Kentucky Kingdom (SFKK, KK) Discussion Thread

Still don't think this will work out, but at least they came to terms on a deal that can potentially benefit both parties.

One bad thing about the parks location is how close to the airport it is. It would be cool to maybe have a top draw coaster but unfortunately there's a height limit

^ If there is a will, there is a way. Look at Alton Towers, they can't build anything above tree height and have sever noise limitations and look at the innovative coasters they have (Nemesis, Oblivion, Air, Thirteen, and The Smiler [sW7]). KK will find a way to make innovative rides no matter how many limitations they have.

Still don't think this will work out, but at least they came to terms on a deal that can potentially benefit both parties.

The reason why this deal is going to happen is because it isn't like the last 3 attempts.

1st attempt= Ed Hart had the funding to get started, however neither party (him or fairboard) could come up with a lease agreement after months of trying. So the fairboard ended talks with him

2nd attempt=Koch family had funding but backed out as soon as they received tourism tax credits.

3rd attempt= Ed Hart wanted the state to back a loan. Governor wasn't for it.

4th attempt= Ed Hart puts up the money. Fairboard and Ed come up with a lease to run the park. Governor is for the deal. All we await for is tourism tax credits.

Ed Hart has spent years building this park so it's very personal to him. I just can't see him pulling the plug. He has NEVER pulled the plug on Kentucky Kingdom.

All but one ride, a metal roller coaster that is in disrepair, will be reopened, Hart said.

Well, that pretty much confirms Greezed Lightnin's removal.

Granted this article is a "GP" article and may not be accurate... but I imagine he may actually be referring to Twisted Twins?

According to NewsPlusNotes, Greezed Lightnin' is being removed.

Hmmm. they cite this article: http://wfpl.org/post/kentucky-kingdom-lease-plan-hart-led-group-gets-approval-re-opening-targeted-2014

Which claims he is scrapping the shuttle loop and saving Twisted Twins? I really don't see the value in saving such a mediocre attraction, I am surprised that he plans on keeping it.

From what I remember (buried in the thread here) Greezed Lightning is being removed (a trip in 2011 shows TREES growing through very rusted track) and is being replaced by a small wooden coaster (Wooden Warrior like) which will also take the former Road Runner Express pad.

Here is the trip: http://queencitydiscovery.blogspot.com/2012/02/from-ruins-of-kingdom-boardwalk-rises.html?m=1

Ugh, it sure is sad to see another shuttle loop bite the dust. Oh well. At least I got to marathon it on my last visit.

I really hope this deal will work out. Kentucky Kingdom, while not the best, certainly is a fun park with a lot of potential.

I'm going to guess that within 10 years it will be a casino with a water park still operated by Ed Hart. I really don't think the amusement park side of things is going to be sustainable.

It's nice to see the park find new life with Hart, but why is he so interested in reopening the place? I love amusement parks and all, but KK is so buried under a mountain of bureaucratic crap, the park seems more trouble than it's worth.

^ If there is a will, there is a way. Look at Alton Towers, they can't build anything above tree height and have sever noise limitations and look at the innovative coasters they have (Nemesis, Oblivion, Air, Thirteen, and The Smiler [sW7]). KK will find a way to make innovative rides no matter how many limitations they have.

I have an idea for an unique coaster but not sure how feasible it is or if its already been done. I think a totally underground rollercoaster would be awesome. It would take a lot of earth moving and concrete to make a hole that is 200 or 300 feet deep but that would be totally awesome. You could give it a runaway subway theme.

I'm going to guess that within 10 years it will be a casino with a water park still operated by Ed Hart. I really don't think the amusement park side of things is going to be sustainable.

I was thinking the same thing...water park, casino and horse/dog track.

^ If there is a will, there is a way. Look at Alton Towers, they can't build anything above tree height and have sever noise limitations and look at the innovative coasters they have (Nemesis, Oblivion, Air, Thirteen, and The Smiler [sW7]). KK will find a way to make innovative rides no matter how many limitations they have.

 

I have an idea for an unique coaster but not sure how feasible it is or if its already been done. I think a totally underground rollercoaster would be awesome. It would take a lot of earth moving and concrete to make a hole that is 200 or 300 feet deep but that would be totally awesome. You could give it a runaway subway theme.

There is one and it is one of the oddest rides I've ever Ridden: http://rcdb.com/1336.htm

Wow, never saw those shots of Greezed Lightnin. It looks really bad, and instead wasting money on fixing it, something else could take it's spot.I really want to get my T2 credit thought. It's the first SLC in the states, Twisted Twins is another I want to get.

Why are they still keeping T2 and Twisted Twins? I thought both were in bad shape

^ If there is a will, there is a way. Look at Alton Towers, they can't build anything above tree height and have sever noise limitations and look at the innovative coasters they have (Nemesis, Oblivion, Air, Thirteen, and The Smiler [sW7]). KK will find a way to make innovative rides no matter how many limitations they have.

 

I have an idea for an unique coaster but not sure how feasible it is or if its already been done. I think a totally underground rollercoaster would be awesome. It would take a lot of earth moving and concrete to make a hole that is 200 or 300 feet deep but that would be totally awesome. You could give it a runaway subway theme.

The Sky Coaster was 180ft. I'm sure you could built a pretty tall coaster at the park. Chang was 154ft. Greased Lightning was 138ft tall.

By looking at those photos, It seems like Thunder Run and Twisted Twins are most likely going to get new trains. Last I heard, Twisted Twins lost it's trains a few years back right? They will hopefully use this opportunity to get T2 some new trains as well.

Hart wants new trains for Thunder Run, T2 and Twisted Twins. The Twins trains wound up in St. Louis last I heard. There's video of him somewhere breaking down all the costs of repairing each ride, the Giant Wheel would get repainted for example, and there are holes in some of the roofs of the buildings. You're talking a good $1k to $3k just to replace a roof for example depending on the damage and who they hire.

KK still has a ton of great infrastructure, so hopefully the major repairs should mostly be the rides, and some of those were winterized. Still, I'd like to see him use the wild mouse foundation for a new wild mouse, I mean, it's already there and Maure Shone still makes that model that was there. But that's just me.

^ Yes the Twisted Twins Trains are in SFStL under the Batman: The Ride station along with Ninjas 3rd train, I assume they are being used as part donors for The Boss.

Here's a picture:

The park operators are required under the lease to spend $13 million in 2013 and 2014 to get the park open. The group must spend another $7 million on the park through the 2016 season. From 2017 on, the group is required to spend at least $1 million annually on the park. Under the terms of the lease, the fair board will become owners of any new rides or attractions placed at Kentucky Kingdom.

Just a reminder of what was posted yesterday. Of course, money will need to be invested immediately to:

1- clean up the place

2 - get rides and buildings fixed and up to code

3 - fill the gaps of what is missing at the park

Ed Hart has already stated that a coaster as the scale of Chang will be added, but if you look at his track record during his previous ownership one should not expect him to start a coaster war against the local competition.

I would be very surprised to see another wood coaster put in the park (unless one of the existing ones is removed). With Beech Bend and Holiday World within 100 miles of KK why put in a wood coaster, put in something that doesn't compete with the smaller parks. Along the same vein, Kings Island is also fairly close so KK would be wise to put in something can not be found at Kings Island. This is not to say KK will steal regular customers from Kings Island, but it gives people a reason to try out KK.

Didn't see this posted before, sorry if it already was.

Hart also said wooden coaster Twisted Twins will reopen in the park’s second year.

Read more: http://www.wlky.com/news/local-news/louisville-news/Hart-tight-lipped-about-future-Kentucky-Kingdom-plans/-/9718340/18269242/-/mapnbnz/-/index.html#ixzz2J8OPsAn8

Ed Hart has already stated that a coaster as the scale of Chang will be added, but if you look at his track record during his previous ownership one should not expect him to start a coaster war against the local competition.

 

I would be very surprised to see another wood coaster put in the park (unless one of the existing ones is removed). With Beech Bend and Holiday World within 100 miles of KK why put in a wood coaster, put in something that doesn't compete with the smaller parks. Along the same vein, Kings Island is also fairly close so KK would be wise to put in something can not be found at Kings Island. This is not to say KK will steal regular customers from Kings Island, but it gives people a reason to try out KK.

In 1998, Kentucky Kingdom's attendance was 1.3 million. If Ed had never given the place to Priemer Park, I believe that Kentucky Kingdom would possibly be making 2 to 2.5 million guest annually. Kings Island makes 3 million a year.

At the end of Ed Hart involvement with this park in 1998, Kings Island was starting to get competitive with Kentucky Kingdom. That's when the Action Zone was added in 1999, and later on Son of Beast in the year 2000. Holiday World maybe competition with Kentucky Kingdom, but I just cant see it happening with them. These are two different parks.

Here's a radio interview with Ed Hart yesterday. He gives a little bit more detail about whats going on. What's Ironic is that the day Ed and his crew move into the park, is the 4 year anniversary of Six Flags walking out on Kentucky Kingdom.

http://wfpl.org/post/ed-hart-kentucky-kingdom-lease-inauguration-2013-mcconnell-food-stamp-challenge

In 1998, Kentucky Kingdom's attendance was 1.3 million. If Ed had never given the place to Priemer Park, I believe that Kentucky Kingdom would possibly be making 2 to 2.5 million guest annually. Kings Island makes 3 million a year.

Based on the constraints of the location (which includes population of the market, inability to expand borders and height restrictions) the growth that you believe would have occured was not going to happen.