This is pretty cool. DT great, WC evil.

 

Viewers Reach Out To King's Island Students

Reported by: Hagit Limor. Email: [email protected]

Last Update: 7/23 8:16 pm

 

A group of international students working the summer at Kings Island got a taste of Cincinnati this week, after a generous outpouring from viewers who saw the July 3 I-Team report about their living conditions and other complaints. The students from countries around the world complained they were stuck at a West Chester apartment complex undergoing renovations with no access to transportation, so they couldn't see any of Cincinnati or experience the culture they'd come here to learn.

 

At Fountain Square, the students posed for photos before splitting into groups that enjoyed donated meals at restaurants including Palomino, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, Nicholson's, Via Vite and BlackFinn.

 

Grasty says the students need to experience America. "Honestly, I believe the only way to spread peace in the world is through cultural understanding so I want them to understand that America is not what they've experienced so far. It's so much more."

 

To read more: http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=5edca615-302b-4eff-a5fc-9b7401c3903f

Maybe they shouldn't live out in WC next time.  Put them up in housing near the center city and they'll really get to experience all of the great things Cincinnati has to offer over more than just a couple special nights.

On another note. 08.06.08... save the date.

 

Ride Sally, Ride.

 

Photos of some mystery ride

Kings Island announces Diamondback for 2009. Looks good. KI needed a good steel coaster (B&M). Nothing ground breaking, but a very good addition.

 

http://www.kidiamondback.com/

 

Awesome addition!  Here's the breakdown!

 

KINGS ISLAND, Ohio - The biggest and most exciting new attraction in Kings Island's 36-year history, a 5,282-foot long steel hyper roller coaster named Diamondback, will change the landscape for thrill seekers when the ride makes its debut in April 2009.

 

Diamondback will be the tallest, fastest and meanest roller coaster at Kings Island. The ride will stand 230 feet at its highest point with a first drop of 215 feet at a 74 degree angle and reach speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour. The ride features 10 vertical drops overall including drops of 193, 131, 129, 110 and 106 feet, two helixes - one at 323 degrees and the other at 287 degrees - and a spectacular splashdown ending. The ride experience on Diamondback will last more than three heart-pounding minutes.

 

"This ride is big - real big - intense and aggressive," said Greg Scheid, Kings Island's vice president and general manager. "Not only are the statistics of the ride awesome, but its use of the rugged natural terrain and spectacular splashdown ending ensures that no other roller coaster tops these thrills."

 

The trains on Diamondback will feature unique, open-air stadium-style seating that will allow riders to experience an unobstructed view of all the thrills and excitement on one of the world's best roller coasters. Kings Island will be the first park in the United States with trains of this style on a roller coaster.

 

Diamondback will be located in the western themed Rivertown area of the park and will prey over flat land, woods, water and rocks, slithering along nearly one mile of track through gut-wrenching drops, twists and turns, leaving riders feeling snake bitten.

 

"The western diamondback is the king of all rattlesnakes with a fearsome reputation," Scheid said. "They're big, mean, aggressive and terrifying. The name Diamondback accurately conveys the image of the characteristics of the coaster as it resembles that of a coiled snake ready to strike."

 

Diamondback will be the biggest investment in Kings Island's 36-year history at $22 million dollars and will be the park's 15th world-class roller coaster.

 

Construction is currently underway. Because of its location park visitors can see the ride being built from the ground up. Those who cannot wait until 2009 may take a virtual ride on Diamondback at kidiamondback.com. Visitors to kidiamondback.com may also access exclusive Diamondback updates and features, including virtual renderings, ride statistics and much more.

 

Diamondback was designed by Bolliger and Mabillard of Monthey, Switzerland, a recognized industry leader in roller coaster development.

 

Kings Island is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." In addition to Kings Island, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort and five hotels. Cedar Fair also owns and operates Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure located in Las Vegas, and operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.

 

This is pretty cool...I might just have to make a return visit when it opens.

I am still on edge when I think of Firehawk.  I rode that for the first time several weeks ago and LOVED it, even with my fear of heights.

 

So, once this is built, won't KI have 3 coasters that last over 3 minutes? 

Does any other park have that?

Geez ...

 

 

 

So Behemoth with a splash down.  Gotcha.

So Behemoth with a splash down.  Gotcha.

 

Tee hee  :laugh:

I was hoping this would be at least 250' to differentiate it more from Behemoth, Nitro, etc.  The logo looks great, and I am counting on the terrain to make this a more interesting ride than the B&M coasters in this height/size range.  We'll see, but this is a great addition regardless.

 

Now for that strata in 2011...

So Behemoth with a splash down.  Gotcha.

 

I think the days of KI getting the biggest or longest coasters are over for now. Cedar Fair reserves those items for Cedar Point their flagship park (KI use to be treated as a flagship park by most of its former owners). Most major theme parks of KI size in the US already have a hypercoaster, but better late than never.

Screw hypercoasters, the Beast is the best damn coaster I have rode on.  I have been to most of the major amusement parks in the US and used to despise wooden coasters until my first trip to KI.  I still lived in St. Louis at the time and my buddy lost his keys on the ride.  Thank god he was goofy enough to carry a spare on a chain around his neck else we would have been stranded at the park. (Who the hell has a spare car key around their neck?)

  "So Behemoth with a splash down.  Gotcha."

 

  Yeah, having the "mac daddy" of all rollercoaster designers and manufacturers build one in our own backyard is so beneath you because it's not a record breaker or a complete new innovation.

 

  Colday, please get over yourself!

 

 

  Besides being built by the "Mercedes" of rollercoaster companies, this coaster will be in the top 10 rank of coasters in the US in regards to speed, height, and drop. It will be a three minute ride with a very respectable length of just under 5300 feet. Roller Coaster Data Base (RCDB) does not rank the number of coasters with the most number of drops over 100', but I'm sure Diamondback's drops of 215', 193', 131', 129', 110', and 106' places it firmly in the top 5 coasters in the world. People have bitched about Kings Islands rides not having enough airtime, this thing is primarily an "airtime machine". The rides layout is also very exciting, the track crosses itself several times, dives into and turns then comes up out of a natural ravine, then of course, there's the splashdown which will be the first added onto a B&M "Mega Coaster". This sucker is going to be awesome and people will come from all over the country to ride this thing. Cedar Fair is not putting Kings Island out to pasture they are keeping us right in there with the big boys.   

Let's not forget KI still has 2 coasters over 7000 feet long, and now 3 over 5000.  I am not sure any other park can match that.  I do think Cedar Fair views Cedar Point as their number one park, but if attendance trends continue they will continue to invest heavily in KI.  I think Cedar Point edged out KI in 2007, but I think KI has had greater attendance more often.  Either way, they are very close in attendance and two of the top seasonal parks in the country.

 

I definitely would have liked Diamondback to be a little taller, but 6 drops over 100' is impressive.

Daaaaaaaaamn, ColDay got b!tchslapped by Cincy Dad! lol ....

 

 

Anyway, I don't think Cedar is through with KI. They obviously have a lot of interest in KI, how much $ have they dumped into KI already? Think about it, and roller-coasters are their thing.

 

 

I don't care what anyone says, it's already an amazing theme park that other cities would die for and like Cincy Dad pointed out, this is in our freakin back yard. Six Flags, eat your heart out.

People want an escalade not a Ford expedition. We need it to be higher and faster.

Like I pointed out on the KICENTRAL board the Diamonback's highest drop is only 21' feet higher than the Magnum at Cedar Point.  The Magnum will be 20 years old next year!!  They couldn't give us like 275 or at least 250!!??

 

I agree that Paramount didn't help KI that much but now that both parks owned by the same company we will not get a "real" record breaker ever again.

 

I'm not saying that I won't ride it and I have had a GOLD PASS every year since 2000 but I have some pride and wanted something better than they have. 

Regardless of flagship status, this coaster will be a net projectile vomit producer. Maybe the park needs to have umbrellas available to the public walking around Rivertown.

People want an escalade not a Ford expedition. We need it to be higher and faster.

 

Actually I prefer the Smart Car. ;)

^You would! :-D

It says it's the first in the US with that type of seating, that's saying something, especcially with all the other great components of the ride. Top thrill dragster was (is?) the tallest and fastest roller coaster and it's lame. Up. Down. Done. I'd rather the focus be on the quality of the ride than some pissing contest about being 5 feet taller for a year. It sounds like a good ride, only time will tell.

 

I think Ceder Point is compensating for something ;)

I just hope they treat KI as a theme park and not an amusement park. Its always been a theme park and the attractions should reflect that concept. Luckily this ride has a western/frontier theme which is the one concept Cedar Fair seems to do OK at.

   "So Behemoth with a splash down.  Gotcha."

 

   Yeah, having the "mac daddy" of all rollercoaster designers and manufacturers build one in our own backyard is so beneath you because it's not a record breaker or a complete new innovation.

 

  Colday, please get over yourself!

 

 

  Besides being built by the "Mercedes" of rollercoaster companies, this coaster will be in the top 10 rank of coasters in the US in regards to speed, height, and drop. It will be a three minute ride with a very respectable length of just under 5300 feet. Roller Coaster Data Base (RCDB) does not rank the number of coasters with the most number of drops over 100', but I'm sure Diamondback's drops of 215', 193', 131', 129', 110', and 106' places it firmly in the top 5 coasters in the world. People have bitched about Kings Islands rides not having enough airtime, this thing is primarily an "airtime machine". The rides layout is also very exciting, the track crosses itself several times, dives into and turns then comes up out of a natural ravine, then of course, there's the splashdown which will be the first added onto a B&M "Mega Coaster". This sucker is going to be awesome and people will come from all over the country to ride this thing. Cedar Fair is not putting Kings Island out to pasture they are keeping us right in there with the big boys.   

 

I call it like I see it (and I ain't the only one).  I'm not going to even bother addressing your sassy response, especially as I've never really talked to you.

 

Daaaaaaaaamn, ColDay got b!tchslapped by Cincy Dad! lol ....

 

Not really.  In order to get bitchslapped, one must be bitchslapped.  My face still feels fine.

 

It says it's the first in the US with that type of seating, that's saying something, especcially with all the other great components of the ride. Top thrill dragster was (is?) the tallest and fastest roller coaster and it's lame. Up. Down. Done. I'd rather the focus be on the quality of the ride than some pissing contest about being 5 feet taller for a year. It sounds like a good ride, only time will tell.

 

I think Ceder Point is compensating for something ;)

 

Look up Canada's Wonderland's newest coater.  Then you'll see why I'm not exactly "impressed," though I agree it's long overdue for Kings Island to get a hyper.  But as Cincyimages said, I prefer the Beast.

But then again, I suppose people got excited over Great American Ballpark as Cincinnati was "long overdue" for a new park in the "retro" age.  But then...Cincinnati got GABP...you know, the "Mercedes" of Retro Parks.

Rollercoaster trash talk? Caucasians please...

 

Keep it civil or keep it quiet.

 

Thanks.

Diamondback was featured today on Goodmorning America's "Around the Watercooler" segment. They did a great job showing what the ride will look like. They did throw out "tallest, longest, and fastest" in maybe the wrong context, meaning they did not indicate these accolades were just for the park. They did a great job showing the stadium style seating explaining that all of the seats will offer an outstanding view and ride experience.

 

  I know Behemouth at a sister park has already been built. Rollercoaster companies, as any business, often will try to duplicate successful products and place them elsewhere. I also know that parks try not to overduplicate successful rides and place them so that they remain a featured and somewhat unique attraction. What this means is, while Cedar Point already has two B&M's, they probably won't get one like this.  What exactly were you expecting anyway? Warning: this response will require more than a one word answer. 

 

  I know that not everyone is completely happy with this ride, but remember sometimes the innovative rides can turn into Lemons like The Bat. Would it have helped if the ride was 10 feet taller and went 6 miles an hour faster or maybe was 300 feet longer?

 

  I find it a little interesting that someone's dislike for the GABP somehow sneeked into the discussion. Where did that come from? I'm beginning to see a pattern developing, what with comments regarding the Ascent and other things that maybe someone's fondness for the region maybe waning. I certainly don't want to put words in anyone's mouth. Just my perception. I think that you can keep Columbus and Dayton, Cincy is where a whole lotta stuff is going on... and I've traveled extensively as well. 

 

  I honestly respect other persons opinions and differing viewpoints. What I don't respect are opinions that are stated so as to infer that they are so far superior that any other viewpoints would be wrong and completely uneducated. 

I know that not everyone is completely happy with this ride, but remember sometimes the innovative rides can turn into Lemons like The Bat

 

Don't be dissing the BAT,  that was my fave ride along with the beast and smurf enchanted voyage!!! :x

B&M are the creators of one of the worst roller coasters in Batman: The Ride at Six Flags St. Louis.  What a snoozefest that ride was...

I like Batman The Ride in the front seat. While I like just about every kind of coaster out there, I prefer the feeling of speed over loops, etc...

B&M are the creators of one of the worst roller coasters in Batman: The Ride at Six Flags St. Louis.  What a snoozefest that ride was...

 

You must never have rode a standard Vekoma SLC (Inverted Coaster) 

I never had a roller coaster I considered the worst roller coaster of all time until I rode the roller coaster at Coney Island last month.  That garbage needs to be torn down, planting grass would be an improvement.  I couldn't wait to get off that POS.

lol!

I know Behemoth at a sister park has already been built. Rollercoaster companies, as any business, often will try to duplicate successful products and place them elsewhere. I also know that parks try not to overduplicate successful rides and place them so that they remain a featured and somewhat unique attraction. What this means is, while Cedar Point already has two B&M's, they probably won't get one like this. What exactly were you expecting anyway? Warning: this response will require more than a one word answer.

 

Warning: this response will require common sense.

 

Kings Island was the forefront of innovation for the amusement park industry since its opening in the 70's.  From The Bat, to King Cobra, to Vortex, the Beast, and even Son of Beast, Kings Island never settled for "second place."  If it's "arrogant" or insulting to suggest that Kings Island deserve something better than a B&M hand-me-down from Ontario, then you can call me whatever you want.  I have high expectations for one of America's Greatest Amusement Parks and I'm not letting that go anytime soon.

 

I know that not everyone is completely happy with this ride, but remember sometimes the innovative rides can turn into Lemons like The Bat. Would it have helped if the ride was 10 feet taller and went 6 miles an hour faster or maybe was 300 feet longer?

 

Comparing this ride to The Bat isn't logical.  The Bat was a prototype suspension that broke barriers and led to the future Top Guns, Batmans, and X2's.  This thing is a nice B&M ride that isn't innovative by anymeans (except for it being B&M's first "splashdown" on a hyper, I guess).  Sure, the 10 hills are nice to name and I'm sure the ride is going to be fantastic (air time) but Kings Island still deserves better.  Again, like GABP.

 

I find it a little interesting that someone's dislike for the GABP somehow sneeked into the discussion. Where did that come from? I'm beginning to see a pattern developing, what with comments regarding the Ascent and other things that maybe someone's fondness for the region maybe waning.

 

You're presuming wrong.  I started Cincinnatuprise with Rich, I still give Cincinnati tours, I still promote the city to naive Columbusites, and get this, you're on this website started by a guy born in Cincinnati.  I don't like the Ascent and I don't like GABP but it is quite ludicrous to suggest that my "fondness" for my home region is "waning" because I don't like the projects developed lately.  I'm not getting on the UncleRando train anytime soon but that isn't to say my love for Cincinnati has diminished.  Capiche??

 

I certainly don't want to put words in anyone's mouth. Just my perception. I think that you can keep Columbus and Dayton, Cincy is where a whole lotta stuff is going on... and I've traveled extensively as well.

 

Everybody has opinions and my opinion is that Columbus, Dayton, AND Cincinnati are fine places where "a whole lotta stuff is going on."  It just so happens that Cincinnati (and Cleveland) have the most vocal forumers and thus I have to "step up" for Dayton and Columbus more than often.  I just find your rebuttals and private messages to other Mods/Admins quite disrespectful as I generally found you very nice (until a blatant diss towards myself in a CDawg-themed thread) and never really had a problem with you.

 

I honestly respect other persons opinions and differing viewpoints. What I don't respect are opinions that are stated so as to infer that they are so far superior that any other viewpoints would be wrong and completely uneducated.

 

In this case, the pot is meeting the kettle at 5th and Vine.  My 'arrogance' is from an online, sarcastic persona.  If I truly wanted to belittle someone, I would've done it in far more blatant way.  I respect all opinions (even CDawg's) but my respect for you has been diminished (and fyi, the whole "one word" response is really a code for boosting up someone's thread since they took their time to create it).

 

Now, back to topic.

You're presuming wrong.  I started Cincinnatuprise with Rich, I still give Cincinnati tours, I still promote the city to naive Columbusites, and get this, you're on this website started by a guy born in Cincinnati.  I don't like the Ascent and I don't like GABP but it is quite ludicrous to suggest that my "fondness" for my home region is "waning" because I don't like the projects developed lately.  I'm not getting on the UncleRando train anytime soon but that isn't to say my love for Cincinnati has diminished.  Capiche??

 

If you're not with me, then you're against me.  :shoot:

:laugh:

So watch out everyone as private messages have a big brother attached..  Now, back to lurking.

Yes, everyone, shock of shocks, the Mods and Admins actually communicate with one another.

 

Cincy Dad and everyone else: here on UO as in the real world, endeavor to be respectful or take your business elsewhere.

 

Get it?

 

Got it.

 

Good.

B&M are the creators of one of the worst roller coasters in Batman: The Ride at Six Flags St. Louis.  What a snoozefest that ride was...

 

 

You must never have rode a standard Vekoma SLC (Inverted Coaster) 

 

Been there done that several times. My ears have the war marks to prove it.

On August 6th, 2008 Kings Island's Don Helbig made an announcement that would come to thrill and excite not just coaster enthusiasts but many guests and visitors. The Cincinnati area tourism staple for the past years has been known for its family attractions typically themed to movies and Nickelodeon attractions, as the park was formerly owned by Paramount. In June 2006 the park was purchased by Sandusky based Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a company most notable for their large coaster instillations at their flagship park; Cedar Point where the skyline is dominated by the 200ft. Magnum, 300ft. Millenium Force, and 400ft. Top Thrill Dragster. For many fans of the park, the announcement of Cedar Fairs acquisition meant that bigger and better roller coasters would be coming to the park. Work on the Diamondback initially began at the end of the 2007 season, yet an official announcement was not made until August 6, 2008 and the ride is set to open in April 2009 and will hopefully be ready for opening day. Here are the ride specs:

 

Track Length: 5,282’

Maximum Height: 230’

Length of First Hill: 222’

Length of First Drop: 215’

Length of Other Drops: 193’, 131’, 129’, 110’, 106’

Total Drops: 10

Fastest Speed: 80 miles per hour

Ride Time: Three minutes

Hourly Capacity: 1,620 riders

Number of Trains: Three

Vehicles: Four passenger with panoramic view; two each front/rear offset

Vehicle Length: 8’ – 0 ¼”

Train Length: Eight vehicles; 71’ – 10 ¼”

Train Width: 7’ – 1 ¼”

 

The ride will be located in the Rivertown section of the park, here are some renderings:

 

 

 

I do work for www.kicentral.com which started out as a fan site covering the park and forums, over time we've grown to come to be sponsored by COX Ohio publishing and now cover a lot of the news and media events at the park. Here are some photographs of the construction:

 

Memorial Day Weekend:

 

And now this past weekend of 9/12/08:

 

 

 

 

 

The park is nice enough to allow us in for some exclusive updates so I thought I'd share them with the good folks on here. I figured many people around here might be excited for this ride as its the biggest attraction they've installed since the Son of Beast in 2000 which was met with mixed to unfavorable reviews. Hope you enjoy the photographs.

Looks good.  I'm looking forward to it. 

With all due respect, isn't this already discussed in the Kings Island thread?

Yes, but a construction thread seems reasonable.  I guess.

Cedar Point taking over is the best thing that could have ever happened to Kings Island.  Paramount was awful and I think it shows.  Let's make King's Island truly king.

^It was actually Cedar Fair, Cedar Points parent company who purchased Kings Island along with its sister parks. What is somewhat ironic is that when Paramount Parks was in its prime it was actually in a position and a negotiation to purchase Cedar Point, and just Cedar Point, from Cedar Fair. The deal fell through at the last minute.

 

Yes, but a construction thread seems reasonable. I guess.

 

I thought a construction thread might be nice since myself or my friend go there regularly and get photographic access that isn't accessible to the general public and should have some regular updates, if you'd rather contain it to the Kings Island thread I can do that.

Yes, but a construction thread seems reasonable.  I guess.

 

I thought a construction thread might be nice since myself or my friend go there regularly and get photographic access that isn't accessible to the general public and should have some regular updates, if you'd rather contain it to the Kings Island thread I can do that.

 

This is just fine...I was just debating whether or not I should merge some posts from that thread over here or not.  I'm just going to leave it as is for now.  Thanks for the photos and updates.

Wonderful photos.  Sorry, we gotta keep all Kings Island-related news, pictures, and info in this thread.  I really appreciate the photos!

Hey guys, they began testing Diamondback this week:

 

Love the new seating arrangement.

Where is this in the park?

 

It looks like it's near Tomb Raider in some of the shots.