
Kavalier :
Posted 1134 days ago
For those of us who worked on the inside, I wonder who has a nice collection of pictures from the log flume ride where the young ladies often flashed the camera. I saved one in Resale on one of the computers back in '98. My hard drive crashed shortly after I left the park and have wondered if it was still there. I'm sure the rollercoasters got the same interesting pics.
Dave :
Posted 1130 days ago
the king cobra trains were moved to kings dominion and the track was moved due to diamondback construction
john mc :
Posted 1127 days ago
Here is one for us oldsters. Remember the name of the paint company sponsoring the Eiffel Tower? The big colorful sign located high above the ground.
Andrew :
Posted 1124 days ago
i was born in the 90's so i dont remember alot of things but i do remember how i cried when i wasn't allowed to ride the cobra because i was too short. haha
my dad always tells me stories about how he rode on the bat and screamin demon and how he remembers almost everything that used to be there
Sheila :
Posted 1123 days ago
I remember the spinning round ride the floor dropped out of. Me and my friend you'd to go over and over again, because there was never a line. Now you have to wait forever to get on any large attraction, which makes it not so attractive to me. The BEAST was alway worhty of the 2-3 hour wait, because it rocks. The last time I rode the BEAST ( about 4 years ago ) I cracked a rib, It was worth it. I t was just as the park was closing, Dark and fast. What a blast. I remember the dolpin shows, the water flume rides, and the antique cars, the wooden shoes, the flying Eagle ride, and I have to say reading all this really jogged my memories. Back in 1983, I was 16 and took my 8 year old sister on the BEAST. She wanted to ride it and was just tall enough. Mom said ok. We waited in the long line and mom was waiting at the exit platorm when the ride came back in. She had to carry my sister out of the park, She was rubber legged. Hilarious. Can't wait to take my new grandson when he is old enough to enjoy the kid area, and beyond. Love the new stuff, just don't forget the old stuff the started the legend of Kings Island.
Mark :
Posted 1121 days ago
I have been going since 1972, and I guess one of my strangest memories of the park would have to be about The Scooby-Doo coaster, now the Fairly Odd Coaster. I remember vividly that it had a fairly strong smell of the grease or oil or whatever they must use for the rides' maintenance! Also how the que on that ride was an enclosed ramp....or am I remembering that part wrong? When I was little I couldn't wait to ride The Rotor, it was so fun when the floor dropped and teens would always try to crawl up the wall (and would then get hollered at by the ride operator! Soooo funny). Enchanted Voyage will always be #1!!!!!!!
Jennifer :
Posted 1111 days ago
I can't believe all the changes that have happened in the park. My husband and I remember most all of the things that were mentioned. I remember the screaming demon very well! It was the first roller coaster I ever rode in my life. Wow! What an experience as a small child. I'll also never forget the big flyin eagles my dad rode them with me and he could make it fly out so high. Who could ever forget about the smurf land that you rode through on a boat and it was covered in water? It was so neat and Gargamel towards the end of it. I also remember the monorail and the wild animals that made you feel like you weren't even in an amusement park until you got off the ride. I was very disappointed when I rode the train and they didn't have all of the people who were gun fighting with the Indians and stuff they used to have like the old wild west. It was really neat. Everything has become more computerized and not as unique. Also the old fashioned cars, I can't believe they took them out. I loved those as a kid and when I took my daughter for the first time I noticed right away that they were gone. I love the new coasters and have been every year for the last 11 years but I do miss the old rides and I wished they had more family rides. Does anyone remember the huge bird cages that went in a circle like the Ferris Wheel? I also remember the consession stand at the beast where you could get a "real" drink with ice and not have to fight with a stupid dollar changer! As well as the 4 huge slides in the water park. I was down them several times and left with a red back. Luckily I was numb from all the beer! :) (once I got older of course before I had my daughter.) I bought passes in 1995, 1998, 2000, a few other years but haven't bought one since we had our daughter in 2004. Now she is 4 and I'm thinking about getting 3 of them for my husband, my daughter, and myself to enjoy the park this summer. Wow what a walk down memory lane. Does anyone remember that ride Skylab I think was the name of it. You could ride 2 in a cart and it starting spinning around so fast that it could go up on its side completely but it ... ed you against the back wall so you couldn't fall out. All the cages were different colors. It was so fun, my husband and I met that year (98') and rode it. I never seen it after that. I also remember the log flumes, isn't the Wild Thornberry's River Adventure the same thing? I don't know because I haven't rode it. It looked the same to me. I also miss the King Cobra, really bad! It was my favorite but to answer a question that I seen earlier they took it out because the up keep was extremely expensive or at least that is what was mentioned on Kings Island's home page. Has anyone got to ride Diamond Back yet? Do you get wet or is the water just a breaking system. It mentions the water is used for breaks but I wasn't sure if you get drenched or not. I'm really not a fan of walking around in wet jeans. I've done that before and left from Kings Island with my legs raw feeling like they had no meat left on the bones from that stupid Amazon River. Thats another thing why do they keep changing the names of some of these same rides. That is annoying!
Matt :
Posted 1107 days ago
Wow...all these posts have brought back so many memories! They changed the names of all the rides that were named after movies from Paramount. I've been going to KI ever since about 1982, when I was about 3 years old. I have no idea what Amazon Falls is called now. I must say, I'm extremely happy Cedar Point bought the park. They've only had it for a couple of years, but we already have to of the best coasters in the park now. I wasn't a huge fan when Paramount owned it, because every ride they built was not made to cycle fans on and off the ride quickly, causing all the lines to be extremely long. I wish they would have left the Racer alone, and not renamed the Beastie. I read on here someone misses Paramount because they're so used to calling it pki....it was just "KI" long before and always remained "KI" to me! Does anyone remember or know whatever happened to Cinema 180??? I miss a lot of the old rides, especially King Cobra and Skylab. I never got to ride the Bat, Screamin Demon, or the Enchanted Voyage (it was Smurfs when I started going there), but I remember watching my brother and sister ride them. This site is great! Thanks for all the memories...
Matt :
Posted 1106 days ago
There are some gripes I have about Kings Island over the past 15 or so years. And all of them have to do with Paramount. For starters, when the lap bars on the Racer and Beast were changed, it made the rides very uncomfortable for anyone taller than 5'10 or weighing over 200lbs. Then it got worse with the seatbelts...I think that was complete overkill!!!! I was sidelined from work due to an injury, and I've put on some weight, but I still fit into the rides. However, I'm healed now and able to ride, but the seats feel so terribly small, causing extreme discomfort during the ride. Those orange lap bars feel like they're crushing my legs!!! Also, as I said in my last post, I was sick of them building rides that didn't cycle guests on and off quickly, causing terribly long lines. The movie themes were kind of burned out also, because they spent more money on the surroundings of the ride than the actual ride itself (Italian Job for example) I am so happy that Cedar Fair bought the park, and now I look forward to buying a season pass again for the first time in almost a decade. I am a huge roller coaster fan (the taller and faster the better!), and loved going to Cedar Point because of this. Now though, I can just drive 10 minutes to Kings Island and enjoy fantastic thrill rides such as Firehawk and Diamondback. Thanks Cedar Fair!
laura :
Posted 1096 days ago
Skylab is now at Carowinds. It's all painted yellow.
Teryn :
Posted 1095 days ago
Kings Island was my very first themepark that i've every ben to and the beastie was the first roller coaster i've ever ridin. it holds great memories. but back then that wasnt what it was called. and i 've always loved that blue ice cream that they had in the kiddie land. what was the best ride at kings island b4 the rides they have 2day?
James :
Posted 1089 days ago
Wife and I went today. I like the new Diamondback ride, and it feels SO much better that Paramount does not own KI anymore. Country show was good. I was SICK and tired of seeing Paramount marketing there.
Anyway, I miss the wooded area behind International Showplace. I remember working there and the cantina (employee cafeteria) was located next to Showplace. The outdoor area was nice and quiet. I remember the bridge and the tunnel over near the kids area and rivertown. All of that is gone thanks to the Diamondback. I guess time brings change.
Big Daddy Mark :
Posted 1085 days ago
I only had time to read about half the post here. So someone may have already touched on it. Did you know the Safari monorail is now at Jungle Jims market in Fairfield, Ohio. They have been working on it for what seems like years now and you still cant ride it yet. They have a website.... check it out
'Nati Girl :
Posted 1082 days ago
I have pictures of me at Kings Island when I was just a wee tot, and when the park still had that new car smell. I was 2 the year the park opened. P&G brat, so I went at least once a year. It always rained.
I'm glad to see Paramount doesn't own the park anymore. I agree with others that it was becoming less of a theme park and more of an advertisement for Paramount. Annoying.
I remember the dolphins, they were there at least until I was a teen (young teen, maybe). I never got to ride The Bat, because I wasn't tall enough. The first adult roller coaster I could ride was the Screamin' Demon, and only because it apparently had a very low height requirement. Loved the Tumble Bug, rode the Scooby-Doo I don't even know how many times, and on a hot day, there was nothing like going through the Enchanted Voyage - before it was all Smurfed up. I can even remember the tune, although I no longer recall the words. Actually, it's stuck in my head, now.
There was nothing like riding the tram back to your car, just in time for the fireworks.
I live in Colorado now, but I'm so homesick reading this site. Thanks for the memories.
John Herbert :
Posted 1069 days ago
I believe that Sherwin Williams sponsored the Paint on the Eiffel Tower. I worked at KI from 1979 through 1984. Park was owned by AVCO Broadcasting company. AVCO sold their holdings to Kings Island, Kings Dominion and Carowinds to Taft Broadcasting. I worked in the parking department, parking cars, working in the toll plazas, and the parking lot trams. Met and worked with some truly wonderful people and had a great time. I might have even worked for free.. Well probably not. But KI was definitely a great time!
John Doe :
Posted 1064 days ago
Some fyi's that are probably on this site somewhere. The que line for flight commander still exists...walls painted and all. The cement and holes for the handrails of king cobra still exist behind delirium. nearly 90% of king Cobra's Footers still exist amongst brush behind delirium. King cobra's greeter shelter is beside the entrance to Days of Thunder. A footer for Scremin' demon exists behind congo falls(still have yet to find it). There's more fun stuff to find. some is hard to find as a guest.
me :
Posted 1063 days ago
Went to Kings Island yesterday for the first time in ten years. I used to go yearly growing up in Indianapolis. It was something we looked to doing every summer. I moved away from the area and missed the slow changes over the last ten years! Yesterday brought back so many memories that I had to come home and find out the history of KI. Thanks for all the other memories (like the dophins) that I had forgotten! I was fortunate enought to have ridden the Bat - great ride! I guess if things did not change, we would not appreciate the fond memories we have of them. Fun to relive! LOVED the Diamndback - best coaster ever (sorry Beast - still me favorite wooden one:)
Justin :
Posted 1060 days ago
I'm scared of Kings Island destroying rides like the Beast or Racer. They're really old, and I can just see them in my mind taking those rides down. They probably won't, I mean, those are both one of KI's main attractions, and I bet a lot of people would be dissapointed if that happened. But I'm still scraed for that happening, I mean, I live 20 minutes away from KI! I have Gold passes, and I always rely on riding the old rides that are great!
COREY :
Posted 1054 days ago
DO YOU REMEMBER THE BIRD CAGES? & THE VORTEX IS THE MOST UNDERATED RIDE EVE!
Polly :
Posted 1047 days ago
The Screamin Demon is up and running a little park in Angola, Indiana... well at least it was for awhile
Polly :
Posted 1047 days ago
The Beast is the best ride of all time..... I was very disappointed that they changed the name of the Beastie.....
Robert :
Posted 1046 days ago
I agree with Polly. The Beastie just sounds so much better than the new name, Isn't it the Fairly Odd Coaster now?
cody :
Posted 1046 days ago
what was bomerang bay called before it was called bomerang bay anybody know?
annonymous :
Posted 1040 days ago
water works.
Sue D. :
Posted 1029 days ago
I worked at KI the first two seasons, '72 and '73. I was a "Nutty Banana Girl" working in the Nutty Banana Factory for two weeks in training, and then at the banana/red, white and blue popsickle stands for Food Service the first season. I came back in '73, after my freshman year in college, and worked at Skeeball in the Games division. I also was in the first commercial for KI, as part of the Indian Hill High School Marching Band. We filmed in early spring, '72.....I'll never forget it. I'd love to see that old commercial again. I have photos of me and some of my co-workers, including the Litter Gitters, all wearing our "fashionable" costumes. We thought we were pretty slick. I had a great time working at KI and have the best memories of a time that was much simpler.
Alison :
Posted 1025 days ago
I grew up in the 70's and 80's going to KI every summer. moved to the East Coast but got to take my 16 year old while visiting my parents last week. Wonderful park! So happy to see it taken care of. The Beast at night! Diamondback was great! The Eiffel Tower terrified me and my son. Question: Did the Eiffel Tower used to have a railing only WAIST HIGH? yikes!! My mom says she remembers it did. and she feared for the kids running around up there. Wow! with the modern totally enclosed area I still was nearly hyperventilating!
Nick :
Posted 1024 days ago
Hey, does anyone remember a show in the nickelodeon area that was some crazy old lady making things in a kitchen? I think it was around where the reptar ride is now. I remembered that the other day when I was at the park. I was born in 1986 and have some great memories over the years of KI. And it has changed so much even in the past 23 years!
Lee :
Posted 1024 days ago
Nick, type in " Kings Island Enchanted Voyage Photos and Music" on YouTube! They even have the theme song playing. Wonderful links for other Kings Island memories, too!
Tab :
Posted 1023 days ago
Does anyone remember the fries shaped like the Eiffel Tower??
nick :
Posted 1023 days ago
Kings Island is the best!!! I live it to death but some of the new names for the rides are sorta bland and boring. You can naver get tired of KI.
Ritchie :
Posted 1020 days ago
Hello Ritchie From Muncie IN. here The first time I went to K I was 72 or 73 Years later I remember $ 5 and A bread wraper would get you in and yes I remember the Tumble bug ,witches spiining pot .the sky Ride .the boat ride you had to paddle (where the beast is now) and a lot more I am Glad the park is still there and on 8/2/09 me and my 9 yesr old son will go for 2 days this will be are 2nd time for the 2 of us to go so thats the 3 genoraition in my family to go KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK K I
Brandon :
Posted 1017 days ago
I herd that KI closed King Cobra because some guy fell out of the restraint . Is that true?
Beastisbest :
Posted 1011 days ago
To Brandon, They closed the King Cobra cause the company that made it (TOGO)Went out of business and in 2002 King Cobra was put up for sale but nobody bought it. So in late 2005 they took it down and put it in storage.They put the cars in the Flight of Fear Main Building Wherever that is and the track pieces in a field behind Son of Beast!
Johnny :
Posted 1006 days ago
to Beastisbest, actually king cobra closed in 2001 and was taken down in between the 2001 and 2002 season and a little into the 2002 season. the rest is correct except that the majority of the king cobra tracks were in a graveyard to the side of the racer. go on to google earth to see. also now the tracks are gone in recent photos. and yes they did store some of the tracks where you said
devin hussey :
Posted 1004 days ago
I love ki and always will its like my life and i wish they brought back all the original rides and themes and kept the ones they had now and if i had one wish it would be to bring back nirvana to preform there and hang out with them all day at the ki im talking about also with friends
Brady :
Posted 984 days ago
I remember the bread factory (Wonder Bread?) on Intl Street, where they sold mini loaves. My brother and I would make little sub sandwiches later at home.
Also, does anyone remember a strange little "head" shop on the second floor of the International St shops? I distinctly remember being able to go upstairs, and the shop sold candles and incense and posters, and was very hip (for KI anyway!). I remember sitting up there with my friend, listening to Alice Cooper's album Killer playing, and we thought we were very cool.
Aly :
Posted 983 days ago
I love Kings Island so much!!! Next time i go i want to ride face off... how is it???
MBH :
Posted 981 days ago
love this site! Worked in rides for 15 years and visited before that my whole childhood, even married a co-worker, and now get to see my teenager loving all the coasters
Thanks for the old photos - especially of rides now gone.
PS Flying Dutchman shoes were made of fiberglass
gina :
Posted 979 days ago
how old do you have to be to work there? i have twins that will be 15 and 1/2 in june 2010 and want to work there? thanks
Tim :
Posted 960 days ago
KI was always great. Now - does anyone remember the little loaves of bread you could purchase on international street? Well I helped my dad deliver then via Rainbow Bakery every saturday in '74 and '75. Dad used to let me help push the cart through brown wooden gate next to the main entrance.
Erin :
Posted 955 days ago
Tim, you can send them to work at 15 yeras old. however law only permits so much time there that they can work..
spencer :
Posted 938 days ago
i road the new dimondback today and it was GREAT
spencer :
Posted 938 days ago
i think the dimond back was pritty cool because of the high drop and the ending splash i also like the flight of fear any one listining? i like pie
mel :
Posted 927 days ago
Are you Murray?
Chris :
Posted 918 days ago
Also there is a cemetary near one of the corners of the parking lot.
Adam :
Posted 908 days ago
Did everybody know that Firehawk will be 9 years old in 2010! Even though Firehawk came to Kings Island in 2007 for its 35th anniversary it was a old coaster that was re-painted and just moved from geauga lake amuesment park located in aurora, ohio. Its 1st name was X-Flight and was the only flying coaster in the mid west and still is today!
Charlie :
Posted 885 days ago
I remember the first time ive been to kings island, i miss the cinematic charm since paramount was cut from the picture.Does anyone remember the dinosaur display in the park, i think you turn to the right where the men's restrooms are behind the gates, thats where it was.
Steve :
Posted 838 days ago
Last time I was at the park, a group of "gangstas" cut in front of us in line for the beast. There were over 100 people behind us and nobody said a thing, because they were scared of these thugs. Security threw US out and not them! That was back in 1995 and haven't been back since! Been going to Cedar point since birth and never had a problem.
Dianne :
Posted 822 days ago
Worked in games from 1973-1980. Loved working there...so many memories. A perfect job for a first job. I worked in Games, Fascination and Skeeball all in Old Coney. The greatest times of my youth!
Tim :
Posted 821 days ago
Anyone have any information on the bar/lounge & restaurant at the Kings Island Inn across the street.?I believe there was a Polynesian themed bar there in the 70's.Do you know if they sold any Tiki Mugs?Any info on this would be GREATLY appreciated.Especially need the names of the places...Thanks....Tim
Jason L. Rinckel :
Posted 804 days ago
Robert Rinckel's name is spelled incorrectly up top. He was a relative of mine and all in my family have been putting up with incorrect spellings our whole lives.
Jesse Evans-Jenkins :
Posted 792 days ago
One month til KI is open. I'm sooooo excited
K. :
Posted 773 days ago
I see someone mentioning Lion Country Safari at King's Dominion, but it was also at King's Island. The electric rail cars that glided through the animals with the large cats sometimes looking right in at you was a wonder to behold. Why doesn't anyone remember it at KI?
balls of joy :
Posted 766 days ago
when does the park open
RD :
Posted 766 days ago
Park opens this Saturday, April 17. :)
RD
Justin :
Posted 716 days ago
Great site reading these is bringing back great memories. I remember getting to the park early, waiting behind the ropes and sprinting to the rides that always had the longest lines.
Briseis :
Posted 714 days ago
Is the roller coaster at Funland in Angola really the original Screamin' Demon?? That was my first "upside down roller coaster" as I always called it.
tammy jo :
Posted 714 days ago
I went to Kings Island the year they opened in 1972 when I was 7 years old with my mom, step-dad and another family that had a boy a year older than me and a little girl a year younger than me. I wanted to look brave in front of the other families children so I rode the Racer with my step-dad (first roller coaster ever and I was just tall enough) Well I was silent the whole time we rode and when we got off I burst in to tears! A little too scary and I wasn't very brave after all! I have gone many times since then and always think of my first time when I ride the Racer! (still scares me a little) lol
Deanna Oliver :
Posted 712 days ago
Hey! I'm only 16 so I don't share the same memories as everyone else but I have a few things to mention. One is that my dad once rode the Kings Cobra back I think in its last year. Now hes a big guy so when they tried to get him in the restraints it just wouldnt lock. But they tried to take off without him fully sucured! He didn't sue though because he jumped out at the last second.
Also I have recently heard about the Kings Island hauntings. Any previous or current employee's can you please email me about your past experiences with any ghosts that might wonder the current park? Please and thank you!
tmschick12@hotmail ...
Deanna Oliver :
Posted 712 days ago
oh and I think I liked Kings Island back when Paramounts owned it because the name changes and what they did to Nickalpdion Universe UG! my memories were there...I know all your memeories are gone but all these changes are going to make me cry. And yes I did ride the Racers before they stoped riding it backwards. In fact it had been runing one train backwards for 25 years before Ceder Point changed it.
Deanna Oliver :
Posted 712 days ago
**Nickalodian(?)
Cory :
Posted 695 days ago
I have been going to KI since the 80's when I was about 6. I remember the monorai, Hanna Barbara land, and loved the Smurf ride and the train. I remember fake bears being in the woods around the train. I am glad Paramount does not own it anymore. It lost some of the appeal for me then. I am going in a few weeks and taking my son who is just tall enough now to ride coasters. YEAH. I hope he enjoys them as much as I do. My favorite is the Flight of Fear. I can remember going and seeing the Bat and the King Cobra. My aunt always went with me and she always tried to get me to ride them with her. I was to chicken then. I have heard the kiddie area is now Peanuts characters. Hope I like it. OH and I really hope they still have "smurf" ice cream. I would really be interested in a behind the scenes tour and history lesson. This place is really special to me and I have alot of great memories. We used to have band compitiions here and really enjoyed it. Thanks for everyone sharing memories. KI bound.......
Ashley :
Posted 688 days ago
I live in Orlando, and even though I have a variety of parks to choose from now I still yearn for my childhood days of visiting Kings Island!! Screamin' Demon was my first upside down coaster, & The Beast will ALWAYS be my favorite ever. I wish someone had a video of the Smurfs Enchanted Voyage with audio...I miss that so much! Of course I loved King Cobra, and I miss the log flume at Kentons Cove...that one was so much better than the other! :( Oh, and Skylab!! Someone said it is at Carowinds now, but I looked at the photo & it's not the same ride. Skylab cages were larger, fitting 4 people in one (2 per seat). Don't know what happened to Skylab...
Stephanie :
Posted 677 days ago
Awesome site. I am hoping someday for a behind the scenes tour. Wouldn't that be awesome!
kerry :
Posted 673 days ago
We went there in 1972 for our honeymoon. We will be going on July 22 with our children and grandchidren to celebrate our 37th anniversary. We went last year too and had a wonderful time.
joey :
Posted 673 days ago
Waiting in line for the Beast was what made the ride so unique. You knew you were getting close when you heard the rock n roll blasting. Those were the good days everyone had a comb in there back pocket, I think they were called hoods. Why did the music have to stop?
Kris :
Posted 672 days ago
Eric Clapton played the TimberWolf Amphitheatre at Kings Island on July 13, 1983 on his "Money and Cigarettes" tour. I was there with two of my friends from Dayton. It was a great gig. Eric played "Let it Rain," "Layla" (which was all electric all the time back then!), and "Cocaine", among others, and the sun went down midway through the show after a very hot day. Did anyone else reading this site attend that concert? If so, do you have any memories of same? Even better, does anyone have any pictures of EC at Timberwolf that day? If so, please post a response here. Any additional information about EC's appearance at KI would be a great addition to this site.
Heather :
Posted 669 days ago
I lived in cinci from 6th to 12th grade and had a season pass most of those years....what I haven't heard mentioned yet is Passenger Pick up/drop off. Parents could drop their kids without paying for parking and it was right out under the huge highway sign...then you had to walk from there to the season pass entrance and then take off. We could usually take $5 and spend most of the day (1984-1990). We would get the big sliced french fries in Rivertown and an icecream cone with sprinkles over by the railroad and pool our money to get pizza at LaRosas by the Beast paw prints. We would also go up on days when mom or dad could get discount tix and spend the day with grandma and aunt and cousins and spend the day there. Yes my 69yo grandma would ride the King Cobra with us but would also tell us stories of the Old Coney Island and Moonlight Gardens. Grandma never rode the Beast with us that I remember but would go on almost everything else with us. Would would pack our lunch and eat out at the picnic tables outside the entrance. I remember lots of concerts at Timberwolf for $5 (the Jets, Tiffany with NKOTB, the Outfield, Richard Marx a few times and too many others to remember). I remember the Scooby Doo at about age 3 on a visit....wow this was great because I am getting ready to come back to KI for the first time in about 15 years I would say. Interested in seeing the new stuff, remnants of the old things and making new memories with my kids!
Shawn Robison :
Posted 668 days ago
Huge Reds fan from the Big Red Machine era. Loved going to the
Reds dugout shop where you could drool over the Rose, Bench stuff and then cross the little pathway to the "Beast", the greatest ride on God's green earth!
Kevin :
Posted 659 days ago
I have something they need to add to this random facts section. If you ever noticed, the top portion of the Eiffel Tower's antenna is missing. i found out that it was removed before the '99 season so that Drop Tower would take billing as the tallest ride in the park at 315 feet. Eiffel Tower now 314 feet. Was kinda silly to deface that tower from its original design so that Drop Tower could be one lousy foot taller. Besides, since Drop Tower sits on lower ground, it still appears the Eiffel Tower is still taller to the eye. Oh well, whatever!
crystal :
Posted 649 days ago
the old monorail cars has been restored to the original condition that they were when they were used at ki. They are now used at jungle jims in fairfield ohio, and does anyone know if ki plans on tearing down S.O.B. or are they going to reopen it. I've never ridden it.
Sheri :
Posted 641 days ago
I remember the big log flume, it was taller than the one that is still there, and you ended up going down one of two shutes.
For those asking about the really old rides, some of them, like the whip-it, and the rocko planes, and many of the old rides from Coney can be found at a little privately owned park west of Cincy, called Strickers Grove. The Owner leases it out to grouips and companies for private picnics etc. It has two great little wooden roller coasters, and lots of the old nostalgic rides in a really cute little park.
mrles143 :
Posted 630 days ago
Does anyone remember the monorail acident in 1975, where it slammed thru the gate into the lions den??
Amber :
Posted 624 days ago
I went last weekend, and they had face-off closed, when they opened it up later in the day we went to ride it and it was stuck.. with people on it.. How scary.. eek
Peg V :
Posted 618 days ago
Any past KI employees with old photos to post? I worked Antique Cars 1977-81, but don't have any photos. We had so many fun times! It would be great to see an album of our crew!
I know we're in the background of lots of old family vacation pictures, because we used to stand behind them and wave!
Sb :
Posted 612 days ago
Took my kids to KI yesterday. Many things have changed since I first went. But then I was 6 and it was 1972-the year KI opened. I was so happy to meet Scooby Doo in person. And I still call it the Scooby Doo Coaster. I remember Hanna Barbara Land and the Gondolas and the dolphin show. My 7 year old had her first coaster ride yesterday on the old SC coaster and my 9 year old braved the Beast-Twice. I went on the Beast the year it opened and it is still my favorite.
Jessica :
Posted 573 days ago
Hey all. Does anyone know the name of the book that was written about KI? It was a kids book really about two kids in the park that found the cemetary and somehow went back in time. It was a neat little book and I loved that it was about something so close to home. I'm actually going up there tonight for fearfest so I'm hoping to have a lot of fun since Im a big scardy cat. Lol.
jackson :
Posted 563 days ago
i have to rite a short 3to 4 min script about kings island and this site was awsome to use for it i highly reconend it.
Random Person :
Posted 557 days ago
The King Cobra track is no longer at KI. The pieces are at Kings Dominion. Where the track pieces were, there is now giant spongebobs and stuff from Nickelodeon Universe. There is also a police car from Backlot Stunt Coaster that is used for the Halloween Haunt Event. You can see this on Google Earth.
KI Fan :
Posted 538 days ago
Sorry if any of this was mentioned in previous messages. I remember when the racer and the Scooby Doo roller coaster had hand release breaks. I also remember the tea cups that changed tracks located next to the dodgem cars. The ride with the barrels tilted. The entertainment building with a stage was built with balloon like material and was supported by air. Those mentioning a double farris wheel and a bob sled ride are mistaken. They were located at Cedar Point. We lived in Indiana and went every other year to Kings Island and the next year was reserved for Cedar Point. Both are excellent parks in their own special ways.
KI Fan :
Posted 538 days ago
I was wrong about the bob sled ride. There was one at KI. However, the double ferris wheel was at Cedar Point.
Danielle B :
Posted 530 days ago
Wow... what a great archive of memories! I worked in the park as a caricaturist during the early 90s, back when it was an independent concession - up until the Paramount acquisition. Talk about unpleasant change - and I really hope CF does a decent job of bringing back some of the old character of the Taft days. Anyhow, the job was a hoot, and we had a lot of freedom back then, as far as where we could set up our carts and hawk business. As far as the place itself, it was a perfect balance of theme and traditional amusement park elements - some truly world-class attractions, but with a small-scale personality. Wonderful place. I recall very well the Screamin' Demon (that moment of drift before the backwards recall was insane), the old Festhaus ice shows, Skylab (didn't see that mentioned before - one hell of a ride, and a truly landmark flat from Huss), the lake and operating waterways under and around the Beast... Smurfs Enchanted Voyage... man, the memories. I visited in 2009 after a long absence, and while it'll never be what it was, I have hope. My big, big concern regards the 1926 PTC carousel alongside the Eiffel Tower - it has an incredibly important 1918 Wurlitzer band organ that hasn't operated in several years. From what I understand, the instrument itself (operating parts) is being stored in a warehouse on-site, with only the facade of the organ on the carousel - they play CDs on the ride nowadays. Back in the late 80s/early 90s the maintenance staff would never, ever have allowed this to happen - the price of a corporate buyout, I gather. I keep an ear out for updates... Anyhow, it's been great to read these entries - keep up the wonderful work! You're keeping the golden age of Kings Island alive and well, if only in our hearts and minds.
Sarah S. #32 :
Posted 525 days ago
Unlike almost everyone of you who posted i was actually looking for information about KI and I stumbled across this site. I think this is an amazing site and I'm only 12 but ive been going to KI for my birthday every year since I was little. To me KI hasnt lost its magic to me but ill say ill probably still be going to kings island with my best friend when im very older than i am now.Kings Island is my favorite amusment park ever. I take the challenge to ride kings island newest ride every year. Even though im only 12 now i can still remember all the rides from when i was real little i remember one year that eery ride that i tryed to ride with my mom broke down or had something wrong with it. That is all I have to say.
Bi Bi
JACK THE ZIPPER :
Posted 518 days ago
Hey is there any old Fearfest employee's who worked right after the World Trade Center attack ?? I was a creeper that year..We Trained back by the Helicopter pad back by the red barn back in Area 51. I have a Video and pics of alot of the Creepers , the Asphalt Knee Sliding Boogiemen, That scared the DUH...DUH... Daylights out of you around Old Coney and then the last hours of the night we moved to the front gate for some more really great scares !! I have alot of photos and the entire crew In the GREEN ROOM with some of us getting made up by the GREAT Make Up Artists we had that year. We had a Vampire, Blue Bubble Boy he was also a daytime park employee as a character of some sort.., A Tall Werewolf who was big Mike, Road Rash he had tire tracks on his face and one guy who was a Ki Safari guy who looked like he was mauled by a wild animal, I myself as Jack The Zipper the guy who's face was ripped off and replaced with a Zipper, Some of my friends were A Tall ScareCrow, a woman Clown, a fire eating girl from a real circus,Some neat Mummies, I have lots of GREAT PHOTO'S that I'd love to share the my friends .Remember when we went after work in makeup and people Freaked out when we ate at the Pancake House at Fields Ertle...Well I must Say FearFest Was A Great Time Scaring the Begeebies out of people and getting Paid Well for IT!!! Best Time Of My Life !!! Leave me a MESSAGE AND HOW TO GET HOLD OF YOU...ON HERE.....UNPLESANT SCREAMS MY FRIEND'S !!!!
greg alias Jack the Zipper the original......
elijah mcculloch :
Posted 505 days ago
when i went on the beast it went 64 mph i liked it i was 7 years old
Charles Connolly :
Posted 494 days ago
Yes i remember the dolphin show. And the giant clock and the smurf ride. I remember sunshine turnpike. I went down the plunge a couple of times. Scared me both times. I miss the king cobra as well. Also flight commander i have never seen the graveyard. Yes their security and employees can be rude as well. I also want to say if you but any souvenirs watch them carefully. Somebody once stole a poster from me one time. If he is reading this i hope you got a bad paper cut. Also there are some white trash people that go there. And this is to the white trash woman that accused me of cheating at skeeball. Get a life and don't be mad at me because your son ... s at the game. Also be careful who you insult. Because i could have been some crazy person. And also i am great at skeeball because i have been playing it for twenty five years.
COCO :
Posted 448 days ago
WOW
Jordan :
Posted 440 days ago
i think kings island is so fun.
phoneix :
Posted 440 days ago
i rememer when i was there at 2007 the invurtego was a waste of time
stupid dumbie :
Posted 440 days ago
kings Island ... s
Erika :
Posted 434 days ago
I believe the Racer came from Coney Island in Cincinnati....
Sharon :
Posted 424 days ago
The RACER did not come from Coney Island but is similar to the out and back coaster that was Coney's largest, the SHOOTING STAR, but it had a circular tunnel at the end. The KI ride that a few people have asked about with "hanging cages" was the ZODIAC. The " tea cup" type ride that was next to the DODGEMS before they were enlarged was the CUDDLE UP, and it came from Coney Island in Cincinnati.
brandon :
Posted 423 days ago
i love kings island
Hoov :
Posted 423 days ago
Any one remember the gun fight during the kings island & Miami railroad train run and the bandits boarded the train And the buildings from the old western town nearby they also fought in is still standing
ginagirl :
Posted 411 days ago
I am curious as to how Kings Island got it's name. :-)
ginagirl :
Posted 411 days ago
Just found the answer to my question on another page. :-)
Megan :
Posted 377 days ago
When did Kings Island first open???
mary :
Posted 375 days ago
I thought the bob sled ride was the Bayern Curve.
David :
Posted 373 days ago
The double ferris wheel is at Cedar Point - I hate it
The Zodiac may be what some remember from KI
Lisa :
Posted 371 days ago
Kris- I remember seeing Eric Clapton at Timberwolf that year!! Spent the whole day in the park. I will never forget the guy across the aisle asking me to dance during a slow number (Wonderful Tonight, maybe?)!! Slow dancing with a stranger in the aisle...awesome memories!
Timberwolf had really good shows, especially for the price. Clapton was definitely the biggest name, but I remember seeing Buffet there, and Moody Blues, Air Supply, Beach Boys...loved my season pass and all the concerts!
Monica :
Posted 366 days ago
I loved KI growing up...still do! I remember my first ride on the racer...my sister bribed me with an ice cream cone!!! I remember watching the dolphin shows and the big clock made out of greenery and flowers! I rode the monarail and the "live action" train ride! I'm not a big fan of the Nickelodeon area...I'm from the HB era...but I'm hoping that CF and the Peanuts characters are better than Nickelodeon! I remember having passes and speding almost the ENTIRE summer at KI. Holding hands with boyfriends, getting soaked on the Grand Canyon!
Another poster mentioned Winterfest...I miss Winterfest!! Remember the Scrooge puppet that would spray people with water when they heckeld him (my absolute favorite!!), the hot chocolate and gingerbread men in the festhaus while watching the ice skating show and tons of lights!!
Ahhh...the memories!
Mia :
Posted 363 days ago
Just back from an evening at KI and this site stirred some memories...
I'm a child of the '80s, so some of my best childhood memories center around trying to remember if we parked in Scooby Row 6 or Barney Rubble Row 5. I remember the tunnel of greenery lined with fairy lights that led to Hanna-Barbera Land, the music and sound effects that played as Gargamel threatened little blue animatronic figures in Smurf's Enchanted Voyage, being scared TO DEATH by the "shootout" and "bears" on the train, being treated to thick-cut fries after getting soaked on the log flume, and making up a "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" song with my best friend as we waited in line for the ride.
Later years involved making out with cute guys on the Phantom Theater, daring my scaredy-cat friends to ride the King Cobra and Vortex with me (great rides!), trash-talking fellow riders on the red Racer (I always rode on the backwards blue train), and grabbing a slice from La Rosa's after screaming my lungs out riding the Beast at night. For some reason, the pizza always tasted better after that ride.
And blue ice cream will always be Smurf ice cream to me.
CAROLB :
Posted 359 days ago
I remember going there for our Senior Trip and Huey Lewis and the News was playing at Timberwolf. He stayed after the show and talked to all us girls, a super nice guy, a super theme park and lots and lots of great memories.
Clayton :
Posted 359 days ago
I've been going to KI all my life (I was born the year it opened). All of you who weren't there for the park's glory years (mid-70's through the mid-80's) really missed out. Very little of the original park remains today...Kings Island is just a shell of what it once was. When Paramount / Viacom got their hands on it, they stripped it of all its character and personality. The park used to have so much character - all of its themed areas were so cool. International Street was themed like Europe...Oktoberfest, an old Bavarian festival....Coney Island, an old fashioned county fair....Rivertown, an old frontier town with touches of Ohio's river history....Hanna-Barbera Land, all the cartoon characters from the Saturday morning shows....and Adventure Village, an exotic jungle theme. And all the employees wore costumes that fit the theme (for example, when King Cobra first opened, the workers wore jungle safari outfits). Now it's all one big hodge-podge that all runs together, with no real themes anywhere.
So much has been taken away....the Enchanted Voyage, the Screamin' Demon, the Zodiac (what some have referred to as the double ferris wheel), the King Cobra (a personal fav of mine), the slides, the antique cars, the Skyride, Flying Dutchman, and one of the best rides ever - Kenton's Cove Keelboat Canal. It was bad enough when they replaced the Screamin' Demon with the boring Amazon (aka Congo) Falls, but to take out the Keelboats and replace it with Tomb Raider (aka, the Crypt, aka, the worst piece of junk ever) was an abomination.
And it's not just rides that have been taken away...it's also the other things that gave KI its character, which are long gone as well - things like the tunnel that went from HB Land to Rivertown, and the Reds Dugout Shop. And all of the frontier scenes, buildings, animatronics, and narration on the train ride, very little of which remains today (the train isn't even looked at as a ride anymore - it's just a way to give people a lift to the water park, who are too lazy to walk to it). And the old warning sign in front of the Beast (calling for volunteers), along with the lake that surrounded the station, which was built like an old mill - it all helped give the ride it's ominous persona.
One of the things that makes Disney World so great is the fact that people can go there today and have their kids experience the same things they themselves loved 20 years before. That's not true anymore with Kings Island. Every time Kings Island does away with some long-time favorite, like the Enchanted Voyage or the Antique Cars, they aren't just getting rid of an old ride - they're getting rid of something that means a lot to the people of Cincinnati. And, why doesn't Kings Island ever expand? Instead, whenever they build something new, they always take something else out (like taking away the antique cars for the stunt coaster, or the Keelboats for Tomb Raider / Crypt). And half the time, when they take out an old favorite, they replace it with something that costs extra. Screw that.
Kings Island isn't just a theme park, its a part of Cincinnati. Just like the Reds, the Bengals, the Cincinnati Zoo, Rozzi's, Union Terminal, Music Hall, LaRosa's Pizza, and Cincinnati-style chili, KI is one of the things that makes Cincinnati unique.
I still go to KI today, but I love it for what it once was, more so than what it is today, which is only a shell of its former self. I go to ride what few classics from the glory days are still around, like the Beast, the Racer, White Water Canyon, and what's left of the Kings Mills Flume. (Also, to Cedar Fair's credit, Diamondback IS an incredible ride). But a lot of what sete Kings Island apart from every other park is long gone. Paramount / Viacom robbed Cincinnati of the "real" Kings Island.
indydd3 :
Posted 346 days ago
does kings island still host the moms music festival ?, it was there in early 2000 i think , was rather kewl everywhere you went in the park there were live bands
cincyboy97 :
Posted 343 days ago
When going up the first chain hill on The Beast, u can see a countless load of silly bands on top of the roof above the break section before entering the station
KarlaG :
Posted 337 days ago
It's been years since I have been to KI. There are so many rides I miss that once used to be apart of KI. Just a few I remember and miss. The Bat, the bobsled ride, King Cobra, The train when there used to be something to look at, was relaxing when you needed a break from walking so much, that same goes for the animal safrai, it was air conditioned. That's just a few things I miss...so many more great memories.
old employee :
Posted 329 days ago
I was an employee at KI from 1973-77 and we had a great time... back in the "old days", in my department it was great because we changed locations and costumes every week. I worked in Guest Services, 1 summer with the red shinny boots and mini skirts the rest in live shows. A couple things I saw mentioned... the ride where the feet dropped out was the "Rotor", I think it lasted one or two years. When I worked the dolphin show we only had three, then by the last years I was there, just the two. The 1/2 theater was actually a air bubble inflated with generators--our worst day only for mechanically reasons, were the days when Stepping Stones and other disabilities would visit. In the air theater, it was hard because most of the guest on stretchers or wheel chairs had to enter through the emergency door and when opened--all the air would leave :) 5 at a time. When the American Heritage Music Hall opened, Sid & Marty Croft (sp?) put a puppet show, that did have a "Queen of Soul" puppet, but there was also a scene when frankenstein walked down the aisle, he was the little guy that played Cousin It on the Adams Family tv show--all he would say to us is "you got to protect me man, you got to protect me". Great memories, I could write a book!
old employee :
Posted 329 days ago
I was an employee at KI from 1973-77 and we had a great time... back in the "old days", in my department it was great because we changed locations and costumes every week. I worked in Guest Services, 1 summer with the red shinny boots and mini skirts the rest in live shows. A couple things I saw mentioned... the ride where the feet dropped out was the "Rotor", I think it lasted one or two years. When I worked the dolphin show we only had three, then by the last years I was there, just the two. The 1/2 theater was actually a air bubble inflated with generators--our worst day only for mechanically reasons, were the days when Stepping Stones and other disabilities would visit. In the air theater, it was hard because most of the guest on stretchers or wheel chairs had to enter through the emergency door and when opened--all the air would leave :) 5 at a time. When the American Heritage Music Hall opened, Sid & Marty Croft (sp?) put a puppet show, that did have a "Queen of Soul" puppet, but there was also a scene when frankenstein walked down the aisle, he was the little guy that played Cousin It on the Adams Family tv show--all he would say to us is "you got to protect me man, you got to protect me". Great memories, I could write a book!
old employee :
Posted 329 days ago
I was an employee at KI from 1973-77 and we had a great time... back in the "old days", in my department it was great because we changed locations and costumes every week. I worked in Guest Services, 1 summer with the red shinny boots and mini skirts the rest in live shows. A couple things I saw mentioned... the ride where the feet dropped out was the "Rotor", I think it lasted one or two years. When I worked the dolphin show we only had three, then by the last years I was there, just the two. The 1/2 theater was actually a air bubble inflated with generators--our worst day only for mechanically reasons, were the days when Stepping Stones and other disabilities would visit. In the air theater, it was hard because most of the guest on stretchers or wheel chairs had to enter through the emergency door and when opened--all the air would leave :) 5 at a time. When the American Heritage Music Hall opened, Sid & Marty Croft (sp?) put a puppet show, that did have a "Queen of Soul" puppet, but there was also a scene when frankenstein walked down the aisle, he was the little guy that played Cousin It on the Adams Family tv show--all he would say to us is "you got to protect me man, you got to protect me". Great memories, I could write a book!
old employee :
Posted 329 days ago
I was an employee at KI from 1973-77 and we had a great time... back in the "old days", in my department it was great because we changed locations and costumes every week. I worked in Guest Services, 1 summer with the red shinny boots and mini skirts the rest in live shows. A couple things I saw mentioned... the ride where the feet dropped out was the "Rotor", I think it lasted one or two years. When I worked the dolphin show we only had three, then by the last years I was there, just the two. The 1/2 theater was actually a air bubble inflated with generators--our worst day only for mechanically reasons, were the days when Stepping Stones and other disabilities would visit. In the air theater, it was hard because most of the guest on stretchers or wheel chairs had to enter through the emergency door and when opened--all the air would leave :) 5 at a time. When the American Heritage Music Hall opened, Sid & Marty Croft (sp?) put a puppet show, that did have a "Queen of Soul" puppet, but there was also a scene when frankenstein walked down the aisle, he was the little guy that played Cousin It on the Adams Family tv show--all he would say to us is "you got to protect me man, you got to protect me". Great memories, I could write a book!
old employee :
Posted 329 days ago
I was an employee at KI from 1973-77 and we had a great time... back in the "old days", in my department it was great because we changed locations and costumes every week. I worked in Guest Services, 1 summer with the red shinny boots and mini skirts the rest in live shows. A couple things I saw mentioned... the ride where the feet dropped out was the "Rotor", I think it lasted one or two years. When I worked the dolphin show we only had three, then by the last years I was there, just the two. The 1/2 theater was actually a air bubble inflated with generators--our worst day only for mechanically reasons, were the days when Stepping Stones and other disabilities would visit. In the air theater, it was hard because most of the guest on stretchers or wheel chairs had to enter through the emergency door and when opened--all the air would leave :) 5 at a time. When the American Heritage Music Hall opened, Sid & Marty Croft (sp?) put a puppet show, that did have a "Queen of Soul" puppet, but there was also a scene when frankenstein walked down the aisle, he was the little guy that played Cousin It on the Adams Family tv show--all he would say to us is "you got to protect me man, you got to protect me". Great memories, I could write a book!
SESpencer :
Posted 327 days ago
I'm going to Kings Island this year for my birthday and I'm taking two of my best friends and were going to ride the Wind Seeker and I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!! When I was little I couldn't wait to ride the roller coasters. When I was five I was tall enough to ride all the rides in the park. I already have my checklist ready and everything I just can't waitttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
edward jones :
Posted 321 days ago
i worked on the antique cars the summer of 1978,,,,the employees there during slow times would have ice ball fights using crushed ice from the portable water coolers. we also would have crab apple fights.
i loved jumping on the car and taking over while driving into the station.
the trick was to jump on when they were not looking,,,especially the kids.
Tanya Woods :
Posted 320 days ago
What can you say about Kings Island? It's a classic. I do agree with the comments on preserving some of the old park. Smurf ice-cream is a must and I'm in my 30's. I miss the smurf boat ride and the Beastie was my first coaster with my dad. I was five and screamed with delight the whole ride. Memories of class trips and always the latest 80's songs playing while waiting for rides. Miss those days:)
Tanya Woods :
Posted 320 days ago
What can you say about Kings Island? It's a classic. I do agree with the comments on preserving some of the old park. Smurf ice-cream is a must and I'm in my 30's. I miss the smurf boat ride and the Beastie was my first coaster with my dad. I was five and screamed with delight the whole ride. Memories of class trips and always the latest 80's songs playing while waiting for rides. Miss those days:)
RJ Skeen :
Posted 312 days ago
I spent many a summer as a teenager in the 80's at Kings Island going with my church youth group. The Beast was the first rollercoaster I ever rode. It is still one of my favorite today. I remember the dolphin show. I also remember the monorail and the safari. I loved the Smurf ride. Why doesn't the Racer go backwards anymore? We took our teenage kids and 2 ot their friends a couple days ago. We had a blast.
Taran :
Posted 301 days ago
Your article was execlelnt and erudite.
Susan :
Posted 300 days ago
It has been a sad but exciting summer @ the park. Viking Fury has been down each time my family & I have went. Now the Vortex is shut down. We have bought passes, but my 8 year old daughter isn't into roller coasters, and after walking around a while i discovered there aren't many family rides anymore. My 12 yr. old daughter and 10 yr. old son are coaster junkies (like MOM) but I have found very little that her and I could do together. I think about the flying eagles, antique cars...she would have loved those GONE. Cedar Point needs take into consideration that not everyone is there to ride coasters. Although, I love them. A Ferris Wheel? I know they still have the antique cars. Lets bring them back please!!!!
Anthony :
Posted 282 days ago
Hello, does anyone know of any site that has pictures of the old sky ride at kings island? Thank you. Email me at munar2000@yahoo ... . Thanks again.
Tom :
Posted 256 days ago
Bring back the Flying Eagles!
Michael :
Posted 232 days ago
I worked parking lot security as a college co-op job there in '95. We rode those bikes all over the property, had an absolute blast. Went every year up until then and have only been back once since. I guess having kids will do that to you. Time to take the kids!
Jerry :
Posted 223 days ago
I have the little girl who you had to be taller than to ride the sunshine turnpike. Does any one know her name? IT IS NOT PENELOPE PITSTOP
TerBear :3 :
Posted 222 days ago
is windseeker any good? i'm too afraid to ride dimondback but i really want to ride windseeker!
juliet :
Posted 212 days ago
when was kings island built????
Jason :
Posted 184 days ago
The old monorail ride was sold a few years ago and is now partially erected at the Jungle Jim's Market in Fairfield, OH (junglejims ... ), not too far from the park. -- As for the antique cars ride, it made way for the Italian Job coaster. The park still has most if not all of the cars, though, and they occasionally use them in parades in the park when they parade around the kids area characters. -- Someone commented on here from a few years ago about a trail in the woods by the Beast: it's still there. It is just a trail in the woods, afterall, but you can't easily access it. During the Halloween events now, there is usually another trail open in the woods accessed from a "backstage" area walking by a maintenance barn and the Racer track.
mandy :
Posted 129 days ago
I LOVE diamondback!!! its awesome! i got there almost 3 times a week in the summer and windseeker is good also! i rccomend going here
Rose :
Posted 127 days ago
I grew up in Kings Mills, the house I grew up in was torn down to build Kings Island. I lived right beside the cemetary. When they were in the process of building Kings Island they had a contest to allow all of us who lived in Kings Mills to name the park, the majority of us said it should be called Kings Island so that's what they named it. We took Kings from Kings Mills and Island from Coney Island
Darrin F :
Posted 121 days ago
Me and my best friend and family went there in October 11'! I have been going there since 78 and it was jammed pack! Couple of fun facts one we got my step son to ride the beast at nite which is the best and intense, and while in Line we met a guy and we talked about ALL the info that us published on here!! Talk about a blast from the past, but it was neat to see someone know the past about KI. One last thing the Viking Fury when we rode it one side yelled "less filing" the other side said "taste great"- Classic! Childhood memories will never die....
Richard Dillon :
Posted 120 days ago
I grew up just a couple of miles from King's Island, in the "Heights" in Mason, Ohio. We would get golf balls from the golf course in our back yard! Every night at 10:00 PM KI would have fire works! I worked there the summer after I graduated from Mason High School, in 1972, and have fond memories. Recently I ran across some pictures that I took, as a photographer for the Western Star, when Bob Hope, Jack Nicklaus, and Lee Trevino came to visit there in the summer of 1972. They brought back so many memories! Pretty exciting times for the area!
Richard Dillon :
Posted 120 days ago
I grew up just a couple of miles from King's Island, in the "Heights" in Mason, Ohio. We would get golf balls from the golf course in our back yard! Every night at 10:00 PM KI would have fire works! I worked there the summer after I graduated from Mason High School, in 1972, and have fond memories. Recently I ran across some pictures that I took, as a photographer for the Western Star, when Bob Hope, Jack Nicklaus, and Lee Trevino came to visit there in the summer of 1972. They brought back so many memories! Pretty exciting times for the area!
kevin :
Posted 117 days ago
I remember my first trip to Kings Island in 1976.I felt like I was in another world.My first roller coaster was the Scooby Doo which I am happy to say remains in the park.The name has changed but the ride remains.I think why the park apealed to me so much as a child was that the themes were Hanna- Barbera.Those were my Saturday morning cartoons.I couldnt understand or accept Sponge Bob or the Penuts.Then I remembered Im not a child anymore things change.If I had my way the park would probably be broke by now.Im grateful that the park still exists.I can ride the Beast and remember childhood friends that I road it with as I wait in line.My children love the park the way that it is.My fear is the day that my kids dont want me to go with them to the park then I will be sad.
suzanne :
Posted 107 days ago
I will never forget the smurf ride and the slides that you go down in potato sacks near the elephant fountain. Also, the flying shoes, sunshine turnpike, and amazon falls.
Christie :
Posted 97 days ago
When I was a kid in the 1980's My Dad took us to kings island every year. I've loved it ever since. Now my kids love almost as much as me. At the end of the night when everyone is tired I'm the one still running to every ride. It's like i'm the kid. When i was I remember there was a deck of cards in hanna-barbera land. it was a fun house it had mirrors and uneven floors. Does anyone remember it?
ashaila :
Posted 79 days ago
well right now i am 16 2012 i am going to kings island for the first time for a job interview i really think the park is amazing
Jessica :
Posted 74 days ago
Does anyone remember "Game On"? @suzanne, And yes, I loved the big potato sack slide when I was a kid. I also will never forget the time that I actually got on the stage to play one of the Nickelodeon kids game shows. Good times.
Boogie :
Posted 65 days ago
Great memories! I remember the "Science Day" where they would give you problems to solve while visiting the park. My friends and I would never do it, we would just find somebody who did and copy the answers. I can remember when I was little and the pond/lake around the Beast tram station was there. I love the fact that so many have fond memories of the flying eagles like I do. I spent so much time on them. The flying Dutchman was an awesome ride. I remember the Beir Haus serving real German food. There was a mellow yellow drink off contest that I participated in as a child where whoever drank their can of mellow yellow the fastest won a t shirt, you had to do it in front of a large audience at one of the shows, I won, I tried to cheat at first and not finish which got a huge laugh from the audience, but still picked the can up and finished before the adults. I wish I still had the t shirt. Reminising over my child hood brought me to this site and I have spent all night reading about it. I was able to attend the press event for Tomb Raider and the pictures that I took for the web site I covered the event for we're used nationally and still linked to on different sites, wish I would have water marked them, because I was even shocked on how awesome they turned out. I loved the memories I have of the park growing up, they will be something I will always cherish.
Tjbaker :
Posted 56 days ago
I've been going to kings island since I was two I'm now eight teen the thing I remember the most about kings island from when I was little is the shows they had in kiddie land that had the big balls that everyone tossed around and people were called up and slimed and it was like a game show my mom still has the pictures of me getting slimed I wish my brothers and sisters would have been able to experience the shows :)
EKirk :
Posted 48 days ago
I remember a live action "wild west shoot out" when riding the train as a child. 1974
Jim :
Posted 41 days ago
Cedar fair, PLEASE OH PLEASE, lets get the island back to somewhat like it used to be! Bring back the flat rides! Enchanted voyage, casino, cuddle up, bayern kurve, der spinnin keggers, zodiac, flying eagles, antique autos, sunshine turnpike, Haley's comet, tumble bug, backwards racer, Kenton's cove keelboat canal, and the skyride. What about the salt water circus? Or the wild animal habitat? Or even I almost forgot, the screaming demon? The magic of kings island is all but gone and what a shame! I really wish that cedar fair would do some changes in favor of bringing back some of the older rides that was really fun! Oh hey, what about the rotor? Where the floor dropped out! That was fun, the operator would say lets see what we had for breakfast this morning! Lol! I would not mind at all paying additional admission as long as they had more flat rides. Cedar point is still a good park and I hope they keep it that way. They too have taken out some really good older rides and I hope that's not a trend they are going to take! To the owner of the webpage, thank you for the excellent memories! You have done a fine job and I found this website to be very memorable with some great photos! Thank you very much! Have a nice day!
Jim :
Posted 41 days ago
Cedar fair, PLEASE OH PLEASE, lets get the island back to somewhat like it used to be! Bring back the flat rides! Enchanted voyage, casino, cuddle up, bayern kurve, der spinnin keggers, zodiac, flying eagles, antique autos, sunshine turnpike, Haley's comet, tumble bug, backwards racer, Kenton's cove keelboat canal, and the skyride. What about the salt water circus? Or the wild animal habitat? Or even I almost forgot, the screaming demon? The magic of kings island is all but gone and what a shame! I really wish that cedar fair would do some changes in favor of bringing back some of the older rides that was really fun! Oh hey, what about the rotor? Where the floor dropped out! That was fun, the operator would say lets see what we had for breakfast this morning! Lol! I would not mind at all paying additional admission as long as they had more flat rides. Cedar point is still a good park and I hope they keep it that way. They too have taken out some really good older rides and I hope that's not a trend they are going to take! To the owner of the webpage, thank you for the excellent memories! You have done a fine job and I found this website to be very memorable with some great photos! Thank you very much! Have a nice day!
glenn :
Posted 39 days ago
oes anybody know where the brady stayed at the kings island which room thanks
bc :
Posted 37 days ago
any former employees remember eating at oscar's? i was a lifeguard over in water works the summer of 2000 and only got to eat there once or twice when we got shifted over to splat zone on super busy days.
also, one day, i lost my name tag and was instructed to go to the furthest security point and tell them that i needed a new tag. i did that, and they let me in to the employee area. i quickly realized that this little loophole could be easily exploited by anyone young enough to look like a ki employee. over the next few years, i would sometimes tempt fate and sneak in using the same method (i had a season pass, so it was just for adrenaline). tell the security guard at the first gate that i was picking up my brother from work, and tell the security guard at the entrances that i either had a class at pkiu or needed to get a replacement name tag, and it worked every time! i just got back to the employee section and then crossed over to the park!
oh to be 16 again!
Angelina :
Posted 32 days ago
I love the memories of King's Island past. My mom and dad used to fill their Plymouth station wagon with all of the neighborhood kids and take us to KI. I think it would be awesome to add an area of classic KI rides, rebuild some of the retired rides like Bayern Kurve, Flying eagles, Tumble Bug, Haley's Comet, Antique Taxis, Enchanted Voyage, etc. I also love the idea of making KI a great coaster park. One of the exciting things about Cedar Fair taking over is the prospect of some state of the art thrill rides, like Cedar Point. The memories we have from the 70's were state of the art then. KI has to be in touch with the times so new memories can be made for all generations. I was 6 years old when KI opened. Every season was filled with memories, from 1972-2011. I am sure the memories will continue on. It's always exciting to see what they will add this season. Now that Splash City is built, it's time for a new coaster/thrill ride!
nick griffith :
Posted 31 days ago
memories of kings island are great but how many people has owned kings island?
Josh :
Posted 24 days ago
I had the honor of working at Kings Island. It is truly an amazing place, the building used for the RiverTown Pizza was once an old lakehouse before the park opened. I once had a meeting with a few co workers up in the second level. 3 bedrooms, full bathroom, ect. It was a magical place to visit, I often spent my lunch time up there looking out to the pathways. Anyway Kings Island is a great place, and remember to always keep in eye out. You might just find something from long ago.
tristen :
Posted 14 days ago
hhguy
kiki :
Posted 14 days ago
i love this!





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