48 Hours in Ohio - PKI or GL?

We're taking advantage of the upcoming Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend (October 8-11) to do a road trip to Ohio. We're heading to Cedar Point on the 9th, but haven't decided where we should go on the 10th: Paramount King's Island or Geauga Lake. Any recommendations?

As well, I would like to know if any coasters are closed for the season at CP, PKI and GL. Last fall we got burned going to SFDL on Thanksgiving weekend -- Mind Eraser and Predator were both closed for the season.

Thanks!

P.S. Thanks for the tips about Italian Job. However, the same coaster going into PKI is also going into Paramount Canada's Wonderland next season. Not much incentive for me to go to PKI later.

*** Edited 9/24/2004 4:50:28 AM UTC by greatwhitenorth***Spelling *** Edited 9/24/2004 1:42:13 PM UTC by greatwhitenorth***

Racer backwards is nirvana IMO, and the flats at PKI cannot be beat. That being said, GL has some good coasters, though their flats are kinda routine.

If you haven't been to CP before, stay a second day there. Otherwise, consider your time: GL is a lot closer to CP than PKI, which is a good drive away.

I'd vote for Geuaga Lake. It is a lot closer to Cedar Point so you won't have to rush and you'll get more ride time in. Plus, the wood coasters at Geauga Lake are far superior :)

GL is a whole lot closer to CP, but I'd go to PKI. Mostly because it's a very different kind of park than the Point, and Geauga Lake isn't quite up to it's potential yet.

PKI! You have not lived till you have been on SOB!

Definitely PKI!!! Geauga Lake is a nice little park but its still not ready yet...PKI will be about a 3 hour trip from CP, GL is only 1 1/2 hours away (going about 80mph).
So GL is closer but PKI has so much more atmosphere, charm, and just better rides!! (delirium, drop zone, flying scooters, etc.)
Plus GL has too many cookie cutters if u ask me (head spin/mind eraser, serial thriller/thunderhawk).
Definitely PKI.

Actually from the point PKI is about 4-4.5 hours. I took the trek this year and I'm about 8 miles from PKI. Here's my take. If you are coming back to Ohio again next year do GL next year. PKI knows what they are doing cause they are not in transition. The Beast is undefeatable at night. Good luck making a decision.

I've been to CP but not GL or PKI. I'd say stay at CP for 2 days. OR go to Geauga Lake. It's closer and I don't think it'll be as crowded as PKI, judging trip reports from the summer and considering its fall.

PKI.

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Landon said:
PKI! You have not lived till you have been on SOB!

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True true...I hever had the pleasure of back and neck trauma before! :)

^^ Peabody:

Or how about shoulder injuries. I'm starting physical therapy on my shoulder this week because of Son of Beast. I managed to throw out my shoulder on one of the "potholes" in the track right before the loop. That coaster is definately on my list of "never again".

As to the question at hand, SOB aside, I would still choose PKI. Some good coasters and great flat rides. I'd make the drive for Delirium alone.

I'd go the PKI route! I do it every year for at least two weekends.

The park has a fantastic atmosphere, has good coasters and the flats are really good. Delirium is great! If you do go to PKI...get some of the blue ice cream! =)

I love PKI and can not wait to return back again. GL is a good park, but they have a lot of work to do to get it to be at the CF level that many are accustomed to. GL has some good rides, although PKI's are better. I agree that Delerium rocks and is most certainly worth the trip.

...But if you only have two days, you will be rushing to do all of CP and then all of PKI. If you visit GL, it will not take you a whole day to complete the park, and it will take you even less time to drive there from CP. CP and GL will compliment one another nicely.

Wait to go to PKI when you will have more time to see and experience the whole park (including the new coaster next summer).

Having never been to PKI, let me just say this:

If you're going back to Ohio next year, go to GL this year and PKI next year for the new Italian Job coaster.

Could somebody tell me where Kings Island's "fantastic atmosphere" is? I've looked and I can't find it.

It's back at a place called Coney Island.

If you can actually "point out" as opposed to "feel" or "get a sense of" the atmosphere at any park, I want to know where it is and/or what you're on. :)

+Danny, who thinks PKI's atmosphere is *fairly thick* everywhere except Action Zone

I wouldn't know because I've never been to PKI. But if its anything like PKD (which I was told had GREAT atmosphere), I won't expect much when I go next year. PKD was very nice but it didn't seem to have the "thick" atmosphere that I was anticipating. Nice trees and beautiful flower beds were the best things.

I'd go to Geauga Lake instead of PKI myself. Yeah it's my home park, but at least the wood coasters aren't trimed to death like the ones in Kings Mills. Another plus to Geauga Lake is that the crowds have been non-existant this year. Plenty of time to ride and reride your favorite coasters there. Just don't eat any of the food (Go to Nick and Smitty's Deli across the street). But then again...I wouldn't exactly eat at PKI either!!

Jon "they need to reopen the International Restaurant" B.

Wood Coaster Fan Club - "Sharing a Passion for the Classics"

Kings Island feels more like the set of "The Truman Show" to me then any sort of authentic atmosphere. There's just something about it that makes me think they are trying to pull one over on me.

But if you like bad movies and medicore coasters, Kings Island is your place! :)