TombraiderTy

At Kings Island, the reason the sign says "Losantiville" is because that was Cincinnati's original name. Great PTR, I enjoyed reading your views on my home park. It's good to hear you had a great time.

When I first rode in the middle of the train (sorta), I was disappointed by the amount of air-time. However, later in the day, I was blown away by the abundance of it in the back of the train. The ride was amazing and has received 9.5/10 on CoasterFanatics.com (placing it as their number three ride. My apologies if TPR is a hater of CoasterFanatics for some reason). However, I haven't ridden any other B&M hyper-coasters to compare it to, so I don't feel like I can join the discussion of comparing it.

Thanks for the link. But is there any easy way to resize photos without reuploading or any other time consuming measure? I wish I had gotten a photo, but the time I rode Crypt was later in the night. The waiting queue is now a wooden and netting style, one that fits into Rivertown much better. Guests go towards the area where the large queue used to be, but now it's only two rows. It then wraps back around and into the cave. In front of the crave is fenced off due to Diamondback going right over it, so now the cave is hidden behind various DBack supports. Kinda slaughters the look, to be honest.

Few things to mention: 1. I briefly looked for regulations on picture sizes allowed and how many images per a post, failing to find them. My apologies if I went way over, cause I have a feeling I may have 2. My apologies for several blurry and low-quality pics through-out the PTR. 3. There is not much Diamondback coverage here. Mostly just new stuff for the 2009 season. After spending a long off-season counting down the days, wishing to ride The Crypt and Diamondback, opening day finally arrived for Kings Island. The park opened at 10AM, while Gold Pass holders were given access to Diamondback at 9AM. Because I had won an auction seat (#113), I arrived bright and early- 6:30AM. We (my father and I) joined a moderate-sized line to check in for the auction, quickly getting a complimentary ticket and first-rider lanyard. Following this, we joined a line for the metal detectors, entering the park 7AM. Blurry, but still great to see International Street. Despite the lack of people in this area, it looked great. About 7:15AM, we entered into Rivertown and walked over to Rivertown Junction Dining Hall (formerly WINGS Diner) for a second check-in. Diamondback in the sunrise After getting a t-shirt and a large sticker identifying what rider number I was, we took a seat over near one of the windows that overlooked the splash-down. The picture is terrible, but it shows how cool it'll be for guests eating inside RJDH. Shortly after, we formed a line for Diamondback So um, here's Ty. In line. Yeah. Something else to point out is the great new pathway added around Diamondback and The Beast. Although it doesn't fit the Rivertown theme perfectly, it's extremely nice and a welcomed change. The weather outside was great through-out the day The first train of riders was released from the station about 8:30AM. Prior to the first ride, Kings Island presented A Kid Again with a $102,000 check. The train returned shortly afterwards, carrying a large group of pleased riders. I was seated on the fourth(?) train, third(?) car, second row, left side. I got to ride at 8:36AM. Ty's thoughts on Diamondback... The first ride presented great speed, decent air-time, and a fun ending. The coaster was incredibly smooth. The second ride, done at about shortly after, was just as fun. We rode in the second car, first row. The final and last ride, done at about 10:20PM or so, was done towards the very back. The back of the train provides much more airtime, faster speeds, and more force. It's a bit rougher, but nothing compared to any other Kings Island coaster. After riding, the mass of Gold Pass holders came flooding into Rivertown. We retreated back to RJDH, where the park and Starbucks provided complimentary breakfast. Auction winners received bags of Diamondback merchandise once inside: Included was Diamondback mints, DB playing cards, DB puzzle (500 piece), DB first-rider shirt, and the bag itself. We also received a free on-ride photo earlier. I always seem to fail at photographing food... It just never looks that appealing in my pictures. Small displays were in the center of all tables within RJDH. Our table featured a small pot with soil and snake-skin. I do not know if this was only for the First Rider Auctions or if these cool little decorations will be present all-year. Besides coffee, juice, and donuts, Starbucks also presented a variety of different breads and other food. The Diamondback First Rider Auction was extremely fun. The park did a fantastic job organizing it. The amount of cool stuff we got to take home was also great. After the great events, we explored the new Rivertown some. Right outside of RJDH is much nicer than last year. It feels much more open and friendly when compared to the large planters there last year. The Dippin' Dots Depot also received two new posters, brightening up the area. However, I would prefer to see a larger Kings Island and Miami Valley Railroad sign than new advertisements for over-priced ice cream. Just my opinion though. The line for Diamondback ended right outside of Rivertown photos, wrapping past Rivertown Arcade, near Backlot Stunt Coaster, around International Showplace, through Nickelodeon Universe, and to the entrance for Diamondback. Video of the waiting line: Elsewhere in Rivertown, the new The Beast sign looks fantastic! Great landscaping! The whole The Beast plaza appears much nicer this year. We continued walking over into Coney Mall. Vortex's new paint looks really good. It was much brighter and attractive this year. The Laser Dome has been removed. In its place is currently a small open-space. It was next I noticed something interesting... Despite Flight Commander having been removed in 1995, its waiting line has remained in place since. Up until this year, however, the rails were still there. This year, they're all been removed, leaving an empty space into the shelter. Ty's First Theory: There's a closed food-stand next door that hasn't been open for several years. They'll reopen it sometime soon and transform the old Flight Commander queue into a shaded patio for diners. Ty's Second Theory: The removal of the rails (and the neary Laser Dome) was only the first step in fully removing the shelter, leaving room for a new addition in 2010. Or a new Haunt attraction, although I'd much rather prefer a flat-ride After a quick ride on Red Racer (very smooth), we continued towards International Street. Fudge and Fun was renamed this year. The new sign looks very bright and colorful. The area guests can go inside the Airbrush shop was reduced this year. The former Fontana Bistro is now a new Belgium waffle location. As we headed towards the entrance (my dad had to leave early), we noticed this interesting sign in one of Thrill Seeker's windows. Sign of things to come? After my dad left for the day, I walked around the park some alone, taking various pictures. Outside of the main entrance were two stilt walkers. A recent news article mentioned that atmosphere entertainment would return to Kings Island this year, so I was extremely excited when I first saw them. They were very entertaining and funny. I hope we can see them, among other forms of atmosphere entertainment, through-out all of 2009. It was only now that I picked up a park map. The cover is very bland, but the designs on the inside are quite nice. There was also a showtimes schedule, but I think we'll only see it on days when extra entertainment is present. Outside of Kings Island Theater was this creative photo-op. It was a nice bit of themeing that went with the upcoming Endless Summer on Ice show. Drop Tower... yeah... I honestly don't care for this ride. Kings Island doesn't have an apostrophe... Festhaus was empty when I went inside. The stage and new banner for Down Home Country both look very nice. Parrots of the Caribbean was one of many different shows and events happening opening day. I didn't stay and listen too long, but of what I did hear, they were very good. The Glassblower shop has returned. I can't imagine the sales being too good for this location, but its presence creates a nice charm for International Street. Cool lighting fixture. Has this always been here? :unsure: Various buildings and structures around the park received some new paint this year. The little touch-ups such as these made Kings Island look much more alive and inviting. I don't think this small display receives too much attention, but it's a nice little thing. Also new this year are various wait-time signs outside of most major attractions (Diamondback, Son of Beast, Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Castle...). It's a great idea in thought, but I'm afraid the park may have difficulties in making them work well. Any park guests could easily change the wait-time on them and employees may have difficulties in keeping the times updated and accurate. I entered a ride's queue later in the evening that said 30 minutes, but only waited 5 minutes. DB Trading Post was amazingly done. The interior of the shop was very nice and attractive, probably becoming the nicest gift shop in the park. There was even a large stone fireplace, a great detail. While browsing the various pieces of merchandise available, I met up with two friends, Zach and Paul. Not long after, we walked over to Eiffel Tower and went up to the top observation deck for some pictures. The waiting line was massive! The splash-down ending is also a great feature on the coaster. Will we be seeing a flat-ride here? Maybe a new Haunt attraction? Gift shop? Food-stand? The possibilities are near endless... After seeing this view from the webcam all off-season, it was odd to see it in person. Two things in this photo. First was the season pass processing line. It is a terrible choice to process your pass on opening day- come during a day the park is closed, or even better, get it processed at the end of the season the year before. The second thing in this photo is the line of Diamondback buses. It was great for the park to bring them in for opening day. New Cotton Candy sign, I believe. The Spike figure, who was absent during the 2008 season, has been returned. Some freshly-laid cement outside of White Water Canyon. My guess is that it's for one of those human dryer things. New The Beast t-shirt looks awesome. May have to consider getting one this year. VERY nice looking. Howeve, unlike the former stream that emptied into this area, this waterfall doesn't run all the way from the Kings Island and Miami Valley Railroad station. This means there's a long and empty (not to mention ugly without its water) canal between there and the top of this waterfall. Hopefully the park fills it up with dirt and plants some bushes in its place. Great addition, I've been hoping the park would get banners like these for a while. Paradise Island, closed all of 2008, has reopened. The park could add a flat ride here in 2010 also B) Eiffel Tower was looking awesome opening day. The clock has yet to be planted, but I'm looking forwards to seeing it when done. Landscaping like this, the floral date, and floral Liberty Bell are all great features within the park. Paul and I bought lunch at Central Grill in Nickelodeon Universe (great value) before walking over to Festhaus to watch a show. The show: The food: The food was very good and a good amount for the price I paid. In fact, I was too full to finish the chicken and curly fries. The show was aimed at young children and featured some singing and various live animals. I honestly didn't care for it, but the show kids' show was not made for me It did seem as if young kids within the Festhaus really enjoyed the music and animals, and that's what matters. After a ride on Flight Deck, we headed towards Adventure Express. From AE's waiting line, you can see some old King Cobra footers. The concrete slabs in the ground there were the footers for the turn at the top of the lift-hill. The Cyber Sayz attraction was replaced with a new game. It's a smaller version of the larger one next-door. I had to go to my great grandpa's 90th birthday party in the afternoon, so I headed out of the park, passing Royal Fountains on the way to the exit. I walked to passenger pick-up and got there at about 2:30 before being picked-up and driving up North for the party. 90 years old. When I'm that old, I hope to still be visiting Kings Island! I returned to Kings Island at about 7:40PM, meeting back up with Paul and Zach. I also joined a third friend, Nick. Hello there, Mr. Diamondback. You're quite popular today, aren't you? Racer's waiting queue still features the purple lights from Haunt. New Test of Strength game. Lot more detailed and techy than the last one. I like this shot. I had my first Crypt ride of the season at about 9:25PM. It was as great as always up until the part where it returns to the top of the building, preparing to begin the "second half" of the ride. The gondola stopped and remained perched at the top for a bit less than a full minute, just sitting there. We were then lowered back down to the bottom before unloading. An employee came over the speakers, saying to unbuckle our belts, collect our loose articles, exit to our right, ect. She didn't say anything about the ride having suffered from technical difficulties. For this reason, many first-time riders assumed that's how the ride always is- you spend half of it sitting at the top before slowly returning to the bottom of the building. This now gives these guests bad impressions of the attraction. They'll go telling their friends and other park guests that the ride isn't that great, creating some bad publicity for it. Up until this part of the ride, I had a great time on The Crypt. We got in line for Diamondback at 9:45PM, 15 minutes before the park closed. We watched the fireworks at 10PM and finally got on the ride at 10:25PM. While still queueing, we noticed that the wooden fence around some of the queue has already been heavily vandalized: It's very upsetting to see park guests treat the park so badly. April 18 was the ride's first day open to the public and it had already been disrespected by park guests. I question if a large sign in the general area stating that vandilizers will be removed from the park would reduce the amount of graffiti. The ride itself was fantastic. I rode in the last car, first row, left side. The airtime was insane, the speed was intense, and the forces were awesome. Of the three spots I rode it, the back was easily the best. With the park now closed, I headed towards the front gate and towards passenger pick-up. The fountains and Eiffel Tower were both well-lit and looked very cool in the dark. Overall, the day was an amazing one, easily the best opening day I've attended. The park was clean, the new Rivertown was amazing, and the employees were all friendly. The park did a great job making Kings Island so appealing for the start of the 2009 season.

Sorry for bringing this topic back from a few months ago, but can anybody tell me if Kings Island's Flight Commander attraction was ever moved to Playcenter? Thanks.

Those are some really nice photos and they all get me in a Disney mood I'm looking forwards to seeing your Disney's Hollywood Studios photos.

Tsk tsk, I saw no picture of Ty ANYWHERE in all of that. I did see the hanging corpse from the train-ride, however Good trip-report, it was definitely a fun day. You should've said hi though, I saw you but didn't know who you were.

Dorney is a wonderful park and looks like it's Haunt is of equal status. Kings Island has those same freak-show signs littered all through-out our Coney Mall area, but we have no freaks of any sorts anywhere...

^Ah, okay. That makes sense. Thanks

Sorry for possible n00bish question.... What is the giant Goliath sign on the ground back there? I know they have a large one you walk under to access the ride, but that doesn't appear to be anywhere near Goliath...

Wow ThemeParkReview is made up of people from all over! I would send an Ohio if I had one... may get one from Kings Island for you though this weekend if I remember.

Perhaps because black sticks out most, I didn't see either green or pink of those shirts. But I saw a variety of colored tee-shirts for other choruses all over.

^I don't remember seeing a TPR shirt, but I may have seen you. And the choir kids flooded the park, I must've seen those "Got Music?" shirts from one group a few thousand times

^Thanks for the comment!

Well I've watched so many videos on the site, my only real reason for originally becoming a member, I think it's time I gave something back, and a trip report sounded like a reasonable thing. And being 20 minutes away from Kings Island with a season pass in my wallet, why not be at my local amusement park? So I arrived about 11:20 AM, headed into Rivertown to ride the rennovated Tomb Raid... er, The Crypt! Having already done it once, I was looking forwards to an amazing and intense ride, but I found it to be closed. No worries, onto Italian Jo... er, Backlot Stunt Coaster! Train before ours... There it goes! So I get into the back row of the back car, put down my restraint, and get ready for the launch... or not. The rain (I didn't mention there was rain, did I?) started to pour, so we had to exit the train and ride. I waited under the station in case the weather would clear up, but after 30 minutes I gave-up and headed to Shake, Rattle, and Roll, aka Troika. After a ride on S,R,&R, I headed down Coney Mall. Drunk driving is a BAD thing, look at what happend on Dodgems!!! The rain started to clear up, so I headed onto Scrambler. Afterwards, I got myself a cheese coney from Skyline Chili and headed down into Action Zone, where I rode Flight Deck, formerly Top Gun. Rain made a small creek Flight Deck was extremely fast, mainly thanks to the rain. It was over quick as well, leaving me to find another way to occupy my time. So I headed onto International Street and rode Eiffel Tower. B&M construction I then walked around some, riding the Kings Island and Miami Valley Railroad. I circled the park again back into Coney Mall, where I entered the old Skee-Ball Arcade and discovered a new game: House of Horrors! So I was off to the side, two girls playing it. I took a picture and the camera's flash triggered all the targets... yeah. Kinda awkward. Valencia Falls can't even compared to this Well, a short ride on the Grand Carousel and Eiffel Tower later, I find myself in line for The Crypt. Half-way through the queue, the ride breaks down and remains broken down for 30 minutes. However, when it finally started working again, I was treated for a wicked ride, and a small visit from the Demon Bat: Yep... the Demon Bat. More B&M construction It was about 4:45 by now, so I got a third ride on Eiffel Tower, along with a first on Viking Fury and second on Grand Carousel. I met up with a second person and rode Firehawk, then finally got my ride on Backlot Stunt Coaster. After this, we both watched the fireworks, which isn't even comparable to Disney's fireworks. So yeah... I really need something to end the photo trip report... hmm... I used up the main photos I took...