Question for DVC-ers from Indiana or Ohio

[noname70]

I just read on another forum that KI is more along the lines of a Six Flags. Is this correct?

 

[stopher1]

I just read on another forum that KI is more along the lines of a Six Flags. Is this correct?

That was our impression of it when we've been there.

 

[noname70]

Thanks again. I've decided on HW-primarily beacuse of my small children. I also like the idea of a nostalgic American theme park. I will resurect this thread after the trip to let you know how it went.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

I think you made a great choice!
We have had season passes for the past 4 years to K.I.--we live about 20 minutes from it. However, they renovated the childrens part a couple years ago and we found it to be not as toddler friendly anymore. My daughter is 3 this year and we decided not to renew our passes because she gets so angry that she cannot ride the rides that her bigger brother can. Also, if HW is like Dollywood as another poster suggested-your kids will be the perfect age for that park. Finally, as much as I love K.I., aside from the LaRosa's pizza and Graeters ice cream, the food prices have just become too pricey. Hope that helps confirm your decision.
abe

 

[noname70]

UPDATE: So we chose Holiday World. Stayed at the Santa's Lodge Hotel. It was less than a minute's drive to the park. The hotel is overpriced and on the old side; not as much Christmas theming as I expected. It was OK but it was the only hotel so close. I'd recommend one of the chain hotel 15 minutes or so away as HW opened at 9:30 so there is time to get there (FYI -they were letting guests in 1/2 hr early to the "Main St" area for locker/stroller shops etc).

Santa was there greeting which was a nice touch. Santa was what my kids called a "real" Santa. A nice old heavy set gent with a real white beard. He does a great job with the storytime show too.

I'm a coaster fan (Cedar Point buff) and I must say the three wooden coaters are the most intense woodies you will ever ride. The drop on the Voyage seemmed vertical. I ride coasters hands-up BUT towards the end of each of them I was holding on...not for fear's sake but they are more jarring than any I've experienced. Voyage maybe a bit too jarring but intense none the less.

The free soda (Pepsi products) was everywhere and always clean. Awesome touch.

The waterpark was impressive. It is inside the park and massive.

The only true downside was that their premier ride, "Pilgram's Plunge", was down the entire day. No notice about this upon entry. No explanation near the ride. When you asked someone you got a generic company line type answer. Another guest told me it had been down the previous day as well.

Overall, the park had a great old school feel. There were a lot of typical small amusement park rides you've seen everywhere (scrambler,tilt a whirl, swings etc) mixed in with major million dollor rides. It was very clean and nicely themed. The Raven coater was built through a forest of trees-well done.

I'd say don't cross the country to go there but if your relatively close and love theme parks like I do, definitely check it out.

 

[sneadae]

Just came across this thread. You made a great choice! I grew up in Cincinnati and we have KI passes this year. I am SO disappointed in Kings Island right now. the prices continue to go up every year, yet everything is run down and the park is cutting corners like crazy. The parking lot situation is a mess, yet they still charge $10 to park. The water park is nasty, and at least one major children's attraction in the water park has been closed since the park opened this year, and you can't get a straight answer from management on when it might open. The food prices are out of control - nearly double the counter service prices at Disney. The rides are in need of some major refurb - except for the new coaster - which I rode and it scared the daylights out of me We've said it before, but this time I mean it...I am not buying KI passes again. I will save my money for WDW

I hope you enjoyed HW! We're planning a camping trip there soon.

 

[noname70]

I am SO disappointed in Kings Island right now. the prices continue to go up every year, yet everything is run down and the park is cutting corners like crazy. The parking lot situation is a mess, yet they still charge $10 to park. The water park is nasty... The food prices are out of control - nearly double the counter service prices at Disney.

Thanks. by commparison-at HW the parking was free, the water park was very clean (and free sunscreen), and the food was very reasonable. Try the Thanksgiving land counter service.

We drove through Cincinatti on our way to Indiana and I saw KI from the highway. The steel coaster did look awesome.

 

[ADP]

Thanks for reporting back on your Holiday World experience. I have to agree with you, the Voyage was one of the most intense coasters I've ever ridden. The first time I rode it I wasn't expecting it. Some of the corners you turn are extreme and the drops are very sudden. Like you I held on for dear life.

I like Holiday World, but agree...It's not a park you want to visit from a far distance. It's a great regional theme park.

 

[theww228]

Kings Island is NO WDW. I live 1.5 hours from Cedar Point and 3 hours from Kings Island and I have not been to either in 10 years. However, I go to Disney every year! "Muse" means to "think" and putting an "a" in front of a word makes it mean "not" (Symetrical -> asymetrical). Therefore, amuse means to "not think". I prefer a "theme" park to an "amusement" park any day. I have not been to Holiday World, but it sounds more Disney-ish.

BTW, my daughter is named "Holiday", so I might be a little biased!