I went to Kings Island with my girlfriend this past weekend for my work’s picnic, my first time to the park under Cedar Fair management. Tickets were only $10 each and they got us in for free after 5pm Saturday night, all day Sunday along with free parking and a free lunch. Not bad at all. Beautiful weather all weekend too. The park was pretty crowded Saturday night but not too bad on Sunday. We had a good time. We got on all the coasters (except Son of Beast which is still closed, and the kiddy ride that we were too tall for). I got a couple new coaster credits, having never been on Reptar or Face/Off before.
In 5 hours Saturday night we did 8 rides including 7 coasters. We could see Firehawk while waiting for the front seat on Racer and we would only see about 1 train cycle every ten minutes or so. It didn’t look good. We wanted to ride that night but it appeared the line was very long and only 1 side of the station was open. We hoped things would be better the next day.
First thing Sunday morning we made our way back to Firehawk, which I had rode at Geauga Lake before. The ride was running very well, two trains with both sides of the station open. I was impressed, props to Kings Island for handling the ride and the crowds so well. The wait at that point was only 45 minutes to an hour. I really like the placement of the ride; it really fits with the theme of the area. One thing to note about the ride is that they make you wear shoes no matter what, including flip flops and sandals. Waiting in line we saw one person lose a sandal on the ride and many more can be seen on the ground under the coaster. I would also like to know why they changed the name from X-flight to Firehawk? X-flight is a perfect name for the theme of the ride and that area of the park. I guess someone at Cedar Fair just really likes birds.
The biggest surprise for me of the whole trip was how much the general public loves Firehawk. It blew me away how ecstatic people were about that ride. I didn’t hear a single negative remark the entire day. Everybody getting off the ride was talking about how awesome they thought it was and that it was well worth the wait. I think it is funny how most of the guests think it’s a brand new concept but in reality that ride is what, like 6 or 7 years old? I always thought it was an ok ride but at Kings Island Firehawk is a BIG hit. At least that was the vibe that I got. I will admit I thought the ride was a lot more fun than I remember it to be, or maybe I just got caught up in the excitement of all the first time riders around us.
As for some of the other coasters:
Italian Job is a fun little ride, although I was disappointed because there was little to no airtime to be felt and I absolutely hate the placement of that ride. Bring back the old fashioned cars! Also, what happened to all those other effects like the stairs and the fishtailing?
The beginning of Flight of Fear was a lot more intense than I remembered it to be. The block break slowed us almost to a stop though. I can’t imagine that ride with over the shoulder restraints. Ouch!
We rode Racer in the front seat twice and that was one ride that was a LOT better than I remembered. I hated the ride when I rode on a previous trip a few years ago because it was very rough, but man that front seat was great. There were a few good air moments. I just wish they would race em’ every time.
Some negative aspects that I noticed, just a couple small things:
We did the water park for the first time Sunday afternoon. It was a lot of fun but there has to be a better material out there besides concrete that is not hard on your feet and doesn’t burn your soles off.
Since when did they install trim brakes on Fairly Odd Coaster. That’s lame, give me a brake man. And what’s with the price of drinks being 3.39? They can’t round to an even number like 3.00 or 3.50? Also, I wish they had some traffic directors in the parking lot to help direct the flow and to help tell you where to go.
We had a free lunch in the picnic grove for my work and I was a little disappointed in the quality of the food. I don’t know if I was expecting too much but it wasn’t good. The soda was the most watered down pop I’ve ever had and it’s things like that make you appreciate Holiday World even more because their drinks are “free” and they taste far better. At least I didn’t have to spend an arm and a leg for it.
In my opinion KI is missing a ride that has insane airtime ala Apollo’s Chariot. That would really complete their lineup of attractions. I prefer Power Tower to Drop Zone. I hope Cedar Fair continues to keep up the theme and effects of the current attractions and anything that they may add in the future.
Also funny to note: In one day at the park I saw more kids with Mohawks than I’ve seen the rest of my entire life combined.
Overall, I’d say it was a pretty good day at the park and it was sofa king fun.
The biggest surprise for me of the whole trip was how much the general public loves Firehawk. It blew me away how ecstatic people were about that ride. I didn’t hear a single negative remark the entire day. Everybody getting off the ride was talking about how awesome they thought it was and that it was well worth the wait. I think it is funny how most of the guests think it’s a brand new concept but in reality that ride is what, like 6 or 7 years old? I always thought it was an ok ride but at Kings Island Firehawk is a BIG hit. At least that was the vibe that I got. I will admit I thought the ride was a lot more fun than I remember it to be, or maybe I just got caught up in the excitement of all the first time riders around us.
It shouldn't be a surprise honestly. X-Flight is great and I think that those Vekoma flyers were better than the early flying coasters. The reason in my opinion that many people don't like the Vekoma flyers or at least not as much is that we're not supposed to. B&M is always a fan favorite and I generally have preferred them except when it came to flying coasters. Now Tatsu looks much improved so I'm happy about that. However, when people say that Superman- Ultimate Flight is better the Vekoma flyers, that's funny. S-UF has one good element...one and that's it. Now that X-Flight is gone (along with their impulse), I have almost no reason to visit Geauga Lake until they get something else. King's Island will be my #2 choice in Ohio from now on instead of GL.
What early flying coasters? X-flight was on of the first few flying coasters. The first [I believe] was Stealth @ Great America in California, [now Borg Assimilator @ Carowinds], and X-Flight came not too far afterwards.
When I said early flyers, I meant B&M's early flyers. So basically, I liked X-Flight and from the looks of them, Stealth and Batwing more than the first US B&M flyers (S-UF).
When I said early flyers, I meant B&M's early flyers. So basically, I liked X-Flight and from the looks of them, Stealth and Batwing more than the first US B&M flyers (S-UF).
I thought you ment Zamperla Volares, which would be correct.
IMO, X-Flight was not NEARLY as good as S:UF. It isn't even a contest. X-Flight (and Firehawk) crushed your ribs and had uncomfortable forces in weird places. S:UF has one of the most comfortable restraint systems I've ever seen.
Firehawk seemed way slower than X-Flight and a lot rougher. It must not have had a very good trip.
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