Goodbye to King's Island backward racer

[Joshrzmeup]

From Cincinnati.com:

Say goodbye to the backward Racer.


When Kings Island opens April 20, the Red Racer rollercoaster that had been running backward for 26 years will start running forward again along side the Blue Racer.


The decision to run both sides of the Racer forward again was made in an effort to be consistent with other Cedar Fair parks, park officials say.
The Racer is one of the original rides at Kings Island. Its biggest hill is 88 feet tall and the coasters reach top speeds of 53.3 miles per hour along the track, which is three-fifths of a mile long.

More than 91 million guests have taken a ride on the Racer since it opened in 1972 with the park, according to park officials.

This is such a shame. This was my favorite ride in the park, now no more backwards

[sir clinksalot]

"Consitent with other Cedar Fair Parks" ... is that code for sucky?

Yeah, because let's make every park the same, that way people will want to visit.

Cedar Fair ... Were the new Six Flags!!!

[Monkey joe]

Originally Posted by sir clinksalot

"Consitent with other Cedar Fair Parks" ... is that code for sucky?

Yeah, because let's make every park the same, that way people will want to visit.

Cedar Fair ... Were the new Six Flags!!!

Sort of. lol. Unfourtanley Kings Island doesnt' get any new attraction this season.

[GhostHost2]

This Cedar Fair buyout seems to have hurt Kings Island. I haven't been since 2006, but why on Earth would anyone, not run one side of the Racer backwards? Great additions seem unlikely since Cedar Fair doesn't want Kings Island drawing people away from Cedar Point. Plus, don't even get me started on the horrible name changes. Who ever thought of the names 'Drop Tower' and 'Flightdeck,' have no idea how to name a ride. Coming to Kings Island in 2009, an all new ride called: Ride.

[Monkey joe]

Originally Posted by GhostHost2

This Cedar Fair buyout seems to have hurt Kings Island. I haven't been since 2006, but why on Earth would anyone, not run one side of the Racer backwards? Great additions seem unlikely since Cedar Fair doesn't want Kings Island drawing people away from Cedar Point. Plus, don't even get me started on the horrible name changes. Who ever thought of the names 'Drop Tower' and 'Flightdeck,' have no idea how to name a ride. Coming to Kings Island in 2009, an all new ride called: Ride.

An all new ride where the lake used to be next to the Beast. Well, the park is getting new shows this year which is an improvement over I think three or four years of "School Of Rock Live" lol. Cedar Fair is doing a good job with entertainment but not good at other areas. I gotta give Paramount some credit for adding the Nick Celebration Parade through.

[Dutchman]

The real reason why they will no longer run the one train backwards is because PTC gave notice absolving themselves of responsibilty if their products were used improperly. They have stipulated that their trains are not intended to be operated in reverse. While some may say that there were no problems with backward operations the last quarter century, we really don't know that. In today's litigious society CF is just being prudent.

[Joshrzmeup]

I'm still mad no matter what the explaination is. But at least they are putting in a Cinnabon

Every ride goes forwards, and backwards was something different, a different feeling and experience to not know where you are going but to just feel the wind. That's why I loved it so much.

There are rumors of a new ride going in the lake across from The Beast, but if it's for ride purposes, who knows. They could be draining the lake to add a cement bottom and put in fresh water and control it. At least that's what people on a King's Island board are speculating.

I've seen pictures of some of the new ride signs and while some like them, I find them boring, just like the new names.

I just hope Tomb Raider, oh, excuse me, the crypt, will be operating this year as it was closed most of last year.

[sir clinksalot]

Originally Posted by GhostHost2

This Cedar Fair buyout seems to have hurt Kings Island.

The Cedar Fair buyout has hurt EVERY park. Knott's used to be so awesome, and dare I say, as fun as Disneyland? If not AS fun, it was close. I could spend a full day at Knott's when they had less coasters and have a great time. Now, 4, maybe 5 hours in the park and I'm done.

We haven't been to Knott's since 2005 I believe.

Originally Posted by Dutchman

The real reason why they will no longer run the one train backwards is because PTC gave notice absolving themselves of responsibilty if their products were used improperly. They have stipulated that their trains are not intended to be operated in reverse. While some may say that there were no problems with backward operations the last quarter century, we really don't know that. In today's litigious society CF is just being prudent.

That makes a little more sense then. But you'd think a ride that is as old as Red Racer wouldn't have any responsibility from PTC anyway. They don't do the maintenance I'm sure, they probably just supply the replacement parts.

[SpaceMTFan]

I once read a memo in which PTC mentionned that one of the reason they don't want parks running their trains backward is that people need to see the track in front of them. Now, I'm asking PTC: How are you supposed to see something with those huge headrests that you allow parks to add and that you even installed yourself in some cases? http://www.rcdb.com/ig533.htm?picture=10 http://www.rcdb.com/ig533.htm?picture=16 http://www.rcdb.com/ig36.htm?picture=5 . It doesn't make sense!

[Joshrzmeup]

Originally Posted by SpaceMTFan

I once read a memo in which PTC mentionned that one of the reason they don't want parks running their trains backward is that people need to see the track in front of them. Now, I'm asking PTC: How are you supposed to see something with those huge headrests that you allow parks to add and that you even installed yourself in some cases? http://www.rcdb.com/ig533.htm?picture=10 http://www.rcdb.com/ig533.htm?picture=16 http://www.rcdb.com/ig36.htm?picture=5 . It doesn't make sense!

It doesn't make sense, because not seeing the track is the whole point and it makes it that much more fun! If they want to see the track, go forward. For those who want a thrill (which forward does not give, I can attest to that), go backward.

[Monkey joe]

I will have picture for opening day. Be on the lookout around April 20.

[sir clinksalot]

You know, I was thinking that this could probably effect colossus at SFMM (which runs 1 side backwards at Halloween).

But then I remembered they replaced their PTC trains (with morgan trains) in 1988 and that they run the B&M trains from Psyclone on the backwards side.

[Asterix]

This is a great thread!

We always used to ride all sorts of coasters backwards, but as you get older it is a little hard on the body to twist around that way!

[gripshod]

Cedar Fair is KILLING Kings Island... can't wait for the announcement "THE BEAST to be torn down, too dangerous."

[Joshrzmeup]

According to my local community paper:

They also changed the name of most of the restaurants, like Bubba Gumps is now Outer Hanks, Lt. Dan's Bar is now Outer Hanks Bar (don't remember this, unless it's over by the Beast/Vortex area). FX theatre is now Action Theatre. Happy Days Diner is now Jukebox Diner. Paramount Theatre is now King's Island Theater (with el cheapo-looking lettering).

There will be 6 live stage shows (3 new), Nickelodeon characters will be at the front gate and occasionally wandering through the park, with M&G's held in designated areas.

Boomerang Bay to open May 24th and is still free with park admission.

Also, they quoted one woman as saying that she's not sure how the new ownership will affect her love of the park, as Paramount had such a family-like atmosphere and the workers were so nice. (I'm sorry.....when was this??? I don't remember the park ever being like that)